Friends in the news and Friends events - 2017
Bird and Nature Walk - October 22
Despite the gloomy weather we had a nice turn out on the Fourth Sunday Bird and Nature Walk at Picnic Point led by Ryan Treves. His impressive knowledge and quick eye helped the group spot an assortment of fall migrants and local inhabitants. Highlights included a Hermit Thrush, a Ruddy Duck, a Common Loon, and several groups of sparrows and warblers. It was a great afternoon enjoying the fall colors and local wildlife in the Preserve while learning more about the birds that utilize this habitat. Mitchell Thomas represented the Friends as field trip host and took the photo.
Cultural History walk with the PLATO hikers - October 10
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Well over 20 participants of the PLATO hiking group enjoyed this informative walk reflecting on the history of the Preserve from the time the American land surveyors arrived during the 1830s. The group was led by Gisela Kutzbach and Pat Becker, as well as Paul Noeldner spotting birds and other wildlife on the way. PLATO is a Participatory Learning and Teaching Organization that promotes opportunities for intellectual and cultural enrichment for the senior community.
The 2.5 mile walk began at Frautschi Point, the former Stevens farm property. We explored the Jackson estate and its stories and then wound our way up to the Biocore prairie and down again along Lake Mendota's shoreline to the Picnic Point pond marsh.At the top of Bill's Woods we recounted the rise and end of the Ed Young farm, and the gift of land by the Frautschi family to the university. We ended at Big Oak trail, where the giant white oak still bears witness to the open grasslands prevalent in this area more than 150 years ago. Photos Paul Noeldner and Pat Becker. |
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Habitat Diversity in the Preserve - October 8
Paul Quinlan, Conservation Resource Supervisor for Madison Parks, led a most informative field trip at the Preserve on a perfectly superb fall day. Over twenty people attended, including many students. We enjoyed the fast-paced walk of about 2.5 miles through mesic and moist woodlands, prairies, wetland and shore land. Paul explained how the many factors that affect the Preserve can change the composition of the species present, even sometimes only a short distance apart. The direction the slope faces, how the area was previously used for cultivation, the proximity to the lake, fire management, and so forth, all make a difference.
Paul helped us read the landscape by looking at tree composition and ground layer vegetation. For example, when regular fires ceased which had been common before settlement, hackberry trees and boxelder could move in as pioneer species, as well as black locust, which was planted as a decorative tree in the 1930’s. And maple trees could grow up even in the shade under black locust. Paul showed the group how these fast growing species at times out-shaded the branches of open grown oaks.
He also showed us woodland flowering plants and reminded us of the spring ephemerals that cover the ground in the Preserve in many parts, before the trees leaf out in spring. He made us aware of indicators of the woods as a living web of plants, plant eaters and decomposers. One striking sight was a decaying black cherry tree, trunk still standing, home to carpenter ants and covered with turkey tail fungi. Thank you, Paul, for an inspring hike through the woods. Steve Sentoff was the field trip host representing the Friends. Photos by Steve Sentoff, Gisela Kutzbach, Cheryl Kyles
Paul helped us read the landscape by looking at tree composition and ground layer vegetation. For example, when regular fires ceased which had been common before settlement, hackberry trees and boxelder could move in as pioneer species, as well as black locust, which was planted as a decorative tree in the 1930’s. And maple trees could grow up even in the shade under black locust. Paul showed the group how these fast growing species at times out-shaded the branches of open grown oaks.
He also showed us woodland flowering plants and reminded us of the spring ephemerals that cover the ground in the Preserve in many parts, before the trees leaf out in spring. He made us aware of indicators of the woods as a living web of plants, plant eaters and decomposers. One striking sight was a decaying black cherry tree, trunk still standing, home to carpenter ants and covered with turkey tail fungi. Thank you, Paul, for an inspring hike through the woods. Steve Sentoff was the field trip host representing the Friends. Photos by Steve Sentoff, Gisela Kutzbach, Cheryl Kyles
Birding and Nature Walk - September 24
 Will Waller talking to the group. Photo Peter Fisher
So many thanks to Will Waller, Eagle Heights Community gardens co-manager, and Sean Gere, certified arborist, who shared their passions along the crossroads of the gardens and the natural areas of the Preserve. Combined, they entertained and informed the educated participants, reports the Friends host Peter Fisher, about Wisconsin’s native trees and shrubs, how they grow and how to prune them, as well as how to prune hedgerows of fruit trees that provide habitat and food for birds and other creatures. A great turnout with 22 participants and a beautiful day.
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Walking along a row of fruit trees up toward the Biocore Prairie
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Biocore Prairie Bird Observatory re-opened - September
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Welcome to the Biocore Prairie Bird Banding Observatory!
