State of Indiana
04/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/25/2024 22:21
39th Annual Wildflower Foray, Brown County State Park
Join us for the 39th Annual Spring Wildflower Foray! Please note some events require registration.
Map to Program Locations: bit.ly/springwildflowerforay-map
Map to Program Locations: bit.ly/springwildflowerforay-map
Download the Spring Wildflower Foray Plant Checklist at bit.ly/49SyAno (Please print your own list; hard copies at the hikes will be limited.)
Unless noted, programs do not require registration.
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9:15 a.m. Wildflowers at Selma Steele (Two Options)
Meeting Location: T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Singing Winds Visitor Center (parking lot)
1. Moderate Hike
Wildflower author Kay Yatskievych's understudies, Mary Damm and Marc Evans, will lead a 2 ½ to 3-hour MODERATE wildflower walk in and around this state nature preserve.
2. Rugged Hike
The Nature Conservancy Director of Stewardship, Tom Swinford, and naturalist Cathy Meyer will lead a 3-hour RUGGED wildflower walk around this state nature preserve.
Meeting Location: T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Singing Winds Visitor Center (parking lot)
1. Moderate Hike
Wildflower author Kay Yatskievych's understudies, Mary Damm and Marc Evans, will lead a 2 ½ to 3-hour MODERATE wildflower walk in and around this state nature preserve.
2. Rugged Hike
The Nature Conservancy Director of Stewardship, Tom Swinford, and naturalist Cathy Meyer will lead a 3-hour RUGGED wildflower walk around this state nature preserve.
3. 10:00 a.m. Journey to Kelp Village
Adventure with Brown County State Park's naturalist, Eli Major, and naturalist David Mow to the site of an old village dating back to the late 1800s. Add new and amazing flowers to our list as we find old home sites using plants and flowers, planted by the early settlers, as our guide. Be prepared for a MODERATE 2-hour trek of about 4.5 mi.
Meeting Location: Brown County State Park, Strahl Lake (parking lot)
Adventure with Brown County State Park's naturalist, Eli Major, and naturalist David Mow to the site of an old village dating back to the late 1800s. Add new and amazing flowers to our list as we find old home sites using plants and flowers, planted by the early settlers, as our guide. Be prepared for a MODERATE 2-hour trek of about 4.5 mi.
Meeting Location: Brown County State Park, Strahl Lake (parking lot)
4. 1:00 p.m. Butterflies at Allens Creek
; .. bit.ly/foray2024-butterflies
Jeff Belth, author of Butterflies of Indiana, a Field Guide, and naturalist Sandy Belth will lead a 1 ½-hour MODERATE walk to identify butterflies and larval host plants important to these "flying flowers."
Meeting Location: Monroe Lake, Allens Creek State Recreation Area (upper parking lot)
; .. bit.ly/foray2024-butterflies
Jeff Belth, author of Butterflies of Indiana, a Field Guide, and naturalist Sandy Belth will lead a 1 ½-hour MODERATE walk to identify butterflies and larval host plants important to these "flying flowers."
Meeting Location: Monroe Lake, Allens Creek State Recreation Area (upper parking lot)
5. 1:00 p.m. Weed Wrangle & Wildflower Watch
; .. bit.ly/foray2024-wrangle
Learn how to identify and control invasive plants that negatively impact our natural areas and green spaces! The focus for this workday will be the identification and control of garlic mustard at the Amy Weingartner Branigin Peninsula Preserve. Join naturalist Cathy Meyer and the Sycamore Land Trust's Stewardship Director, Chris Fox, to preserve-a-preserve and enjoy the colorful wildflower display and unrivaled views over Lake Monroe. This is a 2 ½ -hour off-trail MODERATE to RUGGED activity. Wear clothes appropriate for working outside including long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes or boots with good traction. Work gloves and other materials will be provided.
