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July 15, 2008
ERC Day 7
Maddie R.- "Today, the high temperatures are estimated to climb into the 90s, so we decided to do our outdoor restoration work- removing Japanese hops- in the morning when the heat wouldn't be so unbearable. We met Jennifer at the glass house and got suited up in long-sleeve shirts, heavy-duty gloves, and bug spray. After briefly discussing methods to exterminate invasive plants, we waded out into the 5-6 foot prairie to unwind the Japanese hops vines from native forbs. The work was sweltering and sweaty, only intensifying when we moved from the prairie to a bank on the side of the creek. There, the Japanese hops was much hardier and more convoluted, making it nearly impossible to pull up the entire root. All in all, we were all very glad to break for lunch in the air conditioning, but also proud of the amount of the nasty vine we had helped remove. It felt good to make the native eco-system healthier and know that we were a part of Litzsinger's ongoing progress. After lunch, Jennifer showed us a powerpoint on the spread of invasives, equipping us not only with removal tactics but sslo with preventative measures. We rounded out the day with more vine pulling, leaving us hot and tired, yet satisfied."
Posted by Sean Fears at 03:23 PM | Comments (0)
July 14, 2008
ERC Day 6
Edward D.- "Eddie Jones came and talked to us about the ecological restoration projects happening in the various jr. highs and elementary schools. I thought it was wonderful that LREC could organize this kind of project with schools. During Mr. Jones' slide show, we talked about how we can change the surroundings of those schools.
In the afternoon, we visited the McGrath elementary school and other schools near the ecology center. Mrs. Becky, a nice lady, introduced us to the accomplishments in restoring the native plants around the McGrath School. A few years ago, the front yard at the school was a mess.Then she and other volunteers assisted to plan out and grow a variety of beautiful native plants and trees. Like McGrath elementary, many other schools are doing the same to enhance their schools' environment via restorations of plants. LREC did many many things to help accomplish these great projects, and the ERC is contributing our part to these wonderful community projects.
Posted by Sean Fears at 02:20 PM | Comments (0)
July 09, 2008
ERC Day 3
Maddie R.- "We started the day out early by arriving at LREC at 7:30. By 8:00 everyone and everything, including, most importantly, the granola bars, were packed into the van and on the road to Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO. Forty-five minutes (and a good nap) later, we met James, the restoration biologist at the reserve. He quickly started us on seed cleaning, a task which none of us had realized would be so tedious. Finally, after giving up and stomping on the plants to force out the remaining seeds, we took a break for lunch (in which the granola bas came in handy). Afterward, Sean instructed everyone in the use of the GPS units, and we split up and hiked around the area, trying to identify prairie and woodland species with the field guides we had brought. James met up with us again about mid-afternoon and took us out into the prairie to collect seeds from sedges. Although the sun beat down mercilessly and the uncut vegetation was uncomfortable to wade through, hunting down seeds gave us all a sense of satisfaction and brought us closer to the endangered eco-system. Unfortunately, some people had to leave early, but before the rest of us could ge too lonely, the pizza arrived from Domino's for dinner. We chowed down, famished and thankful that we had agreed to order jalapeños on the side and not actually on the pizza. As boredom set in after the eal, Helen, the ever-friendly Shaw receptionist/shopkeeper, came to tell us about a night hike she had led to the gravel bar on the Meramec river. After inspecting the route on the map, we decided to give it a try. The one -mile trek was rather wet and muddy, but the gravel bar was verty peaceful, and we spent awhile a while skipping stones on the river and watching the sunset. We returned to take showers and go to sleep in our comfy cabin under a darkening sky. Although we battled waves of ticks under the hot sun, our adventure at Shaw Nature Reserve was really fun. We got to learn more about the prairie eco-system, manual restoration work, and each other, bringing us all closer together.
Posted by Sean Fears at 10:29 AM | Comments (0)
July 08, 2008
ERC Day 2
Edward D.- "Today we continued our study of ecology. We went out to the front prairie to get acquainted with some wildflowers (coneflower, "popular plant" or wild bergamot, etc.,) and plants (cup plants, sedge, Kentucky blue grass, etc.). On the way back to the cabin, we were asked to identify some of the trees near the driveway. Eastern redbud, white oak, and several other oaks were among them. Compound and simple as well as opposite and alternate leaves were the "critical hints" to find the corresponding one in the Missouri tree identification book.
When the clock ticked 10:30, we were on our way to the Shaw Natre Reserve (SNR). Katie, a SNR staff emmber, welcomed us warmly as we entered the magnificent cabin. (I wouldn't say it's better than the LREC's, but it had a whole lot of space!) Then she introduced us to the cabins that we are going to stay the next day. These houses, according to Katie, were originally moved from other plaes. I thought whoever did this had done a nice job. The houses looked in good shape despite the fact that they are old ones.
Wetlands and larger prairies were our next destination. Katie told us that the plants living in the wetlands have an amazing growth rate- a few days ago they were below your knee, and the next thing you know they are going to outgrow your height. Compass plant and other plants were new, too, and many interesting shapes of them will definitely help in memorizing those specimens.
Well, this had been a long day for all of us, epecially for the two instructors- Sean and Leslie. And thanks for Claire's idea at a little interactive game "ice breaker" which helped us to know a little bit more about each other. The next day we will be staying in this absolutely beautiful place in SNR and I'm looking forward to it, definitely."
Posted by Sean Fears at 10:10 AM | Comments (0)
July 07, 2008
ERC Day 1
Edward D.- "The first day working with the Ecological Restoration Corps was very exciting. I got to know new people and acquired useful knowledge about our ecological system. First, we discussed the question "What is ecology?" and then the instructor Mr. Fears explained the importance of a well-balanced ecosystem.
After that, we headed out in groups to collect a specimen in the prairie. Missouri Wildflowers was used as an identifying tool to help us find that certain wildflower. This was new for me because the book uses a flower's color as a guide to divide the wildflowers into different groups, thus making them easier to be found.
We also had our naturalist Jennifer to guide us through the woodland and the prairie area. Along the way she explained many fun facts about them such as the growth factors, the history, some invasive specimens, usages, and much more...
At the end of the day we did some mulching and I thought it was fun. I learned many things and I can't wait until the next day..."
Posted by Sean Fears at 10:53 AM | Comments (0)