The Observatory, originally founded in 2001 by Dr. Mara McDonald (1947-2016), is an all-volunteer bird banding operation that monitors bird populations in the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Banding offers a wonderful opportunity for people to see birds up close, learn about their migration and nesting patterns, and understand how natural areas enhance their biological success. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome to attend banding operations on Saturday mornings from 7 am - 12 pm between the months of April and September each year (weather and schedules permitting). Volunteers are taught species identification, mist-netting procedures, handling techniques, and basic banding procedures. We are currently entering our 17th year in operation, and we are excited to have you with us! Banding requires significant time and experience by those who are licensed and authorized to capture wild birds. At the Observatory, a master bander supervises and trains volunteers, including UW students, staff, retirees, and members of the Madison community. Each bird is caught in a mist net, carefully removed, measured (weight, age, sex, and a variety of other measurements), banded and released. Between 2001 and 2006, more than 1394 birds of 70+ species were netted. About 60 million birds, representing hundreds of species, have been banded in North America since 1904, and about 4 million bands have been recovered and reported. Data from banded birds are submitted to and managed by The North American Bird Banding Program which is under the general direction of the U.S. Geological Survey and the Canadian Wildlife Service. The Biocore Prairie Bird Banding Observatory in Madison, Wisconsin is currently managed by three volunteer coordinators, and we would like to take this time to introduce ourselves: Dr. Mark Berres (PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison) has resumed the director position at the Biocore Prairie Bird Banding Observatory. He possesses the Observatory's primary USGS Master Banding Permit. Jackie Edmunds (M.S. CBSD) is the Wildlife Rehabilitation Training Coordinator at Dane County Humane Society's Wildlife Center. Jackie began volunteering at the Observatory with Dr. Mara McDonald in 2010 and has held a bird banding sub-permit since 2013. She holds additional advanced state and federal wildlife rehabilitation licenses. Dr. Matt Hayes (PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison) has an extensive background banding cranes and songbirds at Biocore Prairie. For more information, please e-mail Jackie Edmunds See also the Bird Observatory Page |
Trees of the Preserve - September 17
Glen Stanosz convinces students that the most important biota are Producers and Decomposers. Photo D. Dubielzig
“To have an ecosystem, we need producers and decomposers – we don’t need animals!” declared Professor Glen Stanosz before a magnificent hedgehog fungus (Hericium erinaceus) growing on the trunk of an aging shagbark hickory. For two hours, Stanosz, UW-Madison plant pathologist and certified arborist, shared memorable descriptions of trees and their pathogens with 33 guests, including many Forestry and Wildlife Ecology 110 students. Beginning at the entrance to Picnic Point, Stanosz identified Box elder, Eastern hemlock, Paper birch, Hackberry, White oak, Highbush cranberry, Norway spruce, Red pine, Eastern white pine, Black cherry, Basswood and Red oak, and he pointed out and explained the fungal pathogens affecting almost every one of them.
Stanosz highlighted the many benefits of trees and the importance of disturbance – through fire, wind, and diseases -- to maintain our forests. With climate change, Stanosz predicts that maple and pine will move to northern Wisconsin, as oak and hickory replace them here. His final point, that young, growing forests extract more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than old forests, provoked additional reflection among those of us who value virgin woodlands.
Glen Stanosz recommends these references:
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms (1981)
Trees of the Northern United States and Canada, by John Laird Farrar (1991)
Summary by Doris Dubielzig, the Friends host of this memorable field trip. Photo of fungus by Ann Burgess. Seth McGee, also representing the Friends, posted additional photos taken on this field tried on iNaturalists.
Stanosz highlighted the many benefits of trees and the importance of disturbance – through fire, wind, and diseases -- to maintain our forests. With climate change, Stanosz predicts that maple and pine will move to northern Wisconsin, as oak and hickory replace them here. His final point, that young, growing forests extract more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than old forests, provoked additional reflection among those of us who value virgin woodlands.
Glen Stanosz recommends these references:
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms (1981)
Trees of the Northern United States and Canada, by John Laird Farrar (1991)
Summary by Doris Dubielzig, the Friends host of this memorable field trip. Photo of fungus by Ann Burgess. Seth McGee, also representing the Friends, posted additional photos taken on this field tried on iNaturalists.
