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SUMMER 2005 NEWSLETTER - June - August
Spring and Summer at the Nature Park
The Nature Park is really heating up, with many activities going on* some with programs and some provided by animals, birds and the rest of the Park inhabitants.
Heating up the prairie, by conducting a prescribed burn, in April is an annual event that stimulates plant growth. This year both sides of the main trail were burned, as was an area for an interpretive native plant garden near the playground. This process clears the land of woody debris, concentrates nutrients, increases soil decomposition, helps seeds germinate, and results in a higher density of plants.
Many species of birds are migrating through the Park and some are in the process of nesting. The Eastern Bluebird population is off to a good start, there are currently 8 Bluebird nests having eggs or young present out of the 23 boxes placed in the prairie. A big thanks to Terry McCallough, Tom Wurtz, and Buzz Zimer, three volunteers spearheading this year's survey. American Kestrels are nesting in a Wood duck box that was place in the prairie 2 years ago to attract ...... Kestrels. (Wow it worked!) Other birds that are nesting in the Nature Park are various warblers including the Yellow Warbler, woodpeckers, Vesper Sparrow, Savanna Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, and many of the more common birds. The rarest bird sighting of this year is the Water Pipit. This bird nests in the arctic regions and migrates through this area. A flock of 12-15 birds was here for about a week. Baltimore Orioles and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are two of the more colorful species present in the Park.
Woodland flowers are blooming regularly. Many have already bloomed including Bloodroot, Spring Beauty and trout lily (both yellow and white). The White Trout Lily was found in May and is considerably rarer than the yellow variety. American and Canada violets currently dot the woodland landscape along with Marsh Marigold, Wild Geranium, Wild Ginger and others. A big thanks to Bobbie Taylor, another volunteer, for helping with the wildflower survey. Look for the sign board near the kiosk for a complete listing of all species seen during any week. Feel free to add your sightings to the list if you don*t see it there.
Programs and Events
This year, more programs and events are being added to the schedule. Last year the night hikes were very popular, so they are being increased in number. So that we can accommodate everyone, both family and adult only hikes are scheduled. Several day hikes are also planned with subjects including birds, wildflowers and interpretive subjects.
New this year is a campout and breakfast in July. There will be a variety of nighttime activities and a morning hike. The Park staff will send you off with a continental breakfast. There will be a charge of $5.00 per person for the campout and breakfast. See the schedule of events for details.
In August, the second annual Fresh Water Expo will be hosted at the Nature Park. This will be an all-day event with exhibits, games, food, river cleanup and live animal demonstrations. Look for details in the program listing in this newsletter.
Nature Park Ordinance Review - Dog Leash Ordinance Strengthened
As traffic increases in the Nature Park and with many new visitors coming here, it is appropriate to review some of the policies and regulations that will help to provide all park visitors a pleasant experience.
New this year is an increased fine, from $50.00 to $100.00, for the dog leash violation during the months of May and June. This has been put in effect to protect ground nesting birds and mammals. All dog owners are required to have their dog on a leash and under control at all times.
Other finable offenses include, but not limited to, the removal of plant and animal material, which includes picking wildflowers, mushrooms and berries. Possessing alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, vandalism and littering are the other principal regulations that affect most persons and have a negative effect on the Nature Park. Other general regulations include, visitors are allowed in the Park between sunrise and sunset unless they are part of a scheduled activity. Dog owners should relieve their pets on the side of the trail. No motorized vehicles are permitted beyond the parking area except those used by Nature Park staff or an issued permit. Also the pavilion can not be reserved, and is for all to use on a first-come basis. A more complete list of these regulations can be found posted in the kiosk.
