NatureFest offers a relaxing pace for those who seek it.Canoeing on a nine-acre restored wetland is always a part of NatureFest.Paul Steury, who coordinates the K-12 program at Merry Lea, led a wild edibles hike.Lisa Zinn, who teaches in Merry Lea’s master’s program in environmental education, led a birding hike.Families had the opportunity to don waders and dip for macroinvertebrates.Fifty-six people participated in the Turtle Trot 5-K run. The best nature sighting received an award as well as the fastest pace.Volunteer Kelley VanBuskirk helped attenders spy on life on the small side.Volunteer Jade Gay of Albion, Ind., shares his knowledge of bow making and other primitive skills with Gilberto Perez of Goshen.Merry Lea’s agroecology program staffed a table where children could make necklaces that “grow” and adults could buy heirloom tomatoes or learn about growing food sustainably.Two plein air painters spent the day at NatureFest.Maddie King, who will claim her master’s degree in environmental education from Merry Lea this June, shares a Northern Water Snake with passersby.Visitors to the Earth Art table created their own masterpieces using natural objects.Jane Litwiller, a 2005 graduate of Goshen College, provided outdoor music with the band, Southbound Trail.