Geologic History of the Preserve and Madison Lakes - September 10
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Standing on the drumlin that is now Observatory Hill, Dave Mickelson, Emeritus Professor of Geology, explained to 25 guests the effects of serial glaciers on Wisconsin’s landscape. In the afternoon sunlight, with maps and charts, he showed how glaciers created moraines, drumlins and kettles, and the 4 Madison area lakes. Mickelson summarized the 19th century scientific contributions of Thomas Chamberlin to geology, and the significance of Chamberlin Rock, the huge erratic transported more than 300 miles by glacier from Canada to Observatory Hill. Dave had prepared packets of colored maps and images for the appreciative attendees, many of whom are students in Forestry and Wildlife Ecology 110. Winding past Iron Man marathon runners and their boosters, the group walked from Chamberlin Rock to the rock wall at the entrance to Picnic Point. There, Dave pointed out the characteristics of the different kinds of rocks in the wall, how they were formed and how some of the erratics bore scratches from being dragged under a glacier. Report and photos by Doris Dubielzig, who was the Friends host for this field trip.
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End of Summer Bird Walk - September 3
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On a brilliant Sunday morning Roma Lenehan and a dozen bird lovers followed Roma Lenehan's lead in the Preserve, spotting early migrants and year-round residents. Also see Arlene Koziol's photographic account of an Eastern Wood Pewee feeding a young fledgling with a Daddy Long leg on the BLOG.
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September 3, 2017 Field Trip Bird List 7:30-10
Frautschi Point, Biocore Prairie, Eagle Heights Gardens, 50s-60s, sunny, west winds 7 mph 40 species, 12 warblers
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6 Tennessee Warbler
3 Nashville Warbler 3 Chestnut-sided Warbler 2 Magnolia Warbler 1 m Blackburnian Warbler 2 Palm Warbler 1 Blackpoll Warbler 2 Black-and-white Warbler 10 American Redstart (1m) 2 Common Yellowthroat 14 Song Sparrow Song Sparrow Northern Cardinal House Finch American Goldfinch House Sparrow |
Pretty Things with Wings in the Preserve - August 5
Ed Spalding spotting birds from the main path. Photo Linda Deith
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A group of about 12 of us gathered at the entrance to Picnic Point, ready for a tour of wings, led by Edgar Spalding, botany professor. We were not disappointed. Before we left the parking lot he had pointed out an osprey soaring over the Class of 1918 Marsh. As we headed up towards the Biocore Prairie, areas that I have blithely walked past were shown to be alive with exotically named (and ornamented) dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, and moths. Edgar identified Prince baskettails, Green darners, Black saddlebags, Tule bluets, Eastern pondhawks, and Eastern amberwings, to name but a few. Also, an Indigo bunting, a Common yellowthroat, Peewees, Monarchs, Yellow swallowtails, and a Black swallowtail. One of the many highlights was the release of about 10 Monarch butterflies, carefully raised from eggs to adulthood with the Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association I am still pondering the mystery of such delicate creatures flying from Madison to Mexico. Report and Photos by Linda Deith.
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Birding and Nature Walk - July 23
Alex Jeffers, graduate student in both Urban and Regional Planning and Water Resource Management, led the Sunday, July 24th afternoon field trip at Picnic Point. Doris Dubielzig who represented the Friends, reports: "Despite the heat (~ 83°F) and the humidity, 13 people came to join him on the free tour and to learn and follow the seasonal developments in the Preserve. One couple chose this tour to celebrate their 34th wedding anniversary, and the rest of us were charmed by that revelation. According to Alex, “Binoculars are the best conservation tool for birds.” Indeed, we found birds aplenty in the forest, the Biocore Prairie, and along the University Bay shore. Alex and attendees saw and/or heard the Red-bellied Woodpecker, House Wren, American Goldfinches, Barn and Tree Swallows, the Common Yellowthroat, Grey Catbird, Indigo Bunting, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, and three Mallards. The entire group was enchanted by a pair of Sandhill Cranes dining in the new extension of the Biocore Prairie, and seeing all four adult Purple Martins flying to and from their new home in the Prairie." Photos Doris Dubielzig
Restoration Ecology in the Eagle Heights Woods - July 8
On a beautiful summer morning, Adam Gundlach, Field Projects Coordinator of the Preserve, led ten interested members of the Friends through the restored areas of the Eagle Heights Woods. This special project, for which the Friends are providing financial support over a five-year period, has now advanced to the southern part of the woods. The walk began at the old pavement at Shady Lane, remnants of the Park & Pleasure drive coming up from the University Bay. We continued on a side trail along the southern slope. Here the woods had been cleared from brush and burned in order to encourage new growth. We spotted may apples, some savanna plants, elderberries, the pretty flowers of lopseed, and also brambles. In spring after the burning, many ephemerals had graced these slopes. In this area, many hazard trees have been cut, with the bare trunks now mercifully covered by Jewel weed and other opportunists. There was a huge black cherry tree, about 18” diameter, mulberry trees, and clumps of the clonal black locust.
