|
2004 MAY - JULY NEWSLETTER
Flushing Township Nature Park
an oasis for plants, wildlife, and people
Flushing Township Nature Park has eight different ecosystem types on the property ranging from very dry sandy prairie, to moist rich wooded areas, to saturated wetlands. This diversity is shown through the numerous types of plants and wildlife that live in, or use the park. The Nature Park staff inventoried the wildflowers in the park last year, and came up with over 100 different species. A small mammals study is scheduled for this Summer, and will be conducted by Todd Mignerey, a graduate student at University of Michigan Flint, who is also a Flushing High School Science Teacher. This study will give us a good understanding of the numbers and diversity of small mammals using the park. We will also look for future related studies that will give us a greater picture of the wonderful diversity of life here at the Nature Park.
This diversity of life was preserved by a pro-active township board that had the vision to preserve this land for all of the plants, wildlife, and people to enjoy. Countless numbers of people in and around Flushing use and enjoy the Nature Park. It is a wonderful resource for the community. The Nature Park staff offers free educational programs to the Flushing Schools, free environmental public programs and special events. The Nature Park offers all of this without the use of any taxpayers money. The Nature Park budget comes from Comcast Cable franchise fees, and money generated from the cell phone tower. It is now the responsibility of the people in Flushing Township to preserve the condition of the Nature Park for future generations. Contact the Nature Park office to become more involved and informed of future endevers for the Flushing Township Nature Park. 810-639-6161
Guess this Animal
This animal belongs to the family Scolopacidae of the Avian Kingdom. This species is solitary and roosts in old fields or young growth thick woods. It is seldom seen during the day, and is crepuscular (most active during dawn and dusk). In fact most sightings during the day are on accident, thanks to its excellent use of camouflage. This Robin-sized bird uses its long, highly sensitive bill to probe for earthworms, slugs, and other small insects. The male is known for its mating ritual in the Spring. He will start on the ground calling out a series of nasal "Peeant", then soars into the sky circling almost 300 ft. high making twittering noises, and then streaks back to the ground in a zigzag pattern to start the event over again. This display can be seen at the Nature Park each Spring, and may be observed at the next night hike.
The Answer; American Woodcock (Scolopax minor)
Guess that Flower
This flower is in the Buttercup Family. It grows in a variety of areas, but prefers light shade, and slightly acidic, moist, yet well drained soils. Native Americans used infusion from different parts of this plant for a variety of ailments including heart trouble, fever and a wash for poison ivy. The seeds were also crushed and rubbed on a man's hand as a love charm, or perfume. It has compound leaves in clusters of 3's. The flowers hang like drooping bells, and are bright red or pink with yellow stamens projecting past the petals. The long narrow stamens are so long that only the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and large Bumble Bees can collect nectar and pollinate this flower.
Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
TERRIFIC TRIVIA
ALL OF THE ANSWERS CAN BE FOUND IN THIS NEWSLETTER
1.) What noises are made during the male Woodcock's mating ritual
a.) nasal "peeant" and twittering
b.) whines and whistles
c.) cricket like sounds
d.) horns and trumpets
2.) How many wildflowers were identified in the Nature Park survey
a.) 50
b.) 70
c.) over 100
d.) over 200
3.) When is the American Woodcock most active?
a.) during the day
b.) nocturnal
c.) from 4-6 pm
d.) crepuscula
4.) There are only two known pollinators native in our area for the Wild Columbine?
a.) True
b.) False
5.) Wild Columbine is in the Buttercup Family?
a.) True
b.) False
6.) What is the American Woodcock's best defense?
a.) Its long, sensitive bill
b.) camouflage
c.) its small size
d.) it can fly over 300 ft. high
7.) The male woodcock performs his mating rituals in Spring?
- a.) True
- b.) b.) False
Answers
1.) a - The nasal "peeant" is done on the ground, and the twittering is when it is flying
2.) c - Over 100 wildflowers were identified
3.) d - Crepuscular - most active during dawn and dusk
4.) a - True the Hawk Moth and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird
5.) a - True
6.) b - The woodcock has excellent camouflage resembling dead leaves and debris
7.) a – True
Schedule of Events
Night Hike
Friday May 21st 9:00 pm - 10:30 pm
We will look for the Woodcocks mating display, bats, and frogs
Wonderful World of Water
Friday June 11th 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Come discover the various aquatic habitats of the park and what types of plants and wildlife use them, plus ways to conserve water
Night Hike
Friday June 18th 9:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Bats, frogs, crickets, and maybe lightning bugs
Wildflower Walk
Saturday June 19th 10:00 am - 11:30 pm
Come and see some beautiful colors of the Nature Park
WildflowerWalk and native plant sale
Saturday July 17th 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join "Wildones" a local native plant club as we explore the park for some summer flowers, plus browse through some native plants to purchase and plant in your own yard
Night Hike
Friday July 23rd 9:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Bats, lightning bugs and other mysteries of the night
We are creating a mailing list. This newsletter has been sent out to only those on our mailing list. If you know someone who would like to receive the newsletters from the Nature Park please have them call the park office at 810-639-6161 to be added to our mailing list, or email your address to
Friends of Flushing Township Nature Park Program
The Nature Park has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years. There have been additions to the park's infrastructure including the park office, the playground and the river boardwalk. We have also implemented many programs, hikes, and special events. All of these improvements have dramatically increased the use of the Nature Park, which calls for more management. The Nature Park is looking to start a "Friends of the Park Program". This program is designed to bring people who are interested in the Nature Park together to meet and talk about what role they can play in helping to keep the park and its events running smoothly.
There are three main goals of this group. One is to build a volunteer based group that can be called upon to help the Nature Park Staff during programs. The second goal is to help inform the public on some of the Nature Park regulations, and to report any violators to the park manager (this can be done when you come to visit the park). The last goal is to find some dedicated patrons to volunteer some time on weekends providing information to the public and performing small tasks in the park. We are hoping to find a group of dedicated individuals who care for nature and are willing to donate some of their time to help make Flushing Township Nature Park an even better place to visit. There will be an information meeting held at the nature park under the pavilion on Wednesday June 2nd at 6:30 pm, or you may call Tom Enright at 810-639-6161 for more information.
Trade in your toxic fishing tackle for lead free
tackle
|
HOME
