Super Swampers in the Snow

The Super Swampers gathered on a sunny day. We collected stems and seedheads of native wildflowers.


While it was chilly, it was fun to flounder in the deep snow.




Later we went inside and made plant identification guides to post in the kiosk.

Fall Seed Party

Super Swampers gathered today for a fall seed party.

Cornbread: We took corn off the cob, ground it into cornmeal and made delicious corn bread.

Applesauce: We picked apples (the last of the season) from the Buhr Park orchard and made yummy applesauce - it was red!

Ironweed: we carefully plucked seeds from ironweed stalks to plant next year.

Milkweed storm: we took a bunch of milkweed seeds out of their pods and blew them around the room. It looked like snow.

Super Swampers Gather Seeds

A group of Super Swampers met today to gather seeds. It was an incredible day to be out and even better for collecting seeds. Many dry days, low humidity and bright sunshine meant that seeds were flying off the plants into our buckets.

The best luck was with bee balm, milkweed (butterfly and common) indian grass and yellow coneflowers.

Walkin Jim - a success!

Walkin Jim Stoltz delighted the crowd today at Allen School in Ann Arbor. The audience was balanced towards Allen School students and their families, but also included many who have been following Jim's career for years and years.

A highlight was a story like version of "Wild Things Need Wild Places" in which the audience (young and old) was seen dancing, scratching themselves and yes - howling.

Funds raised will benefit Allen School's Green School program.

Walkin Jim Concert - Sept 28, 2008 - 4:00 PM

Walkin’ Jim Stoltz Family Concert
Sunday, September 28, 4:00 p.m.,
Allen Elementary School
2560 Towner Blvd., Ann Arbor , MI
(North of Buhr Park , off Packard, at Easy Street)

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Allen School Pride Team's Green School effort. The Green Schools Program teaches students ecological responsibility by encouraging schools to institute recycling and energy savings programs, learn about alternative energy, become better stewards of natural areas, and support other environmental concerns.

WALKIN' JIM STOLTZ, one of America 's most unique folksingers and backcountry travelers will bring his fun multi-media show for children, Come Walk With Me, to town again this fall. Walkin’ Jim’s incredible photography, fun stories and catchy songs make this one-of-a-kind concert an inspiring journey into our natural world. He’s been a hit with elementary-school age children from coast to coast; older and younger kids enjoy him too.

Want to know more about Walkin’ Jim? Check out http://www.walkinjim.com.

Tickets for the concert will be available in advance and at the door. For advance tickets or more information, please contact Joan Brush at jkbrush@yahoo.com (preferred) or 734-973-9161, or Dale Petty at petty@wccnet.edu (preferred) or 734-971-5870.

Ticket prices are: Children (12 and under) $7, Adults $10, Families $25.

Rain, rain and more rain

At about 9 PM last night there was a surface stream pouring into the upper basin of the west wet meadow. Most of this appeared to be coming from the roof of the skating rink and the downspout at the sw corner.

At 9 AM today (Sunday) there was no visible water anywhere. More rain is forecast for this afternoon, so maybe we'll get some photos.

new signs look spiffy

If you've walked by lately, I'm sure you have noticed the new signs.

Thanks to all who helped - Jeff Dehring, Harry Sheehan, Janice Das, and Jonathan Kittel.

(photo coming soon.)