by David and Jean Neely

In January, CAS hired a stewardship worker, Davyn Orcutt, on a temporary basis to help eliminate invasives at WH and other CAS properties.  Much progress has been made at Wild Haven.  Davyn, with the help of CAS volunteers has  created quite a few very large Autumn Olive brush piles to burn this winter, especially below Jenkins Hall around the lower pond. This area had such a dense infestation of very large olive plants that it was nearly impossible to walk through. Once the brush piles are eliminated it will be a very pleasant place to bird.

A new, short trail has been created in that same area. Marked with green trail markers the trail begins (or ends) in the area between the large pond and the smaller pond (the old lagoon). It meanders through the bottom land along the banks of Hinkson creek eventually gently climbing a hill via switchbacks and rock steps to exit (or begin) at the swift tower. There are some very nice creek views in both directions as well as several rocky outcroppings that make fine seats for resting and observing.

The bluebirds have been active with at least 3 active nests with 12 eggs between those 3 nests.

At least one house is occupied by chickadees who are also with eggs.

We have been observing a large nest well placed high in a large sycamore tree for the past 3 years. It has been un-occupied until this year. A Barred owl has taken up housekeeping there. We first noted the owl the beginning of April and it has consistently been on the nest since. No sight of youngsters yet.

And lastly, it has been a sweet, sweet spring.  Wild Haven has been a wonderland of spring flowers, mushrooms, insects and all manner of innocent and thriving beings. Well worth a visit.