With threats of rain, fire, and West Nile virus all abated, we took advantage of the fine warm weather to resume cattail management at pHake Lake on November 8. Volunteers worked on the south shore of the lake – a favorite spot for classes and researchers to observe wildlife at the lake and collect lake samples. Over the past year, however, cattails and brush had almost completely blocked access to the sampling and observation site, but I am happy to report that after the volunteers’ efforts, the site is once again useable. Here are some photos of the volunteers hard at work and the difference they made:
Tom Andrews tows a load of cattails across the lake while Tim Cox and Elliott Cox push from behind. ©Nancy Hamlett.
Elliott Cox and Tom Andrews add the cut cattails to the growing pile. ©Nancy Hamlett.
The huge pile of cut cattails. ©Nancy Hamlett.
Before: The south shore is almost completely obscured by cattails. ©Nancy Hamlett.
After: The shore is actually visible. ©Nancy Hamlett.
Before: View from the south shore of the lake blocked by cattails. Nancy Hamlett.
After: View from the south shore of the lake restored. ©Nancy Hamlett.
Before: Overgrown willows block access to thhe south shore of the lake. ©Nancy Hamlett.
After: With the brush cleared, access is now possible. ©Nancy Hamlett.
Volunteer workdays will resume their normal schedule on Nov. 15. We hope you can join us!