Again, we prepped plants and collected more material.  The sprigging crew managed 487 sprigs between 5 plants species (Eleocharis montana, E. montevidensis, E. macrostaycha, Rhynchospora corniculata, and Spartina spartinae). We (Dick, Ray and I) worked fast actually as we were just about frozen from the wind.  Meanwhile the collection crew (Diane, John, Glenn, and Chatt) collected 1050 arrowheads for the future and more soft rush for our contribution to Tapley Tributary. The collection crew came back spirited–with special notes about the “conditions” of the collection site and an… Read More →

This week was marked by our “readying” for plants to deliver to Buffalo Bend Nature Park.  The crew set out to collect Sagittaria and, by golly, we did.   Collecting crew (John, Marilyn, Glenn), however, would prefer I note that the collection site is rendered NOT VIABLE for the future (for more details, just ask Glenn 🙂 ).  Once 700 Arrowhead plants landed  into buckets, we returned to the park to check out the progress of the spriggers (Ray, Diane and Gail).  All the sprigs were nicely organized per… Read More →

The Team hosted Tarkington HS this week.  The Team (ok, maybe just me) was worried about conditions for planting, as we had not received a lot of rain to fill the ponds.  We lucked out so we started our planting effort in Bittern Pond.  The kids actually took to the work like ducks (better than geese!!).  Mentors for the day (Glenn, John, Marilyn and Cathy) worked with the students to plant the Swamp Lillies (300), Marsh Hay Cordgrass and Gulf Cordgrass (combined 1225).  The margins looked perfectly planted… Read More →

Planting continued at pond 11 with John H., John E., Chatt, and Glenn. The team planted 500 Marsh Hay Cordgrass and 150 Pickerel Weed. The Potting crew included Marilyn, Gail, Dick, and Ray, who potted 186 Lizard tail and 68 Pickerel Weed.  Our “shelled” friend in the pictures decided Pond 11 was home, as long as there’s some water. 🙂  Here’s hoping….

The group of Dick, Ray, and Marilyn worked in the potting shed to pot 214 Lizard Tail roots and 124 Lizard Tail Sprigs. While Chatt, Glenn, and John continued planting at pond 11. Rick also conducted ATV training (Blog entry by Cullen O.)

Today we were happy to host 53 students from YES Prep Brays Oaks campus…these are some of Sarah Straub’s students whom we have seen before.  In order to make things feasible, we divided the students between 3 different tasks:  seed balls, potting up sprigs, and planting in the wetland.  The kids were genuinely occupied for their time with us.  Our mentors (Dick, Gail, Cathy, Chatt, Glenn, John E., Diane and Marilyn) were spread out for proper guidance at the various tasks.  Thanks also to the Park Ranger, Tom… Read More →

From the information I gathered from Cullen, today was an exceedingly mucky day.  The Team assist Park Rangers, Tom and Laura, thinning out the demonstration ponds.  Most of the material removed and sprigged for the future consisted of Pickerel weed, Iris virginica, and some Rhynchospora. Thanks to everyone for helping…despite the muddy conditions.  (Blog post by Marissa S.)

The Team ventured out today with hopes of getting whatever plants they could in the ground.  Normally this wouldn’t be an issue this time of year, as we would have enough water in the ponds to not be concerned.  However, we simply do not have that kind of water.  The soil was, however, moist enough.  Regina, John, Chatt, Diane and Glenn headed out to Pond 10, and placed 50 Carex, 487 Eleocharis montana, and 500 Juncus effusus in the ground.  Meanwhile, Ray, Dick and Gail took the collected… Read More →

John, Glen, Chatt, and Mary headed out to pond 15 to continue planting. They were able to plant 437 Carex hyalinolepis, 438 Juncus effuses, and 243 Eleocharis montana sprigs in the morning. Meanwhile, Marilyn, Gail, and Cullen worked at the potting shed. They potted 186 Crinum americanum and 42 Pontederia cordata and placed them into the grow out pond. (Blog entry by Cullen Ondracek)

    Today’s workday was lead by the new-yet fearless- Cullen.  With Chatt and John, the crew continued on-going plantings in pond 15. In a few hours we were able to plant 978 Spartina patens and 386 Juncus nodatus sprigs. Plant material was rescued off-site by Chatt and Cullen last week. Meanwhile, Marilyn and Gail worked on sprigging at the potting shed. They were able to separate 487 sprigs of Carex hyalinolepis before lunch. The Team runs with amazing smoothness….and chocolate pudding pie always helps.