The 2019 Earth Day conference of the Nelson Institute at Monona Terrace focused on "Stories from a Changing World". Key note speakers were Robin Bronin of the Alaska Institute for Justice, Yolanda Joab-Mori, a climate activist of Micronesia, and Dan Vimont of the UW Center for Climatic Research.They helped the audience understand the life changing effects of climate change by telling stories of indicviduals and communities in which they live. Presenters in the break-out sessions also included stories to shed light on issues relating to resiliency, adaption, environmental leadership, problem solving through video gaming, global health, diets, and wildlife adaptations.
The Friends and Preserve Staff were one of 50 exhibitors, joining other area environmental and climate change related organizations. Breaks between session were times for networking among colleagues and sharing about the Preserve with visitors. .Bryn Scriver and Adam Gundlach represented the Preserve, Gisela Kutzbach, Doris Dubielzig and Steve Sentoff represented the Friends. Photos Bryn Scriver.
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On Sunday, April 28, Glenda Denniston arrived early to greet the nineteen attendees of her Bill’s Woods spring wildflowers tour. The sun was shining, bringing a welcome change from the snow flurries of the day before. The flowers did not disappoint: masses of Virginia blue bells covered the forest floor, with Dutchman’s breeches, Cut-leaved toothwort, and Wild ginger in abundance. The delicate spring ephemerals splashed the leaf-caked forest floor with their pastel colors and the buds of some of the shrubs and trees unfurled hesitantly. Glenda showed us aerial photographs of the area spanning 80 years, and photos of the first planting parties in 2001. The growth and changes in Bill's Woods since then have been remarkable! It was a treat to see the area through the eyes of one of the original leaders of the restoration, and the pleasure Glenda has in continuing to care for this beautiful spot. We also saw some Hepatica, Bloodroot, and a massive clump of Trillium. Two barred owlets nesting in a Red Oak hollow were spotted above the trail. Sandhill Cranes called back and forth in the Class of 1918 Marsh. It’s probably safe to assume that the cranes were enjoying the warm weather as much as we were! Friends host and reporter: Matt Chotlos.
About 125 people attended the Annual Meeting of the Friends, held at the Arboretum Visitor Center, to hear Matt Reetz, Executive Director of Madison Audubon Society, speak about “Flock and Awe: The incredible (and perilous) lives of migratory birds.” In his presentation, he explained the different patterns of bird migration, the extraordinary physical feats and efforts that birds risk in exchange for safer breeding grounds and more abundant food at their destinations. He described the guides birds use on the way, such as the stars in the night sky or even magnetic fields, as well as the dangers they encounter on their journeys, including the deadly obstacles of glass buildings. Matt has a knack for sprinkling in humor. He made his audience feel comfortable, and he used some entertaining graphics to make points. We loved your talk and way of presenting, Matt. Outgoing president Doris Dubielzig reviewed the work of the Friends in 2018, highlighting our strong financial position thanks to generous support by members and donors. She addressed the important projects that the Friends support, including Prairie Partner Interns during the summer, contributions to the Preserve Stewardship fund, purchasing of plants, citizen science projects, and communication. She reminded us that the Friends is operating entirely on the time and talents of our members. She emphasized the good cooperation we have with the Preserve staff. Gary Brown, UW Director of the Lakeshore Preserve, introduced the Preserve staff: Laura Wyatt, Bryn Scriver and Adam Gundlach. He reported that the Preserve is seeking a fourth FTE position. He shared that the Preserve’s Strategic Planning process is in full swing, which will guide the use and on-going management of the Preserve over the next 10+ years. Gary Brown encouraged everyone to complete the online survey at https://go.wisc.edu/udc0uh (active until May 6)
Seth McGee thanked departing Board members Amanda Budyak (treasurer), Linda Deith (newsletter producer), Peter Fisher (field trip coordinator) and Mitchell Thomas (student Board member) for their excellent services for the Friends and the Preserve. Steve Sentoff, vice president, and conducted the election of new Board members Eve Emshwiller, and MJ Morgan, returning Board members Olympia Mathiaparanam, Seth McGee, and Paul Noeldner, and student Board members Tom Bryan and Matt Chotlos. The crowd enjoyed the appetizers and desserts as well as informative poster exhibits. Alder Levin, Seth McGee and Gisela Kutzbach recorded the event in photos. Sara Hotchkiss, Chair of the UW faculty Preserve Committee, gave a passionate talk about the role of the Preserve as an accessible