Meeting Location: Paynetown SRA, Main Office - parking lot behind building (caravan/carpool to nature preserve)
; .. bit.ly/foray2024-wrangle
Learn how to identify and control invasive plants that negatively impact our natural areas and green spaces! The focus for this workday will be the identification and control of garlic mustard at the Amy Weingartner Branigin Peninsula Preserve. Join naturalist Cathy Meyer and the Sycamore Land Trust's Stewardship Director, Chris Fox, to preserve-a-preserve and enjoy the colorful wildflower display and unrivaled views over Lake Monroe. This is a 2 ½ -hour off-trail MODERATE to RUGGED activity. Wear clothes appropriate for working outside including long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes or boots with good traction. Work gloves and other materials will be provided.
Meeting Location: Paynetown SRA, Main Office - parking lot behind building (caravan/carpool to nature preserve)
6. 2:00 p.m. Wildflowers after Wildfires
Join Brown County State Park's naturalist, Eli Major, for a VERY RUGGED 3 ½-mile hike to an area of the park that experienced a 112-acre low-intensity wildfire in November 2022. Learn about wildfire ecology and see which wildflowers are thriving in the burn area.
Meeting Location: Brown County State Park, Park Office (parking lot)
Join Brown County State Park's naturalist, Eli Major, for a VERY RUGGED 3 ½-mile hike to an area of the park that experienced a 112-acre low-intensity wildfire in November 2022. Learn about wildfire ecology and see which wildflowers are thriving in the burn area.
Meeting Location: Brown County State Park, Park Office (parking lot)
7. 3:30 p.m. Hot Hills, Cool Valleys
Search for wildflowers, ferns and fascinating fungi (edible and otherwise) as you explore ridge tops and valleys with naturalist David Mow on this 2-hour, MODERATE hike through the northern section of the park.
Meeting Location: Brown County State Park, Saddle Barn (parking lot)
Search for wildflowers, ferns and fascinating fungi (edible and otherwise) as you explore ridge tops and valleys with naturalist David Mow on this 2-hour, MODERATE hike through the northern section of the park.
Meeting Location: Brown County State Park, Saddle Barn (parking lot)
8. 5:00 p.m. Salt Creek Hillside Hike
Explore a limestone hillside abundant with wildflowers, then venture down into a creek valley known for producing white-flowering Virginia bluebells with Monroe Lake's naturalist, Jill Vance. This 2-hour off-trail hike will ramble down a moderately-sloping hill into the floodplain next to the creek (wear shoes with good tread!).
Meeting Location: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Office, 1620 Monroe Dam Court in Bloomington (parking lot)
Explore a limestone hillside abundant with wildflowers, then venture down into a creek valley known for producing white-flowering Virginia bluebells with Monroe Lake's naturalist, Jill Vance. This 2-hour off-trail hike will ramble down a moderately-sloping hill into the floodplain next to the creek (wear shoes with good tread!).
Meeting Location: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Office, 1620 Monroe Dam Court in Bloomington (parking lot)
9. 8:00 p.m. Sounds of Spring
Enjoy a 1-hour EASY walk with naturalists Sandy Belth and Cathy Meyer to listen to frogs, woodcock, and other wildlife as darkness falls. Be prepared for wet conditions as we wander the trails at Flatwoods Park.
Meeting Location: Flatwoods Park, parking lot
Enjoy a 1-hour EASY walk with naturalists Sandy Belth and Cathy Meyer to listen to frogs, woodcock, and other wildlife as darkness falls. Be prepared for wet conditions as we wander the trails at Flatwoods Park.
Meeting Location: Flatwoods Park, parking lot
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10. 7:30 a.m. Early Birds at Stone Head Nature Preserve
Join Randy Jones of Indiana Audubon Society for an EASY, 2 ½-hour stroll through part of the beautiful, 138-acre Stone Head Nature Preserve. High rubber boots are recommended for walking through the Zimmerman Wetland Bird Habitat in search of some of the 176 species of documented birds.
Meeting Location: Stone Head Nature Preserve (parking area)
Join Randy Jones of Indiana Audubon Society for an EASY, 2 ½-hour stroll through part of the beautiful, 138-acre Stone Head Nature Preserve. High rubber boots are recommended for walking through the Zimmerman Wetland Bird Habitat in search of some of the 176 species of documented birds.
