A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at Poplar Creek Natural Area for a truly successful day! We surveyed three sections of Poplar Creek, with the first area proving the most fruitful, yielding several edible finds. The event saw an impressive turnout, including both current and former board members, which made the day even more special.

I was delighted to see the natural areas in excellent condition. While we did encounter some litter—mostly bottles, plastic bags, scrap metal, and even a car’s front grill— it was largely confined to the range road ditches. We also noted a few trees cut in previous years, but this was limited to just three or four, leaving the natural areas largely pristine.

The highlight of the day was our potluck lunch, where members generously shared with each other. Board member Brett Wittke went above and beyond, bringing a full camp kitchen setup. He skillfully pan-fried a variety of mushrooms, allowing everyone to sample different types, and even prepared fresh pasta. While cooking, Brett fielded questions from members, sharing valuable insights and fostering a warm, communal atmosphere.

It was a wonderful day filled with connection, discovery, and appreciation for our natural surroundings. Thank you all for making it unforgettable!