In spite of the cool temperatures, the tiny spring peeper frogs were singing lustily on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) for our members-only pop-up event. Thirty-two members came out for a short lecture from WVBG Board member, Zach Fowler, who instructed everyone about the variety of frog songs we might expect to hear at the WVBG in different seasons. The twilight walk around the reservoir basin brought members close to the peeper chorus and to a wonderful surprise! Everyone got a great view of a long-billed, brown-toned American woodcock right off the trail! The members gathered with some warm beverages and green snacks after the stroll, did an indoor word-search for frog and WVBG related terms, and socialized. Three-year old Jason Smaldone expressed the overall sentiment of the group, “It was a good party. I would like to go to another one at the Botanic Garden.”
Well there is good news for Jason and all WVBG members! Our next members-only event will be a family movie night on Friday, July 12. Weather permitting, members will be invited to bring their blankets and lawn chairs to sit out on the event lawn and enjoy a summer evening at the Garden. More information will be provided closer to the event. There is plenty of time to join if you are not a member yet! These events are one way the WVBG wants to show its appreciation to our members whose financial support makes it possible for the Garden to grow and for our community to thrive.
Originally published in our Summer 2019 newsletter

WVBG members enjoy a walk at the Garden in search of spring peepers.
Photo by Megan Hauser.