Meeting Location: Stone Head Nature Preserve (parking area)
11. 9:30 a.m. The Wild Side of Mushrooms
Learn about several easily identifiable, edible wild mushrooms with naturalist David Mow. He will give a 1-hour power point presentation in the T.C. Steele Visitor Center, where participants will learn about hunting wild mushrooms, as well as cooking and preserving them.
Meeting Location: T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Singing Winds Visitor Center (Orientation Room)
Learn about several easily identifiable, edible wild mushrooms with naturalist David Mow. He will give a 1-hour power point presentation in the T.C. Steele Visitor Center, where participants will learn about hunting wild mushrooms, as well as cooking and preserving them.
Meeting Location: T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Singing Winds Visitor Center (Orientation Room)
12. 9:30 a.m. Creek Walk
; .. bit.ly/foray2024-creek
Join "Moment of Science" radio personality Don Glass and naturalist and botanical illustrator Gillian Harris for a 2.5-hour EASY walk along a stream in the Schooner Valley to identify a variety of wildflowers that flourish around the creek and valley.
Meeting Location: Brown County S.P., Ogle Lake
; .. bit.ly/foray2024-creek
Join "Moment of Science" radio personality Don Glass and naturalist and botanical illustrator Gillian Harris for a 2.5-hour EASY walk along a stream in the Schooner Valley to identify a variety of wildflowers that flourish around the creek and valley.
Meeting Location: Brown County S.P., Ogle Lake
13. 11:30 a.m. Gardening with Natives
Spend time with INPS Native Seed Communities Coordinator Bill Daniels and Brown County State Park's naturalist, Eli Major, as they talk about the new Interpretive Gardens at the Brown County State Park Nature Center. Learn ways to use native plants to create beautiful garden beds and great pollinator habitats! We will give you tips on native plants that deer don't like, plants that tolerate the shade, and plants that grow in difficult soils.
Meeting Location: Brown County S.P., Nature Center
Spend time with INPS Native Seed Communities Coordinator Bill Daniels and Brown County State Park's naturalist, Eli Major, as they talk about the new Interpretive Gardens at the Brown County State Park Nature Center. Learn ways to use native plants to create beautiful garden beds and great pollinator habitats! We will give you tips on native plants that deer don't like, plants that tolerate the shade, and plants that grow in difficult soils.
Meeting Location: Brown County S.P., Nature Center
14. 12:00 p.m. The Art of Flower Arrangement
Spend an hour with Regional Landscape Manager Lori Willis as she demonstrates how she arranges a cut flower bouquet! Lori will use salvaged vegetation from pruned bushes and plants in landscape plantings and her own greenhouse, along with greenhouse flowers, to make a floral centerpiece to rival any you might find at the shop.
Meeting Location: T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Singing Winds Visitor Center Orientation Room
Spend an hour with Regional Landscape Manager Lori Willis as she demonstrates how she arranges a cut flower bouquet! Lori will use salvaged vegetation from pruned bushes and plants in landscape plantings and her own greenhouse, along with greenhouse flowers, to make a floral centerpiece to rival any you might find at the shop.
Meeting Location: T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Singing Winds Visitor Center Orientation Room
15. 1:00 p.m. Wild Hyacinth Hike
; .. bit.ly/2024foray-hyacinth
Biological Science Technician Jason Isbell and Hoosier National Forest Interpreter Summer McDuffee will lead a 2-hour RUGGED, off-trail hike along a unique limestone ridge in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area looking for wild hyacinths.
Meeting Location: Paynetown SRA, Main Office - park behind building (caravan/carpool to hike start)
; .. bit.ly/2024foray-hyacinth
Biological Science Technician Jason Isbell and Hoosier National Forest Interpreter Summer McDuffee will lead a 2-hour RUGGED, off-trail hike along a unique limestone ridge in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area looking for wild hyacinths.
Meeting Location: Paynetown SRA, Main Office - park behind building (caravan/carpool to hike start)
16. 1:30 p.m. Ogle Hollow Hike
Ogle Hollow Nature Preserve is one of the richest coves in Brown County, with a profusion of wildflowers, ferns and the rare yellowwood tree. Brown County State Park's naturalist, Eli Major, and naturalist David Mow will lead a 2-hour MODERATE hike into the hollow, identifying plants and migrating songbirds.
