Green DuBois News

The Green DuBois team is happy to be out of hibernation, and back at camp. At the recent DuBois Center Open House, we welcomed and blessed a new hive of bees. Our two previous hives were hit with American Foulbrood disease, and did not survive the winter. We are in the process of adding 3 new hives to replace them, in two new locations. During the Open House, our new Acting Director of Outdoor Ministries, our Conference Minister and two of our beekeepers all suited up to bless the first of the colonies to arrive. Above, pictured left to right, are Shana Johnson, ISC Conference Minister; Beekeeper John Pawloski; Hayley Elliott, Acting Director of Outdoor Ministries; and Beekeeper Julie Kies. Two more colonies should arrive in the next few weeks.

OrchidLast week, the invasive species removal team was able to get out in the woods for the first time in more than a year, and they did extensive work around and behind the bathhouse on the Rustic side of camp. They removed in the neighborhood of 500 Japanese bush honeysuckle in one morning, and in the process came across some wonderful finds, including a mother dove on the nest, a few skinks, frogs, a native orchid and a whole log colonized with devil’s cup mushrooms. The orchid, a Wister’s Coralroot (or Spring Coralroot,) is of special interest. It’s not particularly rare, but it does indicate a healthy forest. This orchid grows about a foot tall, has no chlorophyll, and its tiny white blooms only stay open a short time. It grows where it finds specific compatible fungi in the soil. Three specimens were found across the slope going down to the lake. Sections of the woods where the team had previously worked had very few new bush honeysuckle, and that’s a sign we’re making progress in removing this plant.

If you’re interested in being part of the Bee Team, helping with invasive species removal, or want to be part of another branch of Green DuBois, send an email to GreenDuBois@aol.com. More activities will be announced through the summer.

Strengthen your community with DuBois Center

We were happy to welcome a group from St. Paul – Lebanon Sunday, May 2 who worked tirelessly to clean up our signs! We also welcomed a group of Green DuBois volunteers last week to help eradicate invasive species and plant herbs in planters near one of our cottages.

We are always happy to welcome volunteer groups, or host your communities for retreats! You can contact us at dcinfo@duboiscenter.org for more information on how to get involved!

Green DuBois Team news

The next Stewardship Day will be Sat, Oct 12, from 8 am-Noon, with a focus on removing invasive species and working on the camp recycling hub. No special skills needed, just bring your own gloves.

The Green DuBois Team welcomes anyone who is interested in the outdoors.  We have many upcoming projects focused on promoting the biodiversity of DuBois Center, maintaining our forest, and building on our ecologically sustainable practices. We welcome donations to support this work, which can be sent to the Conference office marked for Green DuBois. Anyone can be part of the team, regardless of church affiliation.

Come to a meeting or stewardship day, or email for more information: greendubois@aol.org.

Green DuBois Team News

The next team meeting will be Tuesday, Sept 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at DuBois Center. The next Stewardship Day will be Sat, Oct 12, from 8 a.m. to noon, with a focus on removing invasive species and working on the camp recycling hub. No special skills needed, just bring your own gloves.
The Green DuBois Team welcomes anyone who is interested in the outdoors.  We have many upcoming projects focused on promoting the biodiversity of DuBois Center, maintaining our forest, and building on our ecologically sustainable practices. Anyone can be part of the team, regardless of church affiliation. Come to a meeting or stewardship day, or email for more information: greendubois@aol.org.
We also welcome donations to support this work, which can be sent to the Conference office marked for Green DuBois. Thank you!

Green DuBois Team News

Green DuBois would like to welcome anyone who is interested in the outdoors to join the cause!
The next team meeting will be Tuesday, September 24 from 6:30 pm – 8 pm at DuBois Center. The next Stewardship Day will be Saturday, October 12, from 8 am-Noon, with a focus on removing invasive species and working on the camp recycling hub. No special skills needed, just bring your own gloves!
We have many upcoming projects focused on promoting the biodiversity of DuBois Center, maintaining our forest, and building on our ecologically sustainable practices. We also welcome donations to support this work, which can be sent to the Conference office marked for Green DuBois.
Anyone can be part of the team, regardless of church affiliation. Come to a meeting or stewardship day, or email for more information: greendubois@aol.org.

