As you may have noticed over the last three years, the church has been fortunate to have a group of talented and energetic volunteers who have built trails in the woods, cleaned out invasive species, and improved the creek for control of water flow. This spring a new play structure was installed in the woods to augment those already in place.  We acquired a new sculpture north of the sanctuary, and the labyrinth has been spruced up.  We want our outdoor spaces to be friendly and used by church members and our neighbors!

To effectively restore the woods to a more native habitat, control undesirable invasive species and help improve the creek water quality, the church applied to Polk County for a permit to conduct a habitat enhancement burn.  This will take place on November 12, weather permitting, with backup dates of November 19 and December 10.

The church hired a trained and experienced burn crew leader and will have trained crew members on site.  Evaluation of wind speed and direction, a smoke management plan, effective fire breaks and other tools and techniques to protect the church as well as nearby properties will be part of the planning process.  We will work with city emergency services on the day of the burn.  Safety is our number one priority.

If you are interested in helping or observing, please contact Lee Searles at searleslr@msn.com  The day will start at 9 a.m. with orientation and training (mandatory for those helping) and will end mid-afternoon.