The Foundry Tree returned to the Metal Museum for the 2026 F.I.R.E. Conference. My kids and I enjoyed our second visit to the Metal Museum. Many thanks to James Vanderpool for the invitation.
My kids Ima and Ari helped with the Foundry Tree setup, patch sales, data entry, bird and bug discussions, and packing up. They have their own blogs with their nature observations from our journey. Ima’s posts are up on her blog Birdminded, and Ari’s Love of Bugs Metal Museum post. We loved seeing all the amazing Tulip trees, Mississippi Kites, Black Vultures, Blue Grosbeaks, and Zebra Swallowtail butterflies.
Many thanks to EVERYONE. My kids and I had an great trip driving to Memphis, TN from Chicago and back again.
Image provided by James Vanderpool.
Image of James Vanderpool and Gabe Akagawa courtesy of James Vanderpool.
Ari Akagawa and Ima Akagawa in front of the Mississippi River.
Ima Akagawa and Ari Akagawa inspecting the Magnolia tree.