Proceeding up the hill, we noticed sun-dappled circles that had opened up after clearing of invasive brush and hazard trees. We were delighted to discover two seedlings of self-propagated white oaks along the path – promises for the future. In the Central Zone, we walked under a canopy of mostly white oaks that had grown up together. In between there were some planted pines. The butternut trees in this area are gradually dying, as indicated by the large fungal veils pouring from their trunks.
Proceeding up the hill, we noticed sun-dappled circles that had opened up after clearing of invasive brush and hazard trees. We were delighted to discover two seedlings of self-propagated white oaks along the path – promises for the future. In the Central Zone, we walked under a canopy of mostly white oaks that had grown up together. In between there were some planted pines. The butternut trees in this area are gradually dying, as indicated by the large fungal veils pouring from their trunks.
During the 1940s, Mr. E. Young, a gentleman farmer whose posh house near Billd Woods had burned down in 1935, had planned to build another house on top of Eagle Heights Woods, when he acquired this property in exchange for the Picnic Point and Biocore area. Luckily this house never advanced beyond the beginnings of the foundation. The open area across the path from the stone circle just south of the cone Effigy Mound marks the spot. The view of the lake from that location would have been spectacular.
Our group enjoyed glimpses of the lake through tree tops on the north side of the woods, while standing at the conical mound at the highest point of the woods. The mound has been cleared of trees and is now protected by grasses. Near the head of one of the two line mounds we discovered the moonseed vine, a native plant.
We learned much about the progress in the rejuvenation of Eagle Heights Woods. While immediate improvements are spectacular with the removal of buckthorn and honeysuckle and with recent prescribed burns, emergence and regrowth of native plants will take time and go through a number of transition cycles. Photos Gisela Kutzbach
Our group enjoyed glimpses of the lake through tree tops on the north side of the woods, while standing at the conical mound at the highest point of the woods. The mound has been cleared of trees and is now protected by grasses. Near the head of one of the two line mounds we discovered the moonseed vine, a native plant.
We learned much about the progress in the rejuvenation of Eagle Heights Woods. While immediate improvements are spectacular with the removal of buckthorn and honeysuckle and with recent prescribed burns, emergence and regrowth of native plants will take time and go through a number of transition cycles. Photos Gisela Kutzbach
Birding and Nature Walk - June 25
Alex Jeffers led an informative and interesting field trip in the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Roughly 20 hikers including a number of youngsters were treated to many of the hidden gems of the preserve, including the Biocore Prairie, Bill’s Woods and the Eagle Heights Community Gardens. Along the way, we were lucky enough to stop and see the activity of Purple martins nesting in the new martin house, which was recently erected by the Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Standing quietly at a discreet distance away from the box, everyone on the Bird and Nature Outing got to see the 2 pairs of Martins hanging around boxes 4 and 5. Participants also viewed a photo taken by Purple martin house monitor Paul Noeldner of one of the nests that had five eggs. Binoculars were provided and well used, as there were plenty of birds to be seen on the hike and Alex was quick to point them out and to identify their calls as they flew overhead. There was also a scope sized for children to view the birds and Purple martins. The weather was ideal – cool and overcast, and everyone enjoyed the Preserve on a great Sunday. Peter Fisher represented the Friends on this walk.
Lake Mendota Boat Trip - June 13
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Prof Emeritus John Magnuson, together with captains David Haring and Keegan Govin, conducted the ever popular boat trip on Lake Mendota along the shores of the Preserve. Magnuson reports "The Friends had still one more cruise along the shoreline of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. We usually explore the Preserve as viewed from the lake on the Limnos operated by the Center for Limnology. The Limnos was overheating a bit so we ventured out on two on the Limnology whalers. This had two results – we could move rapidly around the shoreline sites and we were closer to the water in a small huddle with the two whales next to each other. We could talk and discuss more easily - sort of like a small group around a campfire.
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The Preserve looks different from the lake than it does along the trails and as does the lake from viewpoints from shore. There are close views of cliffs and beaches, and rocks and sand, bank swallows and rooted aquatic plants, zebra mussels and algae. The challenges of how to deal with invasive shrubs and human traffic on steep banks become more apparent from the lake, as does the dramatic change in land use at the eastern and western end of the Preserve. We were so close to the water and the shore that we could look closely at the bottom or stick our hand in, or see the floating blue greens on the water surface offshore.
