Submitted by Don Rasmussen

Spring is in the air! Well, at least pollen is, and all of God’s creatures and plants are readying themselves for another life cycle. Daffodils, crocus, forsythia, bradford pear, redbud and crab apple are in full bloom while tulips and azalea are not far behind. Within days the openness of the woods will close in as chlorophyll fills the voids. Frogs and turtles have come out of partial hibernation. The first substantial rain (badly needed) will prompt the deep booming mating call of bull frogs. That same rain will unleash a plethora of wild flowers from seeds scattered by Sue Hunt. The corn feeder (on the dam) has sustained deer, squirrel and quail over the winter. The fact that some of the corn now remains uneaten speaks to the growing abundance of natural foods.

Geese and ducks have for several weeks now, been returning through the Midwest flyway to fatten, nest and raise their chicks in faraway Canada. I’d like to be able to ask the two geese that have stayed behind on the KSU pond why they have done so. Are they too elderly to make the trip? Or do they enjoy showing off for Meadowlark residents. Birds of many kinds are busy building nests, each with their own techniques.

Speaking of the ponds, the Bayer Pond has recently come alive with bluegill and a few bass. Catfish should be biting soon...including Big Carl, who at 33 inches remains the subject of our traveling trophy. Upon catching Carl, simply measure his length to be sure it is Carl (as there are other large catfish in the pond) and report your success to Monte Spiller. A picture would be nice to go with your engraving on the trophy. Please catch and release all fish until we can be sure we have a productive fishery. Also please help yourself to the worm farm near the East shelter. Be sure the trays and lid fit tightly to prevent a worm exodus.

I could go on and on as much is happening outdoors. Instead, I encourage you to observe the above and much more first hand by taking a walk or golf cart ride to the pond area. Share your observations by writing in the journal on the table in the East shelter.