The Prairie Sage Winter 2013

Welcome, Kristofer Johnson! Volunteer Day

We are delighted to welcome Our October Volunteer Day was a great success. We were Kristofer Johnson as the new thrilled to have 24 people participate in the two-hour work director of Spring Creek day (photo below). Volunteers collected prairie plant seeds to Prairie Audubon Center. be replanted next spring. They also cut down invasive trees in His background in botany, the prairie uplands. (See related prairie management story on landscape architecture, and page 5.) The trees were treated to prevent their regrowth. land planning provides a great set of skills for our Another Volunteer Day will be scheduled for next spring. important work. For information about this or any other upcoming volunteer event, contact Chris Thody at [email protected] or call Kristofer states, “I am thrilled us at 402/797-2301. You can also check our Web site for to be joining Spring Creek events at www.springcreekprairie.org. Thank you to all of our Prairie and look forward wonderful volunteers! to meeting all of the dedicated people involved in its success. I am very excited to further engage the community This project was made possible to be involved with SCP and to build on your previous by a TogetherGreen Innovation accomplishments. Thank you in advance for your assistance Grant provided through an alliance as we continue our efforts for tallgrass prairie conservation.” between National Audubon Society and Toyota. Kristofer and his wife, Dori Johnson, moved back to Kristofer’s hometown of Lincoln from Salt Lake City, Utah. Dori works in the University of Nebraska’s Office of Research and Economic Development.

If you would like to receive The Prairie Sage by e-mail, notify us at [email protected] or call 402/797-2301.

Audubon Centers Among Top Sites

The Center for Great Plains Studies at the University of The CGPS listed Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary, along with the Nebraska has named Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center Crane Trust, among the top 10 ecotourism sites in the region, as one of the top 50 ecotourism sites in the Great Plains. To for their conservation and education missions regarding the obtain the list, specialists were asked to identify the sites that Platte River and the sandhill crane migration. offered the “best, most powerful environmental experience and/or the ones that are ecologically the most important.” Hello Prairie Folks! FROM THE DIRECTOR I am so pleased to introduce our new Greetings! I am thrilled to introduce of private and public clients with director, Kristofer Johnson. He comes myself as Spring Creek Prairie Audubon preservation of environmental integrity. to us with all kinds of experience and Center’s new director. I am originally I believe this background, coupled with enthusiasm to help take our prairie from Lincoln and now after being away my operations management experience conservation efforts to a new level. for nearly 20 years, I am excited to be and a strong interest in working with back among friends, family, and familiar students of all ages to understand the Thanks to all of you who helped with a surroundings. More importantly, I landscape in novel ways, will lead to a busy fall season! Please stop in and say have the pleasure of working at this very successful future. “hi” when you visit. incredible place on education programs and habitat projects that represent a Now that you know a little about me, Sincerely, positive impact on our community. I would love to know more about all of you. As donors, volunteers, and I come here with a bachelor’s degree in supporters of Spring Creek Prairie, you botany from the University of Wyoming are critically important to our efforts. I Executive Director, Audubon Nebraska where I concentrated on broader plant invite you to call me directly or come ecology and landscape processes. I then out to the Center to meet in person. I Looking for a Place to pursued a graduate degree in landscape welcome the opportunity to discuss the Host an Event? architecture from the University future of tallgrass prairie education and of Illinois, which added a layer of conservation with you. Thank you for Remember Spring Creek Prairie design and land use policy to my your generosity and hard work. when planning business meetings, environmental education. Throughout wedding and anniversary receptions, my professional career, I have focused Best regards, and other get-togethers. on large-scale planning projects that strike a balance between the interests Kristofer Johnson, Director Five Years of Prairie Immersion by Deb Hauswald, Education Coordinator Five years and nearly 6,600 fourth The teacher evaluations and thank- grade students, each spending more you letters from students we received than three hours investigating, indicate the prairie is on its way to exploring, and reflecting in tallgrass an even better conservation future. prairie, have moved the mission Here are a few quotes from the teacher of Spring Creek Prairie Audubon evaluations: Center forward in exponential ways. “Very science-oriented. Kids were This year, the nearly 1,400 students investigating, recording and measuring, that visited between the end of making conjectures — simply fabulous! August and the middle of October They are volunteer Discovery Leaders I’ve taught a long time and have been marveled at the colors of the season, Sue Block, Emilie Ellingson, Ingrid on dozens of field trips. This is by far at the adaptations of the prairie plants Kirst, Gracie Morris, Jane Reinkordt, the best one…Thank You!” to the drought, and at the diversity of Dana Schmidt, Patty Spitzer, and invertebrates they captured using sweep Ruthie Stearns, and staff persons “Well done by professionals. Absolutely nets. A jeweler’s loupe, a new tool added Ben Mullarkey, Amy Plettner, Kevin perfect.” this year, allowed students to experience Poague, and Chris Thody. and appreciate a variety of plants up “The most valuable aspect of this field close and personal. Finally, thanks to the volunteers who trip was the hands-on experience for helped staff our building during tours: students — real life. Thanks for your Thanks to all the folks that helped make Bill and Trudy Adams, Bill Edwards, hard work in keeping our tallgrass these very positive outcomes possible. Edith Meints, and Rob Wikel. prairie ecosystem protected!”

