“A change in the weather is enough to renew the world and ... · “A change in the weather is...
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We will continue until the last piece of land has been preserved December 2011 “A change in the weather is enough to renew the world and ourselves.” Marcel Proust Dear Friends, As we enter the winter pause between growing seasons, it is time again to review the past year and share plans for 2012 as we renew our mission: to acquire, restore, manage and preserve Chiwaukee Prairie and support research and environmental education. Land Acquisition : Momentum is building! In 2011, two properties were purchased. In 2012, three more are scheduled to close and a strong probability exists that between six and ten other parcels may be acquired. To keep things rolling, this month letters will again be going out to owners offering to appraise their property. Our newest board member, Philip Wattles, has been updating information on the privately held parcels and their owners. As Land Chair, he is our liaison with The Nature Conservancy and local officials. There are still over 60 lots to acquire, so a big need for donations remains. The Barnes Prairie, a small gem of biodiversity which we have long worked to acquire, has been deeded to the Department of Natural Resources. It is located between 95 th and 93 rd Streets and between 8 th and 11 th Avenues. CPPF volunteers will continue to help with plant inventory and invasive control. Restoration & Management : During the winter, nearly 350 trees and about 40 acres of decades old brush were removed from Chiwaukee. To some, it looked as if a bomb had gone off. But, come summer, long dormant flowers covered the cleared land with color! This summer other contractors worked on controlling vast areas of wetland invasive species. All of that work and more to come next year is being supported by state and federal restoration grant funds. Our volunteer hours and acquisition expenditures helped secure the grants that pay for these vital restoration efforts. Removing invasive brush and trees is the first step while frequent fire is the needed follow up. Unfortunately, we have only been able to burn one small unit this year. Hopefully, spring will bring us much better luck. Throughout the year our volunteers have worked to control many invasive species and prepare firebreaks. A group of 14 passed an all day chainsaw safety seminar enabling them to help us control large brush and small trees. Others learned to pollinate Prairie White Fringed Orchids. And some took a fire safety refresher course so they can assist at prescribed burns. Our volunteers are an amazing group willing to learn and do whatever they can to help Chiwaukee Prairie. In the people department: Congratulations and many thanks to John Harbeck and Don Snyder, who received awards for their longtime, long distance volunteering. Since the mid 90’s, they have traveled from Cedarburg and Menominee Falls all year round for monthly workdays. In 1994, Gus and Renate Hauser became CPPF directors; he served 16 years as Vice President, she 16 as Corresponding Secretary. Their contributions to our mission are near endless; monthly stewardship, hauling and storing the trailer, maintaining equipment, record keeping, 1000s of thank you cards, breakfasts and picnics on the prairie, and so very much more. Gus and Renate will become honorary board members and lifetime advisors after February when they move to their new home in northern Wisconsin. We are deeply grateful to them. Research : Two new board members, Tori Graham and Lori Artiomow, are making major contributions to research. Lori and volunteers completed the fifth year of rare species monitoring for the Plants of Concern program. Tori, who is an accomplished naturalist, conducts weekly butterfly and dragonfly monitoring in season. We are very fortunate to have both join CPPF! The fourth annual Bird Blitz in June tallied 65 species, a single year high. Over the four years, 83 different species have been seen or heard. John Krerowicz, who monitors the bluebird houses, reported five bluebird fledglings this year. Researchers also studied bats, spiders, hawks, and orchid roots on the prairie. Education & Outreach : In addition to her monthly plant ID seminars, Kay McClelland will offer a third Tuesday informal prairie walk and special events for kids. Also, a new brochure and more regular email updates are coming. As always, hikes and power point presentations are available by arrangement. Knowing we are backed by the support of our many volunteers, donors, advisors, families and friends, the directors of CPPF enthusiastically renew their determination to fulfill our mission. Thank you everyone. Pam Holy, President
Transcript of “A change in the weather is enough to renew the world and ... · “A change in the weather is...
