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Members
Dianna Sinovic, Steve Malarsky and son Gabe pause on a
bench by the pond, one of their favorite places at the
Preserve. |
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| Featured Members |
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Love at First Sight
Meet members Dianna Sinovic, her husband Steve Malarsky and
their son Gabe. About five or six years ago, they had just
moved into the area from Philadelphia, when Dianna and a very
young Gabe were driving up River Road looking for a place
to hike or take a walk. Dianna saw the entrance to Bowman's
Hill Wildflower Preserve and drove in. She was impressed with
the Preserve's beauty. Dianna and Gabe loved the stream running
through the property (later they learned this is Pidcock Creek),
the paths and the pond. Dianna described this wonderful place
to her husband and they became members of the Preserve
right away!
Dianna and Steve really support what Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve
does and offers to visitors. According to them, the Preserve
is such an important part of the area. Both of them observed,
"Bucks County is such a pretty area, but it is being
developed in a way that our natural heritage is disappearing--except
at the Preserve. By showing and planting natives you are teaching
people what they can plant in their own backyards." Dianna,
Steve and Gabe come here together to see what to plant. By
spending time at the Preserve, coming to our Plant Sales and
experimenting at home, Steve has discovered which natives
he can grow successfully in his yard and what just won't work. Steve and Dianna both agreed that the "Preserve is not commercial;
you can just be with nature. In the Platt Room for instance,
there are not a lot of bells and whistles. There's not a lot
here to distract from the Preserve itself. The emphasis is
on plants here; you don't see that at too many, if at any,
other places. Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve is unique
for its emphasis on native plants and beauty, not exotics,
and for all of the trails that enable you to view and experience
the natives."
When asked about their favorite spot at the Preserve, all
had a tough time picking just one area. Dianna, Steve and
8-year-old Gabe finally decided that although each habitat
is special, the pond is a favorite destination for them when
they visit. Even though they've frequented the Preserve for
about six years, they're sure that there are still some spots
waiting for them to discover.
Equally difficult for them was to choose a favorite season,
since they enjoy coming here year-round. Spring seems to be
the most exciting for them because of all the wildflowers
that are in bloom at that time but again, it was a tough call.
Dianna, Steve and Gabe also happen to be volunteers
at the Preserve. Soon after becoming members, they received
their copy of the Twinleaf newsletter, which is mailed quarterly
to members. The newsletter contained an article inviting folks
to volunteer. They did so, starting in the propagation area
so that they could bring Gabe along with them. Their volunteer
activities have expanded to include, among other things, both
the Spring and Fall Plant Sales, and all three are relied
upon heavily as dependable, cheerful, volunteers. Steve and
Dianna emphasized that it is especially fun to help out at
the Plant Sales and exciting to see what people choose; whether
it's one plant or many. They said again and again that Bowman's
Hill Wildflower Preserve is such a great resource. "You
can see where the plants grow naturally and then recreate
that growing situation at home. The people helping out at
the Plant Sales are knowledgeable, patient and get excited
about plants. Plus, growing natives is good for the environment!"
In addition to continuing as active volunteers, Dianna and
Steve are planning on taking the training
to become docent naturalists here, so they can lead tours
of the Preserve.
When the family is not busy helping out at the Preserve,
these interesting folks might be found at home in their garden
watching the hummingbirds and butterflies that their native
plants have attracted. In addition, Dianna is a writer and
editor for a health publication company; Steve is a woodwinds
craftsman--a trained oboist who repairs woodwinds. Gabe is
home-schooled and Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve is a part
of his science curriculum, but also factors into his education
as he volunteers and learns first-hand how people can help
out in their community.
Help us inspire people to join Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve!
If you're a member of the Preserve who would like to share
your experience as a member in this feature on our website,
please
fill out this form, or you can download
it  and
mail it in.
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