2 The Prairie Sage Programs Details at www.springcreekprairie.org. Register by e-mail ([email protected]) or 402/797-2301. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Class sizes limited. Payment collected on day of program; checks and credit cards accepted.

Groundhog Tales In Search of a Season: A Spring Treasure Hunt Saturday, February 2 9:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 23 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon Sunday, March 24 1:00-4:00 p.m. Start the celebration of the groundhog with a short introduction to groundhog facts and folklore followed by a Starting every 20 minutes, teams of two to ten participants hike to the most promising places on the prairie where one will be outfitted with a treasure map and clues to search for may grace us with an appearance (or not!). Hot chocolate will hidden treasure chests along the trail. At each chest they will be served at the Center afterward. use observation skills and special equipment to investigate the $5/person. Register by Feb. 1. sights and sounds of the prairie, and discover the subtle and sometimes elusive treasures of spring. $15/team. Each team must have at least one adult. Teams must preregister for a Warming Up to Winter Bugs scheduled starting time by March 22. Saturday, February 9 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

Using magnifiers, microscopes, and mindful techniques, Make an Apple Basket adult/child teams will probe through leaf litter and rotten logs Saturday, April 27 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. to discover a variety of spineless wonders wiling away the winter. Activities Back by popular demand, local artist and basket weaver Judy include a short hike and an indoor Hart will facilitate a hands-on apple basket weaving workshop. investigation session. This program is The apple basket pattern uses spoke construction featuring appropriate for grades K through 6 and a double bottom, continuous weave and a 12” round white designed for adult/child teams of 2 or oak swing handle with ears. The basket measures 12 inches in 3. $6/adult and $4/child 12 and under. diameter and 7 inches in height. Register by Feb. 8. The workshop will be fun and informative for beginners and veteran basket weavers alike. All supplies will be provided, but Writing Shapes and Patterns in Nature participants should bring their own 3-5 gallon bucket, pruners Saturday, February 16 1:00-3:30 p.m. or plant clippers if available, and their own lunch — coffee and tea will be provided. Pre-registration is required for this Learn new ways of looking at and understanding the natural popular class. $50/person. world. Using a jeweler’s loupe with indoor and outdoor activities, participants will learn to recognize and identify the basic shapes and patterns that reoccur in nature, and see how Once Upon A Prairie Wind Kite Fly this knowledge can help make sense of what may seem like a Sunday, April 28 1:00-4:00 p.m. chaotic system. Later, participants will use analogy and other easy, playful techniques to record their impressions. The wide-open expanse of Spring Creek Prairie makes for a perfect place to fly kites, and all ages Local author Amy Plettner will co-facilitate this program are welcome to come out and try their skills. People can make designed for ages 10 and older. All materials and hot beverages a simple kite from provided recycled materials, purchase kites will be provided. $15/person. Register by Feb. 15. from The Brand (a Crete-based flag and wind toy business), or bring their own special kite to fly. www.springcreekprairie.org Reduced admission of $2/person for the afternoon. No reservations are needed.

