Lexington residents have an opportunity for some hands-on Earth care action at Jordans Point, this Saturday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to noon.
The free program will feature boots-on exploration of Maury River stream ecology, followed by tree planting at the park to protect water quality. The program is an initiative of the local organizational collective, Healthy Green Neighborhoods, in partnership with the city of Lexington, and Boxerwood Education Association.
“Many folks don’t realize that a healthy river is teeming with life beneath every rock and ripple,” said Ginny Johnson, one of the Boxerwood educators leading the program, “and we’ll be supplying the supplies and guidance for that hands-on discovery.”
Using a process similar to that used in Boxerwood school programs, participants will wade into the river shallows with seine nets. Working in small groups they’ll gather and observe various aquatic bugs (macroinvertebrates) that are foundational in both aquatic and terrestrial food webs. As part of the program participants will learn how to score their catches to determine the ecological health of the Maury in that location.
Afterwards, there will be time to work together to plant some native trees seedlings, an action brings many benefits for the river as well as those who visit Jordans Point.
The two-hour program is adaptable for people of all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult. All supplies including nets, boots, and gloves will be provided by Boxerwood, though participants are welcome to bring their own. Pre-registration is required, with enrollment limited to city residents (a maximum of 30) on a first-come, first-served basis.
In case of rain, the program will take place the following Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to noon. In either case, the program will commence promptly at the Jordans Point pavilion area, 10 a.m. To register, visit the Boxerwood website homepage, https://www.boxerwood. org/.