Meeting Location: Brown County State Park, Ogle Hollow Nature Preserve / Trail #5 (parking lot)
Ogle Hollow Nature Preserve is one of the richest coves in Brown County, with a profusion of wildflowers, ferns and the rare yellowwood tree. Brown County State Park's naturalist, Eli Major, and naturalist David Mow will lead a 2-hour MODERATE hike into the hollow, identifying plants and migrating songbirds.
Meeting Location: Brown County State Park, Ogle Hollow Nature Preserve / Trail #5 (parking lot)
17. 4:00 p.m. Weed Wrangle for Wildflowers
Show your love for native plants by removing one of their enemies: invasive garlic mustard! Join Brown County State Park's naturalist, Eli Major, for a Brown County Native Woodlands Project Weed Wrangle Indiana® workday. This is a national event that highlights the need for hands-on invasive species management. Wear clothes for work: gloves, long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
Meeting Location: Brown County State Park, Horsemen's Campground (northwest end)
Show your love for native plants by removing one of their enemies: invasive garlic mustard! Join Brown County State Park's naturalist, Eli Major, for a Brown County Native Woodlands Project Weed Wrangle Indiana® workday. This is a national event that highlights the need for hands-on invasive species management. Wear clothes for work: gloves, long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
Meeting Location: Brown County State Park, Horsemen's Campground (northwest end)
18. 7:00 p.m. Foray Species Count & "Trees from Seed" with Ray Major
Join your fellow Forayers for cake, coffee, and this year's species count at this Saturday evening program with "Trees from Seed" editor and Purdue-trained forester Ray Major, who will discuss invasive species removal and reforestation. When invasive plants are a problem, removing them is only part of the solution. What grows in their place, and how do we grow it?
Meeting Location: Brown County State Park, Nature Center - Program Room
Join your fellow Forayers for cake, coffee, and this year's species count at this Saturday evening program with "Trees from Seed" editor and Purdue-trained forester Ray Major, who will discuss invasive species removal and reforestation. When invasive plants are a problem, removing them is only part of the solution. What grows in their place, and how do we grow it?
Meeting Location: Brown County State Park, Nature Center - Program Room
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19. 8:00 a.m. Bird Hike at Stillwater Marsh
; .. bit.ly/4bXVqvo
Join former IU Biology faculty members, Susan and Jim Hengeveld, on a MODERATE approximately 2 ½-hour hike (2-miles) on the dikes surrounding Stillwater Marsh. We will be looking for migrant as well as locally breeding birds that will hopefully include at least a few species of warblers. While the terrain is flat, there are frequent patches of rough/bumpy ground and, depending on the weather of the previous few days, the grass could be quite wet, so bring appropriate footwear.
Meeting Location: Stillwater Marsh Observation Platform, 2001 S. McGowan Road in Bloomington
; .. bit.ly/4bXVqvo
Join former IU Biology faculty members, Susan and Jim Hengeveld, on a MODERATE approximately 2 ½-hour hike (2-miles) on the dikes surrounding Stillwater Marsh. We will be looking for migrant as well as locally breeding birds that will hopefully include at least a few species of warblers. While the terrain is flat, there are frequent patches of rough/bumpy ground and, depending on the weather of the previous few days, the grass could be quite wet, so bring appropriate footwear.
Meeting Location: Stillwater Marsh Observation Platform, 2001 S. McGowan Road in Bloomington
20. 9:00 a.m. Kent Farm Trek
; .. bit.ly/foray2024-kent
Wildflowers and wildlife abound at the Kent Farm unit of the Indiana University Research & Teaching Preserve. Join IU biologist Mark Sheehan for a RUGGED 3-hour, 3-mile loop through rich Salt Creek bottomland, up a wooded ridge crowned with chestnut oak, and back. Mark will stress wildflower and tree identification and work in as much forest ecology as he can.