The Prairie Sage 3 Groundhog Day at the JOYO Great Backyard Bird Count Crete Prairie Club News Bird Walk The Nebraska The Crete Prairie Club is in full swing Bugeaters this fall. The weather has been very The Great Backyard Bird Count is Groundhog Club cooperative, and Club participants an annual nationwide four-day bird will hold their had a great time finding their “Special survey (www.birdsource.org/gbbc). annual Groundhog Place” in the prairie. They visit their Take part this year on Friday, Feb. 15, Day celebration at the JOYO Theatre (in places once a month and photograph, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Spring Creek Havelock) again this year on Saturday, videotape, and journal about them. Prairie. An experienced guide will lead February 2. A good crowd is anticipated a tour along the for the showing of the family-friendly Club members will take part in many trails to count every movie Groundhog Day (of course). Doors activities over the next year, including bird seen. Birders will open at 7:00 p.m. Movie will follow clearing trees, learning animal tracking from beginners to the door prize give-aways at 7:30. skills, exploring for critters in the pond experts are welcome. and prairie, and more. Extra binoculars While there is no charge for admission, and field guides will your donations and participation in door Space is available for more people, and be available. The prize drawings are encouraged with all Downy we welcome anyone fourth grade and bird walk is free; no proceeds going to Punxutawney Phil’s woodpecker older. No Club fees are charged, and registration is needed. summer home — Spring Creek Prairie! free transportation is available through Phil will be in attendance so bring your Doane College. cameras! If you or someone you know may be For information, contact Bryan Block at interested, please contact Chris Thody [email protected]. at 402-797-2301 for more information.

Dedication of Wajinga Ti: Needs List Ponca Youth Wildlife Viewing Blind Cordless vacuum On September 29, members of the The project cleared willows from an Spotting scope Ponca Tribe of Nebraska came together area of wetland and used the remaining Parabolic microphone with Spring Creek Prairie staff and living willows along with the cleared Bench grinder volunteers to dedicate the new living branches for the construction. This Small digital camera willow blind along the pond just south viewing blind is open to the public all Concrete floor in machine shed of the visitor center. This blind was year round and will allow visitors to Chain saw chaps/helmet designed and built by members of the be concealed while looking out over Gift cards from local businesses Ponca Youth Summer Camp. the pond and wetland. It will undergo selling sporting goods, home yearly maintenance as it continues to improvement items, arts and Steve Laravie, tribal member and grow and fill in. crafts, office supplies, etc. descendant of Chief Standing Bear, spoke of tribal history ltimate and the importance of U connecting the youth to Wish List the land. He and other tribal members performed $5 million endowment a Ponca blessing drum song Barrier-free improved trails and the blind was officially Bridge to complete trail network named Wajinga Ti, meaning “House of Birds” in the Ponca language.

4 The Prairie Sage A Delicious and Successful Fund-Raiser Thank You! by Matt Harvey, Development Director Spring Creek Prairie would not The beautiful autumn prairie greeted Ringing the dinner bell was Emilie be the same without all of the 189 guests as they enjoyed gathering Ellingson, who co-chaired the planning creative generosity of the people to dine outdoors at one long table for committee with fellow Spring Creek in our community. We rely both the 5th annual Tastes in the Tallgrass Prairie Board Member Barb Wright- on financial support and on gifts fund-raiser in September. Participants Chollet (Emilie, left, and Barb in photo of time, energy, expertise, and share a common goal of supporting below). After guests took their places resources. All of these non-cash Spring Creek Prairie in its mission at the table for dinner, board member and in-kind gifts help us fulfill our to help protect the continent’s most Sam Seever emceed the event and mission. Listed below is a fantastic threatened ecosystem, the tallgrass introduced Marian Langan, Audubon group of people and businesses who prairie. The event brought in a gross of Nebraska Executive Director; Christie help make our prairie “GO!” over $34,000. Dionisopoulos, Board Chair; and Deb Hauswald, Spring Creek Prairie’s * Trudy Adams for organizing a trail The prairie displayed its resiliency on Education Coordinator; who each ride for local horse riders. this special Sunday. Even in a dry year, briefly addressed the guests. * Earl May Seed and Nursery for the 808-acre prairie was in its colorful a donation of habitat management fall splendor with russets, greens, Generous local artists, craftspeople, tools and trees for the windbreak. and yellows providing an incredible restaurants, and property owners * Board member Bill Edwards for backdrop for the evening’s proceedings, donated for an auction and raffle: recycling our old copier and printer. reminding everyone how beautiful fall is William H. Browne, Ervin Dixon, * Keith Larsen and 55+ for in Nebraska. Cindy Doné, Cliff Hollestelle, Keith advertising. Jacobshagen, Gail Kendall, Lazlos, * Dave Krenk for his help arranging Setting the tone of the evening was Sydney Lynch, Deborah Murphy, music for our events. music by Jim and the Prairie Terrys John Nollendorfs, Sam and Natalie * Pat and Julie Mullarkey of Pat’s (Jim Pipher, Terry Keefe, and Terry Olson, The Oven, Bruce Wendorff, Electric for providing labor and Schmitt). Guests were served appetizers and Mary Zicafoose. Fielding the bids electrical wiring expertise for our from Tastefully Yours, wine provided was auctioneer and Spring Creek Prairie equipment shed. by Meier’s Cork and Bottle, and local Board Member Bruce Wright. * Bob Parish for his donation of beer from Empyrean Ales. They walked protective chaps. the trails, socialized with friends, and More kudos go to Mary Strand for * Rachel Simpson for contributing learned about the work being done to taking lovely photos of the evening, honey for our gift shop. save tallgrass prairie and to educate the and to Joel Grenemeier of The * Herschel Talley for donating much next generation who will care for our Photo Shoppe for producing follow- needed tools and equipment. beautiful native places. up materials. Finally, we thank the * The Unitarian Church of Lincoln following for their in-kind for hosting SCPAC at “Share the donations: Judy and Terry Plate Sunday.” Dougherty, Allison and * The too-numerous-to-mention Gary Petersen, and Trixie volunteers who assisted with Twilight and Dave Schmidt. on the Tallgrass.

