As you may be well aware, our Spring Restoration Work Days in Pheasant Branch Conservancy were cancelled due to COVID-19. Operation Fresh Start also cancelled March and May work weeks.
We have been quite busy, however, with safety first, in continuing our restoration and management activities amidst this pandemic. Here is a listing of some of these activities over the past few months:
- The Acker farm buildings have been removed and the contract for concrete removal has been granted. The first quadrant of prairie and wetland restoration seeding will begin this fall. You will soon have an opportunity to make this a “showcase” restoration!
- Volunteer garlic mustard pulling was done by many who chose to assist along the trails in PBC. Thanks to all who helped. As you know, it is an ongoing effort from year to year.
- Our 5 summer interns started a week late but are a very hard working and talented group of young adults. They will continue on Wednesdays for 12 weeks in PBC under the direction and tutelage of our Land Manager, Rob Schubert. They are working under social distancing and all other safety recommendations.
- A couple of wetland seed collections have occurred with Restoration and Management (R&M) Committee members. These seeds will contribute to the restoration of the new wetlands on the Acker farm property.
- Over 1,000 donated prairie plant plugs have been planted in our seed propagation garden by R&M volunteers.
- Contract work has continued in the PBC wetlands to eradicate and manage reed canary grass and invasive varieties of cattails.
So, we miss all of you who volunteer and look forward to inviting you back to work with us in continuing to make PBC a beautiful, restorative and recreational destination for your time in nature. In the meantime, continue to enjoy this Middleton gem and look forward to providing the monetary support needed to continue our work. More to come on what it is we hope to accomplish with your support on #GivingTuesday December 1st, 2020.
#GivingTuesday is a GLOBAL day of giving to nonprofit organizations, including those with an environmental focus, celebrated in the U.S. on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. We participated last year to purchase specific hand tools and chainsaw equipment. It was a success and we ask you to save the date for this year.
Be well and be in nature; it is good for the body, the mind and the soul!