Vision at the Lakeshore Preserve: Our Nocturnal Neighbors – June 3

Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve and McPherson Eye Research Institute co-sponsored a special field trip on the afternoon of June 3, Vision at the Lakeshore Nature Preserve: Our Nocturnal Neighbors. Sixty five attentive learners gathered at Eagle Heights Community Center to hear comparative ocular pathologist Gillian Shaw and wildlife ecologist David Drake share their knowledge of the opossum and the flying squirrel. Following the presentations, McPherson Eye Research Institute provided refreshments of bagels, cream cheese, tea and lemonade for all to enjoy. After energy levels were restored, Steve Sentoff and Doris Dubielzig led 27 hikers of all ages on a refreshing walk through Eagle Heights Woods where we enjoyed the fragrance of lush vegetation and a pleasant westerly breeze. Steve and Doris fielded countless questions, explained vegetation management practices and identified native plants and trees throughout the woods. The group circled the mounds and enjoyed the lovely view overlooking Lake Mendota. Several people explored the beauty of the woods through their camera lens stopping along the way to capture the glimmering light on the leaves and fungus on the fallen trees. Thank you to the McPherson Eye Research Institute for sharing in the creation of this informative afternoon outing. Friends host and photos by Sarah Congdon.

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