By Topf Wells  |  Workday Report 1: November 4, 2023

No complaints about weather for this work day. Temps started in the high 30s and climbed to the low 50s, clear skies and no wind. Our effort matched the weather.

This was our third work day on the TPE Sylvan Road property, which features Whitford Creek, a Class 1 brook trout stream and the Dodge Branch. Re: the Dodge – no big brown trout there at all, nope not a one, nope, don’t bother to fish it at all. Our goals were to take out box elder and invasive honeysuckle in the area we had been working and to tackle the invasive willow along Whitford. Three great conservation organizations combined their efforts: SWTU, the Nohr Chapter, and the Southwest Chapter of TPE. Fourteen laborers from the three organizations entered the vineyard. With all the dang wild grape vines that’s not just a figure of speech.

The SWTU contingent featured a wonderful group of current and past board members and officers. As one said, this was a lot easier ten years ago but we were spry enough to make superb progress.

It’s always amazing what dedication, hard work and three hours can do. I think we’ve just about finished in the now open area and cleared many a willow along the creek.

TPE’s Tom Hunt and BFF/SWTU’s Bob Harrison are veteran, highly productive sawyers. We were really fortunate to be joined by Steve Fabos as well as Becky Fernette, a TPE volunteer, with new chainsaw certification and a new chainsaw. She learned and purchased well, doing a great job in Whitford Creek clearing pesky willows on the bank.

Normally at this point we lead off thank yous to Jim Hess. Jim provided his usual organizational and communication skills but could not join us. He was caring for Marci, who had ankle surgery. She’s doing well and all of us send her best wishes for a speedy recovery. Tom Hunt and SWTU Board Member Dyan Lesnik provided leadership for the day and made sure we functioned productively and safely. Ted Swenson of Nohr provided coffee, Dyan brought healty apples, and I, not so healthy but delicious brownies and pork sticks.

Speaking of safety, Bob and his crew received a reminder to never, ever take a tree’s fall for granted. Bob was working on a run of the mill box elder when he and we noticed some unusual swaying. The tree then seized his saw. Bob expertly freed it but proceeded with heightened caution. The tree fell opposite of the way it had been directed. No close call, no injury but a reminder to be careful out there.

Thanks to Dyan Lensik for the photos!