Nature Blog | Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve

Ripples 7/3/20

Posted on July 3, 2020 by Jim KnickelbineAugust 27, 2020

It seems that all of us are being brought down to earth by biology right now, by tiny little bits of protein that wish to

replicate themselves within our cells. Despite our best-laid plans for 2020, we’ve all had to adapt to altered circumstances caused by a virus. As a result, we’re all under stress because things don’t go as we would wish right now. In such times, being able to enjoy the outdoors becomes even more important. We are soothed by the beautiful Lake and the natural areas around it. We can safely space out, and get away from the daily onslaught of news and opinions that make up our world right now. And allow the beauty of nature restore us.

Woodland Dunes had big plans for this year. A couple of years ago, as a result of difficulties caused by our limited indoor space and a generous offer of support from one of our members, we began the process of planning an addition to our building. A lot of time was spent examining our needs and wants, and determining what was feasible. Teams of volunteers formed to help with building design and fundraising. After some initial donations, we began working with SMI Inc. for building design, and Hamann Construction for the work of building the addition.

By the time these were in place, and we had done some fundraising, it was late in 2019, and we began in October. The process of seeing the project materialize bit by bit was fascinating, and during construction the project looked different every day. By December walls were up, and after that the roof was installed and the structure was weatherproof. At that point, many things happened at once- electrical work, drywall, masonry- things were really moving along. Then, in March, our friend COVID appeared on the scene, and slowed everything down. Suddenly there were delays in obtaining materials, and limitations on the number of people on site. With the economic downturn, fundraising became a more significant challenge. Like everyone else, we needed to adapt.

Gradually things came together, and now we find ourselves able to open a couple of months later than planned. The wait was worth it- we now have twice the space available for programs and displays, although to protect the safety of our visitors we are limiting people in the building to no more than 10 at a time, and we are asking all visitors to wear face coverings which we will supply at no charge for those who don’t have their own. Every two hours touchable surfaces are cleaned. It’s not quite the grand opening we planned yet, but things seem to be working well. Visitors can park in our new parking area in front of the addition, and enter through our new main entrance. A reception area with our staff or volunteers is located at the entrance to help visitors become oriented to our center and preserve. We still have some fundraising to do to completely fund the project, but with some help our goal is within reach.

We have tried to build our addition in a way which reduces it’s negative impacts on the environment. A geothermal heating and cooling system controls climate in that part of our building, exchanging heat with the soil at a depth of 20 feet. Windows are treated using three different methods to deter birds from hitting them. All lighting is by very efficient LED fixtures, and our parking and drive area has permeable paving using a grid filled with pea gravel which allows rainwater to soak into the soil rather than run off to storm sewers. Our butterfly garden, or wildlife garden as we refer to it because of the number of birds there, has also received a face lift and a new paved walkway which is accessible to all our visitors. In face our entire addition is built on one level and is much more easy to navigate, as are new restrooms.

Woodland Dunes is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but for people as well. Our lifeblood is the 1500 acres outside our doors, but improvements to our nature center building will help our visitors feel more comfortable when they come here, and as a result will more effectively teach about the nature of our preserve and the Lakeshore area for many years to come.

photos by Jim Knickelbine. Roy and Todd from Hamann Construction, who coordinated the construction and

new main entrance to nature center

Ripples 6/26/20

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Jim KnickelbineJune 26, 2020

In the last few months, a lot of people have visited the trails and outdoor facilities at Woodland Dunes. We enjoy being a sanctuary not only for wildlife, but for people who need the calming, healing touch that nature gives. A few trails are wet, but most are in good shape, although boardwalks are always in need of repair. There are distinct contrasts between the open, sunny, breezy habitats, and those of the deep forest.

Since the mid-1960’s, when Woodland Dunes was but a dream, we have surveyed birds to track the species and numbers of them over time. There are many such areas in the country and world where such counts are done, but not as many that have been surveyed as long as our preserve. To do the surveys, we visit predetermined spots, or points, located so we can find them year after year. Often they are at trail intersections, and where they aren’t a GPS helps to put us in the right location. Once there, we count each bird seen or heard for 10 minutes- enough time that we are reasonably certain to find most of the birds in the area.

This morning I surveyed several such points- one in brushy habitat, and three in the deep forest. To be out in the forest early in the morning can be an almost magical experience, and today was no exception.

