Chesapeake Herb Gathering totem

Had a great weekend at the Chesapeake Herb Gathering. Thanks to all who worked for months to bring us such an awesome experience.

This is the third year of the gathering and it has brought so many interesting folks together. The fun is to see all of the amazing ways in which herbs and plants have changed people's lives and inspired beautiful work in our communities.

My time there was spent in collaboration with wonderful plant lovers who were open to the creative process.

We even painted into the night!

Those who connect present JOY from the experience.

Repurposing invasives

  



This crown is created by Larry Jones out of Oriental Bittersweet vine.

Identifying and gathering invasive plant materials was a big part of our activities during the two weeks with that the PG county Summer Youth Employment crew worked on Listen.  

Stephanie Jacobs at the Patuxent River Park gave us a look at the park’s forest area and showed us many excellent examples of invasive plants and the ways in which they are affecting the local environment. Thanks Stephanie!

We learned that invasive plants:                                              
Produce large numbers of new plants each season.
Tolerate many soil types and weather conditions.
Spread easily and efficiently, usually by wind, water, or animals.
Grow rapidly, allowing them to displace slower growing plants.                 
Spread rampantly when they are free of the natural checks
and balances found in their native range.
For more info- MD invasive plants
                          

Patuxent RiverKeeper English Ivy removal

The Listen crew headed out for a visit with Fred Tutman, Patuxent RiverKeeper with a goal of removing his huge stand of English Ivy. What got a bit of it!

MD Invasive Plants Art Installation

All Fired Up!

Glad to report that the PG Parks project
that I have been working on for the last
weeks is complete!

Yes "Listen" has been installed at
Cosca Regional Park in Clinton MD.
The Charms have had multiple incarnations.

                                                                                                     

It's been exciting to be part of the
Art on the Trails project that was
sponsored by a PG Parks Innovation grant.

Can I say it was a journey.....
This sculpture took me and collaborating
Artist Larry Jones all around our beautiful
Prince Georges County.

How did I come to this?
I love Nature
I love Working outdoors
I love Collaborating with community!