We will continue until the last piece of land has been preserved
December 2011
“A change in the weather is enough to renew the world and ourselves.” Marcel Proust Dear Friends, As we enter the winter pause between growing seasons, it is time again to review the past year and share plans for 2012 as we renew our mission: to acquire, restore, manage and preserve Chiwaukee Prairie and support research and environmental education.
Land Acquisition: Momentum is building! In 2011, two properties were purchased. In 2012, three more are scheduled to close and a strong probability exists that between six and ten other parcels may be acquired. To keep things rolling, this month letters will again be going out to owners offering to appraise their property. Our newest board member, Philip Wattles, has been updating information on the privately held parcels and their owners. As Land Chair, he is our liaison with The Nature Conservancy and local officials. There are still over 60 lots to acquire, so a big need for donations remains. The Barnes Prairie, a small gem of biodiversity which we have long worked to acquire, has been deeded to the Department of Natural Resources. It is located between 95th and 93rd Streets and between 8th and 11th Avenues. CPPF volunteers will continue to help with plant inventory and invasive control. Restoration & Management: During the winter, nearly 350 trees and about 40 acres of decades old brush were removed from Chiwaukee. To some, it looked as if a bomb had gone off. But, come summer, long dormant flowers covered the cleared land with color! This summer other contractors worked on controlling vast areas of wetland invasive species. All of that work and more to come next year is being supported by state and federal restoration grant funds. Our volunteer hours and acquisition expenditures helped secure the grants that pay for these vital restoration efforts. Removing invasive brush and trees is the first step while frequent fire is the needed follow up. Unfortunately, we have only been able to burn one small unit this year. Hopefully, spring will bring us much better luck. Throughout the year our volunteers have worked to control many invasive species and prepare firebreaks. A group of 14 passed an all day chainsaw safety seminar enabling them to help us control large brush and small trees. Others learned to pollinate Prairie White Fringed Orchids. And some took a fire safety refresher course so they
can assist at prescribed burns. Our volunteers are an amazing group willing to learn and do whatever they can to help Chiwaukee Prairie. In the people department: Congratulations and many thanks to John Harbeck and Don Snyder, who received awards for their longtime, long distance volunteering. Since the mid 90’s, they have traveled from Cedarburg and Menominee Falls all year round for monthly workdays. In 1994, Gus and Renate Hauser became CPPF directors; he served 16 years as Vice President, she 16 as Corresponding Secretary. Their contributions to our mission are near endless; monthly stewardship, hauling and storing the trailer, maintaining equipment, record keeping, 1000s of thank you cards, breakfasts and picnics on the prairie, and so very much more. Gus and Renate will become honorary board members and lifetime advisors after February when they move to their new home in northern Wisconsin. We are deeply grateful to them. Research: Two new board members, Tori Graham and Lori Artiomow, are making major contributions to research. Lori and volunteers completed the fifth year of rare species monitoring for the Plants of Concern program. Tori, who is an accomplished naturalist, conducts weekly butterfly and dragonfly monitoring in season. We are very fortunate to have both join CPPF! The fourth annual Bird Blitz in June tallied 65 species, a single year high. Over the four years, 83 different species have been seen or heard. John Krerowicz, who monitors the bluebird houses, reported five bluebird fledglings this year. Researchers also studied bats, spiders, hawks, and orchid roots on the prairie.
Education & Outreach: In addition to her monthly plant ID seminars, Kay McClelland will offer a third Tuesday informal prairie walk and special events for kids. Also, a new brochure and more regular email updates are coming. As always, hikes and power point presentations are available by arrangement.
Knowing we are backed by the support of our many volunteers, donors, advisors, families and friends, the directors of CPPF enthusiastically renew their determination to fulfill our mission.
Thank you everyone. Pam Holy, President
ACTIVITIES & OPPORTUNITIES
Monthly 3rd Saturday Work Party Mark your calendars! All year long, volunteers come to Chiwaukee Prairie at 10AM on the third Saturday of the month to remove invasive species, collect and distribute seed, cut brush, mow firebreaks, and do what’s needed.
