Mendota’s Nature‑Art Festival

The city of Mendota rolled out a one‑day bash that blends birds, art and local pride. The event kicked off at 9 a. m. on June 14 with a nature‑journaling class and a guided walk around Lake Kakusha, letting folks spot birds and learn to record their observations. A few hours later the downtown streets turned into a creative hub. Artists set up interactive tables where visitors could paint, sketch or build small projects that echo the region’s wildlife. Two brand‑new murals were unveiled, both funded by the National Endowment of the Arts and the city. One mural ties into the Audubon Mural Project, shining a spotlight on bird species that are under threat. The other captures the layered life of Lake Kakusha’s ecosystems, showing how plants and animals rely on one another.From 11 a. m. to 4 p. m. , the schedule stayed packed with live demonstrations featuring raptors, a photo exhibition hosted by the local museum and historical society, plus plenty of food trucks and shops to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher, an art lover or just curious about the natural world, this festival offered something that matched every interest. The organizers aimed to fuse conservation, creativity and community spirit in a single celebration of the place they call home.