The Cranes are Coming! The 43rd annual Rivers See Rowe Sanctuary’s Web and Wildlife Celebration, site for information on crane celebrating the amazing viewing opportunities from sandhill crane migration their Platte River blinds: through central Nebraska, rowe.audubon.org. One of will be held March 21-24, the great wildlife spectacles on in Kearney, Neb. Details at Earth is right in our backyard. nebraskacranefestival.org. Don’t miss it!

The Prairie Sage 5 Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center Donors

Please consider joining these generous donors The Tallgrass Prairie Society is a group of individual contributors whose generous to ensure survival of this annual support of $500 or more honors our natural and cultural prairie history. We are special prairie. You can grateful for their vision and their gifts. We hope that you will consider joining them. You can help. Thank you for being help make tallgrass prairie not only our history, but our legacy. part of our mission! Prairie Heritage Gerry and Kit Dimon Emilie and Dave Ellingson Organizational Support $10,000 and above Christie and Pete Dionisopoulos John and Jane Ellsworth Julie Schroeder Mike Farrell and Lynne Ireland Lorraine Ford and Sean $10,000 and above Ted and Marlene Forke Barnawell Abel Foundation Prairie Star Judy and Jeff Greenwald Allen Freye Cooper Foundation $5,000-$9,999 Carr Heaney Susan and Vernon Garwood Dillon Foundation Anonymous (1) John and Karen Janovy Matt and Amy Harris Elizabeth Rubendall Lauren Davis Barb and Bruce Johnson Judy and Matt Harvey Foundation Katherine and Richard Endacott John and Hani Kenefick Deb Hauswald J. A. Woollam Foundation Mitzi Fox Campbell McConnell James Hruska Lincoln Community Margery Nicolson David Murphy and Marian Greg and Sheri Hurlbut Foundation Pegler Family Foundation Allison and Gary Petersen Langan Dee and Mark Hutchins Rogers Foundation Lisa and Tom Smith Mary and Jim Pipher Tom and Kathy Jaudzemis Michael and Gail Yanney Julie and Gale Pokorny Hod and Willa Kosman Prairie Sky Neal Ratzlaff Dave Michael and Kevin Poague $2,500-$4,999 Judye and Joe Ruffo Jim and Patty Neid $1,000-$9,999 Anonymous (1) Steve and Claudia Russell Diane Oldfather Ameritas Charitable Lana and Lon Flagtwet Keith and Sherry Schafer Ron and Judy Parks Foundation Curt and Carolyn McConnell Trixie and Dave Schmidt Daniel and Sondra Petersen Assurity Life Insurance Linda Roos Amy Scott Amy Plettner Aveda Cindy and Dana Rose Dan Semrad Ernest and Audrey Rousek Design Data Rich and Karen Vierk Kevin and Tiffany Sander Dolezal Family Foundation Prairie Wind Marcus J. and Pamela H. Snow Donlan Foundation $1,000-$2,499 Prairie Spirit Bill and Autumn Taddicken GR’s Foundation Robin and Rod Bates $500-$999 Sue and Tom Tallman Herbert and Marian Weston Linda Brown Becky and Gale Breed Bruce and Judy Wendorff Foundation Bob and Candy Campbell Cecil and Loree Bykerk Greg and Dina Wingfield Kinder Porter Scott Family Donald M. Campbell John and Karen Campbell Bruce and Judy Wright Foundation Doug and Mary Campbell Ginna and Rich Claussen Barb Wright-Chollet and Ray Mosby Lincoln Foundation Norris Public Power District Janet Coleman Judy and Terry Dougherty Chollet Pinnacle Bank, Crete James and Ginger Dager Judy