16 minute read
Voices
There’s Always More to Learn
Rafting on the Tippecanoe River with high school ag, biology and environmental science students is a learning adventure for all ages
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Exploring Hendricks County
By Jackie Horn
I love learning new things. I’ve never outgrown the child’s curiosity. I’m not afraid to ask questions. (That’s part of the reason I enjoy writing these articles. It gives me an excuse to ask ALL The QUESTIONS I WANT, which are many.)
As an Indiana Advanced Master Naturalist, I’m required to get eight hours of “education” to keep my certification. That’s not a problem. I’m ready to learn something new. The thing about continuing education, I’m never bored. There is always something new to explore.
This past week I had numerous opportunities to add to my intellectual storehouse.
Every September, for two days I step into a rubber raft and floated down the Tippecanoe River in Winamac with a bunch of high school students. It’s the highlight of my summer. As we paddle along on the current, I teach them about the river, what formed it, why it should matter to them, and what they can do to protect it. Along the way, we stop for classes and workshops on forestry, water quality testing, and endangered species taught by experts from state agencies. After ten years, I’m still picking up new information. (You have no idea how interesting mussel reproduction cycles are!)
Back home in Plainfield, I had noted a program offered by the Hendricks County Parks and Recreation, “Bicycling with a Biologist and Birder.” I signed up. Friday evening, our group of eight took off from the Vandalia Trail Amo station. The weather was perfect for a leisurelyride. Along the way, the biologist or birder would stop us and point out various wildlife, flowers, trees, and birds. We only traveled a mile-and-a-half to the Crittenden bridge and water treatment plant, then returned to Amo. I learned to
Virgin’s bower, a type of clematis and Rough Horsetail near the Crittenden Creek bridge
identify Canada Clearweed, Clematis/Virgin’s-bower, and Rough Horsetail as well as goldfinch and warbler songs.
Robert Aull of the Indiana Astronomical Society briefs visitors on what can be seen overhead while stargazing at McCloud Nature Park.
Saturday evening, John and I were thankful for a clear night to view the stars at McCloud Nature Park. The Indiana Astronomical Society presented a brief overview of what could be seen overhead. Members of the group had their equipment set up along the prairie and visitors could move from telescope to telescope to see the moon, Jupiter and four of its moons, Saturn and its rings, double and quadruple stars. It was awesome! I now know how to find the Cygnus constellation, the Summer Triangle, and from there, other constellations, planets, and stars.
Hendricks County Parks offers educational programs for all ages. Sunday Drop-In activities and a Storywalk that changes monthly are informative and great fun for children. From September 15-26, visitors can learn about Monarch butterflies and naturalists will assist with catching and tagging the butterflies to track their 3,000-mile annual migration. October 2, weather permitting, the Indiana Astronomical Society will again be setting up to view the night sky.
For additional information or schedule of programs, check out the HCPR web page at hendrickscountyparks. org , their Facebook page Hendricks County Parks and Recreation, or free quarterly publication, THE EXPLOR- ER which is available at the parks and other area locations.
Get out there and expand your mind...and have fun doing it.
Jackie Horn and her husband, John, transplanted from Warsaw to Plainfield to be near family. An Advanced Indiana Master Naturalist, Jackie is a retired substitute teacher who continues to teach (and learn) about all things outdoors. John is a retired CNC programmer and the photographer on the team. The Horns enjoy traveling, walking, hiking, kayaking, and bicycling.
Hunting Tips & Reflections
By Mike E. Neilson
Mike Neilson, longtime Danville High School teacher and longtime hunting enthusiast is sharing his hunting experience with our readers. He’s also shared his knowledge in three books, Available on Amazon. com.
Travel Hunting - Part 2
Let’s talk driving to your destination, which is the option I chose on the last hunt. The first advantage is that you can load as much gear as your vehicle will carry. I threw in a couple of big coolers, a bow case, a crossbow case, all my clothes, an extra pillow and blanket (sleeping in rest areas and truck stops, not to mention Walmart parking lots), a case of water and all sorts of snacks and goodies for the drive. Another advantage is that I had wheels when I got to camp and if I shot our early, I could leave early. A third advantage is that you are able to take sidetrips when interesting things pop up like Devil’s Tower, the continental divide, and other roadside attractions.
