• Heidi Petersen and Jill Gallagher are creating a simple interpretive guide. The guide will help visitors learn about the trees and landscape plants of the DF. After losing the individual tree sign plates to vandals, we decided (Jan. 17 board meeting) that such a guide, to be displayed in the kiosk and available as a handout, would be helpful. On a related note, Heidi has replaced the missing signs with laminated cards. While not as attractive as the original signs, these cards are far less expensive to replace. Thanks Heidi!
  
  
  
  
  
• Thanks to these volunteer DF workers: Peter Kinkade (Dec. - planted incense cedar/has helped with various jobs); The Educated Gardener; Cadre of Corps (Feb.); Girl Scout Jr. Troop #843 (April 1); Cub Scout Pack #125 (April 1), and the Rock-Arndt, Gunther and Hitz Families.
  
  
• Cheri Roe, SMCF board member and DF volunteer coordinator, has done a super job rallying the troops and filling up the DF care calendar. There are still a few months open. Is your community group looking for a worthwhile service project? Contact Cheri at CheriRoe@email.msn.com.
  
  
• What's ahead at the DF? Home school families, organized by Jude Rock, will be doing clean-up duty on April 14. In May, with help from the Moose Lodge, we hope to install some “sitting stones.” George Sullivan, SMCF board member, has generously offered to donate and deliver some small boulders. These will add interest to the landscape and will provide sitting spots for children engaged in DF studies.
  
  
• Benches were discussed at the January board meeting. David Arndt shared ideas and Julie Clark has been investigating options. More discussions to come.
  
  

    ‘Prairie Fire’ or ‘Prairifire’ is the name of the crabapple variety that Santa Margarita School students will soon be planting at the DF. What's so special about this crabapple?

    In general, crabapples are popular and highly adaptable small-to-medium-sized trees that are especially valued for their flowers and fruits. Crabapples require full sun. Beyond that, their needs are fairly flexible. They can handle a variety of soil types and, once established, are fairly drought- tolerant.

    If all of this sounds too good to be true...there is a dark side. Crabapples are susceptible to some nasty diseases. Though good disease-resistant varieties have been developed, few people consider this when choosing a crabapple. Compounding the problem, some nurseries continue to sell highly disease-susceptible varieties.

    ‘Prairie Fire’ is an especially attractive crabapple with excellent disease resistance. Its deep rose-red flowers will definitely catch your eye! Stop by the DF and take a look after the April 7 planting day.

Thanks to Stu Stoddard, AUSD facilities director, and staff for ongoing DF support and cooperation