Monday, October 5, 2009

Yellow Jackets and Boy Scouts


Yes! As mentioned below, the Environmental Learning Center recently became under attack by a rabid swarm of yellow jackets. Crazy! The hive in question was RIGHT next to the trail entrance, and sought after following a series of stings reported by patrons and staff members. The account that follows has in no way been fabricated and the terror of the hornets was deathly(hardly). It began with a search for the nest of the beasts by, yours truly, and the bee slaying bombardier Dr. Brett L. Bruyere. Together we constructed makeshift yellow jacket-proof suits, pulling all the stops to prevent further infliction by the hoards of buzzing jackets, in an attempt to locate their source. Next we precariously attempted to mitigate the stinging swarm with our very own what-do-we-have-on-hand homemade insecticide; a clever combination of sand, dirt, and a vinegar soaked rag. After burying the nest, it was discovered that the yellow jackets, in a style comparable to Houdini, survived being buried alive and were none the happier about their mud bath vinegar shower. Next an attempt was made with fire and water, when George Foster(G-Fo) aided the good doctor Brett Lawrence Bruyere(B-Law-B) in first burning the nest in a frenzied affair and then dousing it under a torrential flood. Still, however, G-Fo and the BLawB failed in removing the enemy, and only strengthened their thirst for vengeance. In the end a professional yellow jacket-trapping device was used, and I assure you dear readers, the Y-jacks are no more. Amazingly it took being buried, burned, and flooded for them o finally buzz off, oh yeah and some vinegar.

In other news, this weekend’s program, “Owl Long Will it Take” went off without a hitch and was a huge success! Families traveled back in time to experience history firsthand when they visited various points along the path of Fort Collins unique cultural past. Native American traditions blended with Civil War era battle camps to produce an event that proved to truly be one for the ages. Big thanks to everyone who was involved!

Always be prepared, as they say in the Scouts. This Saturday, October 10th is Cub Scout Day at the Environmental Learning Center, so mark your calendar for a day full of merit badge earning and environmental learning from 10a.m. to 3p.m. Cubs, Bears, and Webelos are invited, as is anyone interested in Scouting around the nature center. Hope to see you there!

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