Although activities were moved inside, the rain didn’t dampen the spirits of those attending Clearview’s latest family forest night, held to celebrate the Clearview Forest and the work that’s been done on its cleanup and restoration. 

 

Thirteen volunteers helped the event run smoothly, including forest committee member and master naturalist Jeanne Dirksen, who taught attendees about owls and led them in creating owl magnets out of wood, twigs and felt.

 

In other areas, participants were painting nature scenes on paper plates and reading nature books, many of them dressed in their Halloween best.

 

In between rain showers, groups of attendees ventured into the forest to explore the paths and get a first-hand look at the restoration’s progress and recent Eagle Scout projects.

 

Each family received the book We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt to take home with them, and the DNR supplied wooden rulers, crayons, stickers and Smokey the Bear coloring books for everyone.

 

Attendees could also sign up for the two grand prizes, bags filled with forest-type items including compasses and LED lanterns. 

 

The evening also kicked off the Clearview Forest craft sale, with items made from wood cleared during the restoration efforts including a cedar bench, trellis, snowmen, pumpkins, game boards and bird feeders.

 

Volunteers also donated other types of handmade items for the sale such as bookmarks, tree gnomes, dog toys, embroidered linens and more. Former district 742 principle Virginia Riser, who volunteered for the evening, donated a basket of homemade cards.

 

Fifth-grade teacher and forest volunteer Andrea Coulter’s aunt, Barb Mager, donated handmade fleece blankets and pillowcases.

 

“I’ve helped with the forest cleanup,” she said. “I wanted to help out tonight, too.”

 

Diane Koch’s brother Craig Voge makes the forest wood crafts being sold; Koch brings him the wood and returns the completed projects to Clearview. She and her husband, John, attended the event to support Coulter and the other forest volunteers.

 

Amelia Basgall’s entire family began volunteering at the forest last spring. 

 

“The kids move sticks and Mike [her husband] runs a chainsaw,” she said. “It’s something fun to do outside as a family.”

 

Although forest crafts can be purchased at any time, the official craft sale runs through Nov. 2. Quantities are limited and many items are one of a kind, perfect for holiday gift giving.