One of today’s points was about a half-mile from the road where I left my car. To reach it involved slogging through some standing water and climbing over a few downed trees. Vegetation was wet from yesterdays’ evening rain, and I wished I had worn a rain jacket. Mosquitoes, usually thick by now, were tolerable, and didn’t distract from the task at hand.

When I reached the point, there was a bit of commotion from a pair of downy woodpeckers- while usually quiet, these downy’s produced a harsh alarm call as soon as I came into the area- I suspect they had a nest nearby. They were obviously none too happy. They continued to squawk as I set my timer, and an interesting thing then happened- other birds began to fly in to see what the problem was. So, rather than straining to hear their calls far off in the forest, they came to me! One by one- a robin, a black and white warbler, a black-throated green warbler, a chickadee, two house wrens, a northern waterthrush, a hairy woopecker- all came to the particular group of trees where the downy’s apparently were concerned about. Far off another woopecker, a pileated, sang, and an ovenbird. The birds in front of me moved among the trees, not as concerned as the downys. After five minutes they all settled down, picking among the leaves for their insect breakfasts, and eventually scattering back into the forest to continue their days.One wonders what their lives are like, spending so much time in the quiet forest. I must say I envy them on mornings like these. Perhaps not so much when mosquitoes are out in full force as they will be soon, or during the storms that send trees crashing to earth. Then, abruptly, my 10 minutes is up, and its time to head back.

In several mornings so far, we have recorded 74 species of birds in our preserve. Some of them, like the black and white warbler, Canada warbler, and white-throated sparrow are usually found nesting far north of here. We don’t seem to find as many of those as we used to, but it is reassuring that some still choose to be here. Surveys, properly done, help us know how birds in general are doing, and hopefully help us decide what kind of protection and help they might need.

These surveys also allow us to look at the wildflowers, the health of trees, and other aspects of the preserve. This year a doe parked her small fawn right next to the trail- it looked at us with apparent curiosity as we passed by. I like to think of it as an escape to reality rather than from it, and no matter how often I go to such places, I feel I should do it more often.

photos- the deep forest at Woodland Dunes and a fawn next to the trail

Ripples 6/18/20

Posted on June 11, 2020 by Nancy NabakJune 11, 2020

Written by Nancy Nabak, Communication Coordinator

A bird that sounds like a horse? Or how about a wild laugh overheard at a cocktail party? The owner of these unusual sounds is an eight-inch secretive marsh bird called a “sora.”

Because I work at Woodland Dunes, one might assume that it’s easy to get photos of these soras or any wildlife on any given day. Well, I’m certainly in the right geography, but “easy” is not the word I would use. It takes time after time of being in the right habitat, at just the right moment, with a bit of luck to get the photo you’ve been looking for, or one that just happens to drop in your lap.

Recently, I was out on the trails, discovering what was happening with spring, when I happened to come across a quiet sora preening.

If you’ve been on Cattail Trail at Woodland Dunes in the spring (the one that goes into the marsh), you’ve probably heard a sora call out and may have not known what it was. It’s an interesting marsh bird that vocalizes when looking for a mate, when feeding, and when alarmed – that’s when you usually hear the descending whinny sound. This is a common bird for our marsh, but often hard to see because it skulks among the cattails and tall marsh grasses. It’s roughly the size of a football and has long green legs with wide-spread toes so it can easily move in its aquatic garden.

So as I was walking Cattail Trail, I noticed a sora quietly preening in the open. To see a sora in the open is a bit rare, but to have it preen in front of you…well, that’s something special. I carefully took as many photos as I could of this wonderful bathing ballet, hoping that it would give me a front row seat to a show I’d never seen before. And it did.

I watched as it twisted its head backwards and rubbed feathers down its back. I watched it tuck its head under its wing and peck and poke. I watched it fluff and spread its feathers, just as we stretch our arms over our head when we’re tired.

Afterwards, I second-guessed myself on whether I should have taken a movie of this moment instead of stills. But then I realized I wouldn’t have these images where the feathers are fanned. Their elegance is so prominent. They deserve to be admired in one frozen look. This moment by moment preening session gave me new eyes for this unusual bird. I’ve always viewed it as striking and a bit funky looking, but now I see it as beautiful and touching as the Swan Lake ballet.

photo- Sora by Nancy Nabak

Ripples 6/11/20

Posted on June 11, 2020 by Nancy NabakJune 11, 2020

Written by Nancy Nabak, Communication Coordinator

Language is fascinating, and makes the world attached to it, even more so. Words, root-words and origins… it’s all part of a cool literary maze that helps us understand the world around us. For example, the Greek word “iris” means rainbow. The plant we now call iris was named after the goddess ‘Iris’ because of its beauty and because of the varied colors in the flowers. In Greek mythology, Iris was the messenger who traveled on the rainbow between the lands of humans and gods.

