HELPING HANDS DAY OF SERVICE: THANK YOU!

What an amazing day it was Saturday morning, April 24, 2010 at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mark and Betsy Lowe organized a "Day of Service" involving many participants from multiple organizations in Oldham County including members of their church, Saint John's Methodist Church, North Oldham Middle School (NOMS) Beta Club, NOMS Cross Country members and track team members, North Oldham High School (NOHS) Beta Club members, NOHS Cross Country and track team members, Oldham County Youth Soccer Association members, American Mothers Inc., YMCA members, and supporters of Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve.

The group, approximately 125 in attendance, started at 8:00 a.m. in the Nature Center for refreshments while learning their assignments.  The group came ready to work - rain or shine.  Fortunately, the rain stopped just as the work began and didn't start up again until the activities were over.  "We were so blessed with good weather," said Betsy Lowe.  

The volunteers did much more than expected -

• They mulched the front pillared entrance drive and planted nearly 1000 day lilies and irises
• Planted 400 trees in the forested area
• Weeded and mulched recently planted trees along Arboretum Trail
• Painted the Nature Center doors and barn doors
• Painted the fences and inside the dugouts
• Sanded and stained 20 picnic tables
• Weeded flower beds
• Cleaned and polished the inside of the 200-year old Mahan Manor
  

The big project for the day was fixing the inside of the Field House. Volunteers peeled and scraped mylar from windows, and gave it a new coat of paint. One project that had to be postponed due to weather conditions is the construction of the covered pavilion.  Earlier in the week a new concrete slab was poured for a large covered pavilion near the swing set.  Later this week volunteers will finish constructing the roof to the pavilion.  

"I am so thrilled with the finish results; we were able to accomplish so much," said Betsy Lowe, one of the organizers.  "It was a group effort; we couldn't have done it without our team leaders, Darrell Hansen, Kathy and Paul Partridge, Brandon White, Tyler Madsen, Richard Toombs, Zane Underwood and Abe Gilbert, Kathryn Grubbs, Kenn Lewis and of course the wonderful staff at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, Tavia Cathcart, Mike Huff and Patty Bleau."

New Trees and Shrubs and Flowers, Oh MY!

Thanks to our generous donors and a WHIP (Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program) grant, Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve has replaced almost 900 trees (out of about 1,500) that were damaged by storms in recent years.

The Oldham Country Conservation District and Oldham County History District donated 200 trees to the Nature Preserve, including pawpaw, shumard oak, cherry bark oak, sawtooth oak and pin oak trees. These trees are particularly important to the Nature Preserve since they have fruit and acorns for wildlife to eat.

In addition to these trees, we received 690 native trees such as wild plum, silky dogwood, and hazelnut from a grant from USDA and the Natural Resources Council. This grant also funded the removal of many invasive species and planting the 8.1 acre prairie with wildflowers and native grasses. Orange flags mark the additions along the Arboretum Trail.

Other generous donors have given us flowers to add to the gardens. Frank Otte Nursery in Prospect donated 150 containers of perennials, many of which are now living in the garden by the Nature Center parking lot. Lilies for the Fillies Daylily Garden (Ellen Carrithers and Julie Wahl) contributed daylilies, iris and butterfly bushes.

Many thanks to everyone who volunteers their time and effort to help us keep Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve the beautiful place we all love.

Getting Better All the Time

The nature preserve is always trying to improve the visitor experience, protect the environment for flora and fauna, create educational opportunities, and maintain and improve all existing structures and trails. Here are current changes:

New trails and trail signs have been added. Some new ones are Skunk’s Den, Turkey Trot, and Bird Feather. We have a new trail map, too. Walk along Skunk’s Den to discover the new Outdoor Classroom!

The educational programs are being enriched. We are reaching out to disadvantaged children and children with special needs. Many local schools come to Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve and learn about nature through science education classes.

Removal of invasive plants and planting native trees and shrubs is ongoing. The nature preserve is gripped in an struggle between native plants and invasive “bully” plants! Through a multi-year grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife and National Resources Conservation Council, we are using best practices to manage our forest and promote plant diversity and increase food sources for all wildlife.

Restoration and repair of the 200-year old Mahan Manor is in process, with special work beginning in Spring 2010. Built in 1806-1808, it is in need of repair. We are looking for a qualified stone worker/tuck pointer, and volunteers. If you'd like to help, please call 228-4362 or email Info@CreaseyMahanNaturePreserve.org.

We are increasing community awareness and recruiting volunteers. If you would like to help at the preserve, please call 228-4362! Volunteer opportunities include planting trees, helping with a garden, clearing trails,spreading wood chips, painting, cleaning windows, and
limited office work.