Keeping Current

Finding Your Flock: Connecting With Nature In The Month Of August

August is a month of heat, a month of continued growth, and a month where summer plans that have been cultivating for the past few months finally evolve to their fullest form. KRLT has been cultivating our program Find Your Flock, designed to connect seniors in Pierce and St. Croix County with nature to combat feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Through guided hikes and nature-based programs, participants have the opportunity to not only connect with nature but also to strengthen connections within their community. Goldenrod begins to bloom, monarchs glide through meadows on their migration path, and cicadas hum a steady rhythm that signals the approaching shift into fall; reminders that change is in motion, and there’s beauty in each phase of the season.

Our nature-based programs reflect topics related to summer phenology and the essence that the season brings. Activities like “Pot Your Own Plant”, “Birding and Bingo”, “Nature Journaling”, and “Fossil Exploration” have sparked engagement, curiosity, and the excitement that comes with learning a new skill. Programs create meaningful conversations and foster new friendships, offering participants a chance to share memories, knowledge, and laughter in a welcoming outdoor setting. As we move through the heart of summer, KRLT remains committed to nurturing these connections, reminding us all that it’s never too late to find your flock.

Happen to see something interesting during your next walk along the trails? We want to see! Send a picture to me at Jane@kinniriver.org for a chance to have your story highlighted on social media or next month's e-newsletter.

Jane Taylor

Social Media & Community Outreach Coordinator

jane@kinniriver.org

Your support provides critical financial resources to help continue KRLT's mission of protecting the beauty and health of the Kinnickinnic River and its watershed.

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Have you had a chance to check out the Kinni Explorers booklet? There is a fun challenge inside to visit the KRLT nature preserves, fill out the form at the bottom of the last page, and we will send you a Kinni Explorer patch!

You can pick up a copy of the booklet at the River Falls Public Library. We would also be happy to send you a copy if you'd like. Reach out to Explorer Jane or Explorer Molly at explorer@kinniriver.org for more information.

August Updates: Prairie restoration continues at the Headwater Preserve. The second round of woody vegetation and weed control will occur soon. We will be ordering prairie seed soon for frost seeding this fall.

Wild parsnip invasions have been a problem in prairies. I attended a recent workshop sponsored by UW-Madison and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, on control of wild parsnip in prairies. There was also information shared on the control of other invasive species. We will be sharing some of this information with members and conservation easement holders later in the year.

In June, Wild Parsnip and Tansey were hand-pulled at the Kelly Creek Preserve, the Community Forest, and at the Drewiske Preserve. Trails at Kelly Creek, the Community Forest, and Drewiske Preserve were also inspected and cleared during July.

A bench sponsored by the Carlton Family was installed on the north bank of Kelly Creek overlooking the spring head. Thanks to the family members Stanley King and Ellen Rider for their assistance with the donation and installation.

Interest in Conservation Easements has picked up a little in July. Several landowners have expressed interest, and we are following up on those leads. More on this later.

Marty Engel

Land Stewardship Manager

marty@kinniriver.org

Community Play Date at Weitkamp Park

Saturday, September 13th. 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Weitkamp Park - Hudson, WI

The Kinni Explorers will be joining Hudson Hospital Foundation for a free play date at Weitkamp Park in Hudson. Enjoy the park’s universal playground, play games, enjoy healthy snacks, and participate in drawings for fun prizes. No registration required.

At my home, we have slowly been adding more native plants to the gardens. I was overjoyed the other day to have spotted Monarch caterpillars feeding on the milkweed plants. It was a nice reminder of the impact you can make in your backyard. A great summer read is Bringing Nature Home, by Douglas W. Tallamy. It provides helpful information on why planting native plants in your backyard is so important. If you have the space and resources, consider creating a native garden bed.

Tickets for Nature Fest are live! You can purchase your tickets by clicking here. Last year we sold out, so get them while they are still available!

These exciting happenings are possible because of our wonderful members and the foundations that we work with. With each new member, our community connections grow stronger, enabling us to make an even greater impact in protecting the Kinnickinnic River and connecting people to it. For more information about memberships, click here!

Have questions about KRLT Memberships or ways to support KRLT? Give me a call at 715-301-0753.

Together, we can protect the Kinni,

Molly Barritt-Luebke

Donor and Community Relations Manager

molly@kinniriver.org

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The Kinnickinnic River Land Trust is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that works with the community to conserve and protect the beauty and health of the Kinnickinnic River and its watershed.