Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Beyond Rudolph, Things You Might Not Know About Reindeer

By Ruth Forsgren, BCR Naturalist

If we believe the pictures, then Santa’s team members are probably female.  Both male and female reindeer have antlers but males shed theirs at the end of the mating season in November while females retain theirs until late winter or early spring. This means that the reindeer that pull Santa’s sleigh are most likely females.

Reindeer and caribou are genetically the same animal. Caribou usually refers to the animals found in northern Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.  Reindeer is used for the smaller animals found in Asia and Europe and are more likely to be domesticated.  (For purposes of this article reindeer will be used to refer to either)

Reindeer are the only large animal able to metabolize lichen, their primary food source in the winter. During the warmer months, they feast on grasses, mushrooms, and other tundra plants.

The usually single calf is born in May or June. These babies are ready to run within about 90 minutes of birth. They must be ready to migrate with the herd for safety. Calves generally stay with mom until fall. 
Photo by Tanya Dewey



Not all reindeer migrate.but some  North American reindeer are known to travel 3000 miles. This is one of the longest migrations made by a land animal. Some of these animals might join a super-herd, which can number from 50,000 to 500,000 individuals.

Their feet are specially designed for life on the tundra.  Besides having hooves covered with hair, reindeer have 4 “toes” that spread wide to act like snowshoes. In the summer the footpad swells and becomes spongy;  giving the animals traction on the soggy ground, during the winter this pad shrinks back exposing the sharp edges of the hooves which help cut into the icy terrain.


Reindeer click, literally. Some sub-species of reindeer have tendons that click as they slide over bones in the feet. This noise possibly helps the animals stay together during a blinding blizzard. 

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Top Five Wintry Activities at Beaver Creek


Winter weather is upon us! As you watch the snowflakes pile up outside your window, you may be tempted to burrow under a blanket and hibernate until spring. But even in winter, there are so many great possibilities to explore and learn more about the outdoors. Plus, you don't really want to miss snow's magical beauty!

Keep yourself from going stir-crazy this winter with these Top Five Wintry Activities at Beaver Creek!



    1. Hit the Trails by Candlelight. Our popular candlelight snowshoe hikes are scheduled for January 5th and February 2nd. Each night has an early and a late shift. Reserve snowshoes in advance or bring your own. After hitting the trails, enjoy a warm fire and hot chocolate. The short course is perfect for all ages. Register on our website.



    2. Get Frosty! The Frosty Frolic is back for a second year! Come out on January 20th for a full day of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, crafts and projects for all ages, dogsledding, food truck, warm fires, hot cocoa and snacks, and much more!

    3. Learn about Trees and Animals in Winter. Come to our Tree and Shrub ID in Winter program on Saturday, February 3rd (adult learners) or our Winter Tracking for Kids program on Saturday, February 17th.

    4. Snowshoe or Cross-Country Ski. Did you know we rent snowshoes and cross-country skis for only $3 per pair? Call our office to make sure our trails are ready at 715-877-2212. Equipment can be rented from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
    Haycreek Winter Scene by Dave Schmitt



    5. Support Your Resolutions. Whether your New Year's resolutions involve being more active, getting healthy, taking more time for your self, or giving back-- Beaver Creek Reserve can help you meet them all! It starts with an affordable membership. Learn more here.

    We can't wait to explore the winter wonderland with you!
        

    Wednesday, December 6, 2017

    These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things: Christmas Gifts for the Nature Lover


    Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas is fast approaching. While Christmas is a festive time filled with magic and good cheer, it can also be a bit hectic. Before you get too stressed about your holiday lists, Beaver Creek Reserve wanted to share with you some of our favorite things to give as gifts. If you have any nature lovers on your list, you definitely want to check out what we have to offer.

    Sign them up for a snowshoe-making class. On January 6th and 7th, Beaver Creek is offering an opportunity to make beautiful, heirloom snowshoes! Sign up yourself and a friend, and spend the day making something you’ll use for years to come! Register here before December 15th to secure a spot. 

    Adopt-a-Bird. This year, Beaver Creek Reserve has revamped our adopt-a-bird program, and we’re excited to share it with you! For years, Beaver Creek has been banding birds to continue learning about and protecting our feathered friends. By adopting a banded bird in someone’s name, you will support our environmental conservation and education efforts. Choose from 10 different varieties that we band at Beaver Creek. Email us for more information. 

    Give the gift of nature. If you love your time spent wandering the trails or exploring the Discovery Room at Beaver Creek, consider buying a membership for someone you love. Without a doubt, a membership at Beaver Creek is a gift that keeps on giving.