Interpretive Rain Garden - Using Storm Water as a Resource
There are more floods and erosion today than in years past. One reason for this is the increased runoff that occurs when it rains or there is a rapid snowmelt. Runoff from the continual increasing roads, parking lots and rooftops are the most common sources of water that contribute to polluted laden water traveling directly to the river and streams via storm sewers. There are programs underway for municipalities to improve
storm water drainage. Homeowners can also help with the installation of a rain garden. The Nature Park is improving the current demonstration rain garden next to the pavilion this summer. This
rain garden traps runoff from the parking lot and pavilion roof, and allows the water to soak into the earth where most pollutants will be removed. The water then percolates into the ground and recharges aquifers. Native plants help to stabilize the soil and absorb pollutants. Also the extra amount of water entering a
rain garden provides an area to demonstrate wetland type plants, which are enjoyed by a variety of insects and birds. This is a great project for the homeowner and is not extremely expensive. Look for progress on this project throughout the summer. The Nature Park will also highlight
rain gardens during the Fresh Water Expo Day on August 27th. For more information on rain gardens visit www.raingardens.org
Other New Nature Park Stuff..
**** For our night hikes this year we will be using a bat detector. With this instrument we will be able to detect single or multiple bats and even identify the species, with practice.
**** When you visit, look for the new interpretive signs around the Nature Park.
**** There is a volunteer orientation manual available from the Park Office. If you would like to volunteer, this booklet gives you all of the details.
**** We installed an oriole feeder near the kiosk. Orioles love oranges (and grape jelly) and will come regularly to feed. This is easy to make at home. Thanks to Mike Sullivan for the feeder.
**** The non-profit educational group *Wilones* will be teaming up with the Nature Park on several hikes and events. Wildones promotes the use of native plants in the landscape to increase biodiversity of plants and wildlife. The Nature Park offers the only public native landscape in our area, which acts as a great tool for the interpretation of Wildones mission statement. We look forward to this collaboration.
**** Hank, the Ribbon Snake, in the Park Office grew a lot during the winter since we fed him regularly. Hank gives us many interpretive qualities including three complete snake skins. Hank likes visitors too.
**** The bird-a-thon fundraiser went well. The weather was against us as our team of birders identified 75 bird species in 24 hours. Thanks to the pledges, we raised over $200.00. We plan to do better next year.
**** The Nature Park hosted its first Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday, May 14th. Anyone who had volunteered in the past was invited to have pancakes, sausage and our homemade maple syrup. Certificates were handed out to all volunteers, and their contributions to the Nature Park were acknowledged. Volunteers were able to meet other volunteers and members of the Nature Park Committee and Township Board. We plan to make this an annual event. Volunteers who could not attend will receive their certificates in the mail. If we overlooked any volunteers, we sincerely apologize, and would ask for you to call the park office.
Answers for Nature's Trivia
1.) b,c,d 2.) a,b 3.) b,c,e 4.) b,d,e
Schedule of Events
All programs are free unless specified
**Family Night Hike -*June 3
9:00 * 10:30 PM*
We will look for Woodcock, Bats, Lightning Bugs, Flying Squirrels, Owls and have other nighttime activities.
**Adult Night Hike - June 17**
9:00 * 10:30 PM
We will look for Woodcock, Bats, Lightning Bugs, Flying Squirrels, Owls and have other nighttime activities.
This hike is adults only.
**Morning Hike - June 25***
8:00 - 10:00 AM
Wildflowers, wildlife and various habitats in the park.
**Night Hike - July 22***
10:00-11:30 PM
See if you can be nocturnal. Test your night vision, hearing, and sense of taste and smell. Plus we can look for nighttime critters and discuss the adaptations that make them nocturnal experts.
**Nature Campout - July 8th * 9th***
Friday 7:00 PM - Saturday 10:00 AM -
Tent set up at 7:00 PM*
$5.00/person
Maximum of 40 people *
call the Nature Park to reserve a tent site 639-6161
Friday night activities:
Night sounds, bat exhibit, campfire and snacks
Saturday Morning activities:
Morning bird hike and Continental breakfast
**Fresh Water Expo
Saturday, August 27
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
An entire day dedicated to the importance of Water.
Environmental Exhibits, Water Conservation Practices, Ground
Water Model, Rain Garden and Pond displays, Aquatic
Invertebrates Sampling, Water Games and Crafts, Food
and Drink, and more fun for the entire family.
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