A BIRD'S best friend in this country has to be the National Wildlife Refuge System, and with global warming scrambling their world, birds need such a friend more than ever. (American White Pelican)
Theodore Roosevelt created the first wildlife refuge on Florida's Pelican Island a century ago, and today there are 547 of them. Many lie along the Atlantic Flyway and other major migration routes. Unfortunately, the Bush administration is slashing already-thin staffs throughout the system. Biologists and other specialists are among those who no longer will be on the job.
In the long run, this will cost us more than it saves us because protecting wildlife ultimately protects humans, too. Every plant and animal performs a job in the web of life, and each is critical to maintaining balance in our world. For example, when an insect-eating species falters, the insect's population tends to increase. We need the natural security that wildlife refuges provide.
Refuges also filter water and scrub dirty air, and they serve as outdoor labs where tomorrow's medicines are discovered. In addition, school children, who are increasingly cut off from the natural world as our society urbanizes, depend on such places to learn biology and ecology.
Anyone who doubts the economic contribution these places make should survey businesses that depend on the stream of visitors drawn to many of these sanctuaries. President Bush should take a page from President Roosevelt's book. We ignore the canary in the coal mine at our peril.
William H. Meadows President, The Wilderness Society Washington, DC
BRACING for the migratory peak of millions of purple milkweed butterflies, officials in Taiwan are closing one lane of a major highway, installing netting to encourage the butterflies to rise above traffic, and using ultraviolet lights to guide them under a busy bridge. (Taiwan Golden Birdwing Butterfly)
"Human beings need to coexist with the other species, even if they are tiny butterflies," says Lee Thay-ming of the National Freeway Bureau. With a study by the Butterfly Conservation Society of Taiwan showing that 11,500 butterflies a minute winged their way across the now four-year-old freeway during three hours on an April day in 2005, lepidopterists hope the measures will reduce deaths-by-splattering.
The closing coincides with the annual Tomb-Sweeping Festival, a celebration of life and death; the bureau advises celebrants to maintain normal speeds and safety. The loosely translated but oddly poetic goal: "Much more our patience, less fewer the butterfly casualties, much more imagination of Taiwan."
FERTILIZED, manicured lawns near water lure Canada Geese. These landscapes are not indigenous to the Northeast and mimic nesting conditions further north. The weed-whacked, fertilized, chemically treated ideal sought by many waterfront property owners is responsible for attracting geese. (Canada Goose)
Ecologically, these are degraded landscapes. With the help of a qualified landscaper, they can be modified. And the geese will move on.
Health fears are misplaced. The country's foremost federal researchers have stated unequivocally that geese are not a health threat. However, an epidemic of fear and loathing of native wildlife—everything from neighbors' bird feeders to a Raccoon that dares set foot on "private property" — appears ascendant. How sad.
Wild is a beautiful word. For the many of us who thrill to the sights and sounds and freedom of visiting geese, Raccoons, songbirds and deer, life is so much richer. The geese can fly away. The small-minded are left only with themselves. And their "private property."
THE BUSH administration has quietly issued a new spin on the Endangered Species Act that would have the feds protect imperiled animals and plants only in places where they're in trouble--not where they're thriving or have already disappeared. A memo announcing the change was posted on the Interior Department website on Friday. The Center for Biological Diversity threatened to pursue the issue in court, saying the new policy could mean 80 percent of some 1,300 species now listed under the act would lose protection. "Say I'm an irrigator," said CBD's Kieran Suckling. "Say there are 10 fish in a stream. ... I'm going to go kill those 10 fish. Now they are part of the historical range, not the current range. It doesn't count." In more uplifting news, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said on Friday that the feds will look into whether some species should be listed as threatened or endangered because of climate change. Oddly enough, he failed to mention the ESA memo. So forgetful, that one. (Endangered Burrowing Owl)
"Treat the earth well: It was not given to you by your parents, It was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children." --Ancient Indian Proverb
Think about it for a moment! Yes, the American Indian had it right. They understood that "Mother Earth" took care of them and in return they took care of her.
Yes, Native Americans understood "Stewardship!" They understood that our planet is a community, not a commodity. Taking only what they needed, nothing more. They knew it they didn't care for her, there would be nothing for future generations.