Oh, those rotten disadvantages! Time is a biggie for some of us still working. We only get so many vacation days and weekends that sometimes it’s hard to justify a 2-day marathon drive there and the same back. My long-distance driving is now down to about 12-13 hours a day, after that, I need to get out of the truck.
We drivers also have limited control over road construction, delays, accidents and mishaps. Nobody wants to deal with a flat time or a mechanical breakdown on the road. I’ve had a few and they are no fun and tons of stress. Flat tires, running out of gas, engine lights coming on, all can add stress that you don’t need on your trip. And if your ride is not reliable, be honest with yourself, will that vehicle make it safely to your destination and back?
Another potential downside to driving is going long-distance solo. On most of my hunts, that’s exactly what happens. On the few hunts where I’ve got at least one partner, the job of driving can be split up. While one partner drives, the other can rest/sleep and take over the duties when needed. This works great unless you both get sleepy riding or driving at the same time.
With the advent of GPS and Google maps, it’s very unlikely you will get lost again. There are also old-school paper maps that, if you can read them, will safely take you to your destination. Apps like Gas Buddy can help you plot and plan your trip, budget for your fuel and show you likely places to fill up in unfamiliar territory.
So which method is best for you? Well, I’ve used both methods quite a bit and for me it breaks down to destination and time as the biggest factors for my decision. Obviously, geography plays an important role. Kinda hard to drive to Australia! If my destination is 20 hours away or less, I’ll grudgingly drive unless there is a hay-shaking deal on flights and the outfitter will pick me up. If my hunting takes me further, I’ll be flying, thank you very much.
Whichever method you choose, travel safe and travel wisely. Be prepared for delays and emergencies and you will have less worry on your trip.
Best of luck this season.
A Note From Bee
When my friends and I get together, all in our late 70’s or early eighties, the subject gets around to family or lack of.
One friend, Mary, tells how her granddaughter, Sarah, and her husband moved from Illinois when their first child was to be born. They wanted baby Cole to know his grandparents. This lasted about a year. Mary said something to offend Sarah and even though Mary apologized profusely. Sarah has only allowed Mary and her husband to see Cole on his birthday for the last two years which is very hurtful.
Another friend, Carol, made the mistake of calling a man black instead of just a man standing near the door. Grandson Mike called her a racist. That situation was resolved and Mike did apologize to Carol.
It seems that grandchildren in the 20 to 30 age bracket are the quickest to find fault with their grandparents.
Our family is a very small family, 15 members. It is hard to have a family dinner or picture because three of the family members do not like one of the family members.
How can we have peace and harmony in the world when we cannot even have it in a small family?
Bee Jones
A Squirrel About Town
By Archy
Archy’s tail was bushier that usual. “Oh, that,” he said. “I’m just practicing my indignation. It’s for the talent show.” “What talent show,” I asked, cautiously. “Why the Squirrel Salon’s Annual Talent Show,” he replied. “We squirrels practice our best imitations of human traits.” He gave a laugh and continued. “We vote on who is gives the best performance. It’s the highlight of the Fall season.” “What kind of traits are you talking about?” “Humans have so many from which to chose,” he said, stroking his forehead. “Let me think. There’s envy, of course. Jealousy is always good for a laugh. And self-importance,” he said, puffing out his chest. I was beginning to regret asking. “Oh, and ignorance! When humans boast about how little they know about a subject.” The squirrel slapped his knee and said in an affected tone, “I don’t know anything about science, but by golly, I know more than the scientists.” He started to giggle uncontrollably.
I asked if there were any good traits of humans that were part of the contest. The squirrel had to think about it. “I suppose there are, but humans don’t seem to be practicing them much these days. There’s quite a bit of heard mentality these days.” “Don’t you mean herd?” I asked. “No,” Archy replied. “People starting their conversations with, ‘Well, I heard...’ and it goes downhill from there. Too much second-hand information from social media circulating without any verification. Humans should take a break from their silos and try to see the world from a different point of view.”
