Week 5 flew by! Although I am mainly focused on one project at the moment, I am still learning new things every day. For example, I was able to attend my first Science Committee meeting this week. FLOW’s Science Committee meets to discuss things like current and future restoration projects, capstone opportunities, grants, and upcoming events. During the meeting, we had the opportunity to take a tour of Willow Brook Village where a stream restoration project has occurred. In case the method would be applicable to streams within the Olentangy Watershed, they were willing to share the process and outcomes with FLOW. It was super exciting to see how their hard work was paying off!

In addition to the Science Committee meeting, I got to spend some time outside this week. One of FLOW’s projects is a tree nursery in Weinland Park. The land was obtained from a city landbank, and the goal is to grow trees that can be dispersed throughout the neighborhood to be planted. To maintain the project site, I stop by occasionally to mow the grass, pull weeds, and check the status of the trees. Throughout the rest of the Fellowship, I will make visits to various pollinator gardens and project sites to do a similar thing.

Tomorrow, we have another workday for the Slyh Run Bridge project by Cranbrook Elementary School. Hopefully, we have a big turn out and lots of people power so the bridge can be done in time for school in August. Although building a foot bridge doesn’t directly apply to FLOW’s mission, a lot of other work has gone in to restore the area. Tons of invasive bush honeysuckle have been removed and a beautiful pollinator garden is growing steps away from the river. The bridge will allow families to enjoy these benefits of the river while also having a safe path to school. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product!

Next week, I am hoping to finish up my Storymap project of creating an interactive website with maps, pictures, and descriptions of FLOW’s current project sites. Since we’re halfway through the summer, I am eager to pick up the pace and fit as much work in as possible for FLOW’s mission. Talk to you next week! -Shelly