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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)

June 20, 2007

Ecology School Visits SNR

On Friday, June 8, Ecology School (the training/continuing studies program for LREC volunteers) took a field trip to Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, Missouri. Sean Fears took these marvelous photos.

Posted by Jennifer Krause at 11:24 AM | Comments (0)

December 20, 2006

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

On December 1st, the day after the ice storm, while most people were hibernating, our intrepid Eddie Jones was on the scene at Litzsinger taking these amazing photos for us!









Thanks Eddie!

Posted by Jennifer Krause at 09:47 AM | Comments (0)

July 31, 2006

This Past Week

Friday July 28, 2006
Today we went to Calvary and finished up the burn pile. Then we went to the North Riverfront Trail and had hot dogs and hamburgers, where we met people from AmeriCorps and they talked about what restortation they were doing down by the riverfront. Then at the end we saw a nice marionette show.
-Eboni
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Thursday July 27, 2006
Today the ERC arrived at Calvary Cemetery to clear a path for the native prairie plants to grow. The trees, that have outgrown the plants through the years, blocked out the sunlight; thus, they must be removed if we want to have any chance of saving this dying praire. Good luck ERC!
-Johann
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Wednesday July 26, 2006

After ERC packed up [from Shaw], we headed to the wetlands. After that we went back to LREC and we worked on the stream table where we learned about erosion, runoff and infiltration. Next we went on a scavenger hunt where we had to find 6 flags (not the park). After that we ended our day reading in the glasshouse.
-Brittney
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Tuesday July 25, 2006

In the morning we went to the Earthways home and learned about electricity, compact fluorescent bulbs, and conserving water. We also went to Alberici to learn about environmental building. We also learned about their prairies and what [native] flowers they grow. We ate lunch at a park and then we went to the cabins [at Shaw Nature Reserve].
-Whittney
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Monday July 23,2006

Today ERC went to Calvary and cut down trees. We cut them down because they were in the prairie and we needed to get them out of the way. We will continue throughout the week.
-Colleen

Posted by erc1 at 08:47 AM | Comments (0)

July 13, 2006

Madagascar

This morning was filled with a bit of curiosity. We had the privilege to hear of Madagascar restoration plans from native Malagasy (pronounced "mal-gazh")people. We all enjoyed sharing pieces of our culture.
-Johann

Today I learned about Malagasy (pronounced "mal-gazh"). They showed us slides and talked about their restoration practices. I learned about where they come from and what they were doing in Madagascar. What we did today was tell them about the program and then we took them on a tour to show them our prairie and creek restoration. After that we all ate lunch. I enjoyed today.
-Whittney

Posted by erc1 at 04:46 PM | Comments (0)

July 10, 2006

Curriculum Workshop Begins!

On the first day of our workshop, we found a sphinx caterpillar on a goldenrod plant in the prairie.

Posted by ejones at 02:35 PM | Comments (0)

April 17, 2006

Before the Great Bush Honeysuckle Roundup

Posted by Malinda Slagle at 01:08 PM | Comments (1)

Fred Ray and Bob at the Bush Honeysuckle Workday 3/24/06

Posted by Malinda Slagle at 12:41 PM | Comments (0)

December 14, 2005

Volunteer Holiday Party

Volunteers, Staff, and Board Members joined together on a beautiful winter day, December 13, to celebrate the holidays.

Volunteers received praise for their commitment and effort over the last year. Certificates were given to Volunteer Educators who recently completed training, and to those Volunteer Educators who had completed their first fifty hours of service.

Posted by Jennifer Krause at 09:57 AM | Comments (0)

June 06, 2005

Creek Mapping

Jennifer Brown leads volunteers and staff on a creek mapping project on Deer Creek. Helping Jennifer are: Ray Potter, Malinda Slagle, Beth Harlan, John Solodar and Martha Schermann.

Posted by Mary Voges at 08:46 AM | Comments (0)

April 12, 2005

Spiderwebs in prairie

Cotton Candy in the prairie!! This morning we were greeted by hundreds of spiderwebs that seemed to be floating above the prairie!!

Posted by Mary Voges at 08:47 AM | Comments (0)

March 14, 2005

Joe's Reception

LREC volunteers and staff enjoyed catching up with Joe.

Posted by ejones at 04:50 PM | Comments (0)

February 28, 2005

Field Lab Development Meeting

All LREC Staff and Volunteers are invited to come to a field lab development meeting on March 8 at 1:00 p.m. in the barn.

Posted by Jennifer Krause at 06:58 PM | Comments (0)