Meeting Location: Kent Farm Preserve, 8475 E. Kent Road (follow lane, then park as directed near outbuildings)
; .. bit.ly/foray2024-kent
Wildflowers and wildlife abound at the Kent Farm unit of the Indiana University Research & Teaching Preserve. Join IU biologist Mark Sheehan for a RUGGED 3-hour, 3-mile loop through rich Salt Creek bottomland, up a wooded ridge crowned with chestnut oak, and back. Mark will stress wildflower and tree identification and work in as much forest ecology as he can.
Meeting Location: Kent Farm Preserve, 8475 E. Kent Road (follow lane, then park as directed near outbuildings)
21. 10:00 a.m. Wild Edibles and Useful Plants
Ramble, roam, and wander with naturalist Jules Erwin at the flora found in T.C. and Selma Steele's gorgeous forest. We'll saunter and stop to check out wild plants that are edible or just plain useful. This 1-mile, 1-hour MODERATE hike is perfect for beginners and enthusiasts.
Meeting Location: T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Singing Winds Visitor Center
Ramble, roam, and wander with naturalist Jules Erwin at the flora found in T.C. and Selma Steele's gorgeous forest. We'll saunter and stop to check out wild plants that are edible or just plain useful. This 1-mile, 1-hour MODERATE hike is perfect for beginners and enthusiasts.
Meeting Location: T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Singing Winds Visitor Center
22. 10:00 a.m. Porter West Ramble
; .. bit.ly/3uUBMjk
This Sycamore Land Trust preserve features carpets of wildflowers beneath large oaks and hickories, sinkholes, and interesting rock outcroppings. Join naturalists Cathy Meyer and Mary Welz, along with naturalist and botanical illustrator Gillian Harris for a 2 ½-hour MODERATE walk through this property in western Monroe County. Some uphill walking.
Meeting Location: Ivy Tech Bloomington in Bloomington - SW corner of south lot (caravan/carpool to hike start)
; .. bit.ly/3uUBMjk
This Sycamore Land Trust preserve features carpets of wildflowers beneath large oaks and hickories, sinkholes, and interesting rock outcroppings. Join naturalists Cathy Meyer and Mary Welz, along with naturalist and botanical illustrator Gillian Harris for a 2 ½-hour MODERATE walk through this property in western Monroe County. Some uphill walking.
Meeting Location: Ivy Tech Bloomington in Bloomington - SW corner of south lot (caravan/carpool to hike start)
23. 10:00 a.m. Low Gap Back Country
; .. bit.ly/3P8Lw09
Join naturalist David Mow in exploring the Morgan-Monroe State Forest. This 3-hour, approximately 2-mile RUGGED hike will be off-trail, following the creeks, and will skirt the Low Gap Nature Preserve. We will make several creek crossings so appropriate foot-ware is a must.
Meeting Location: Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Backcountry Area Parking Lot on Low Gap Road
; .. bit.ly/3P8Lw09
Join naturalist David Mow in exploring the Morgan-Monroe State Forest. This 3-hour, approximately 2-mile RUGGED hike will be off-trail, following the creeks, and will skirt the Low Gap Nature Preserve. We will make several creek crossings so appropriate foot-ware is a must.
Meeting Location: Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Backcountry Area Parking Lot on Low Gap Road
24. 1:00 p.m. Wander the Wilderness
; .. bit.ly/48Nu5JK
Explore the Hayes Trail in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness with Biological Science Technician Jason Isbell and Hoosier National Forest Interpreter Summer McDuffee. Bring lunch and water for this 4-hour RUGGED hike.
Meeting Location: Paynetown SRA, Main Office - parking behind building (caravan/carpool to hike start)
; .. bit.ly/48Nu5JK
Explore the Hayes Trail in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness with Biological Science Technician Jason Isbell and Hoosier National Forest Interpreter Summer McDuffee. Bring lunch and water for this 4-hour RUGGED hike.
Meeting Location: Paynetown SRA, Main Office - parking behind building (caravan/carpool to hike start)
25. 1:00 p.m. Salt Creek Saunter
Join Brown County State Park's naturalist, Eli Major, for a 1-hour EASY and ADA accessible walk along Salt Creek. Identify wildflowers and plants, as we discuss streamside ecology and land management. Learn about the Salt Creek Trail and its future - which will connect Nashville with Brown County State Park.