Villages were often moved every few years, this allowed nature to replenish herself. Virtually everything was used or recycled. Animals were used for food, yet the hides made clothing and shelter. Bones were used as tools, so very little was wasted. Trees that were cut down to make room for gardens were used for lodging, firewood and tools. They didn't clear cut or let things go to waste.
Yes, stewardship is more than plants and animals, it is also recycling and keeping our planet clean. Recycling reduces pollution in several ways.
Old newspapers, cardboard, plastics can all be recycled and used again. Newspapers are used as insulation, and re-used as newspaper again. Think of all the trees our efforts save. Not just the big brown cardboard boxes, but cereal and cracker boxes are recycled.
Plastics are turned into other products like bird feeders and outdoor furniture. This not only saves our landfills, but also reduces the use and dependence on petroleum. Glass products are recycled back into glass and other items of use.
Stewardship goes beyond the obvious, it also means recycling old motor oils. I grew up on a dirt road and 40 years ago it was common to have old motor oil dumped onto the roads to keep dust down. Forty years ago, polluting the ground wasn't an issue like it is today. Now old oils can be recycled into more practical uses.
Recycling also includes old batteries and proper disposing of old chemicals. Minimizing yard and garden wastes by making a mulch bin or many communities have dump sites for plant materials as well as trash.The list goes on.
By recycling, we have reduced our trash by more than half. We feel good that we are helping our planet. Some communities charge by the trash bag. Recycling can save money too. Do you take the time and effort to sort your trash? Are you into recycling?
When borrowing a friend's car, it is customary to leave it with more gas and maybe clean it as well. Leaving the car in better shape than when you borrowed it.
Stewardship.
"We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children."
Now do you get it?
Ron Patterson Windstar Wildlife Habitat Naturalist Michigan Certified Nurseryman Kentwood, MI www.gardening-for-wildlife.com
FOR YEARS I have heard a sound in the back field that I can not identify. Spring and summer evenings I hear a constant "Zeeeet." The sound comes from several places so it is either a flying creature or several creatures communicating. Once I thought I had it pegged as a Woodcock but I have decided that I'm wrong. The "Zeeet" sound does not originate on the ground but higher. It is a pleasing sound. The field is about two acres of scrub...if that is of any help. Can anyone ID this sound for me? Thanks in advance.
Jack Lewnes WindStar Master Wildlife Habitat Naturalist Port Republic, MD
SIGNIFICANT conservation leaders like Teddy Roosevelt and Aldo Leopold (pictured) were conservationist hunters, and that is how I describe myself.
And just like them and for just as many reasons, I am driven to protect the habitats on which wildlife rely. My passion for and the joy I receive from hunting derives from the thrill of the challenge, the appreciation of the scenery and beauty of wild places, the great pleasure and camaraderie of shared triumphs and tribulations. Most of all, I feel only honor and admiration for the strength and wildness of the animals.
At first glance, it does appear to present an irreconcilable dichotomy: How can I be so passionate about protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat, and yet find such joy in hunting? Why go to these efforts to protect our deer and elk, grouse and chukar, and then set out to kill them?
At a recent county planning and zoning hearing on the proposed Cove Springs development, similar questions were raised about these seeming contradictions and were directed at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, which has come out strongly in opposition to the development because of its potential impacts on wildlife, specifically Sage Grouse. Individuals in favor of the development and who identified themselves as hunters asked: "If Fish and Game cares so much about Sage Grouse, why is there still a hunting season?" And in the same vein, a comment was voiced that Fish and Game allows Blaine County to have the "most liberal" Sage Grouse season in Idaho.
Our liberal season means we are one of the last remaining places in Idaho where Sage Grouse habitat and populations are significant enough to warrant such a season. It provides proof that Fish and Game has been successful in protecting habitat, but we need to redouble efforts to ensure the populations are not just maintained but increased. I fully support the efforts of Fish and Game and others to protect wildlife habitat that is endangered by the increasing growth in our valley. And resulting from these efforts, we will continue to be blessed with some of the best public land hunting in the county.
