About 30 of SWTU and Nohr’s finest joined Justin and Jared of the DNR to improve Big Spring’s corridor downstream of the first bridge. By removing dozens, hundreds, thousands of willows and a few box elders we were going to make access easier, remove a major attraction for beavers, and create room for oaks and a healthier mix of native vegetation.
Let’s just be crystal clear. The willows were a huge pain in the butt (my left hamstring, to be more specific). Clumps of small ones were growing in reed canary grass. One of us would lop the clump or single stem while the other treated the tiny stump (no treatment = many more willows next season). Stooping and bending were the chief exercises of this workday.
We stuck to it and in great spirits, probably because it was a beautiful day, the work was worthwhile and the companionship fabulous. We cleared most of the area. Now the DNR can take over the next phases with burning and planting. Thank God.
The creek looked great and some of the water we saw will probably host spawning trout, maybe in the next 2-3 weeks.
This was a joint workday of SWTU and Nohr. Nohr raffled off a box of flies (and they are totally awesome, reports the lucky winner, me!) and provided a brat cookout with all the fixings. World class sausage. Better than all that was working with their members and being reminded of Nohr’s historic commitment to the Blue River watershed. They have secured easements and restored streams for more than 25 years. This workday signals their determination to maintain that work as well as restoring new segments of streams. SWTU was honored to be invited to helpl And the brats were delicious.
Many folks to thank starting with SWTU Jim Hess, Nohr’s Ted Swenson, and DNR fish biologist Justin Haugland. They spent several hours on site planning the work and brought in lots of gear for the mission. Carol Murphy and the other Nohr officers and members epitomized hospitality. SWTU had a great showing of Board Members and another encouraging mix of veterans and newcomers to our work day. Alan, Dave, Carl and Riley thanks for putting up with me as I stumbled and fumbled through the willows.
(Photos courtesy Dyan Lesnik and some cool drone shots from Jim Hess.)
Hard Work, Glorious Day – October 19
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Last Updated: November 7, 2024 by Drew Kasel
By Topf Wells
About 30 of SWTU and Nohr’s finest joined Justin and Jared of the DNR to improve Big Spring’s corridor downstream of the first bridge. By removing dozens, hundreds, thousands of willows and a few box elders we were going to make access easier, remove a major attraction for beavers, and create room for oaks and a healthier mix of native vegetation.
Let’s just be crystal clear. The willows were a huge pain in the butt (my left hamstring, to be more specific). Clumps of small ones were growing in reed canary grass. One of us would lop the clump or single stem while the other treated the tiny stump (no treatment = many more willows next season). Stooping and bending were the chief exercises of this workday.
We stuck to it and in great spirits, probably because it was a beautiful day, the work was worthwhile and the companionship fabulous. We cleared most of the area. Now the DNR can take over the next phases with burning and planting. Thank God.
The creek looked great and some of the water we saw will probably host spawning trout, maybe in the next 2-3 weeks.
This was a joint workday of SWTU and Nohr. Nohr raffled off a box of flies (and they are totally awesome, reports the lucky winner, me!) and provided a brat cookout with all the fixings. World class sausage. Better than all that was working with their members and being reminded of Nohr’s historic commitment to the Blue River watershed. They have secured easements and restored streams for more than 25 years. This workday signals their determination to maintain that work as well as restoring new segments of streams. SWTU was honored to be invited to helpl And the brats were delicious.
Many folks to thank starting with SWTU Jim Hess, Nohr’s Ted Swenson, and DNR fish biologist Justin Haugland. They spent several hours on site planning the work and brought in lots of gear for the mission. Carol Murphy and the other Nohr officers and members epitomized hospitality. SWTU had a great showing of Board Members and another encouraging mix of veterans and newcomers to our work day. Alan, Dave, Carl and Riley thanks for putting up with me as I stumbled and fumbled through the willows.
(Photos courtesy Dyan Lesnik and some cool drone shots from Jim Hess.)
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