No experience necessary. On the job training. Meet us at 121st St. and 2nd Ave. and work until 1PM. Dress for the weather and come for all or part of the time. Check our web site for planned activities on upcoming workdays and for occasional extra workdays.
Monthly Informal Prairie Walks New this year: KayMcClelland will lead a prairie walk on the third Tuesday of each month from 9 to 11AM. Also, by arrangement for your group. You can reach Kay at (262) 554-6326 or [email protected]
Rare Plant Monitoring Become a citizen scientist helping to monitor Threatened and Endangered native species. Training provided and monitoring times, as little as half a day, are very flexible. Contact Lori Artiomow for more information at (262) 995-5245 or [email protected]
Field Identification Learn about plants in the prairie where they grow. For those who want to know more about native plants, Kay McClelland will again be offering sessions from 10 to noon on the first Saturday of each month starting in May. Interested? Contact Kay at (262) 554-6326 or [email protected]
Fifth Annual Bird Blitz … This year it will be on Saturday, June 16, 2012 from 4:45AM to 10AM. Birders, we really need your help! Recorders are also needed to accompany the birders. If interested, contact [email protected]
… And Breakfast on the Prairie This annual event for volunteers, birders, and Friends will also be on June 16, 2012 starting at 9AM . Join us for good eats and a good time with fellow prairie fans!
For Information on these and other volunteer activities and opportunities, special events, flora, fauna, and history, and to view the Prairie map, please visit:
www.chiwaukee.org
You can contact us at [email protected] or call one of the directors listed on this page.
Give us your email address and once a month we will let you know what is happening on the prairie, plans for the workday, and other news about Chiwaukee Prairie. CPPF does not share its address or email lists.
DONATIONS STILL MATCHED!
Donations to CPPF are held for land acquisition in Chiwaukee Prairie and are matched from the state stewardship fund, thus doubling the buying power of your contributions.
The Basic Membership remains at the bargain price of $10, but more is always welcome! Donate $100 to be a Blazing Star. Donate $500 to be a Life Member. And the category of Sustaining Member acknowledges life members who donate another $500 or a new $1000 donor. Any amount helps.
The Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all volunteer organization. Donations are tax deductible and much appreciated! Please consider CPPF when planning your will!
CPPF earns up to 30%!CPPF earns up to 30%!CPPF earns up to 30%!CPPF earns up to 30%!
If you use www.goodsearch.com as your search engine and list Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund as your charity, we earn 1¢ per search and up to 30% on every online purchase. Shop for Chiwaukee! Thanks.
Many Thanks We are again very grateful to Pastor Carlson and
the congregation of the Kenosha Bible Church for providing CPPF with a room for our board meetings. Thanks also to Mark Belokon and Joel Heller, prairie neighbors who hosted a great BBQ for volunteers after the July workday. And many thanks to prairie neighbors Chris Kemper and Nancy Stoewe for reporting illegal dumping and regularly policing trash. Special thanks to Jason Capodarco (Kenosha Appliance Parts) and Lance Turner (Turner Auto Body) for donating their time and resources to do maintenance on our mowers and trailer.
