Outdoor Gathering
Fishing
Swimming
Camping
Hiking and Biking
Boating
Frisbee Golf
Archery
Twig Crafting with Invasives was a blast! We have so many crafty and imaginative people that enjoy our programs!
"For it is in giving that we receive"--Francis of Assisi
In this season of giving, remember our wild animal "friends".
Birdseed Wreath Recipe --easy to make
Ingredients
¾ cup Flour
1 package Gelatine
4 Cups Birdseed
3 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
Cooking Spray
½ cup warm water
Bundt or Jello Ring pan
Instructions
Start by mixing the gelatin with the water until dissolved. Stir in the syrup and flour. You may want to use a fork or a whisk. Keep stirring until all the lumps are gone. It's going to look very thick and paste-like.
Mix the seeds in by the cup. Mix well to distribute the gooey paste so all the seed is well coated. This will help it not fall apart.
Once you've blended the mixture well, give your bundt pan a good coating of oil.
This will help your wreath slide right out when it's dry.
Scoop your mixture into the wreath and pat down firmly. You want to really pack it down.
Let it set up for about 24 hours.
It will turn cloudy white in color and you'll be able to feel the firmness by pressing with your fingers. If it feels smooshy, it's not dry.
Once it's dry, place a plate on the top of the pan and flip. Hopefully, it will just slide out. If it's a little stubborn, just give your pan a little tap.
After it’s finished, hang with twine or a ribbon in a dry place.
Kids LOVE learning how to make a birdseed wreath. They can get their hands messy at the same time!
Merry Christmas
Today, December 12th is known as National Poinsettia Day, named after Joel Poinsett, the man who brought the plant to the United States in the 1820's. Poinsett died December 12, 1851
“Poinsett, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, held various diplomatic and political positions through his life, but always continued a strong interest in natural science and horticulture. He first served as a special envoy to Mexico in 1822-1823, and when the new Mexican Republic was recognized in 1824, Poinsett was first U. S. Ambassador to Mexico, appointed by President Madison. He resided in Mexico from 1825 to early 1830. During this period, perhaps in the winter of 1827-1828 Poinsett encountered the unnamed plant that now bears his name."
Here are a few Poinsettia fun facts:
* The word Poinsettia is always capitalized because it is named after a person.
*Poinsettias are the top selling flowering potted plant in North America with over 34 million sold each year. Those sales equal over $144 million dollars.
* There are now over 100 varieties of Poinsettias (Red is still the favorite color)
* The showy red leaves (bracts) are NOT the flowers. The flowers are in the center of the plant, they are tiny. For longer bloom time, look for plants with tight yellow buds.
*Poinsettias have been proven NOT to be poisonous to your pets. The plants do have a milky-latex sap that can cause lip sensitivity and mild nausea. If you have a latex allergy, try to avoid getting the sap on your hands (this should be the same advice for all milky-sap plants- ex:milkweed, fig trees, wild lettuce, dogbane)
Enjoy your Poinsettia all year! They are a beautiful green tropical plant in the summer. In the wild in Mexico they grow to trees over 10 feet tall.
If you enjoy giving handmade, personalized gifts at Christmas (or anytime), consider signing up for the FREE program "Twig Crafting" on Thursday, December 13 @ 6pm held at the McElroy Environmental Education Center (MEEC). This program utililizes branches, sticks and twigs from the invasive species of plants that have creeped into the Park District's woods and open fields.
Remember to register by December 11 in order to have enough resources for you to create the perfect gift.
419-221-1232
*This is a free program!!!!!!*
This week at the McElroy Environmental Education Center we are offering Nature Pals--our free preschool program, on Thursday, December 6 @ 1pm. The children will be exploring Winter Evergreens. Please come prepared to take a short hike in the woods.
Call to register-419-221-1232
