Workday report by Topf Wells
A cold front hit Madison in the morning at about 7:45, dropping the temperature and providing a cool breeze. Forty miles can make a big difference in weather. The cold front did not reach Steiner Branch until after 1 p.m. … 50 minutes after the work day ended. Sigh. After the work day, and 100 gallons of sweat produced by about 10 volunteers, several of us asked, “Where the heck is that cold front?”
A great day nevertheless! First, the work. Our crew, including Bradd Sims, the hardest-working DNR Fish Biologist in the state, cleared and stacked about 3/4 of the willows choking the stream. The area was probably no bigger than a large residential lot but willows can achieve an amazing density. Jim and Steve Fabos wrestled brush saws all morning and Mike Meier entered the fray with his chainsaw. The rest of us hauled and stacked. I think for the first time an SWTU workday achieved two-story tall brush piles. DNR Wildlife Management is going to burn them. The Winter Solstice would be an appropriate occasion.
Hot, muggy, and buggy were the conditions. Jim’s 5 or 10 gallons of well water were necessary and welcome. The stream itself continues to be beautiful. For anyone who wants to fish it, now is the time. It’s a hike from the parking lot but the stream banks are clear enough to allow for easier movement and getting in and out of the creek. Look for the brush piles, you can’t miss ’em. Gnats were a drag but the site also had a great assortment of butterflies. Between Jim and Marci’s prairies and this site, we had the opportunity to see a dozen different species.
As always, thanks to Jim for his great organizational work, with those thanks to also be shared with Bradd.
The day got better with the lunch Jim and Marci provided for all of us at their home. A sumptuous feast. Among the headlining features were April Prussia’s ham and Marci’s pasta salad, the best I’ve ever had in my life. Heavenly!
As heavenly are the remnant prairies and oak savannas Jim and Marci have saved, and the prairies they have planted. They are beautiful and healthy, a balm to the soul (and to the body too with a cool north breeze).
These workdays are always worth attending, and Jim and Marci’s extraordinary hospitality made for an extra-great day.
Photos courtesy Jim Beecher. View the full album.
Cold Front Stalls – Crew Revives for Great Ham Sandwiches and Very Cold Beer
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Posted: June 13, 2019 by Drew Kasel
Workday report by Topf Wells
A cold front hit Madison in the morning at about 7:45, dropping the temperature and providing a cool breeze. Forty miles can make a big difference in weather. The cold front did not reach Steiner Branch until after 1 p.m. … 50 minutes after the work day ended. Sigh. After the work day, and 100 gallons of sweat produced by about 10 volunteers, several of us asked, “Where the heck is that cold front?”
A great day nevertheless! First, the work. Our crew, including Bradd Sims, the hardest-working DNR Fish Biologist in the state, cleared and stacked about 3/4 of the willows choking the stream. The area was probably no bigger than a large residential lot but willows can achieve an amazing density. Jim and Steve Fabos wrestled brush saws all morning and Mike Meier entered the fray with his chainsaw. The rest of us hauled and stacked. I think for the first time an SWTU workday achieved two-story tall brush piles. DNR Wildlife Management is going to burn them. The Winter Solstice would be an appropriate occasion.
Hot, muggy, and buggy were the conditions. Jim’s 5 or 10 gallons of well water were necessary and welcome. The stream itself continues to be beautiful. For anyone who wants to fish it, now is the time. It’s a hike from the parking lot but the stream banks are clear enough to allow for easier movement and getting in and out of the creek. Look for the brush piles, you can’t miss ’em. Gnats were a drag but the site also had a great assortment of butterflies. Between Jim and Marci’s prairies and this site, we had the opportunity to see a dozen different species.
As always, thanks to Jim for his great organizational work, with those thanks to also be shared with Bradd.
The day got better with the lunch Jim and Marci provided for all of us at their home. A sumptuous feast. Among the headlining features were April Prussia’s ham and Marci’s pasta salad, the best I’ve ever had in my life. Heavenly!
As heavenly are the remnant prairies and oak savannas Jim and Marci have saved, and the prairies they have planted. They are beautiful and healthy, a balm to the soul (and to the body too with a cool north breeze).
These workdays are always worth attending, and Jim and Marci’s extraordinary hospitality made for an extra-great day.
Photos courtesy Jim Beecher. View the full album.
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