    Buy Beaver Creek apparel. We just got in a whole new line of clothing in the Nature Store, and it’s just waiting to be worn! We have new flannel shirts, denim shirts, sweatshirts and more.  Stay warm and stylish sporting Beaver Creek Reserve logo!




    Stem Gifts for Boys and Girls STEM isn't just the latest craze, it is an important way to combine learning and play.  Beaver Creek Reserve has some great toys, and kits for a variety of ages. These would make great boredom busters for over the long holiday break! (Plus 50% of your purchase goes directly back to Beaver Creek Reserve!)


    Check out our nature books. Here at Beaver Creek, we are always learning new things about the world around us. Our Nature Store stocks a wide variety of books that can help you engage with your surroundings. New discoveries are just a page away!




    Gift our Beaver Creek Nature Calendar. Everyone needs a way to organize their life, and what better way to do it than in a gorgeous nature calendar? Featuring local photographers and the beauty of western Wisconsin, this calendar is a must-have for every home. Purchase one for only $10.00 at Beaver Creek Reserve or at Festival Foods (Mall Drive currently, Both NEW Festival Foods after 12/13), Sharp Photo and Portrait, Unity Bank in Fall Creek and Augusta and Pet Food Plus.


    Happy Shopping!

    Wednesday, November 22, 2017

    Beaver Creek Reserve Celebrates the Season of Gratitude

    Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for family, friends, and good food. But, as the name implies, it is also a time to remember what you are thankful for. 

    Here at Beaver Creek Reserve, we have much to be thankful for. In the last three years, we have experienced tremendous growth and have completed several large-scale capital projects. Our staff would like to share what we are each thankful for. 



    Jeanette and her son enjoying
    Tadpole Toddler Camp
    "I am thankful for the new Tadpole Toddler Camp; my child loved it and can't wait to attend next year! I am thankful for all the new opportunities at BCR geared towards early childhood. I am thankful to be able to work on things I truly care about. I am thankful to have such great people to work with. I am thankful to call this 400 acres my office. I am thankful to have work in an environment that is open to the staff's ideas. I am thankful and amazed to have such committed and passionate volunteers. I am thankful for every person that approaches me with questions about nature.  It shows people are thinking, concerned, and care. I am thankful for every parent and grandparent that bring their kids to BCR.” 
                 --Jeanette Kelly, Citizen Science Director




    Jim Schwiebert Tagging Monarchs
    "I am thankful for all the people who consistently step up to volunteer for all things butterfly related here at Beaver Creek. It is such a tremendous outreach to our region of the state and beyond, and we simply cannot do it without the dedicated core of volunteers that we have. I'm also thankful for all of the relationships I've developed with those volunteers! We are blessed to have such a wonderful group of people to call our volunteers and friends!
               --Jim Schwiebert, Naturalist




    "I am thankful that I work for such a family-friendly place. I am thankful for my great coworkers that make work a fun and happy place.” 

           --Julie Felske, Database Coordinator


    Bcr Staff catching butterflies
    “I am so thankful to come to work each day and feel like what I do makes a difference.  I am thankful for my supportive co-workers who have become my extended family.  I am thankful that BCR is so supported and respected in the community. I am truly grateful to all the volunteers, board members and donors who give their time and money to ensure the future of this incredible place!”

             --Brianne Markin, Marketing and Development Coordinator


    "I am so thankful to the members and donors who gave not only money but considerable amounts of time.  We accomplished a lot this year, and we could not have done it without them!"
            --Jerad Polden, Caretaker


    Ruth Forsgren tapping trees with a guest at French Toast Breaskfast

    "I am thankful for all the volunteers that help our programming go so well.  I am thankful for the contagious excitement of a 5-year-old, that makes my job new and fresh each day as well as the wide-eyed wonder I see when people meet Luna, Aurora or any of our animal ambassadors for the first time.  Lastly, I am thankful for the opportunities I have to share the awesomeness of nature with visitors of all ages."
           -- Ruth Forsgren, BCR Naturalist 

    "I am thankful to have a dream job. Really, I have thought about what it would be like to work at a place like Beaver Creek long before I ever realized it could be a possibility here. Prior to working here I always placed a strong value on the land and programs that make this place so special, but as work here longer the relationships with the “friends” of Beaver Creek are most rewarding part. Getting to work alongside so many talented and amazing volunteers, staff, board and members makes me look forward to my job each day.