outdoor laboratory for generations of students and faculty. By grouping various types of research/course projects (from a sampling of research permits in the Preserve) through connecting colored lines resulting in an intricate network, she demonstrated clearly the synergy and cross fertilization of ideas that can take place in the outdoor lab of the Preserve. She commented positively on the role that the Friends play in facilitating connections across the community at large. The Exploration Stations at Picnic Picnic Point, as part of the UW Science Expedition 2019, were meticulously planned and staffed with experts in many areas. The only thing that didn’t cooperate was the weather: a freak, weak front brought at times heavy rain, which ended promptly once the event was over. Nevertheless, about 30 nature enthusiasts ventured out in the rain to visit the five exploration stations. They learned from experts about rocks, trees, birds, pollinator plants, and effigy mounds in the Preserve. Each visitor received an 8-page booklet with explanations and hands-on activities at each station, for both children and adults. Doris Dubielzig, president of the Friends, coordinated the work of the five Exploration Station leaders and Olympia Mathiaparanam organized the Bradley Hall student assistants. Tom Zinnen, UW organizer of this campus-wide event, strongly supported these efforts. Preserve staff was also participated in this event. All in all 25 volunteers contributed their time and talents. Geologic Gems: David Mickelson, Scot Moss, Cameron Batchelor, Lisa Haas, Kai Hu Tree Treasures: Matt Chotlos, Nate Chotlos Birding Basics: Paul Noeldner, Galen Hasler Butterfly Balls: Bryn Scriver, Eve Emshwiller Mound Makers: Amy Rosebrough, Chuck Keleny Organizer, Greeters: Doris Dubielzig, Olympia Mathiaparanam, Kennedy Gilchrist Booklet, Photographer, Report: Gisela Kutzbach Student volunteers from Bradley Hall: Ethan Budd, Yashodhara Dhariwai, Rahul Gulati, Tanner Houslet, Matt Knox, Robert Legastzke, Jaffna Mathiaparanam, Kelly Wegner Station 1: Geologic Gems. Examples of rocks from around Wisconsin, including sedimentary rocks, volcanic rocks, metamorphic rocks, as well as iron ore, coral and more. There was also a key and bingo game to many types of rocks in the distinctive rock wall that frames the entrance of Picnic Point. Visitors showed great interest in the story of the massive wall and the nature and origin of rocks, as well as the impact of glaciation on the geology of the Picnic Point area. Station 2: Tree Treasures. Visitors could hone their skills in identifying trees in winter, based on the appearance of tree trunks, the shape of small tree twigs and buds. While buds on the whitish White oak branches and reddish Red oak branches were still dormant, the large end bud on a twig of a Shaggy bark hickory was already opening. When the large compound leaves of the hickory tree fall off in autumn, they leave a scar like mark on the branch. New buds eventually develop above the scar. Visitors could also determine the age of cut cross sections of various tree by counting their rings, as well as estimate the age by measuring the circumference of the tree and applying a simple formula. Children enjoyed the necklaces with tree ring pendants. Station 3. Birding Basics. Here adults and children alike enjoyed using the various types of binoculars to spot common birds out in the marsh cattails and on the lake. There were also several high power spotting scopes for a good steady look at birds, as well as handmade binoculars from toilet paper rolls. Visitors also learned a about calls and song patterns of various birds, and bird shapes. Even on this cold, rainy day, visitors could hear the Red-wing blackbirds o-ka-leees through the Station 4. Butterfly Balls. The activity at this station gave a foretaste of summer. Both children and adult had much fun mixing and kneading clay, compost and seeds into marble sized balls. One could shape balls from five different seeds of prairie plants preferred by pollinators: Nodding onion, Bergamot, Black-eyed susan, Yellow coneflower, and Butterfly weed. The seeds were harvested in the Biocore Prairie and once watered and placed into the warm ground, they should bring color and butterflies to homes of our visitors. Station 5. Mound Makers. This station was located at Fire circle 1, at the long linear mound along the path. All mounds were used to mark gravesites. The early mounds, mostly conical and linear, were used for burial of people of significance. Most of the effigy mounds, built in the shape of animals, birds, spirits and people from about 750-1000 AD, were used for burials of bone "bundles", representing the remains of up to 60 people. The prominent cone mound near the isthmus of Picnic Point was also used as a group "bundle" burial site for many people. The effigy mound builders were ancestors of today's Ho-Chunk and other nations. Because of the rain, visitors could not use the spotting scope to view the effigy mounds on observatory hill across the bay.