CPPF Board of Directors
Pam Holy, President (262) 658-8336 Nathan Robertson, Vice President (262) 694-7351 Eric Howe, Treasurer Kay McClelland, Secretary (262) 554-6326 Renate Hauser, Corresponding Secretary Lori Artiomow, Plant Monitoring/Membership Alan Eppers, Stewardship Dawn Feldman-Brown, Outreach (262) 694-1748 Tori Graham, Naturalist/Publications Gus Hauser, Stewardship Philip Wattles, Development/Land Chair Lenny Weiss, Volunteer Coordinator (262) 537-2050 Joy Wolf, Restoration Ecologist
Advisors Jason Capodarco, Equipment Maintenance Marty Johnson, DNR Wildlife Biologist Deb Maurer, Restoration Ecologist LCFPD Donna Peterson, Director Emeritus Doug Robinson, DNR Natural Areas Technician Joan Rohan, Director Emeritus Ingrid Verhulst, Non-Profit Management Jerry Ziegler, The Nature Conservancy Printed on recycled paper
THE BALTIMORE CHECKERSPOT
Photo and article by Tori Graham
Chiwaukee Prairie is home to the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly. It is black with white spots, except for the wing margin which has bright orange tooth-like spots. It can be 1 ¾ to 3 inches wide. The species was recorded three times during monitoring at Chiwaukee Prairie this past summer. Many butterflies live as adults for only three weeks one time each year, then lay their eggs and die. The Baltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton) is one of those. Later in the season, the larvae come out of their eggs and eat the plant they were laid on; most likely the host was the wetland plant Turtlehead. They grow and molt several times in the fall before reaching the stage when they hide down in the dying matter at the base of the plant to overwinter. In the spring, the caterpillars move to a variety of other plants to feed. When ready, they form a chrysalis, change into a butterfly, and the cycle begins again, as they spend their three adult weeks sipping nectar from milkweeds and composites. They are not a common butterfly and they do not fly very far from the site where their eggs were laid. It’s a special natural area when you see a Baltimore Checkerspot. Chiwaukee Prairie is such a special area!
* * * * * Nathan Robertson’s Mystery In The Mud….
The pond SW of 122nd Street and 1st Court served as the reservoir for the golf course in the 1920s. Nearby is a square cement cistern. But can anyone tell us what this object is in the pond? Was it related to irrigation?
SERVE KENOSHA Comes to the Prairie
Each year in September, the congregation of the Kenosha Bible Church fans out across the city to do community service projects instead of going to morning worship service. Among the myriad of projects members could sign up to do, invasive species control at Chiwaukee was included, thanks to church member and CPPF director, Dawn Feldman-Brown. She and seven others are pictured below with the many bags of Queen Anne’s Lace seed baskets they collected. Many, many thanks to all!
Let us know if your group would like to help the prairie!
* * * * *
If you plant it… they will come!
Gardening with native plants attracts our native birds and butterflies! But what has this to do with the prairie?
By our work to restore and preserve Chiwaukee Prairie, we are engaged in biodiversity conservation; that is, saving the large variety of native plant and animal species that call the prairie home. Many species travel beyond it, especially birds, butterflies and other insects. In their travels, they seek the native plants they evolved with in order to survive. Our friends and generous supporters at the Root River Chapter of Wild Ones promote natural landscaping with native plants to preserve biodiversity and provide the stepping stones needed by wandering wildlife. Their annual native plant sale on the 1st Saturday in June is a great way to start your own native plant community!
In Bringing Nature Home, Douglas Tallamy gives a compelling explanation of the need for and vital importance of gardening with native plants. He explains how the choices we make as gardeners can make a significant contribution toward sustaining biodiversity in a habitat island like Chiwaukee Prairie.
Visit the Wild Ones web site for more information on gardening with native plants; for-wild.org
Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund, Inc. P.O. Box 1802 Kenosha, Wisconsin 53141 Return Service Requested
Many thanks to all of you, our 2011 volunteers!
Lori Artiomow Nancy Bodinet Darrell Borger Owen Boyle John Braig Mike Breen Dave Bunker Tim Bunker Abbey Buschke Jason Capodarco Justin Chapelle Kathy Cole Kathryn Corio Dennis Cox Marsha DeBennette Ryan Deglow Matthew Edwards Alan Eppers Dawn Feldman-Brown Ellen Ferwerda Robyn Fredericks Erin Gnass Tori Graham Aaron Groves Barbara Gudmundson John Harbeck Gus Hauser Renate Hauser Jack Holy Pam Holy
Eric Howe David Jenson Anna Johnson Barbara Johnson Brad Johnson Christine Johnson Marty Johnson Anthony Kajfez Chris Kemper Anne Marie Kowalski John Krerowicz Mary Kuppe Jan Lake Julia Lake Janice Laufenberg Kathy Lill-Bonner Deb Maurer Kay McClelland Aaron Menke Mikiel Miller Nick Mimier Susan Morgan Pat Morton Johanna Niedermayer Carlos Ortiz Vanessa Ortiz Kathleen Paap John Pleasant Jr.
