Paradise Springs Workday
On Saturday, December 8, 2007, in sub 10 degree temperatures, and in 1/2 foot of snow, over 30 volunteers from SEWTU and the Gary Borger Chapter of TU (from across the State border in IL) turned out to Paradise Springs in order to complete the invasive vegetation work we had commenced in August.
Along with a WDNR crew led by Susan Beyler, Benjamin Heussner and Steven "Gus" Gospdarek, TU volunteers removed and incredible amount of invasive buckthorn, honeysuckle, and other vegetation from around Paraidse Springs, which had taken over the understory, and was providing an unwanted encroachment upon the pond. Volunteers also worked along the Paradise Springs creek, removing encroaching invasive vegetation there as well. As Dr. Herb Oechler best stated, TU's volunteers were rivaled only by Sherman's army itself in their scorched earth treatment of the invasives.
The day was a complete success in that SEWTU mobilized a large number of dedicated volunteers, worked alongside the Gary Borger Chapter of Trout Unlimited for the first time ever, and provided stream work in a traditional, local, coldwater resource. Additionally, SEWTU once again worked alongside another WDNR crew, and hopefully strengthed our relationship therein.
Following the workday, SEWTU hosted its traditional bratwurst lunch, where members were given the chance to socialize, and head out fishing. At this meal, a special chili feast was provided by John Knitter, whose secret chili recipe was a smashing hit (so much so that some members were not even able to have seconds!)
