✌️ Stay green, stay kind, stay connected - Jennifer Erena
STEWARDSHIP STEPS
Community Events
A goal in our grant is to have 4 community educational event each year. Our first event was a stream habitat assessment. We had 23 attend for a total of 46 hours, which gave us 20% of our grant match in volunteer time. We had 40% as first time attendees, which is wonderful! Please read the full summary with evaluations at Explore our Stream Event Summary
Other events to look forward to this year:
How to use iNaturalist to identify and document plants and creatures in the greenspace.
How to identify invasives and what to do with them.
Every year, our main source of funding will come from the LFUCG Water Quality Grant.
Our application for NRCS EQIP has been submitted. We will know in a couple weeks if it's accepted. Then, we will evaluate and decide if we will enter into contract. We ended up NOT being eligible for CSP Funding since we do not have a crop. I will write up a post about the experience, which we value, but spoiler alert, it was an adventure!
Plus, we submitted an app for a new program, called CAIP (County Agricultural Investment Program). We are eligible for this program because we registered with USDA and have a Farm #. With guidance from Heather at the Fayette Co Conservation District, Jennifer and Mary applied in March. We will know soon if we were selected - I hear about 60% are accepted / funded. This can help out with a variety of things, including agriculture diversity, structures and value-added marketing.
FIELD NOTES
WINTER CREEPER IS TAKING OVER!
I think winter creeper is becoming our kudzu! It's covering everything. I recently did some research at a few websites to understand if we should try to pull it up or just cry mercy. Here are a few highlights- please check out the blog linked below for the full story.
Recognizing and removing winter creeper early is crucial to protect riparian ecosystems and water quality.
it poses a real threat to trees and streamside habitats.
Cutting vines at the base helps relieve stress on host trees
Targeted herbicide treatments are recommended for larger infestations.
Since it's an evergreen, foliar herbicide applications after the first frost minimize harm to native plants.
Long-term follow-up and replanting with native species are essential for lasting success.
Whether your interests lean toward walking paths, native meadows, community gardens, educational events, or simply preserving a quiet natural space, your voice helps shape what comes next. Together, we can create something that reflects both our shared values and the natural beauty we’re lucky to call home. 🌿Check out the list, The Big Picture Goals, on our website.
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