A warm, sunny day provided the perfect conditions for our Annual Picnic, formerly called the Sweep Celebration. Outreach Committee members Sarah Marcus and Ann Hoffnar, ably assisted by Andrew Marcus, put together a memorable event.

Andrew Marcus admires his handiwork; Sarah, Ann and he assembled
and displayed all the ingredients for our fine repast.

RIP Committee chair Jim Anderson displays an arrangement of invasive plants collected around the picnic site itself, including porcelainberry, white mulberry, and Chinese wisteria.

At the Natural History table, committee chair Laura Mol (left) helps visitors examine
Milkweed beetles and other insects she brought along for the occasion.

Stormwater Committee chair Ed Murtagh (in black) brought along a
sample rain-barrel (foreground) as well as plenty of informative literature.

Clockwise from left, Jane Barrett and Ross Campbell (RIP Committee) and
Patton Stephens (Sweep the Creek coordinator) share ideas while enjoying the picnic fare.

This young visitor got involved in our hands-on "trash art" table,
guided by Sarah Marcus (right), chair of the Outreach Committee.

Our master balloon-twister, here showing off her amazing tree, was a hit with all ages, including Andrew Marcus (with monkey and banana) and Sarah Marcus (with hair ornament).

Visitors and volunteers alike display the many balloon creations, from left:
monkey-with-banana, tree, mermaid, butterfly, and (I think) fish.

Photos and text by Michael Wilpers, President of Friends of Sligo Creek