Ripples 8/31/23

Posted on by August 31, 2023

by Davin Dahl, summer intern

While on an early morning run, I looked to my left toward the West Twin River. Gliding over the surface of the river was a pair of Great Blue Herons. The smoothness of their movements caught my eye, and I could not keep myself from watching them as they landed on the river’s edge.

These giant birds often reach a height of over four feet, with a wingspan of nearly seven feet, though they are still extremely light for their size. They usually weigh about 5 pounds, getting up to 8 pounds at most. This is due to its hollow bones. Their blue-gray color and size distinguish them from other birds. They can be found along the water, often in marshy areas. Their nests can be seen high up in trees near or above water.

Great Blue Herons can be seen year-round at Woodland Dunes. They can be seen along the water’s edge stalking for their food. They enjoy eating almost anything that they can get their feet or beak on, including fish, amphibians, insects, small mammals, reptiles, and birds.

They are often seen alone, stalking the water’s edge, or gliding over the water’s surface in search of food. When they breed, they nest in colonies of several hundred pairs. They mate with one partner each season, but the partner changes from year to year. They lay 2-6 light blue eggs, with two hatchlings often surviving.

I now find myself looking for running routes that take me near water, so that I have a better chance of seeing a Great Blue Heron silently stalking the water’s edge or gliding overhead.

Photo: National Audubon Society

Ripples 8/24/23

Posted on by August 24, 2023

by Ben Schiltz, summer intern

Much of the work done at Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve is focused on restoring and preserving the vital swale habitats near the lake Michigan shoreline. This includes managing the wetlands devastated by the invasive emerald ash borer beetle through tree and shrub plantings. Although restoring these habitats is a big undertaking, sightings from the native wildlife are great reminders that make every bit of time and energy worthwhile.

While planting trees within the wetlands I came to a small clearing with an open canopy unknowingly standing above a group of American Woodcocks roosting underneath the cover of sedges. Moments later the group of birds flew into the open sky displaying their signature bills and round bodies. A startling but beautiful reminder of the importance of preserving these valuable landscapes. Although these shorebirds are common (least concern) in Wisconsin, the population has seen a decline since the early 70s which can be attributed to a loss of young forest and shrubland habitat. Sightings are not very common as the Woodcock can be rather elusive.

The species is native to Wisconsin favoring younger forests or early successional stands. Aspen, Maple, and mixed conifer-hardwood forest are common habitats of the Woodcock. Similar to the swale habitat, the birds are attracted to moist soils where grubs and other insects are easily accessible with dense vegetation providing cover from predators. Beginning mid- September, migrations occur to the southeast states such as Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.

Experiencing the many wildlife of the swales, such as the American Woodcock, wild turkey, and whitetail deer, have all been remarkable reminders of the importance of habitat restoration and the vital role it has on the forest’s health. Ensuring the wetlands remain forested will provide beneficial resources to the wildlife species of Woodland Dunes for years to come.

Photo care of eBird

Ripples 8/17/23

Posted on by August 17, 2023

By Max Kornetzke, summer intern

The burr oak is a dominant tree of oak savanna biomes that are more frequently found in the southwestern part of Wisconsin.  Around Northeastern Wisconsin you are more likely to see a burr oak in a woodland setting, which is beautiful in its own right. However, you can get a glimpse of the majestic tree’s unfurling crown, characteristic of oak savannas, by looking for the remnant giants of old farm fields. 

The oak savanna biome, like prairies, requires regular fire disturbance to prevent succession into woodlands. Regular fire helps prevent most woody growth from dominating, creating more room for the fire-resistant burr oak tree’s branches to unfurl. Fire also creates plenty of light for grasses and forbs to populate the ground. This process generates a unique matrix with both prairie and woodland plants. The result is a beautiful, diverse understory in which much life thrives.

 My love for this diversity moved me to grow some trees from seed. Meandering around last fall, I was led to an old path with an old tree that had freshly dropped hundreds of large acorns not yet nabbed by hungry critters. I filled the bottom of a grocery bag with plump acorns, making sure to thank the tree for sharing. Once I got home, I soaked the acorns in a five-gallon pail and let it sit overnight. With the viable seeds sinking, I scooped the unviable off the surface and added them to the compost. I then drained the water, and placed the soaked seeds in a retired insulated lunch bag, and left (forgot) them for about a month in a cool, dark place outside to stratify.

 When I came back to them, the vast majority of them had produced an embryonic root called a radicle. I had so many viable acorns that I didn’t have enough pots to place them in, so some of the extra were taken back to the parent tree and sowed in open spots surrounding it. With a seemingly mild winter approaching, I was able to work outside and pot up most with a handful left in a pail with some mulch.  They were then left to overwinter with some wire mesh for protection.