and Don Dworak Art and Chris Zygielbaum Union Bank and Trust Prairie Roots Deb and Mohamed Dahab Max and Lillie Larsen Company Community Fund Tom and Deanne Damkroger Keith Larsen and Barbara Village of Denton William Engebretsen Nieveen G. Steven Ferris Jennifer Lesoing-Lucs Gifts received from August 11 Gene and Dorrie Gage Robert and Linda Lichtenberg through December 2, 2012. $100-$999 Steve Gage Jim and Kathleen McKenzie Duffy’s Daniel and Stacy Garrett Mike and Sandi McNiff First State Bank $100-$499 Dick and Gay Glover Ken and Judy Meier Lower Platte South NRD Mary Andrei Marynelle Greene and Ned Edith Meints Mills Squeegee Katie Asplund Sharp Arnold and Agnes Mendenhall Nebraska Book Company Margee Bartle and Terry Wittler Jeff and Ann Hagaman Randy and Jane Moody Olsson Family Foundation Pat and Ellen Beans Chris and Ron Harris Cindy and William Morris Stock Seed Farms Margaret and John Stevens John Hemmer Gracie and Dave Morris Unitarian Church Berry Jim and Tina Hille Mary and Bob Nefsky Wachiska Audubon Society Chris and Judy Beutler Linda Hillegass and Jim McKee Greg Newport and Shelley Stall Howard and Susan Brasch Frank and Elizabeth Hilsabeck Cynthia Nunnelee Bob and Lana Browne James Jarzabek and Teresa Meyer Kevan and Cathie Nye John Carlini and Shari Schwartz Tim Johnson Michael and Kristin Ostrom Ron and Karen Case Ingrid Kirst and Jeff Epler Dave Palm and Alice Henneman Jay Conrad and David Clark David Kroeger Don and Joanne Pepperl

Continued on page 7 6 The Prairie Sage Reynold and Jill Peterson $35-$99 Larry Gregg Jane and Peter Reinkordt John Pollack Brad and LuAnne Anderson John Guenzel Carol and Roger Riefler Eric and Julie Rasgorshek Mary and Fred Anderson Twyla and Tom Hansen Brooks Rownd Laurie Richards and Dan Mary Ann Barton Klaus and Gisela Hartmann Wes and Maxine Sime Worth Jennifer Becwar Marlene Haskell Robert and Nancy Sorensen Noyes Rogers Fred Bellum Eileen Hebets-Storz Sara Stephenson Sue and Ron Samson Patrice Berger Michael and Kathryn Higgins Mary and James Strand Dan and Judi Scully Bob Boyce Jane Hood Cynthia Trainor Julie and Sam Seever Dave and Ann Catlin Martha and Robert Kaul Rex Walton Ruthelen Sittler Barbara Day Jim and Mary King Joleen Widman Carrie Smith and Lansi Kent Deitemeyer Ruth Lionberger Nancy Williamson Sirimanodham Barbara DiBernard and Judith Tom Lynch Nancy Wilson Scott and Nancy Stuckey Gibson Sydney Lynch and Craig Roper David Wishart and Sarah Carol and Art Thompson John Dietrich Hedda Matheson Disbrow Toni Thorson and Steve Robert Diller Brad and Mary Moser Eggland Alice Dittman Marjorie Moss The support and recognition of Jim and Geraldine Van Etten Matt and Susan Dwyer Lanny Nissen all our donors is important to Robert and Deborah Wigton Bill and Diane Edwards John and Joyce Norman us. Space limitations require gift Rick and Susie Windle Dorene Eisentrager Dennis and Jessica Pate recognition to begin at the $35 David Woll and Paula Yunge Mike and Susan Ellsbury Harvey and Susan Perlman membership level. Please let us Michael and Gail Yanney Michelle Ellwanger Alan Peterson know of any missing names so Tom and Patti Yaussi Gregg Foote Helen Raikes corrections can be made in the Monte and Sherri Zysset George Gauger Ann Rawley next issue.