    Solar Ribbon Cutting August 2017
    2017 has been an especially thankful year with our large donation and the creation of the solar array on the Nature Center and then being able to generate all our electricity through solar power with the leasing of Eau Claire Energy Coop’s solar program. Having something like a solar-powered nature center was something that I hoped that could be accomplished in a decade and it all happened in a few months this year! I learn new things every day, I’m inspired, I’m humbled and most of all I am Thankful to be a part of such a great organization."
             -- Erik Keisler, Executive Director



    Thanksgiving is also a time to consider end-of-year giving-- how you can use what you have to benefit others. For six years, Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, has been an amazing global campaign to give the season greater meaning and to channel funds, gifts, and time into worthy causes. This year, Giving Tuesday is November 28th, and it is the perfect way for you to give back. 

    As you think about Giving Tuesday, we ask that you consider giving to Beaver Creek Reserve. We need your help in order to continue our mission of connecting people with nature. 

    To make a monetary donation, visit our donation page at https://www.beavercreekreserve.org/support/donations/

    To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Beaver Creek Reserve, visit our volunteer page at https://www.beavercreekreserve.org/support/volunteer/

    We are thankful for you! We wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday filled with many things that make you grateful. 




    Wednesday, November 8, 2017

    Get Your Holiday Craft On!

    Holiday Crafting for Kids 2017


    Holidays are the perfect time to continue long-standing traditions and one of Beaver Creek Reserve’s favorites is Holiday Crafting for Kids.

    For over 15 years, this event has brought people together in the spirit of the season to be creative and make something fun for a gift or decoration. Join us on Saturday, November 18 from 10 am – 12 pm for this year’s holiday fun!



    Over the course of the morning, each child will work on 4-6 crafts or activities focused on Thanksgiving and Winter themes. Watch as upcycled or recycled materials, from pinecones to sticks to toilet paper tubes, are transformed into something truly precious. Your child's boundless imagination will show through in the adorable projects they make. This program is great for kids of all ages, so you can bring the whole family along!

    This year, there will also be a special “Green Saturday” sale in the Nature Center Store where everything is 20 percent off for both members and non-members.   

    Holiday Crafting for Kids costs $6 per child for members and $8 per child for non-members. There is no charge for adult helpers—enjoy spending festive time with your young ones! All materials are included in the cost of the program, and a snack (gluten-free)  is also provided. 

    Registration closes on Monday, November 13th, so register now! at https://www.beavercreekreserve.org/reservation/event/1063/.


    We can’t wait to celebrate the holidays with you!

    Wednesday, November 1, 2017

    To Migrate or Not to Migrate: That is the Question

    What do birds do in winter? This article from the November/December 2017 edition of Woodprints has all the answers to that age-old question. Plus, stay tuned for links at the end to great homemade bird feeders that are the perfect projects for a cold, winter day!

    Written by Ruth Forsgren, BCR Naturalist

    When I ask kids what birds do in the winter, the common answer is migrate or fly south. Honestly, I think a lot of adults would answer the same way. But, there are a lot of non-migratory birds that tough out the winter months.  That raises an interesting question: why wouldn’t a bird head to milder climates for the winter months?  Well, migration is hard. Flying hundreds or even thousands of miles requires a lot of fuel. You have to find a safe hotel in a good neighborhood, compete with the crowds for everything, and have top notch navigation equipment. There are flight delays due to weather, plus many other trials for the avian traveler.

    Make no mistake—staying here in the north isn’t a picnic in the park either. The birds that stay have special coping mechanisms for our variable winter weather.  Whenever temperatures take a severe nosedive, I hear people say how badly they feel for the wildlife. Yes, -20°F is tough, but 10°F to 20°F all day and night isn’t easy either. 

    Black-capped Chickadee by Jason Mikelson
    Small birds like chickadees have several ways to help them survive winter. As winter approaches, they store seeds in cracks of fences, tree bark, or wherever they can stuff a seed. Studies have shown that they can remember a lot of these hiding spots because they actually increase the number of neurons in their brains, expanding their brain volume by up to 30% and allowing for more memory storage (Cal State University study). Once the snow and cold temperatures arrive, these small birds are eating machines. They eat for most of their waking hours, filling up on the heaviest, fattest foods they can find. 

    You may notice that birds seem to come to the feeders in flocks during the winter months. There are a couple of advantages to this behavior. When there are a lot of eyes watching, it is harder for predators to sneak up, and if they do, you simply have to be faster than the guy next to you. Huddling together with friends is also a great way to conserve heat during the dark nights.

    Many small birds practice regulated hypothermia. A chickadee may be able to drop their core temperature by 15°F, which can save them about 25% of energy needed to maintain body temperature per hour. They fluff their feathers to trap air near the body and provide insulation against heat loss.  Small birds are also experts in shivering. Unlike the entire body jiggle that cold humans experience, birds activate opposing muscle groups, and these muscle contractions generate heat.