A quick ride, to cool off a bit, brought us quickly to the Limnology measurement buoy, anchored over the depths of the lake. Unfortunately, a boat, likely a sail boat, had run into the buoy on Memorial Day weekend and all the weather instruments had to be removed for repair. The thermistor chain that measures water temperatures all the way to the bottom was not damaged. A hit, and sail away, that has put weather instrumentation out of commission for a while. Another result of being huddled together near the water was that we spent more time discussing the lake and musing about how it was, is, and will be in the future. We were ably moved around the lake by David Haring and Keegan Govin. Personally, I enjoy these trips and interacting with the friends that want a close look at the lake." Thank you, John, for this enlightening excursion on the lake. |
Birding and Nature Walk with Chuck Henrikson - May 28
On a beautiful Sunday afternoon over 20 people gathered at Picnic Point entrance to learn about, hear and catch glimpses of some of the beautiful birds in this area. The leaders were bird lovers Chuck Henrikson and Kenny Younger. After introductory remarks by Peter Fisher about the Preserve and the Friends, Chuck, an expert in avian anatomy, captured the group’s attention with his explanation of the general form of feathers and how they function. Large primary wing feathers, he showed us, have a central shaft, which branches into barbs and then into barbules with small hooks. These interlock with nearby barbules in a Velcro-like fashion. When these connections happen to come apart, a bird will preen its feathers to reconnect the barbules and make the feathers wind and waterproof. Chuck also explained that downy feathers look so fluffy because the barbs are very flexible and the long barbules trap air and warmth. The participants very much appreciated the stories Chuck and Kenny shared about the habits and habitats of the birds we saw. Kenny was able to identify birds by their calls and songs. Expert Roma Lenehan who was also along helped us discover the Prothonotary warblers at the Picnic Point pond marsh and their nesting site. Kenny Younger took all the bird photographs. Thank you, Chuck and Kenny, for leading this interesting field trip.
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Wood Duck 2
Mallard 20 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Red-headed Woodpecker 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Great Crested Flycatcher 2 Warbling Vireo 4 Tree Swallow 10 Black-capped Chickadee 1 House Wren 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 American Robin 6 Gray Catbird 1 European Starling 1 Prothonotary Warbler 2 Common Yellowthroat 2 Yellow Warbler 4 Song Sparrow 5 Northern Cardinal 2 Red-winged Blackbird 15 Common Grackle 4 |
Warblers of Frautschi Point, a Lakeshore Nature Preserve Trust Field Trip - May 10
The Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve field trip, led by Roma Lenehan, was on one of the few good migrant days this year. Due to the persistent north winds, most neotropical migrants did not arrive until May 9 (the day before the field trip). The highlight of the trip was the persistently singing male Black-throated Blue Warbler at the east edge of the driveway triangle. Another surprise was a singing Orchard Oriole at the Frautshchi Point edge of Biocore Prairie in the hedgerow (near the bird banding station). Other interesting birds included a male Blackpoll Warbler, a male Golden-winged Warbler, and prolonged looks at a very cooperative Yellow-throated Vireo. A Wood Thrush sang as we watched the warblers near the triangle. Newly arrived birds included Eastern Wood Pewee and Eastern Kingbird.
May 10, 2017 Lakeshore Nature Preserve Trust Field Trip 7:30-9:30
Locations: Frautschi Point (triangle, Big Oak Trail), Biocore Prairie and Field Edge
Cloudy, drizzle, cool, west wind.
May 10, 2017 Lakeshore Nature Preserve Trust Field Trip 7:30-9:30
Locations: Frautschi Point (triangle, Big Oak Trail), Biocore Prairie and Field Edge
Cloudy, drizzle, cool, west wind.
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Wildlife Action Photography Workshop – May 2 and 9
This photography field trip designed and led by wildlife photographer Arlene Koziol was the first of its kind sponsored by the Friends. Arlene reports: "The first part of our Beginning Wildlife Photography Class took place at the Henry Vilas Zoo. We discussed what is necessary to do before you press the shutter release button. A few of the basics covered were to have a fully charged battery and a fresh memory card that was formatted in your camera. We went on to proper camera and body technique. The importance of behavior observation of our living, moving subjects was stressed. We practiced using the multi-shot mode on our cameras while following the action. Participants tried to anticipate the behavior before it happened.
The second part of our class took place at the Community Garden and Biocore Prairie in the Preserve. We practiced takeoff shots of songbirds. Swallows, house wrens, sparrows, Baltimore Orioles and an Eastern Bluebird were photographed. The class had the opportunity to follow the action of a Wild Turkey foraging in the garden and running across the path. We found a few bumble bees and a toad for some close up shots.