Admission/Membership THINK OF YOUR BEQUEST TO AUDUBON AS AN Daily Admission Membership Levels INVESTMENT. HERE IS ONE OF THE DIVIDENDS: SCPAC Members FREE $35 - Individual $60 - Family Adults $4 SCPAC members receive: Seniors (60+) $3 • Unlimited free admission to education Students $3 building. Ages 6-17 $3 • Unlimited access to walking trails. Ages 5 and under FREE • 10% off gift shop purchases. Tuesdays FREE • Invites to special programs/events. Member levels include a one-year National Audubon Society members membership to National Audubon Society receive $1 off admission. and a full year of Audubon magazine. Please support our conservation work with a bequest in your will, Discover Nebraska’s Grass Roots or naming Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center as a beneficiary of Membership your retirement plan assets. Individual ($35) ____ Family ($60) ____ Date: ______We suggest the following wording: I want to support the conservation and education programs at Spring Creek Prairie “I bequeath $______(or Audubon Center with an additional donation of: ______% of my residuary estate) $500 ____ $250 ____ $100 ____ $50 ____ $20 ____ to Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, a program of the National Total gift: $______(Check payable to Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center) Audubon Society, a not-for-profit Card # (MC/Visa) ______Exp. date ______environmental conservation organization, with its principal Name ______Address ______offices located in New York, NY.” City ______State _____ Zip ______FOR MORE INFORMATION, Phone ______E-mail (optional) ______PLEASE CONTACT: ¤¤ I do not want my name to be acknowledged in print materials. Spring Creek Prairie Audubon ¤¤ I do not want the National Audubon Society to add my name to its membership Center at [email protected] or call list it sends to carefully selected organizations whose mailings I might find of interest. Matt Harvey, Development Director, 402/797-2301. Send completed form to Spring Creek Prairie, PO Box 117, Denton, NE 68339 The Prairie Sage 7 Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID 11700 SW 100th Street Permit 1147 PO Box 117 Lincoln, NE Denton, NE 68339 Connecting People with Nature

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center 11700 SW 100th Street P.O. Box 117 Denton, NE 68339 402/797-2301 (-2304/fax) [email protected] Calendar http://springcreekprairie.audubon.org

Open: Mon.-Fri. 9-5 Sat.-Sun. 1-5 February All year, except major holidays Admission charge; Tuesdays free 2 Groundhog Tales 2 Goundhog Day showing (JOYO Theatre) Director: Kristofer Johnson Education Coordinator: Deb Hauswald 9 Warming Up to Winter Bugs Development Director: Matt Harvey 15 Great Backyard Bird Count Walk Habitat Program Manager: Ben Mullarkey Operations Manager/Important Bird Areas 16 Writing Shapes and Patterns in Nature Coordinator: Kevin Poague Project Coordinator: Chris Thody Caretaker: Amy Plettner March Audubon Neb. Ex. Dir: Marian Langan 21-24 Rivers and Wildlife Celebration (Kearney) Stewardship Advisory Board 23 In search of a Season: A Spring Treasure Hunt Christie Dionisopoulos - Chair 24 In search of a Season: A Spring Treasure Hunt Lana Flagtwet - Chair-Elect Dan Semrad - Secretary April Ginna Claussen Arnold Mendenhall Judy Dougherty Allison Petersen 27 Make an Apple Basket Bill Edwards Eric Rasgorshek 28 Once Upon a Prairie Wind Kite Fly Emilie Ellingson Cindy Rose Michael Farrell Judye Ruffo Steve Gage Steve Russell Jeff Hagaman Keith Schafer Matt Harris Sam Seever We appreciate the publication support provided by: Greg Hurlbut Scott Stuckey A to Z Printing John Janovy Bruce Wright 8230 Cody Drive, Lincoln, NE 68512 Curt McConnell Barb Wright-Chollet 402/477-0815 • www.atozprint.com

8 The Prairie Sage Printed on recycled paper