October 24: Last Community Stewardship Day of the season!

Dalea candida in bloom, and when gone to seed

Autumn on the lakeshore has been beautiful and sunny. This is the time of year when we disperse seeds of native plants, to emerge again once we have forgotten them in a few years. This is a very successful practice at RBD, and each year new plant community members pop up around the site. Last year was our first fringed gentian from seed; this year there were at least 7 individuals! In the back corner, we noted an influx this year of wild quinine and prickly pear cactus from seed.

Join us this Saturday October 24 from 10am-12pm for the last workday of the season! We will start up again in March 2016.

Remember to prepare for the weather and terrain: there is no shade in the hilly, uneven dunes area, so wear sturdy shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Tools, training, and snacks will be provided. Contact Alison Anastasio at alison.anastasio@gmail.com for questions and to RSVP.

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Find directions and a map here.

Rainbow Beach Park runs parallel to South Shore Drive from 75th-79th Streets.
By foot, walk east from South Shore Dr. on 77th St.
By car, you can only access the park at the southern end.
From the north/west, follow Hwy 41 east as it splits from South Shore Drive at 79th St. Turn left into the park at Farragut.
From the south, follow Hwy 41 north and turn right on Farragut, just before the intersection of 79th/South Shore.
Once in the park, go past the stop sign and water filtration plant and turn right at the next opportunity, into the parking lot before the Field House. Go to the southeast end of this lot and park. Meet at the entrance to the Nature Area, which is located at the southern end of the beach (look for the banner!).

*Mark your calendar*
See you next year on the 4th Saturday of the month, beginning March 26, 2016!