At the Eagle Heights Community Gardeners Seed Fair, on Saturday morning, March 30, Doris Dubielzig had a lot of fun representing the Friends. Visitors were encouraged to dissect a lima bean to locate the embryonic plant inside the seed (“Oooh!”). Bryn Scriver, Preserve Outreach Coordinator, provided the seeds for a second challenge, to match seeds of five butterfly-attracting prairie plants that grow in the Preserve with illustrations of the plants. Given the Seed Fair clientele, those who rose to the seed matching challenge all scored 80% or higher. The relatively large seeds of wild onion, Allium cernuum, were the hardest to match.Tom Bryan, of the Greenhouse Learning Community, provided a a tray of vegetable seedlings to show their passive watering system and a baby burr oak (another dicot!). Visitors received maps of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, diagrams of monocot and dicot seed structures, and the list of 2019 Spring and Summer Field Trips and Volunteer Workdays.
On February 17th an intrepid group of Friends and concerned citizens gathered at the Eagle Heights Community Center to learn about and discuss the increasingly relevant topic of blue-green algae blooms with Dr. Trina McMahon. McMahon, a microbial ecologist and professor in the UW Civil and Environmental Engineering and Bacteriology departments, shared her expertise on blue-green algae, delving into what causes blooms, how blue-green algae affects water quality and what measures we might take to solve the problems associated with it.
McMahon pointed out that the name “algae” is a bit of a misnomer as the organism is not an algae at all, rather, it is a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. From an evolutionary standpoint, blue-green algae is more similar to humans than it is true algae. Distinguishing it from true algae is important when one considers how blue-green algae functions in the ecosystem. Unlike true algae, blue-green algae does not play a major role in establishing the aquatic food chain. It produces toxins, reduces light penetration, causes foul odors, and contributes to harmful dissolved oxygen depletion in our lakes. Some cyanobacteria species are native to Wisconsin and blooms have occurred for centuries in our lakes. In recent years however, the frequency and magnitude of blooms has grown at an alarming rate. Most scientists point to the influx of phosphorus into open water systems and McMahon detailed how the nutrient serves as a limiting factor which regulates cyanobacteria population size. Changes in agricultural techniques, land use, and soil disturbance have all contributed to increased levels of phosphorus in our lakes, creating a situation in which blue-green algae can flourish. Dr. McMahon’s fascinating presentation catalyzed a bright discussion with many of the attendees sharing their experiences and insights into the not-well-understood phenomenon of blue-green algae blooms. Among the many problems associated with the frequent blooms in our lakes is how their occurrences could affect our perception of Madison lakes. Dr. McMahon poignantly remarked that if people are afraid to be in or around the lakes, they’ll use them less. If Madison residents stop interacting with our lakes, they might give up on the them, making it much harder to solve the problems that require our help. After Dr. McMahon’s presentation, Dea Larsen Converse, from the Clean Lakes Alliance (CLA), discussed the CLA’s mission, the importance of their Water Quality Monitoring Program, and how individuals can assist in reducing nutrient pollution and improve the cleanliness of Lake Mendota water. Arlene Koziol, Friend of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve and Clean Lakes Alliance Water Quality Monitor, explained the role of a CLA Water Quality Monitor while Jeff Koziol demonstrated how to use a turbidity tube to assess water clarity. See Arlene's account of the 2018 Cyanobacteria blooms on Lake Mendota. Steve Sentoff of the Friends has formed a team of volunteers who will monitor water quality following the Clean Lake Alliance protocol along University Bay boating pier. Seth McGee was the Friends' host for the event. He provided this summary and photos. On a cold and windy winter day, Sunday, February 24, a few hardy souls joined Master Naturalist Alex Singer for our 4th Sunday field trip in the Preserve. While the wind whistled around us, we looked for signs of life, and were surprised to see a number of brave-hearted squirrels high in the trees eating the available buds and a few chickadees and nuthatches lower to ground in search of tiny morsels of available food. Alex's theme for the walk was appropriate for the weather—how animals spend their winter, and how they adapt to such radical and frequent changes in conditions. We searched for evidence of their presence, finding signs in the bushes, trees and snow, and mounds (or push-ups) in the cattails just off shore, visible proof that the muskrats are wintering in place. Of course, we discussed the impacts of climate change and some expected influences on the wildlife of the Preserve. As is a trademark of Alex's outings, we were also treated to some suitable poetry. Aptly, Alex read one poem by Margaret Atwood entitled February and another by Tess Gallagher, Choices, that is quite thought-provoking for nature lovers. Peter Fisher, Friends host for this field trip, provided the summary. If you want to find out more about how birds survive the winter, please visit Cornell Labs Citizen Science page on just that topic. Find out why a Chickadee's feet don't freeze.