“Archy,” I said, “Sometimes I think you’re a secret optimist when it comes to humans.”
“That’s because I like to think there’s good in all creatures,” he said, patting my hand. “Even humans.”
“Sometimes, so do I,” I said.
How Do I Dry Flowers? Let Me County the Ways
By Colletta Kosiba Hendricks County Master Gardener
Celosia adds interest to your flower beds and your dried flower arrangements.
Ways to Dry Flowers
Good for you! Growing everlastings for their beauty in the summer garden - straw flowers, globe amaranth, love -in-a-mist, statice, cockscomb and celosia.
Before the frost comes, you can cut them in the late morning (when dew is gone) to dry.
One way is to arrange invase, put in cool dark place until they are dry (2 weeks) Try some grasses, for an added airy feeling in the arrangement.
Cockscomb’s rich color and unusual shape makes it a natural for dried arrangements.
Or you can hang flowers in small bundles secured with rubber bands in a cool dark place. Hang upside down so stem doesn’t bend from being too heavy. The flower heads themselves may be laid out individually on a screen to dry. Money plant just dries in the garden for you!
There are may ways to dry flowers, you can google the methods.
1. Microwave-dried flower method-doesn’t take much time. Be sure you have the microwave on ½ power, check every 30 seconds
2. Oven-dried flower method- makes colorful, shape-retaining dry flowers; heat oven to 200 degrees for 1.5-2 hrs.
Oven-dried flowers.
3. Food dehydrator method- results in 24 hours. Convenient as you
can put your flowers in- walk away, rotating them a few times in the 24 hours. Flowers maintain their shape and color some folks spray with unscented hair spray for protection.
Silica gel helps preserve color and shape of flowers.
4. Using Silica Gel takes several days to preserveyou will get preserved flowers with great color and shape retention. To speed the process - you could microwave the container with the flowers and gel, for about 3 minutes
Dried flower arrangements extends the beauty of summer into fall and winter.
Pressing Flowers
Pressing flowers in a book - Now we have all done that - maybe it was our first corsage or some special occasions we wanted to remember always! This is definitely the easiest way to press flowers.
Experienced flower pressers use 3–12 sheets of folded newspaper to absorb moisture. moisture from the flowers would likely damage a book. I have used paper towels successfully. After closing the book, place the heaviest thing you have on top! (2-3 weeks)
Many flowers will naturally turn brown or lose their original colors as they dry and react to chemicals on them, especially roses.
A properly dried flower will last years without any problems. Just keep the flowers away from excessive sunlight/humidity
What do you say when you want a flower to drive faster? Floret.
Got Questions? Call The Home-Landscaping-Garden Help Line and Master Gardeners will answer your questions every Tuesday. May 18 to Sept 28. Hours 9:00-Noon and 1-4:00pm call 317-745-9260 (Hendricks County Extension)
MASTERING THE HOUSE useful tips for homeowners
Tim Paino Owner/Inspector Heartland HouseMaster
Sump Pumps Most of our homes have a sump pump somewhere within the foundation of the home. It may be found in the basement or if you don’t have a basement, it would likely be in the crawlspace. As with anything mechanical, the sump pump requires upkeep and eventually replacement. Before we get into the list of maintenance items, I need to emphasize if you have mechanicals in your basement or your basement is finished – I strongly recommend you have a battery backup system. The addition of a second pump operating off a marine battery, with a trickle charger, can be a life saver if either the power goes out during a storm or if the main sump pump fails. Now for the maintenance: 1) Check your power source. Both the sump pump and the battery charger should be firmly plugged into a close electrical outlet. Extension cords or power strips have a way of becoming unplugged leaving your system without power. The back-up pump marine battery will typically have an indicator light showing the remaining power of the battery. 2) Check the pump for automatic starts. You can always check the pump to see if it is functioning by reaching into the pit and pulling up the float. I recommend get either a bucket of water or a hose and filling the pit until the float rises causing the pump to come on. Many times the float can become tangled and blocked from properly floating and activating the pump. It is best to see the pump in action. 3) Then check the backup pump. Unplug the main pump and continue to fill the pit until the back-up pump engages. Not only should the pump start, but there is typically an audible alarm to alert you are now running on auxiliary power. 4) Clear the pit of any debris. Hold the float up until the pit is nearly empty of water. Note: on most basement systems there is a check valve that holds the water in the vertical pipe from coming back down into the pit. Typically, between the check valve and the pump there is a small hole to release the rest of the water into the pit to take the pressure off the pump. This is normal. Once you can see the bottom of the pit, make sure there is nothing clogging the intake to the pump or interfering with the float. 5) While the pit is empty, make sure the pump is sitting level for optimum operation. Sump pumps have a design life of 5 to 7 years. They typically go out during a time of extreme use. It is better to replace it prior to it failing. If you hate to fix something before it is broken, then have a backup ready to go. I recommend have an easy off fitting somewhere between the pump and the check valve. Install the matching fittings on the replacement pump having it ready for a quick replacement. When you hear the alarm during a storm you can quickly replace the none functioning pump.
