adventures of a midwesterner: February & March Happenings

My my, it's been over a month since Iast I wrote. How come I always start off entries saying that? Haha. Well, due to the fateful death of my laptop, I haven't had too much time to sit around and write a blog entry at home. However, thanks to the lovely free Wellfleet library, I am able to keep you all up to date! The past few months since winter break have flown by and it's nuts to think that spring is almost upon us. I'm excited!

Some recent group projects include:
-Clearing a Herring run: As you may or may not know, Herring are a fish that travel thousands of miles each year to feed and mate. The Herring on Cape Cod travel up from Buzzards bay to streams and ponds in the outer cape. Recently Herring populations have decreased, due to overfishing, poor water quality, and physical obstructions. The last of these is what we helped with...We basically walked up the river in our waders and cleared branches and fallen trees that were blocking the river. Hopefully come spring, the herring will be able to migrate easily without trouble.

-Wildfire burn: One of the craziest projects we have done so far is a burn with the Cape Cod National Seashore fire crew. Throughout the year we have been working with them on projects to restore native healthland habitat and decrease the chance of wildfires, such as cutting down dead trees and removing brush. Last month we had the opportunity to burn some of the of debris that we had so neatly cut and piled. We suitedup in the proper gear and proceeded to safely light 6 or so massive bonfires. It was unreal!

-Invasive clearing at Harvey's Pond conservation site: this was a cool project because we partnered with an Eagle scout who had planned this work. It was on a saturday (boo) but it was a beautiful day and it was lots of fun. We essentially cleaned up a conservation property that hadn't been touched in years buy removing invasives. Because we had the help of around 20 boyscouts, we got a lot done! It was one of those projects where you could clearly see a difference in the end, which was great.

-Beach clean up w/ Brewster DNR: this was definitely a unique day as we were picking up debris (mostly snow fences) that had broken and were scattered along the beach. The unique part about the day was the beach itself, because the whole bay was covered in sea ice as far as the eye could see! It looked like snow that went far out to sea, but it was in fact ice. We even climbed on it! Definitely something I had never experienced.

I've been quite busy at my IP the last few months, working on various projects. I made some flyers and a large poster for an upcoming landscapers conference about native species and I did a lot of work for the recent Book & Media Swap hosted by ChathamRecycles. I have been planning the Book & Media swap since December, and this is the first event of its kind for ChathamRecycles. There is an annual Drop & Swap, which I have mentioned, and Recyclefest in May, so this was a new fun community event to add to the list. The event was held at the Community center and we collected used books, music, and movies the week before. The day of, we had a pretty good turn out and there were all sorts of fun goodies to take home. I got a few cookbooks and novels which I was excited about.

Mid-february brought the second AmeriCorps retreat of the year (1 of 3). This one was focused on civic engagement. We heard speakers, reflected on the program, and did lots of group bonding things like a talent show and warm fuzzy notes. It was a little insane having 30 people together but I survived!

Some other activities I have enjoyed in my free time: sitting outside and reading, bike rides, making homemade granola and bread, enjoy a beach bonfire (yes, it's legal) and discovering the hilarious show "curb your enthusiasm". In addition, a french bakery has just opened in Wellfleet, and I am eager to try it! Chocolate croissants, here I come!

A few weeks ago I was able to spend some nice family time by hanging out with Robert in Boston and going to New Haven to see Henry perform in Footloose. It's nice to have the opportunity for family time out here!Unfortunately I experienced a 24-hour stomach flu this week, in which I stayed home curled up on the couch, although two other gals from my house were experiencing the same misfortune so at least we could complain together. I am looking forward to spring, daylight savings time, and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors!

Oh, and I almost forgot that March 19th I'll be heading to Mobile, Alabama! I am lucky enough to get a week off so 6 other AmeriCorps members and I are going down south to work with Habitat for Humanity. It'll be nice to have a change of scenery and do some service work in a warm place. :)

much love,
Margaret