FROM THE EDITOR
Hello & Welcome! Happy 250th Birthday America! Red, white, and blue are synonymous with the month of July in this great country. American flags wave in the sky and adorn porches, parade routes, and picnic tables all month long. Speaking of picnics, turn to the Elk’s Cookbook and see our special From the Ground Up summer series, highlighting two of your favorites: cucumbers and summer squash. Finding these on your table is sure to evoke memories of get-togethers in previous years with our parents, grandparents, family, and friends. They are a confirmation that summer is really here! Following our From the Ground Up series, the Elk’s Garden explores the varieties of summer squash and how to ensure a great harvest. Don’t miss Jillian Wood’s recipe for Squash Relish, a perfect addition for any summer menu. This month ERL’s feature articles reflect on the beauty of and the bounty from the land. Guest author Katheryne Popp attended the 64th West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage at Blackwater Falls State Park and shared her amazing trek with us. Also, we have our Fresh From the Field article, introducing two local farms bringing summer's best to the Elk River community. As I prepare for this year’s July 4th holiday, I made a promise to myself not to just “celebrate” but instead remember to “treasure” our freedom, something we often take for granted on a daily basis. It only takes a glance at the world news to realize how blessed we are. America: it was worth fighting for over 250 years ago and I am forever thankful. Be joyful and stay safe my friends. See you next month!