Celebrate the first day of spring (Friday, March 20) with the annual burning of the phoenix sculpture at 4 p.m. at Patrick Marsh Conservancy Park!

The phoenix was created with the help of students at Sun Prairie’s Prairie Phoenix Academy and Westside Elementary School and constructed by Don Schmidt. Throughout the year, visitors of Patrick Marsh are encouraged to weave vegetation through the metal flames.  Once the growing season is over, we light the sculpture on fire.  The sculpture represents resilience, second chances, and personal and community growth.

We’ll also celebrate our volunteers and have refreshments at this event. And we’ll have some loppers on hand to cut brush for those who are eager to get some work done.

Thank you to the following supporters for making this sculpture possible: Anonymous, John and Judith Hutchinson, Tim and Beth Mielcarek, and Ann and Ron Semmann.

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Join us for the third fall harvest picnic at Westport Farm! Hosted by the HMoob (Hmong) elders who grow food at our Lifting Hearts Therapy Garden, you’ll enjoy a bountiful, home-cooked meal outdoors. Try a variety of delicious HMoob dishes, and learn about HMoob growing practices and traditions out on the land.

Entry to this event is free. All are welcome to attend, but space is limited. Sign up to reserve your spot today! Please sign up by Friday, September 12.

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*Photos taken at this event may be used in future promotions. If you’d like to opt out of having your photo taken, please let Groundswell staff know at the event.