Friends of Lake Roberta Picnic

Early this year, OSHNA's Lake  Roberta committee received a $6,000 grant to do cleanup work at the lake.  Part of that work involved installing a "water goat" to "eat" the trash that flows into Lake Roberta from the Nebraska avenue side.  This device was installed in January and has been earning its keep since then.  One of the requirements for the grant was for OSHNA to hold two educational events.  On May 8th, the committee held the first of these events as a "Weed and Feed". 

Neighbors gathered at the lake at two homes, the Woods and Baldwin residences, for children's educational activities and grilled hot dogs, burgers, and veggie burgers.  Monica Steele is a natural with children and explained what oil and other contaminants do to the water and the living things within it.  The freshly paved roadway in front Bret Woods' home was treated to ecological chalk drawings by attendees.

While the children were busy learning about the debris in the lake, a group of neighbors and their dogs circled it with trash bags and cleaned up various items, mostly small, and removed water bottles caught by the water goat.

After all the learning and working was done, everyone returned the Baldwin's home, with its incredible view and huge shady oak, to enjoy lunch. 

Thanks goes out to the Friends of Lake Roberta and Playgroup commitees for working together to throw yet another perfect picnic.  OSHNA plans on having several more of these during the cooler months.  They are open to all residents, no matter what part of our great neighborhood you're from. If you have an idea for one, please send us an email or let us know in person.  [contact us]