At Woodland Dunes, we’ve been blessed by a visit from this rainbow goddess. We have a very beautiful native blue flag iris species on our preserve. In fact, it’s one of our Executive Director’s favorite native plants. You can find them along our Cattail Trail boardwalk; otherwise, you may see them in the wild growing throughout wetlands and along shorelines.

Nerd alert facts: the iris is a clump-forming plant with bluish-green, sword-shaped leaves. Its stalks bear three to five violet-blue flowers with a purple veining and inner yellow and white patch. The showy flowers span up to 4 inches in diameter.

Now here’s the neat part for you flower garden lovers. Although it’s a wetland species found in the wild, blue flag iris can thrive in wet areas of your property. Plant it in your rain garden as a natural way to soak up water in a low-lying area, or to add interest along a pond or water feature. Most animals, such as deer who are known for eating flower gardens, tend to avoid it because it’s moderately toxic. Another added bonus is that this iris, which is a little more delicate and smaller than the non-native variety, will attract pollinators to your garden – including hummingbirds. Tip: the blue flag likes rich soil, so add some compost around it each spring to provide nutrition. (Compost is ideal because it’s organic and basically free fertilizer from your kitchen.)

There are only three species of iris that are native to Wisconsin – a northern and southern blue flag, the southern species is shown here, and the dwarf lake iris. Unfortunately, this tiny version of an iris, only 2-3 inches tall, is now federally threatened. It can be found nearby in Door County along the Lake Michigan lakeshore, often under white cedar.

I’m glad for visits from this rainbow goddess. They make my spring happier and my world so much more colorful. If she hasn’t visited you personally yet, take a hike or a walk and go find her!

Photo: southern blue flag iris with a pink-spotted ladybug taken by Nancy Nabak

Ripples 6/4/20

Posted on June 11, 2020 by Jim KnickelbineJune 11, 2020

As usual, summer seemed to come on suddenly here after a cold spring. Leaf-out was delayed a bit, and that allows us to better see the migratory birds as they hunt for insects in the trees. Fortunately, they are busy with their usual activities and are unaware of the challenges that humans are facing these days.

Despite the fact that many migratory birds are declining in population, there have been many interesting birds here in our preserve. So many follow the shore of Lake Michigan during migration both north and south, and we are privileged to catch a glimpse of them as they pass by, or, we hope, get ready to nest here and spend the summer.

Out in the marsh off Cattail Trail there have been several interesting wading birds present. We’re all used to seeing great blue herons, but with them this spring have been both American and least bitterns, and sora and Virginia rails. All four of these species are rather secretive and often only give away their presence by their calls from the cattails. American bitterns make a gulping sound, while least bitterns coo like a mourning dove. Virginia rails click, and soras whinny from the marsh. An American coot has been calling, sounding like monkeys in a jungle, while overhead Caspian terns give a harsh, screeching call. Ospreys pass over, and across the rive a pair of bald eagles tend to their nest and young. Smaller birds also call from the marsh- red winged blackbirds, marsh and sedge wrens, and yellow and common yellowthroat warblers.

On the wooded trails- Willow, Yellow Birch, Black Cherry, Trillium, and the Ice Age Trail, dozens of species are calling. In brushy areas catbirds, veerys, American redstarts, robins, and many others are lurking. In the forest, both house and winter wrens, ovenbirds, northern waterthrushes, red-shouldered hawks, great crested flycatchers, wood pewees, several woodpeckers, and our familiar chickadees and nuthatches are all busy with their summer duties. Some special birds are also present- Canada and black-throated green warblers, indigo buntings, chimney swifts, and others. It must be exhausting for them to complete a long migration followed by intense child-rearing.

All this activity, and yet it is only a small portion of the many natural cycles that are going on right now among plants, mammals, insects, and all the creatures of the natural world. Now is a particularly good time to immerse oneself in nature, with the added sounds, smells, and textures in the forest. Add to that the need we have to remove ourselves once in a while from the world of people to places where we are free from our conflicts, where we can learn freely. And where there is more to learn than we will ever know.

Enjoy the natural world at this, its busiest season. The discoveries that await us will help us manage an ever more complicated world.

photo- indigo bunting from wikipedia