It was good to have had the zoo practice session first. We needed to photograph large, active subjects that we could get close to. Outdoor bird photography in a natural setting is difficult and challenging. The birds are skittish, fast moving and fly away. The trees and plants at the Preserve provide excellent cover for the birds and other wildlife to hide. In spite of these challenges, our class did extremely well. They exhibited amazing focus and concentration, and had fun. They applied the techniques they learned at the zoo. The UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve is an outstanding treasure for photography!!" Photos by Arlene Koziol
The second part of our class took place at the Community Garden and Biocore Prairie in the Preserve. We practiced takeoff shots of songbirds. Swallows, house wrens, sparrows, Baltimore Orioles and an Eastern Bluebird were photographed. The class had the opportunity to follow the action of a Wild Turkey foraging in the garden and running across the path. We found a few bumble bees and a toad for some close up shots.
It was good to have had the zoo practice session first. We needed to photograph large, active subjects that we could get close to. Outdoor bird photography in a natural setting is difficult and challenging. The birds are skittish, fast moving and fly away. The trees and plants at the Preserve provide excellent cover for the birds and other wildlife to hide. In spite of these challenges, our class did extremely well. They exhibited amazing focus and concentration, and had fun. They applied the techniques they learned at the zoo. The UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve is an outstanding treasure for photography!!" Photos by Arlene Koziol
Survey of Planting Success along Frautschi Path - May 8 and 13
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For the past 4 years, the Friends have celebrated spring with a planting festival along Frautschi path. This spring we gathered to record the outcome. The organizing team of Suzy Will-Wolf, senior botanist at UW-Madison, and Glenda Denniston and Gisela Kutzbach began preparatory work in winter with documenting previous vegetation in the planting areas, verifying lists of forbs, sedges and grasses planted each year, measuring a grid system of plots for the two planting areas, developing the protocol sheets for recording the surveys in spring and summer, and recruiting the teams for the actual surveying.
Friends volunteers enthusiastically supported this effort. On May 8, 5 teams of two or three people surveyed the planting areas of 2013-14-16, and on May 13, 3 teams of two or three people surveyed the 2015 planting area. Each area had close to 20 plots, sized about 20'x20'. Some plants, especially in the aster family, were still too small to be properly identified. A second survey of the same areas in July will provide a complete picture of which plants thrived and which plants suffered from the impact of existing vegetation on the growth of new plants, drought, location and other causes. Together with the project leaders, these Friends volunteered as plant experts and recorders: Janis Cooper, Diane Dempsey, Doris Dubielzig, Lynne Krainer, Roma Lenehan, Karen Nakasone, Paul Quinlin, Monica and Steve Sentoff, Sue Slapnick, Steve Williams. |
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Garlic Mustard Pull at Frautschi Point – May 7
22 volunteers gathered on this beautiful Sunday afternoon to reduce Garlic Mustard populations at Frautschi Point. Roma Lenehan, our leader, who has labored for many years to successfully control Garlic Mustard in this area of the Preserve, as usual had reserved the most impenetrable square mile for our efforts – thickets of honeysuckle bushes in all stages of growth and decay, elderberry and other underbrush, intermixed with fallen trees trunks. Garlic Mustard thrives in this kind of untamed environment, hiding under branches and trunks. Last year we pulled 50 black garbage bags of fully grown plants here, but this year was on off-year, and we only filled 6 bags. We found significant patches of first year plants, but still, it seems like last year's effort paid off significantly. Afterwards we celebrated with - you guessed it - Garlic Mustard quiche and lemonade. Preserve staff Laura Wyatt and Bryn Sciver also volunteered. Thank you all for a job well done. Photos G. Kutzbach
Frautschi Point Spring Wildflower Walk – April 30
Sensitive fern
Ten wildflower lovers joined Glenda Denniston on a chilly and wet Sunday morning walk onto Frautschi Point, Friends field trip assistant Doris Dubielzig reports. As we passed the Big Oak, Glenda pointed to a clump of sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis). In 2003, when Glenda cleared buckthorn and honeysuckle from under the grand white oak, she discovered that cluster of sensitive fern. It was a sole remnant of the diverse native flora that had been displaced by the woody invaders. Thanks to the support of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve management and Glenda’s and the Friends efforts and donations, more than 100 species of native plants have been reintroduced to Frautschi Point.
Nearby the oak, twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla), one of the earliest wildflowers, has already lost its petals, while the shooting stars (Dodecatheon meadia/Primula meadia) are just beginning bloom. Glenda prunes the elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) shrubs to encourage the survival of the spring ephemerals. A south-facing hillside with cedar (Juniperus virginiana) trees, will soon be sparkling with white baneberry (Actaea alba) blossoms. The prairie trillium (Trillium recurvatum) adds spots of red to the forest openings. We tourists escaped serious harm, not realizing the dangers we had avoided: the Sensitive Fern is toxic to horses and deer; the Elderberry flowers and berries are edible, but the other plant parts are poisonous; and the entire White Baneberry plant – especially the berry -- is poisonous to humans! Thank you, Glenda, for this tour and for years of transforming Frautschi Point with a vision shared with Preserve staff and the Friends and with your own hands. Photos by Doris Dubielzig.