Fall at DuBois Center

Hot off the presses and soon to be delivered to churches and homes near you – check out our fall activities brochure and event registration form.
Make time to take in the beauty of the season at DuBois Center! From work days to retreats to our annual Fall Festival, there’s something for everyone in the fall.
Upcoming dates you don’t want to miss:
Sept 24        Green DuBois Meeting
Sept 28        Service Saturday
Sept 30        1st Day of Nature’s Classroom
Oct 5            Fall Festival Work Day
October 6    FALL  FESTIVAL
Oct 11-12     ISC Confirmation Retreat
Oct 12          Green DuBois Stewardship Day,
                     Wrangle & Ride
Nov 2           Service Saturday

Spring Thank You Party a Success

Despite weeks of rain and a questionable forecast, the skies cleared for DuBois Center’s annual “Thank You” Party. On Sunday, April 28, pproximately 65 volunteers, donors and staff – all who are essential to the success of DuBois Center – enjoyed a taste of DuBois.

As usual, there was a wonderful catered meal. But, this year, camp tours and activities were added to agenda. One of the goals of the event was to get folks out and about to see camp. During tram and pontoon boat rides, volunteers pointed out the new bee hives and docks, as well as the broken spillway. Guest visited the horses at the barn, checked out some spring wildflowers and “toured” camp from the porch of Oak Lodge using mega-binoculars. Photos and s’mores were part of the fun – of course. Believe it or not, for some it was their very first s’more!

Pictured here are centerpiece winners Micah Palmer, son of Pastor Brett and Carolyn Palmer, and Connie Freels. They won for being the youngest and oldest (90+) in attendance!

THANKS to the Outdoor Ministries Team, Green DuBois and the Marketing Committee for making this event possible!

New Rain Barrels

Education and sustainability are two of the priorities of Green DuBois.
Just in time for summer camp, rain barrels were installed behind the Nature’s Classroom shed near the camp entrance. Instead of dragging full buckets from spigots at the office or elsewhere, campers and leaders will use rain barrel water for campfires, candle-making, science projects and other activities in that area. Convenient, educational and a great way to conserve tap water, the four-barrel system will hold more than 200 gallons when full. Each barrel has a spigot, and the last one allows for excess water to run down the hill away from the buildings. Blue barrels were used to reduce algae growth in the water. The shed was selected for the gutter, despite the pavilion roof having more surface area, because the shed has a metal roof and will provide cleaner water.
These food-grade barrels were graciously donated, and Green DuBois team members installed them. Next time you’re at camp, take a look!

Lenten Work Days – Recap

      
It is truly amazing what can be accomplished by enthusiastic and willing workers in short periods of time! A HUGE THANKS to volunteers from Carbondale Church of the Good Shepherd UCC, Grantfork UCC, Trenton St. John UCC, Nashville St. Paul UCC, New Baden Zion UCC, Hookdale St. Peter UCC, and other friends of DuBois Center for joining us for our Lenten Work Days this spring.
Rotted sections of wood were removed from the Nature’s Classroom buildings. In their place, a new deck was built and fascia installed. New gutters are awaiting their rain barrels. Leaves and dead branches throughout camp have been removed, as well as a fallen tree that was blocking a horse trail. Benches and equipment were moved out of storage and set in place. Work continued on the fences around camp and at the lumber shed. Deer Run Lodge was opened and tidied. And last, but definitely not least, support work on the bridge between Oak and Hickory Lodges was completed.
This work makes a significant difference! We are thankful for the new and old friends and their gifts of time and talent!

Green DuBois Work Day

Green DuBois organized removal of scrap metal from camp last week, with the help of Garrett Pribble, his father, Clifton and brother, Nathan. All told, they hauled off nearly 12,000 lbs of metal, greatly improving the area around the lumber shed and clearing several shelves in the maintenance building. There’s still at least one more load to go, which is planned for later this month. Thank you, all, for your help!