This spring we conducted a controlled burn of the prairie site to remove non-native plants and native prairie plant seeds were sowed. Last summer three of our summer camps adopted a section of the prairie. After learning about prairies and three prairie plants, the campers planted over 100 pale coneflower, spiderwort, and blazing star plants. They also built and installed blue bird houses in their section of the prairie. Next summer the campers will continue to improve their section of the prairie. It is a hands-on educational project where young people learn by “doing” and getting their hands dirty rather than by listening to someone talk. In two years our prairie should be as colorful as the one shown below.

Four trails have been created in the woodlands east of the Cross. The trails have been marked with posts painted with directional symbols. A trail map will soon be available. Learning packets are being created that are tied to spots on the trail. Youth groups can learn about the natural world through brainstorming, answering questions, and making observations. Once again the goal is learning by “doing”.

Click Here to see the pictures of our prairie from this summer.