Nearby the oak, twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla), one of the earliest wildflowers, has already lost its petals, while the shooting stars (Dodecatheon meadia/Primula meadia) are just beginning bloom. Glenda prunes the elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) shrubs to encourage the survival of the spring ephemerals. A south-facing hillside with cedar (Juniperus virginiana) trees, will soon be sparkling with white baneberry (Actaea alba) blossoms. The prairie trillium (Trillium recurvatum) adds spots of red to the forest openings. We tourists escaped serious harm, not realizing the dangers we had avoided: the Sensitive Fern is toxic to horses and deer; the Elderberry flowers and berries are edible, but the other plant parts are poisonous; and the entire White Baneberry plant – especially the berry -- is poisonous to humans! Thank you, Glenda, for this tour and for years of transforming Frautschi Point with a vision shared with Preserve staff and the Friends and with your own hands. Photos by Doris Dubielzig.
Bird and Nature Walk - April 23
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Sunday afternoon was another wonderful day for a nature walk in the Preserve, as Ryan Treves led the 4th Sunday field trip to the Biocore Prairie and along the shoreline path to Picnic Point, viewing the spectacular new growth and looking for the newly-arriving birds. From gnat catchers to nut hatches the group was treated to Ryan's expertise at bird identification by sight and sound. The day was perfect for a field trip, given bright blue, sunny weather that encouraged short sleeves, and the group of hikers, which numbered over 20, wasn't disappointed.
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Nelson Institute Earth Day Conference - April 18
Galen Hasler and Gisela Kutzbach
As in previous years, The Friends staffed an exhibition table at the biggest Earth Day event in Madison, if not the state, at Monona Terrace. Gisela Kutzbach and Galen Hasler welcomed many interested participants and enjoyed telling about the Preserve, its importance as an outdoor research laboratory for students (we displayed examples of the Student Engagement Grant reports), the education and outreach opportunities offered by the Friends (handouts on field trips and newsletters), and volunteer opportunities. This conference theme this year was Hope and Renewal in the Age of Apocalypse. The event was also a good opportunity to connect with friends and exhibitors of other environmental organizations. Photos Gisela Kutzbach
Annual Meeting 2017 - April 4
About 100 members and guest attended the 15th Annual Meeting of the Friends, held at the Arboretum Visitor Center, to hear ecologists Steve Carpenter talk about his research project, Investigating the Future of the Yahara Watershed. Future changes in the watershed are unpredictable because they depend on complex biophysical changes as well as human volition. Carpenter explained the rationales behind the collaborative Yahara2070 project, which uses scenarios to organize thinking about possible future outcomes for the watershed. The meeting began with Friends president Gisela Kutzbach annual report, which emphasized the success of education initiatives by the Friends and challenges of the future as well as the stewardship and financial support the Friends provide for the Preserve. The management staff of the Preserve, Laura Wyatt, Adam Gundlach, and Bryn Scriver, presented on the organizational structure of the university governance and management structure of the Preserve lands, the Eagle Heights Woods restoration project, financially supported by the Friends, work by volunteers, and the revamped Preserve website. Tony Abate, former Prairie Partner Intern working in the Preserve and now working with the Natural Heritage Land Trust, shared about the importance of his Internship experiences. The Friends thanked departing Board members Pat Becker Susan Carpenter, Diane Dempsey, and Gretel Dentine for their excellent services for the Friends and the Preserve and elected new Board members Carolyn Byers, Sarah Congdon, Olympia Mathiaparanam, Paul Quinlan, Steve Sentoff, and returning Board members Doris Dubielzig, Peter Fisher, and Mitchell Thomas. The crowd enjoyed the appetizers and deserts as well as informative poster exhibits.