Meeting Location: Pat Reilly Drive Municipal Parking Lot, Nashville (behind CVS and Subway)
Join Brown County State Park's naturalist, Eli Major, for a 1-hour EASY and ADA accessible walk along Salt Creek. Identify wildflowers and plants, as we discuss streamside ecology and land management. Learn about the Salt Creek Trail and its future - which will connect Nashville with Brown County State Park.
Meeting Location: Pat Reilly Drive Municipal Parking Lot, Nashville (behind CVS and Subway)
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Wild Hyacinth Virtual Hike: bit.ly/hyacinth-hike
Backyard Plants Hike: bit.ly/backyard-plants-hike
Salt Creek Wildflowers Hike: bit.ly/salt-creek-wildflowers
Basics of Wildflower ID: bit.ly/basics-wildflower-id
BCSP Spring Wildflowers: bit.ly/bcsp-spring-wildflowers Unfurling Ferns: bit.ly/unfurling-ferns
Sunflowers and Goldenrods: bit.ly/49X5yCT
Fascinating Ferns: bit.ly/4bZybkH
Backyard Plants Hike: bit.ly/backyard-plants-hike
Salt Creek Wildflowers Hike: bit.ly/salt-creek-wildflowers
Basics of Wildflower ID: bit.ly/basics-wildflower-id
BCSP Spring Wildflowers: bit.ly/bcsp-spring-wildflowers Unfurling Ferns: bit.ly/unfurling-ferns
Sunflowers and Goldenrods: bit.ly/49X5yCT
Fascinating Ferns: bit.ly/4bZybkH
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April 27: Building Tour (10:15 a.m., $6-$11/person), Arts of the Earth Day (12-4 p.m., FREE), and Teddy Bears' Picnic (1-2 p.m., $4/child, limited to 20) at T.C. Steele State Historic State. Info and registration at http://indianamuseum.org/programs/arts-of-the-earth-day
April 27 (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Friends of Brown County State Park Plant Sale at BCSP Nature Center
April 27 (11 a.m. - 4 p.m.) & April 28 (1-4 p.m.): Native Plant Sale at Hinkle Garton Homestead
May 7 (9:30 a.m.): Flora Field Day at Monroe Lake (repeats first Tuesday of each month through October); practice wildflower ID skills with a naturalist, details will be posted at on.in.gov/monroelake
May 11 (9 a.m. - 2 p.m.): Sycamore Land Trust Spring Native Plant Sale at Bloomingfoods East parking lot
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* ^ …
*Brown County State Park
*Hoosier National Forest
*Indiana Division of Nature Preserves
*Monroe Lake
*I.U. Research & Teaching Preserves
*Monroe County Parks and Rec.
*Stone Head Conservancy
^Images Botanical
^Friends of Brown County S.P.
^Friends of T.C. Steele
^Sycamore Land Trust
^Sassafras Audubon Society
^The Nature Conservancy (IN)
^Indiana Native Plant Society (SC)
^T.C. Steele SHS & Indiana State Museum
* ^ …
*Brown County State Park
*Hoosier National Forest
*Indiana Division of Nature Preserves
*Monroe Lake
*I.U. Research & Teaching Preserves
*Monroe County Parks and Rec.
*Stone Head Conservancy
^Images Botanical
^Friends of Brown County S.P.
^Friends of T.C. Steele
^Sycamore Land Trust
^Sassafras Audubon Society
^The Nature Conservancy (IN)
^Indiana Native Plant Society (SC)
^T.C. Steele SHS & Indiana State Museum
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Mary Damm, Andrea deTarnowsky, Gillian Harris, Jason Isbell, Eli Major, Summer McDuffee, Cathy Meyer, David Mow, Peyton Phelps, Jill Vance, Mary Welz, Cate Whetzel, and Kay Yatskievych
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Mary Damm, Andrea deTarnowsky, Gillian Harris, Jason Isbell, Eli Major, Summer McDuffee, Cathy Meyer, David Mow, Peyton Phelps, Jill Vance, Mary Welz, Cate Whetzel, and Kay Yatskievych