A Bark From the Past: Henry
[Editor’s Note: The Republican’s first four-footed correspondent was Henry. A mixed breed rescue dog, Henry would make observations about being a dog in a small town. The articles, which ran in 2006 - 2010, have been languishing in the computer’s memory and we thought a new audience might enjoy some canine commentary.]
Wowser, do I have a great idea! The other day on the radio there was a big story about Blackwater USA and how Mr. Blackwater is in some serious trouble. It seems the President paid Mr. Blackwater over three-quarters of a billion dollars to protect our soldiers and civilian contractors and government staff in Iraq, and they’ve done that, but they have hurt some innocent Iraqis along the way. The President is probably going to start looking elsewhere for security. And I know just where he can find it. Here!
At the last AAAC conclave, Emmett the German shepherd, Barney, our sergeant-at-arms, and I came up with this idea to start our own security force. If the President was happy to pay three-quarters of a billion dollars for bad work, he won’t have a problem with our fee. We ran the numbers and we can do the job for $86.75. That’s enough to get every AAAC member a box of Milkbones and a couple of rawhide chews or a package of Tender Vittles and some cream and catnip for the feline contingent. The security force, though, will be all canine.
We are going to call ourselves Makewater Danville. From what I hear, one of the big problems is just telling the good guys from the bad guys, because the terrorists blend in with the citizens. And here’s where we can help..
First, the President will have to fly us somewhere that they don’t like Americans, like Baghdad or Sadr City or France. We can pass as Iraqi dogs just by taking off our collars to search for terrorists unobserved. And, when we find one, one of us will run in and pee on him. It is a fact that a dog’s nose can pick up the scent of urine that’s been diluted to one part in a million, so, no matter how the terrorist tries to wash off the scent, there will be a couple of days there where any dog can identify him. But who will do the identifying?
We are going to bid for that job, too, with a subsidiary of Makewater Danville called TerrorTrackers. Now, all the members of Makewater will also be TerrorTrackers, so we can do a little double-dipping.
We’ve already selected our taskforce. Members for our street operations will be me, Emmett, Heidi, who is also a German shepherd, Barney, Bo, who is a big guy, my pal Fred the spaniel, since he already has some inside experience in local law enforcement , and my sister Mabel, who has a great nose. My sister Sunny wanted to come, too, but I heard there were some she-ites there, who, I guess, must be a pack of feminists. Anyway, these she-ites don’t seem to like Sunnys, but I don’t know why not – it’s a perfectly good name and quite cheerful!
Anyway, that’s our idea. We called Information and Cookie was able to say “White House” plainly enough for the robot lady to give us the number, so we texted the president and offered him our services. We assured him that, if any of us goes cowboy, he’ll just try to herd something. Now, all we have to do is wait for his call. Anytime, Mr. President!
Thought for the Day: Only when the Republic’s life is in danger should a man uphold his government when it is wrong. – Mark Twain.
Theodore Parker