I am an optimist. This past year I bought a lifetime Idaho fishing and hunting license for my young son, just before his second birthday. I look forward to sharing my joys and passions for the field with him someday, and if I have anything to say about it there will be grouse in the sage.
I ALWAYS find the WindStar Wildlife Garden Weekly interesting, educational and informative. I thought I'd take a minute to let you know about our bluebird efforts. Each year for the past five, we have provided bluebird house kits at well below cost to the Kindergarten classes at Springfield Elementary School in Fort Mill, SC. This is a father-child project in the school which meets at 7:00 a.m., so that the Dad's can get to work. It is the high point of our year as our entire staff helps with the project. This year we have expanded our efforts to include a second school's kindergarten classes and the Gifted & Talented Students at a third. So far, with this effort, we have added approximately 650 bluebird boxes to our neighborhood.
We are rewarded with an ever-increasing awareness of bluebirds and an increasing bluebird population.Just thought you'd like to know.
THE PAST four months I've been off work due to neck surgery. It is true, you can have to much of a good thing. One thing I cannot get enough of though is admiring the scenery around me. (Aspen trees after 13-inch snowfall)
As winter continues it's grip on Michigan, I am blessed with several birds that enjoy my offerings at the feeders. Walks in the shroud of white also allow me to notice some of nature's other beauties.
Oh sure, snow sticking to the pine and spruce trees are a photographers dream. However, I'm talking about bark and branches. Native trees and bushes offer so much to a landscape. Too often, we don't appreciate the beauty of bark and branches. In many cases, they aren't noticeable until they shed their foliage or we just don't take the time to notice.
American sycamore(Platanus occidentalis) is well known for its patch work bark of white, cream, olive and shades of brown. Not to mention the massive trunks of these American beauties.
River birch(Betula nigra) with its creamy white to reddish brown pealing bark. In typical birch fashion, River birch with its typical multi-trunk form and exfoliating bark makes a statement wherever it stands.
Take some time to admire the always smooth gray colored bark of American beech(Fagus grandifolia).
Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), a deciduous conifer has interesting bark that has winter appeal. Bumps and bulges add to the appearance and often isn't noticeable until the tree sheds its greenery for the winter.
Sugar maple's(Acer saccharum) smooth gray bark gives rise to large irregular plates that give way to deep furrows. While talking maples, I must mention Striped maples (Acer pennsylvanicum) and its green bark and greenish white stripes.
Our several species of Oaks(Quercus) offer a great variety of barks and wide spread branches. Red oak's(Quercus rubra) bark of ski trails and furrows to White oak(Quercus alba) and its bark in blocks and scales.
Sweetgum(Liquidamber styraciflua) is another large tree that has textural interest in the branches. Young branches have a corky wing look to them and the prickly seed balls linger throughout the winter.
Bushes in mass planting can have a dramatic effect on your winter landscape:
Red twig dogwood(Cornus sericea) is at its best in winter scenery. Not as showy, but its yellow barked cousin does well too.
Highbush blueberry(Vaccinium corymbosum) is overlooked for its year round beauty.
The list goes on and on. Next time you are out for a walk or take a peek at your yard, look around to really enjoy native barks and branches.
Ron Patterson Windstar Certified Wildlife Habitat Naturalist Michigan Certified Nurseryman www.gardening-for-wildlife.com
Kentwood, MI
WindStar Wildlife Institute Thomas D. Patrick Founder & President
10072 Vista Court
Myersville, MD 21773
Phone: (301) 293-3351 Email Windstar
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About Windstar
WindStar Wildlife Institute is a national non-profit conservation organization established in 1986. WindStar is a leader in "connecting people to nature through education." In 1999 the Board of Directors decided to move the headquarters to an award-winning, passive solar and earth sheltered structure, Terra Vista, near Myersville, MD. And, a new, four-acre demonstration wildlife habitat, containing all the elements and key components, was created for members and others to visit and to get ideas for their own properties. Each year new habitat components are added. The Institute is known for its award-winning environmental education and certification programs, web site, American Wildlife Blog and outstanding use of nature photography.
A BIRD'S best friend in this country has to be the National Wildlife Refuge System, and with global warming scrambling their world, birds need such a friend more than ever. (American White Pelican)
