Hi River Roaders,

This past month we cut down five trees to allow more sun to shine directly onto the planned solar panel installation. This month we’ll take a look at the site post-tree removal, plus catch up on spring nature happenings.

The clean lines of our building are more visible.

Yikes! Take a look at the hollow stump left from the removal of a large tulip tree in the Memorial Garden. The tree was not in good condition and was leaning directly toward the Sanctuary roof. A ring of no more than six inches of healthy wood was keeping that tree up. Many trees on our site are more than 60 years old.

A next step is to determine “what’s next” for the front plaza. The Grounds Committee will be developing alternatives and will solicit feedback from the Congregation. The intent is to best support our mission while maintaining high aesthetics.

The years of work on Springsview Garden are paying off. If you can, take a walk on the paths and observe a multitude of native plants.

Spring wildflowers, including mayapple in the foreground and golden ragwort toward the back.

I surprised this young buck early on a dewy morning. I’m also showing off my new camera….

The highlight in Springsview Garden this month is the grasses, sedges and rushes that provide varying green textures along our springs. This is likely drooping sedge (Carex prasina) in bloom.

Our Peace Pole Garden.

The first two weeks of May are peak warbler migration time. Many small, brightly colored birds pass through our site on their way north. Some have names that don’t help you identify the bird (think Cape May warbler, or pine warbler). Some have names that really fit, like the yellow-rumped warbler above.

May is glorious. Take some time and make space for beauty.

Joe