Not long after the spring ephemerals exploded through the leaves, did I begin to see hairy, reddish stems poke through the thin layer of mulch. Then, rapidly, fresh oak leaves appeared. I was uncertain if the handful left in the container had made it through the winter, but to my surprise their radicles had grown. I potted those up, and several weeks later, they, too, were pushing up through the mulch.

In the end I was left with more oak trees than space to plant. A good problem solved by sharing the abundance. It’s a wonderful experience to grow burr oaks trees (and others) from seed and I will certainly repeat this process in the future. I look forward to collecting more acorns each fall and to watching the ones I’ve planted grow.

Photo by Sue Crowley

 

Ripples 8/10/23

Posted on by August 10, 2023

by Kellsey Grange, summer intern

Springtime in the marsh calls for a lot of activity. From leaves budding to flowering marsh marigolds, there is plenty of beauty in the marsh. If you dare to go mucking around a marsh or swale you will for sure stumble upon a flowering wild calla (Calla palustris). Also known a swamp lily or bog arum. Its genus name “Calla” is derived from the Greek word “kallos” meaning “beauty”. While its species name “palustustris” means “marsh loving” or “of marshes”.

This aquatic perennial is native to Alaska, Canada, and northern subarctic regions of the United States, Europe, and Asia. Wild calla prefers acidic humerus-rich soil found in bogs, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Wild calla can be 5-12 inches high with jointed stalks and heart-shaped leaves. When in flower the wild calla has a white oval-shaped flower wrapped around the spike (spadix, yellow-green). After flowering, green pear-shaped fruits develop on the spadix, which ripens to bright red in late summer.

The foliage of the plant is toxic and irritates the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals.
This is due to the plant containing calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe pain in the
mouth, tongue, and throat. Potentially leading to difficulty in speaking. These crystals are found
in the lily family (Arum). Including the wild callas relative the jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema
triphyllum), which is rumored to feel like eating glass when chewing.

However, historically indigenous peoples found multiple ways to utilize this marsh flower. If dried
the rhizome of wild calla can be ground up into flour in dire circumstances. The rhizome must be
fully cooked to destroy the calcium oxalate crystals, resulting in a starch-rich powder that can be
used to make bread (which has been said to be very tasty). Tea can also be made from a dried
wild calla root to treat the flu, shortness of breath, and bleeding, and as a poultice on swellings
and snakebites. The aerial stems have also been used in the treatment of sore legs.

So, if you ever feel so inclined to go off the beaten path and create your own in a swale; check
out the wild calla and its abundance in such a prime habitat.

Photo credit: Earth Tones

Ripples 8/3/23

Posted on by August 3, 2023

photo of gal holding banded Red-shouldered hawk chickby Julia Beckner, summer intern

Upon arriving at Woodland Dunes, I did not ever think I would be excited about anything bird related. I have never really been much of a bird person and was a bit burned out on the subject after just completing an ornithology class this past semester. However, one morning us interns were in for a very interesting experience. We were meeting with a researcher to band a Red-shouldered hawk. I was not quite sure what I was expecting to happen at first. In my mind, I thought we were going to be banding adult hawks, which made me a bit nervous since they have rather strong talons. It was a nice surprise to find out that it was really a baby we were going to watch get banded.

Once we arrived at the trail, we met with the researcher and his climber who would be getting the baby and information about the nest for us. The researcher explained to us that he was one of the few who studied Red-shouldered hawks since they were not as easily accessible as Red-tailed hawks. Red-tailed hawks are much more likely to have nests on edge areas, so sometimes this means along highways or trails. They also do not have as large of a territory as Red-shouldered hawks usually do. Red-shouldered hawks like a lot of forest area when they nest. This has led them to be more threatened than Red-tailed hawks, due to deforestation making areas too small for them to occupy.

Once we arrived, the researcher explained the process of what was going to happen as he and the climber both got set up. The adult hawks soared above us through the whole experience. Once both were ready, the climber made his ascent.

I once again found myself unsure and curious as to how he was going to bring the baby down. It was somewhat comical; the baby was sent down in a backpack. The researcher talked us through everything he did: body measurements, how he estimates age, and why feathers are taken. Some of us got to do small tasks to assist throughout the whole process. Measuring the weight was rather entertaining since the baby was essentially put into a sock with its feet still sticking out. At the end of everything, each intern and staff that had come along got a chance to hold the baby before it was sent back up to the nest.

I may still not be a bird person, but I definitely loved the experience and would join again if given the chance.

photo by Sue Crowley