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Kids, families pound flowers into art
07/30/07 — WOODCOCK TOWNSHIP — More than 70 children and adults of all ages were busy pounding hammers and arranging flower petals to create a floral work of art on fabric at Stainbrook Park.
The Crawford County Conservation District, along with local artist Peggy Spaulding, held two sessions of a “flower pounding” program, allowing participants to use the pigment of various flowers to make colorful bookmarks.
The Conservation District hosts several free programs throughout the summer at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center and Stainbrook Park, including family fishing, scouting for butterflies, streamside critters and many more.
“It’s pretty neat and very interesting,” said Kelly Bell of Hadley. “We had gotten a brochure and we wanted to see what it was all about. I think it’s very good. It allows you to create something original and unique.”
It’s also a way to make people more aware of what the Woodcock Creek Nature Center has to offer, according to Kathy Uglow, an environmental educator with the Conservation District. “It’s free so you can enjoy the family time together,” she said. “We’re in a beautiful
setting and it’s a good way to get your family to Stainbrook Park and the Woodcock Nature Center.”
Several species of flowers produced brilliant colors including phloxes, geraniums, ferns and the petals of marigolds and hydrangeas.
But don’t be surprised if a pink flower produces a shade of purple. Many of the flowers produce other colors and it’s just “a matter of experimenting,” according to Spaulding.
Eight-year-old Bailey Bustamante of Meadville was fascinated with the results. “When you pounded the pink flower down, it turned out really cool,” he said. “I like to learn about a lot of stuff and it (the program) helps with your learning. I want to do it more.”
Joe Amon of Conneaut Lake and his 23-year-old daughter, Jessica, saw the program as a way to spend time together and enjoy the outdoors. “I’ve always liked the outdoors and nature part (of the programs),” he said. “It’s a lot of fun and it’s pretty educational. The more we do this, the more she (Jessica) appreciates the outdoors.”
The Union City Boys and Girls Club, which participates in various programs and activities throughout the year, also came out to create floral patterns. “Most of the kids probably have not done this and we’re enjoying it,” said Trish Hoban, an aide with the club. “It gives them some self-esteem to see something they’ve done and accomplished. It makes them feel good about themselves. It’s very rewarding to watch them do this.”
And they’re not only enjoying themselves, but it also “strengthens family togetherness and they are learning something new,” according to Lynn Sandieson, the Conservation District’s manager. “The nature center is for the community and it’s an opportunity to enjoy something right in Crawford County. We hope to keep the project going and growing.”
Jamie Musick can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at jmusick@meadvilletribune.com.
To learn more about programs offered by the Crawford County Conservation District, call 763-5269. Registration for programs is appreciated and all children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult. The Woodcock Creek Nature Center hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Stainbrook Park is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week.
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