The Mendon Foundation, Inc

Carl Foss, President Mendon Foundation with Sage, Quinn and Forest Melcher

Students of the Manor School were treated to an extraordinary Earth Day Celebration on April 15, 2005. Karen Waldron-Johnson, Chairman of the Mendon Foundation’s Education Committee and her husband, Charlie hosted this special event at the Manor School. Honeoye Falls – Lima High School students and 6th grade Harley School students attended workshops held by visiting naturalists talking about environmental issues. One group of children planted a natural habitat horticulture bed with the assistance of the senior Honeoye Falls - Lima High School Environmental class, members of the Mendon Foundation and a natural habitat nurseryman. Another group engaged in spring clean-up of the school campus. Several students from Harold Coogan 's HFL High School Photography class took great photos of the day's events. A special thanks goes to all the student photographers: Stephanie Posner, Andrew Santiago, Avy Schwiensberg, Brian Zavitz, Carrianne Blaine, Christine Young and Danielle Schaublin.

On May 3rd, each child at the school received a tree seedling to plant from Carl Foss, President of the Mendon Foundation.

This day would not have been possible without the generous donations of the following people and organizations: Plants were donated by the Lima Rotary, Ted Collins, Assoc., Bristol Garden Center, Countryside Flower Farm, Village Garden Store, Union Star Lodge #320, Paradox Design, White Oak Nursery, Steven Melcher Family and the Mendon Foundation. Presenters of the workshops included Jim Atwater, Dan Marion, Jim Engel, John Hauber, Robin Long, Margo Bauer, and Linda Driscoll.

On April 23rd several residents and visitors to the Mendon Foundation’s Sibleyville Nature Reserve enjoyed an afternoon of hiking and presentations talking about Earth Day subjects. Tree specialists, Jim Atwater and Dr. Dan Marion lead a guided tree walk identifying the trees on the property and talking about the “Old Oak Tree”. Jim Engel, nurseryman and native New York plant specialist presented a talk on native and natural habitat landscaping. John Hauber, wildlife biologist guided a walk identifying residing wildlife and their habitat. Dave Kitchie, biologist with the USDA and NRCS talked about the natural grass program Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. Robin Long, Harley School teacher and Margo Bauer, Cornell Cooperative Extension Natural Resources Educator demonstrated the Water Watch Program and talked about Honeoye Creek ecosystem. Guided bird walks were offered by Kathy and Dave Tetlow, bird specialists.

In spite of the rain it was an educational and pleasant event enjoyed by all.