Pestival

This Saturday the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes held their 3rd Annual "Pestival."

For the record, the "p" with which I began that word isn't a typo or some weird text-only speech impediment. It is intentional. And here's why.

Apparently portions of the nature preserve there are frequently overrun by garlic mustard weed, an invasive plant that is also edible and delicious. Every year, hordes of volunteers pick large amounts of it, wash it, and then some tremendously talented staffers make it into pesto. They turn the whole event into a great fundraiser, and patrons receive a delicious dinner of organic greens, pasta with garlic mustard pesto, and dessert.

A lot of fun, especially with the power-point playing in the background that interspersed mug-shots of underworld all-stars like Capone and Dutch Schulz with info slides and pics of various other invasive flora, where they "escaped" from, and what "crimes" they commit in the eco-systems they have invaded.

You missed the boat on this year's event, but keep it in mind for next summer. It was a great way to spend a warm summer evening, and a great cause to support. In the meantime, check out the Nature Center next time you want to take a stroll, see some wildlife (flora and fauna), and dig a slice of nature in the midst of our urban jungle.