Linda Harkleroad, Dixie Simmons and Chris Kline, members of the Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club, left, help attendees place native plants of their choice in peat moss containers. The peat moss containers can be planted in the ground and are biodegradable. On the left, back to front, Lou and Kathy Siri, Deb Webb and Barb Buss participate in the activity. (Photos by Deb Patterson)

SYRACUSE — The first of three summer Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Lake Talk & Eats took place Saturday, June 3, at the Levinson-LaBrosse Wetland and Educational Center, SR 13, Syracuse. The series kicked off with the annual native plant sale from several local nurseries/garden centers. New this year was the opportunity to speak with Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers relating to boating safety.

Guests listened to a short presentation from Martha Ferguson on the advantages of native plants at the Ruddell Pavilion. They also had the option to visit the education center building to speak with DNR Conservation Officers Jordan Boggs and Nathan Hooley on the importance of safety on the water, as well as receive information on questions in other areas regarding use of public waters.

Jay Jorgenson, left, speaks with Conservation Officer Jordan Boggs on the importance of personal flotation devices and the appropriate sizes for those wearing the PFDs.

Throughout the morning the opportunity to purchase native plants from Clayton’s Garden Center, Myers Landscape Nursery ad Riverview Nursery was afforded to guests. Experts were on hand to answer questions and offer suggestions to the needs of the buyers.

Members of the Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club were on hand, with plants, to provide an opportunity for attendees to pot their choice of a native plant in peat pots to take home.

A light breakfast was provided for attendees.

The next Lake Talk & Eat will be Saturday, July 1, when the annual bug catch will be the program. This event is enjoyed by all ages as attendees learn about the critters living in the lake and their importance in determining the health of the lake. This event, one of the largest in attendance, is held from 9 to 11 a.m.

Events will begin at the Ruddell Pavilion before moving down to the lake for some fun. A light breakfast will also be provided.

Brad Clayton with Clayton’s Garden Center, left, gets plants for Bill Harris during the annual plant sale.