The Wild Side of July

The wild herb Boneset is now beginning to bloom more On the Wild Side below.

While much of the country is listed in a damaging drought, the local region has been spared the severe conditions. The corn and soybean crops, for the most part, appear to be doing well, although the hay crop was not as good as it could have been. After the most recent rains, one could almost hear and watch the corn growing.

The drought conditions in much of the country, according to the USDA, are expected to drive food prices higher in the upcoming months. With what appears to be a good local harvest, homeowners can save some kitchen money by purchasing and storing some of the bounty. The food items expected to rise the most will by dairy and poultry products. If the corn crop in the plains states fails to meet expectations, just about everything else will rise in price. Corn is used in a wide variety of products besides animal feed.

Home vegetable gardens appear to be doing very well this year. Any garden questions anyone might have can contact the Crawford County Master Gardeners and the Extension Office on Tuesday or email. If I could keep some wild things out of the garden, the beans and squash would be doing much better. There’s plenty of tomatoes beginning to ripen.

While it has been a hot and dry summer, the region has had rainfall (more would be helpful) and a few severe storms which caused some damages. The high winds from the thunderstorms crashed a number of trees which caused some damage to homes and cars.

On the Wild Side

Joe Pye weed is begining the bloom in many fields and meadows.

In the fields, meadows and woodland areas, there is quite the flower show going on as July nears an end. It is a good time to take a hike outdoors. There are many nature areas to visit such as Pymatuning, Canadohta, The Conservation District’s trails and the Ernst Conservation trail to name just a few.

One wild plant that is flowering snow white are the bonset plants. Boneset is a native herb well known to many Native Americans, pioneers and to the Americans throughout our history. The herb was used as a tea to treat flu symptoms , colds and fevers. It is dried and consumed as a tea. If your going to use boneset, it is always a good idea to check it out with a medical professional.

Joe Pye weed is also beginning to bloom in many regions and the wild blackberries are ripening early and fast. The berries are flavorful wild food and can be used for jams, pies, cobblers and a variety of other foods. The berries seem to be sweeter than usual this year. Just a reminder, if thunder can be heard, lightning is in the area. Seek immediate shelter. Trees aren’t a good idea to seek shelter when there is lightning in the area. In Garrett, PA, 81 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, a 36 year old, nine months pregnant Amish woman was struck by lightning. Mary Yoder was picking blackberries with her family when a storm approached. Her husband and two daughters sought shelter under a pine tree, she sought shelter under a separate pine tree. She and her baby were struck and killed. The sad and tragic events happened on Tuesday, July 24.

Canadohta Lake

A Frog Jumping contest at the Kid's Fun and Fisg Day is always one of the most popular events.

Canna Doo Wop, the communities major summer festival kicks off with numerous events the weekend of August 4. It is a fun family time with plenty to see and do. There will be a street dance, arts and craft show, a classic car, truck and motorcycle (Cruise In), a Chinese Auction, and much more. For more information, Cannadohta..

According to Ann Bergheim, the president of the Canadohta Lake Business Association (CLABA), last weekend went very well at the lake last weekend. On Saturday was the popular Kids Fun and Fish Days which always includes the frog jumping contest and plenty of watermelons. The following day, on Sunday afternoon the Miss Canadohta Pageant was held. Bergheim said the turn out for the event was exceptional this year and there were 38 contests vying for the honor of representing the Canadohta Lake community.

Jessica Fahey, a 2012 graduate of Corry Area High School, was crowned Miss Canadohta Lake for 2012-13. She was crowned by Brianne Lenhart, the 2011-12 Miss Canadohta Lake.

Timberland Bait will hold it’s 6 annual kid’s fishing contest on August 11 at the pond behind the store. There’ll be plenty of prizes and fun. More information Timberland or Fishing Contest.

Crawford County Conservation – Woodcock Creek Nature Center

Events are open to all and a generally free except when certain materials are needed. Be sure to call ahead of time to register. The phone number is 814-763-5269.

• “Make a Nature Journal,” Tuesday, July 31, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Limited to first 15 registrants and $2.00 materials fee. Join Kathy Uglow, Crawford County Conservation District, to create your own nature journal and be on your way to enjoying the outdoors!

August events:

• “Nature Journaling,” Tuesday, August 7, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Bring a journal and pen, pencil or drawing supplies and join Lynn Sandieson, Crawford County Conservation District, for an excursion and “journaling time” on the grounds of the Nature Center.

Goodell Gardens