Thursday, February 19, 2009

Jamboree Pics!

We had a rockin good time at last night's jamboree! Thanks to everyone who came out to show their support. And an extra big thank you to the talented and generous musicians, the super fun Hi-Tone, extra tasty Ghost River Brewery, and the always yummy Umai for making our first big fundraiser a smashing success!

Someone asked me last night, "What's the money going toward?" I started in on a long speech about clearcuts, fences, etc. and this person cut me off and said, "What I meant to ask was 'Are you gonna raise hell'?"

"Oh," I said. "That's a given."


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Get on your dancing shoes!

Don't forget, the first annual Old Forest Jamboree is this Wednesday, February 18 at the Hi-Tone Cafe, 1913 Poplar. Doors open at 7:00pm and admission is a $10 donation to CPOP. We've got an awesome lineup:

This is an all-ages show. If you're over 21, you'll get a complimentary draft beer thanks to the fine folks at Ghost River Brewing.

Invite your friends and neighbors!

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Sunday, February 15, 2009

Pink is the love you discover

My husband and I took our daughter for an Old Forest stroll yesterday afternoon. We counted birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count and tallied 15 species in 30 minutes. We both enjoy learning the names of our feathery friends, but are rank amateurs compared to true birders.

We did identify a bright upward spiral of a dozen white pelicans before they vanished into the blue. (I also saw a skein of sandhill cranes flying over the Old Forest last week -- a hopeful sign for the continuing recovery of that species.)

Along the way, we spotted a handful of "sexy red maples" (Acer rubrum) sporting delicate deep-pink flowers.

And we couldn't fail to spot this runner, who was totally rocking the hot-guy-in-a-dress look. His dress even matched the maple flowers!

Friday, February 13, 2009

Bird is the word


A nifty nationwide event called the The Great Backyard Bird Count starts today and runs through Monday, the 16th. Here's how it works:

Participants count birds anywhere for as little or as long as they wish during the four-day period. They tally the highest number of birds of each species seen together at any one time. To report their counts, they fill out an online checklist at the Great Backyard Bird Count web site.

As the count progresses, anyone with Internet access can explore what is being reported from their own towns or anywhere in the United States and Canada. They can also see how this year's numbers compare with those from previous years. Participants may also send in photographs of the birds they see. A selection of images is posted in the online photo gallery.

In 2008, participants reported more than 9.8 million birds of 635 species. They submitted more than 85,000 checklists, an all-time record for the count.

We need your help. Make sure the birds from your community are well represented in the count. It doesn't matter whether you report the 5 species coming to your backyard feeder or the 75 species you see during a day's outing to a wildlife refuge.

Why not take 15 minutes this weekend to count birds? You don't have to be an expert, and this is a perfect project for kids. You can do this in your own backyard but you will see (and hear) a lot more bird species at Overton Park.

Go for a hike on your own or join us at 10:00am tomorrow, February 14, for our regular Second Saturday nature hike through the Old Forest. We meet at the east end of Old Forest Lane, next to the Rainbow Lake parking area. Questions? Email me at naomi@spiny.com.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Force

A week ago, the Old Forest looked like this:

Today, we found buckeyes budding.

And we found celandine poppies sprouting.

We humans tend to take the natural wonders of our daily lives for granted. In the next few months, as the sap rises, make time to visit the Old Forest. Bring your family and your friends. Open your eyes to this quiet miracle in our own backyard.

Down the great currents
Let the boat swing;
There was never winter
But brought the spring!