The lady that likes to hibernate is being forced into the usual crazy spring schedule: weekends doing a scheduled weekend of grandchild sitting, a weekend birthday, family flying in from Colorado for a VERY BRIEF meetup where we drive up to the city to see them just for lunch (long involved story of two weddings), a dinner out with friends, spring projects such as getting a window washer in ( I have always done this myself, but find it just too draining), finding some yard help in this very rural area, and finally being roped into assisting a reefball project in the county.
You may ask, "What are reefballs?" Please go to this link and read to your heart's content.
It took us over half the day to complete what is called the "build" part of the project. We missed the second day which was the "hatch" because we had to drive up to the city.
Photos below for those who like to build projects that improve the environment:
Molds are sprayed with sugar water to prevent the cement from adhering when the mold is opened.
Our illustrious leader explained how to put together the molds. He covered safety as well and did a bang-up job!
The high school students were then released to team build their molds.
A layer of sand goes on the bottom to protect the cement from adhering to the plywood platform.
New floats (air bladders) are inserted and an air pump inflates them part of the way.
About 9 plastic small balls are slipped down the side of the mold to create the holes so that fish can swim in and out.
The students were then taught how to mix cement.
They carefully added the wet cement and others tapped on the sides and top to vibrate the cement down the sides to the bottom.
These troopers made about 16 reef balls before the day was over.
Such a great project across generations!
ReplyDeleteI just read all about them from that link and think this is a wonderful project. Thanks so much for enlightening me. :-)
ReplyDeleteLet's hope it works!
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely wonderful. I love that the kids are able to help to improve the environment.
ReplyDeleteReefballs. I'm always amazed at all there is to learn about. Certainly seems a worthy project. Hope you get further down the road on your projects. Mine are building up as well. My garden -- I just pretend its not there as it needs my tending and my energy and time for it is not there right now
ReplyDeleteYes, those are an excellent reason to get a window washer. You might also consider a housecleaner too. You two are the good guys.
ReplyDeleteWhen compared to you two, we are treading water.
Deletegood to see some attempts to overcome human activity.
ReplyDeleteWhat a worthy project!
ReplyDeleteYou have been busy and making good use of your winter. Happy spring tomorrow! Andrea
ReplyDeleteI followed the link too to to learn about reef balls. I don't know if we use them here on the west coat. This was new information for me. Thanks. A great project.
ReplyDeleteGreat project ... very clever.
ReplyDelete