    Can we help make winter a little easier for our feathered friends? You bet! You can offer black-oil sunflower seeds or suet at your feeders, since both provide the heavy fats birds need. If you leave nest boxes closed, birds can use them as roosting spots out of the wind and precipitation. You can also place brush piles or old Christmas trees near feeders so birds can get out of the wind. Finally, you can offer water in a clean, heated birdbath because water is needed and hard to find during long cold stretches.

    These DIY Winter Bird Feeders and Homemade Bird Feeders will help you take care of your bird friends this winter and make a fun project in the meantime! Make these bird feeders with your kids, and enjoy their wonder in caring for the birds. 

    Wednesday, September 27, 2017

    Black Bear, Black Bear How Do You Spend Winter?

    We continue to receive lots of questions about hibernation.  We'd like to reach back to the Woodprints archives from the winter of 2015 and share the cover article.

    Written by Ruth Forsgren, BCR Naturalist

    When I was taking animal behavior and other like classes at UW Steven’s Point, I was taught that black bears were not true hibernators. Animals like chipmunks and woodchucks were true hibernators while bears were loosely defined as deep sleepers. Under the old definition of hibernation that looked solely at the lowering of body temperature to near freezing, bears were not hibernators. Scientists have redefined hibernation to include continuous periods of inactivity and/or reductions in heart and metabolic rates. With these broadened parameters, bears are one of the best-of-the-best when it comes to hibernation. Bears cut their metabolic rate by 50 to 75%, breathing only once every 45 seconds, their heart rate drops from about 100 beats per minute (bpm) to between 8 and 20 bpm, and blood flow to skeletal muscles is reduced by 45%.
                                                                       
    Black Bear by Hope Rutledge
    There are differences in how animals hibernate. Small animals like chipmunks will store food in the den while black bears store body fat. The den of the chipmunk will usually be below the frost line and sealed. Temperatures in the burrow will not usually drop below freezing. A black bear den is open and will roughly match outside temperatures. A hibernating chipmunk’s body temperature will drop to about 40°F while the black bear’s temperature will only drop about 12° to between 88 to 90°F. Chipmunks will periodically raise body temperatures, awaken, eat stored foods and produce wastes throughout the winter. Bears will go through periods of being somewhat awake but can go up to 7 months without eating, drinking or producing wastes.

    During hibernation, a male bear will lose 15 to 30% of their weight, while pregnant females can lose up to 40%. The weight they lose is mostly fat, with little loss in muscle or bone mass. The bears also emerge from the dens without being severely dehydrated or having any loss of organ function.  How they do this is still a mystery, but it is being heavily studied by doctors and scientists that can see many applications benefiting humans, from keeping bed-ridden patients from losing muscle to an induced hibernation state for space exploration. (Click here to learn more about recent research)

    Surprisingly it is estimated that 99% of bears that safely enter hibernation will survive the winter. Those that do not survive usually have died from predation or flooding of the den and not starvation. A bear must be ready when winter comes, which means in late summer to early fall they go through a stage known as hyperphagia, or a period of overeating. A bear with unlimited resources can eat 15,000 to 20,000 kcals (1 kcal = 1000 calories) and drink several gallons of water. Later in the fall, the bears will transition by eating less but continuing to drink water to purge the system of wastes.
    Photo Courtesy of Joe Motto, BCR Photo Club


    Personally, I am a tad bit jealous of the bears. When our winters are exceptionally cold or long I wish I too could put my head between my paws and sleep, at least through a few of the worst days.

    Want to learn more about the black bears of Wisconsin?  Come to a special program taught by Dave Schmidt on Saturday, November 4th from 10:00 - 11:00 am at the Wise Nature Center. Click here for more information. 

    Wednesday, September 6, 2017

    Explore the Beauty of the Lower Chippewa River

    The Tiffany Train Ride is a great way to experience the natural
    wonders of the Lower Chippewa River.
    The Lower Chippewa River is one of The Nature Conservancy's 327 Critical Watersheds for Conservation. This stretch of the river has designated four Wildlife Areas, three State Natural Areas, one Extensive Wildlife Habitat Area, as well as a 72,000 acre Important Bird Area. These properties are home to 125 rare species, 87 vertebrate Species of Greatest Conservation need and 20 Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern mussel, dragonfly and mayfly species.  139 bird species breed within the Lower Chippewa River Important Bird Area, and 70% of fish species present in Wisconsin are found in the Lower Chippewa River.

