On Saturday, February 28, the Merrimac & Main Center hosted a Garden Expo & Seed Swap.
Tom Howard, certified wildlife biologist,spoke about forraging for mushrooms, a long term hobby of his.
Doug Rouse, UW-Madison emeritus professor of Plant Pathology, discussed succesful methods of cultivating potatoes.
Local beekeeping enthusiast, Charles Gilles, brought in parts of his family’s own hives to demonstrate elements of the process of maintaining the bee colony. His bees generate a substantial amount of honey at the end of the season.
Kitt Schaller DVM of Wingspan Veterinary Care gave tips on caring for backyard chickens, addressing strategies to keep a flock healthy & productive
The final speaker, arborist Seth Steinhauer, shared his expertise in tree & shrub pruning. He brought in a variety of cutting tools, branches & twigs to demonstrate safe clipping techniques.
People in attendance commented that they were surprised at what they learned and were curious about learning more. One participant commented that it was refreshing to be in a place that brings so many community members together.
The Merrimac & Main Center recently celebrated its two year anniversary of offering a range of classes, programs and meeting spaces for young and old alike. In fact, at M&M on the day of the gardening event, a different group of folks in the back kitchen was learning how to make soap from goats’ milk. And yet another group, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, had tables full of donated bedding & quilts for the free beds they make for people who lack a good sleeping space for some in their family.