Miguel Poblete Brandon Pyatt
Dave Regenfuss Ramon Reynosa Nathan Robertson Doug Robinson Jacob Rogers Stan Rosenstiel Norma Runner Alex Rusch Dave Sanders Christina Sargent John Schluckebier Jake Schultz Alex St. John Alek Stelmaszozyk Nancy Stoewe Ron Story Julie Systma Abby Turner Lance Turner Philip Wattles Lenny Weiss Rayme White Jaim Wiacck Marshall Woller Joy Wolf’s UW-Parkside Field Methods Class & Biogeography Class Nicole Zadr Jerry Ziegler Mark Zuhlke
JOIN US!
Restoration Seed Collecting
Rare Plant Monitoring Invasive Species Scouting Historical Research
Special Projects Bird Surveys
WE APOLOGIZE IF YOUR NAME WAS OMITTED
PLEASE remember to SIGN-IN when volunteering. Your hours will help us get grant funding.
FRIENDS OF THE CHIWAUKEE PRAIRIE
GIFTS
Four Seasons Garden Club
The Hinrichs Foundation
Patricia Otto
Root River Chapter of Wild Ones
SUSTAINING MEMBERS
Pam Holy & Ingrid Verhulst Vera Scekic & Robert Osborne Jack & Terry Shouba Johanna Verhulst LIFE MEMBERS
Helen & Robert Balcome Lila Berge Pat Tobin Chapman Family Sharon & Eugene Dodd Elena Dreiske & Bob Zdenek John Erickson Richard M. Franz Mark Giese Margaret Henze Ferdinand Hinrichs Ferne Holy Pam Holy & Ingrid Verhulst Imogene Johnson Joy Joslyn Chris Kemper & Nancy Stoewe Karla Krampert Paul Krampert Ann Levin & Bruce Sedloff Ken & Maggie Lukow Kay MacNeil Martina & Christopher Mann Bessie Meland Art Middlekauff Frederick Ott Lorrie Otto Yvonne & David Petty Helen Pugh Stan Rosenstiel Dave Sanders Vera Scekic & Robert Osborne Nathan Robertson Mary & Paul Schuler Anita Sculthorpe Jack & Terry Shouba Johanna Verhulst Thomas Zuhlke
Bold = New
BLAZING STARS
June Ambro James & Marty Anderson Calvin Andre Priscilla Andre Lori Artiomow Dan Bell Camille Gendusa Bluestein Darrell & Sue Borger Kathy Cole Steve & Sharon Dahl Barbara Dewitt Alan Eppers Scott & Christine Feldy Richard M. Franz Donna & Walter Gager Marianne Hahn Ernest Hall & June Rongved John Harbeck Chuck Haubrich Gustav & Renate Hauser Nancy Hennessy Margaret Henze Jim & Diane Holmes Jack Holy Arlene Howe Eric Howe Imogene Johnson Richard K. Johnson Gary & Debbie Kanak Cyndi & Dave LeMieux Ken & Maggie Lukow Carol & Ray Mampe Chris Mann Kay McClelland Neale Murray Lynne Nelson Dorothy O’Byrne & Lannie LeGear Claudia Ogren Lisa Pearson Donna Peterson Ed & Peggy Raymond Dave Sanders Bettie Schindler Don & Linda Snyder John & Martha Stoltenberg Joe & Barbara Vass Joanne Wanasek Joy Wolf
GENERAL MEMBERS
Bob Babcock Quan & Cindy Banh Charles Barnato Peggy Barnato Mary Jane Bates Pete & Vicki Behrens Lila Berge Myron Berman John Braig Cathy Brnak Dawn & Tom Brown Miriam Bugnacki Gretchen Burgess Jane Burns Cathy Chybowski Matthew Edwards Trudy Farrell Barbara Federlin Dawn Feldman-Brown James & Connie Ferwerda Carold & Andrea Fjelsted Anne & Greg Fox Bob & Sally Freckmann Judith Gaskell Mark Giese Jessica Gillespie Tori Graham Richard & Deanna Guenther Bill & Kate Gunderson