With the technical difficulties detailed in e-newsletter #3 now overcome, more than 50 plant species identification signs like the ones in the photos have been placed along and near Lost Valley Nature Center's creek trail: on the path through the creek restoration area and on the path leading from the meadow and following above the east bank of Anthony Creek. More signs are in the works. Throughout this process, we have been compiling a list of resident plant species, which now exceeds 200, with many still to add. I have also been working on a Nature Center article for the Lost Valley catalog, and hope to send out a short print newsletter soon giving details about our first formal Nature Center open day (tentatively set for April 16).

Meanwhile, weather here has fluctuated between springlike and wintry--with Trilliums starting to bloom one day, and snow falling the next. Sparrows ate many of the first tomato and lettuce seeds we planted in the greenhouse, prompting us to protect the flats with makeshift cages. New herbaceous plants are popping up nearly every day, and the sun is peaking out again as I type this. If you know anyone else who would like to support the Nature Center, now would be a good time for them to join--I'll be engraving a sign listing Founding Members at the end of the month. More news will follow.

Thanks again for your support,

Chris