The Greater Toledo Community Foundation helped the Conservancy throw a spring party at our homestead in late April. It was perfect! The spring ephemerals were peaking, making a gorgeous carpet throughout Bell Woods. More than 200 guests took part in hourly tours of the woods with Conservancy staff. We saw Dutchman’s breeches, spring beauties, wild blue phlox, buttercups, violets, and Jack-in-the-pulpit. And we were awed by zillions of trilliums.
Across the street, the meadow at Pat & Clint Mauk’s Prairie is coming to life. We explored it by way of the story walk which in April featured Plant a Pocket of Prairie. The books on the story walk change frequently but are always in season. We also played lawn games, enjoyed live music by Chloe and the Steel Strings, and sampled the menus at Trip’n Biscuits and NeNe Sweets food trucks.
The highlight of the day was the community mural. Artist Madison Roy, a Toledo native now based in New Orleans, designed paint-by-numbers style murals and guests got to paint them. Scroll through the images below to see what we made together!
We owe a big thank you to our volunteers and partners. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Oak Openings Region Conservancy, Wood County Park District, and Wild Ones Oak Openings Region, all hosted tables with activities for kids, information, and swag. Volunteers kept us tidy and safe.
The Greater Toledo Community Foundation is marking its 50th year of service by recognizing long-time partners in the community. The Black Swamp Conservancy was honored to be the April spotlight partner. Thank you GTCF for being a strong force for conservation and healthy communities in northwest Ohio.
*Thank you to Toledo.com for allowing us to share their images!