James Hansen Virginia Hansis Ann Hasselkus Dennis & Hede Horne Debra Huber Charlotte Hubert Norma Janecky Dan & Linda Janicki Ann Jolicoeur Dorothy Kassilke Mary Kenna Mary Ann Kniep Reid Knitter Steve & Louise Kumorkiewicz Geraldine Lachman Carol & Lester Lehman Charles Leicht Roger & Inez Lemnus Rich & Diane Levis Julie & Dan Long Moreau MacCaughey Cory Masiak Mary Meixner Barbara Meyocks E. Middleton Susan Morgan Scott & Beth Nichols Carter O’Brien Marcia O’Day
GENERAL MEMBERS…
Mary Ann Ortmayer & Harry Knipp Patricia Pacanowski Marion Pacetti Jackson Parker & Mary Ann Staupe Lynn Passino Patricia Pfarr Merike Phillips E.J. Potente Lisa Scott Ptacek Racine Garden Club David & Christine Regenfuss Joan Rohan Donna Saalfeld Ellen & John Schmidt Valerie Spale Vivian Stetler Barry Thomas Rita Tomkiewicz Peter & Paula Touhey Susan Tragesser Tony & Rose Truskowski John Valaske Philip Wattles Lenny Weiss Robert Wirch Betty Wright CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED IN MEMORY OF:
Liz Haas & Jean Krejcha - Ed & Peggy Raymond
Nondi Hinrichs - The Hinrichs Foundation
Ferne Holy - Gustav & Renate Hauser - Judy Herr - Dennis & Hede Horne - Eric & Arlene Howe - Karen Kelly - Maureen Klopstein - June & Bryan Knudsen - Marilyn Magnuski - Kay McClelland - Susan Morgan - Dorothy O’Byrne & Lannie LeGear - Donna Peterson - Joan Rohan - Bernice Rugg - Ethyl & Alan Schaefer - Susan Tragresser - Ingrid Verhulst & Pam Holy - Lenny Weiss
IN MEMORY OF . . .
Arthur C. & Kathryn A. Mann - Carol, Peter, & Russell Mann
Lorrie Otto - Patricia Otto CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED IN HONOR OF:
Marty Johnson, DNR - Southeast Gateway Group
Of the Sierra Club PREVIOUS GRANTS/GIFTS
H.M. Benstead Jr. Foundation
Althea M. Brach
Citizen-Based Monitoring Partnership Program
Citizens Natural Resources Association
Col. L.C. Christensen Charitable Foundation
Dain Rauscher Investment Services
Dairyland Charitable Foundation
Equitable Foundation
Four Seasons Garden Club
Frey - Lukow Family Fund via Racine Community Foundation
Paul Gergen
Greene Manufacturing Co. Foundation
John Harbeck
The Hinrichs Foundation
Jupiter Transportation Co.
Kenosha Orchid Society
Kerwin Foundation
Virginia Kline Award - Friends of the Arboretum
Herbert H. Kohl Charities
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
New Vision
Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church
PREVIOUS. . .
Root - Pike Watershed Initiative Network
Chester A. Satler, M.D.
Snap-on Tools Corporation
E.C. Styberg Foundation
Society of Tympanuchus Cupido Pinnatus
State of Wisconsin - Stewardship Friends Grant Program
Root River Chapter of Wild Ones
Conrad J. Shearer Bequest
WE Energies Corporate Foundation
WE Energies - Employee Match
Wild Flower Preservation Society of Illinois
Donations were received between 12/1/10 and 11/15/11.
If an omission or error exists, please contact us.
Visit us on the web:
www.chiwaukee.org
