April 2024 Program - Trip to the Sardeson Forest Preserve

There’s something really wonderful and amazing about a guide who can stand in one spot and tell you everything that’s been growing there, that will grow there, and how conservation has effected the location.

Zach Pacana land property manager of the DALC (Driftless Area Land Conservancy) has been exercising strong conservation measures at the Sardeson Forest Preserve outside Mineral Point for the past two years and is bringing the 12 acres into a state of readiness of indigenous flora for the public to view. Five communities or ecosystems exist in the area as well as St. Peter Sandstone boulders (beautiful) which were explained by Mark Sturnek’s handout on the geologic history of the area.

UGC paid for the big school bus to travel there - a five minute trip - and of the 46 people hiking, about a quarter were UGC members. It’s definitely a worthwhile trip, so close to town, where suddenly you’re in the woods and see/think about the variety of communities, and how wonderful was Rollie Sardeson to donate the land to DALC. It’s hilly and you have to stretch your legs! Do visit this beautiful place.

Trip to Olbrich Gardens for the Gleam Exhibit

For our October meeting, the Garden Club visited the Gleam exhibit at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison featuring large scale light installations created by local, regional and international designers. 

It was chilly and we had to dress warmly but luckily the rain held off and the exhibit was well worth the effort. We enjoyed a lovely walk through the creatively lighted gardens and conservatory. We had fun interacting with the lights and making the colors change.

 
Thanks to Mary Mayo and Nina for organizing and to Roger for driving the bus.