Exploration Stations at Picnic Point, UW Science Spectacular - April 2
About 120 of the visitors to the Science Spectacular weekend on the UW campus also enjoyed the 4 Science Exploration Stations at Picnic Point, featuring Geologic Gems, Mound Makers, Tree Treasures, and Birding Basics. The Outdoor science laboratory of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve was a final stop for families who came from as far as Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Black Earth. Our enthusiastic team of volunteers worked tirelessly and expertly, offering interactive learning experiences and challenges for adults and children, such as identifying 8 different types of Wisconsin's rocks represented in the wall of Picnic Point entrance and also displaying the same 8 types of rocks for handling and further discussion with our knowledgeable guides. At the birding station, children learned to handle binoculars, audio scopes and spotting scopes to discover the early Red-winged blackbirds in the marsh before their guided birding walks in the woods. At the Tree station, visitors learned how native Americans produced fire by using a wooden drill, discovered the different appearances and functions of bark on common trees and worked through the challenges of the Stumped game. The stories of the mound makers were fascinating, especially against the backdrop of the linear effigy mounds further up toward the Point. Visitors received a small 8-page booklet illustrating each of the stations. Dories Dubielzig, Friends education coordinator, organized a large team of experts and helpers to make this indeed a spectacular event: Dave Mickelson and Richard Udell at the Geologic Gems, Sue Denholm and Paul Noeldner at the Birding Basics, Diane Dempsey and Josh Bruecken at the Trees Treasures, Paul Borowsky at the Mound Makers – as well as the 'floaters' Dick Dubielzig, Kennedy Gilchrist, Scot Moss, Gisela Kutzbach, and impromptu helpers Natalie and Debi, as well as the eager tiny tots pulling the big wagon at clean-up time. We were especially pleased to welcome Chancellor Rebecca Blank and Hanss Kuttner to the exhibit.
John J. Frautschi, 1929-2017
John Jones Frautschi, 1929-2017
John J. Frautschi and his family's legacy in the Preserve will live on for generations to enjoy. One of the first major philanthropic gifts from the Frautschi family came in 1961 when Walter and Dorothy gave 75 acres near Verona -- designated the Jerome Jones Woods after Walter's father-in-law -- to help create the Madison School Forest. Their sons Jerry and John made a similar gift in 1988 when they bought (for $1.5 million) the heavily wooded 17 acres formerly known as Second Point, just past Picnic Point, and gave it to the UW in Walter's name. The parcel, with 1,600 feet of Lake Mendota frontage, had long been eyed by developers; its permanent conservancy extends the Lakeshore Path to four miles, from the Union Terrace to Eagle Heights Woods.
The generosity and foresight of the Frautschi family was not limited simply to purchasing the property. Understanding the need for long-term stewardship of the land and its ecosystems, their gift of the deed was accompanied by funds to create a permanent endowment. The income from that gift will contribute forever to the care and restoration of this very special place. John Frautschi was very fond of these lands and visited here.
Over many years, the Friends have worked countless volunteer hours to help rejuvenate the Frautschi Point lands and restore their natural beauty. If you walk Big Oak trail in spring you are greeted by a sea of wildflowers and grasses planted for several years. If you look for garlic mustard in the area, you will note that any regrowth is diligently removed every year. In addition four years of efforts by the Friends, planting thousands of wood flowers and grasses, will be monitored this spring for success.
Please join us in this year’s volunteer days at Frautschi Point for garlic mustard pulling with Roma Lenehan on May 7, 1-3:30 pm, and for monitoring plant diversity and abundance, May 13 and other days, with Glenda Denniston and Suzy Will-Wolf. See details here.
The generosity and foresight of the Frautschi family was not limited simply to purchasing the property. Understanding the need for long-term stewardship of the land and its ecosystems, their gift of the deed was accompanied by funds to create a permanent endowment. The income from that gift will contribute forever to the care and restoration of this very special place. John Frautschi was very fond of these lands and visited here.
Over many years, the Friends have worked countless volunteer hours to help rejuvenate the Frautschi Point lands and restore their natural beauty. If you walk Big Oak trail in spring you are greeted by a sea of wildflowers and grasses planted for several years. If you look for garlic mustard in the area, you will note that any regrowth is diligently removed every year. In addition four years of efforts by the Friends, planting thousands of wood flowers and grasses, will be monitored this spring for success.
Please join us in this year’s volunteer days at Frautschi Point for garlic mustard pulling with Roma Lenehan on May 7, 1-3:30 pm, and for monitoring plant diversity and abundance, May 13 and other days, with Glenda Denniston and Suzy Will-Wolf. See details here.
Bird and Nature Walk - February 26
Building Bluebird houses at the docent table
Naturalist Brian Schneider from the Aldo Leopold Center led an easy walk on Lakeshore Preserve paths to look for winter birds and possible early migrants in the trees and on the water. UW student s of WSCB, Wisconsin Society for Conservation Biology, and 10 kids of Girl Scout troop Daisy joined the special pre-walk activities at the docent table at Picnic Point entrance. The students and scouts put together several ready to be assembled Bluebird houses, pre-cut according to BRAW specifications. Paul Noeldner started off the walk with a hearty song. Bird activity, observed on the walk, was still pretty quiet, but is was a beautiful day to be out walking. The bird list included Downy and Hairy woodpecker, White-breasted nuthatch, Red-Bellied woodpecker, Black-capped chickadee, Northern cardinal, and Herring gull. There was a campfire and hot chocolate afterward. Over forty people participated.