On Saturday, January 12 David Drake from Forest and Wildlife Ecology led a group of about 20 participants on a tour about the winter wildlife in the Preserve. Due to the lack of snow, we weren't able to view animal tracks, but David described the birds and mammals that resided here in winter. He also showed us his trapping site for the Urban Canid project he has been leading. They are using road-killed deer as bait for trapping coyotes and foxes to be radio-collared and tracked for the study. One particularly interesting result so far has been that in open areas, coyotes will drive away foxes to reduce competition for food, but in our urban area the two species co-exist. This seems to be because there are plenty of resources for both. Another result has been that foxes tend to have less incidence of heartworm and Lyme disease, which are transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. Foxes are usually in closer association with human habitation (often tracked in people's yards) and apparently benefit from human attempts to kill mosquitoes and ticks. Report and photo by Friends host Steve Sentoff
Under cloudy skies, Master Naturalist Paul Noeldner greeted holiday visitors to the Preserve with hot chocolate at the entrance to Picnic Point. The temperature hovered at freezing. After hearing an overview of winter bird activity, the group of 18 began the walk down the peninsula to Fire Circle #2. Chuck Keleny, a regular on the 4th Sunday walks, placed his spotting scope along the shore of University Bay, where attendees could see the beautiful tundra swans that have populated the Bay for the past several weeks. Paul explained that the swans will continue to feast on the plants in the Bay until it freezes over. Then the birds will resume their migration to the Chesapeake Bay region of the East Coast. A few mergansers, mallards and downy woodpeckers were also sighted. With a lovely fire at Fire Circle #2, Paul treated the group to marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate bars to make S’mores. After blowing a short introduction on his tuba, Paul led the some of the group in singing carols, while others studied the wildlife on Lake Mendota. The outing was an opportunity to pause and enjoy the Preserve during this festive time of the year. Report and photos by Friends host Doris Dubielzig
On a chilly, overcast, “doubtful” day, 21 participants joined Chuck Henrikson, birding enthusiast and an expert in veterinary anatomy, at the entrance to Picnic Point. Chuck began the Owl Prowl with a “trunk show” at his car. He reviewed the 8 species of owls found in Wisconsin, and their nocturnal adaptations. Chuck showed how feathers are constructed and passed around a dissected owl pellet for all to see. Then we started the walk up the path to the tip of Picnic Point, stopping to observe the aquatic birds on University Bay through Chuck’s spotting scope. We saw lots of Coots, Buffleheads, and Mallards, and a half-dozen Loons. A rare sighting of a Eurasian Wigeon was made on the Bay in the morning, but none in our group found it. The chilly wind picked up as we approached the end of the Point and walked down the steps to the frothy edge of Lake Mendota. We circled back towards Bill’s Woods where barred owls nested last spring. From his smartphone, Chuck broadcast Barred Owl calls hoping to hear an answer. Finally, we heard the “Who cooks for you - all?” reply, again and again. It was a satisfying end for the 21 attendees, who stayed with Chuck to the finish. Report and photos by Doris Dubielzig, friends host for this walk.
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