A “Sweaty Seven” volunteers joined us for the Hot ‘n Humid June 13th Work Day. They included Chris Cullum, John Grobe, Kathy Kettel, Jeff Davis, Susan Stewart, “She whose name must not be Spoken because of modesty and shyness,” and Fearless Leader Bob Clemens.

Kathy and Susanundertook “botany things,”  (which “Black Thumb Bob” doesn’t understand), while Jeff culled invasive dog fennel from the flanks of the Newhall Trail. 

John and Karen Lucey (whoops! I mean “She whose name must not be Spoken”) completed pressure-washing the Pocosin Boardwalk and scrubbing  the deck at the pond. Karen was also our designated photographer for the day.

Bob and Chris realigned a log bordering the parking lot and then hauled two truckloads of limbs from around the pond.  After Jeff finished culling dog fennel, he trimmed vegetation bordering the pond, which Bob and Chris then gathered and trucked to the collection area near the parking lot.

We actually abbreviated our labors because of the heat, and are all very grateful that there will be NO work days again until September!

Shown here at the outset, before we started to sweat, are Bob, Chris, Kathy, and John.  Jeff and Susan were delayed by Saturday morning traffic (no demerits!) and Karen was the photographer. 

Karen’s candids:

Kathy is showing Chris where she found a Lone Star Tick after a previous visit to the Preserve (with no adverse reaction) and the other photos were taken to prove that Karen and John deserve pressure-washing merit badges!

. . 

In other news, the Newhall Committee is providing input to an anticipated Land Management Plan and recommending investments for submission to the Town for Accommodations Tax (ATAX) grants for 2027.You ought to separately seen the accolades from our visitors for the month of May in a previous update.

If you have any suggestions for the preserve, please get them to us soon as we have a ATAX submissions deadlines coming up shortly. Suggestions, comments and questions are always welcome to the undersigned.

Robert “Bob” Clemens 

Co-Chair And Fearless Leader 

Rclemens318@gmail.com