Helping people protect the local wild and scenic places they care most about.

"Drink from the Ashes of the Enemy" Mugs

When three acres of invasive glossy buckthorn were cleared from the protected 11-acre Marc's Marsh several years ago, SWMLC had no use for the ash remaining after the brush was burned. It took artists and SWMLC members Stan Rajnak and Katy Takahashi to see the potential.

Having taught at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Stan and Katy discovered the ash made a wonderful ceramic glaze. They produced mugs that easily fit into your hand in distinctive shades of brown, tan and olive green. The name for the mugs is appropriate -- glossy buckthorn is a tenacious enemy and we're always happy to be rid of it!

If you would like to purchase one of these beautiful mugs, please contact us at the SWMLC office, 269/324-1600. Each mug is $15 and there are several colors to choose from. They would make a wonderful gift for the coffee or tea drinker in your family!

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