    If you wish to experience some of the natural wonders found along the Lower Chippewa River, come spend the day with Citizen Science Center staff and special guests on an open-air antique train as it chugs along 14 miles of track through the Tiffany Bottoms on Saturday September 16.  Topics will include property management, use of the area by Native Americans, plants, birds, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, and more!  Registration fees support the Citizen Science Center. For more details visit our website or the Chippewa Valley Motor Car Association website http://www.chippewavalleymotorcarassociation.ellawisc.com/ or contact Jeanette at csc@beavercreekreserve.org.
    Massagauga Rattlesnake, Photo Courtesy
     of Joe Crowley,
    Nature Ontario and USFW



    Written by Emily Lind, CSC Technician

    Wednesday, June 21, 2017

    Bigfoot Sighted at Beaver Creek Reserve

    You read that right.  Bigfoot and his family will be at Beaver Creek Reserve all summer long, as part of the featured book on the Storybook Hiking Trail.  Some say Bigfoot is just a myth. But real or not, one thing is certain; Bigfoot knows his birds of North America (and trees and mammals, but those are different stories).  Follow the Bigfoot family as they explore nature and learn to identify our common feathered friends.

    Everything kicks off with the opening Storybook Hiking Trail Program on Friday, June 23rd from 12:15 - 1:30 pm at Wise Nature Center at Beaver Creek Reserve.  Authors and illustrators of Walking with Bigfoot: A Beginner's Field Guide to Birds of North America will be the hosts for this very special edition of the Storybook Hiking Trails program.  Sharen and Mark Mellicker of Nature Lover Books, the authors of the Walking with Bigfoot series will be offering a special reading of their book, alongside other fun activities related to the book.


    Preregistration is required. To register for the program click here.
    Mark and Sharen Mellicker

    Thursday, June 1, 2017

    Where, oh Where Has Our Little Bird Gone?

    Courtesy of the BCR Bird Banders

    One of the long-term activities of the Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science Center is bird banding. Bird banding is the practice of capturing wild birds, placing a uniquely numbered identification band on their leg, and releasing them. The banding of birds in the United States is controlled under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and requires a U.S. Federal Bird Banding and Marking Permit.

    Bird banding data are useful for research, management, and conservation projects. It makes it possible to identify individual birds and allows for studies of bird movements as well as providing information on survival rate, population sizes, reproductive success, and other scientific analysis.
    Most of the birds we band are small songbirds captured as they come in to feed at feeding stations at the Reserve or nearby private properties. It is not unusual for us to recapture many of these birds, some multiple times. But we rarely get reports that one of “our birds” was found by someone else away from the place it was originally banded. Encounter rates for waterfowl and gamebirds banded by government authorities to manage hunting can be considerably higher, but it has been estimated that fewer than 1 in 10000 banded songbirds are ever reported to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) after being encountered by someone other than the original bander. This number seems to be increasing slightly since the coming of the internet, but it is still exciting when a bander receives a notice from the BBL that a bird they banded has been found.

    Over the years, the BCR banders have gotten such reports for several songbirds we have banded, such as Pine Siskins that were probably killed when they flew into windows, one in California and one in Alberta, Canada; a Mourning Dove shot by a hunter in Luling, Texas; a Purple Finch in Entwistle, Alberta, Canada; two American Goldfinches from Texas; and more from much closer in Wisconsin and other nearby states.

    It is always with some degree of excitement that we open the attachment in an email with the subject “Report to bander” from the BBL. Whether it informs us of a Purple Finch recaptured by another bander in Entwistle or a Common Grackle that was killed when it flew into a backyard neighbor’s window in Eau Claire, we are always happy to get feedback on where “our” birds have gone.
    This week we received such a “Report to bander” informing us that a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak we banded at the Reserve on May 10, 2012 was found dead on May 4, 2017 in Pineville, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. This bird was likely on its return migration from somewhere in Central or South America to Wisconsin or farther north when it perished.

    Remote encounters with neotropical species, birds like Rose-breasted Grosbeaks that breed in our area in the summer but return to the tropics for the rest of the year, are almost never reported. Prior to last year we had never gotten a report of any neotropical migrant being encountered more than a few miles from where it was banded. In the tropics, where people are less aware of things like bird banding, someone who might incidentally encounter a bird with a band usually has no idea of what to do with it or has no easy way to report it.

    Over the years, in addition to the unique 9-digit identification number, bands have been stamped with various short directions on how to report the information to the BBL. Larger bands contain more information than the smaller bands used on songbirds, but in an age before Google and texting these shorthand directions were often cryptic and unlikely to be followed. Stories are told that one such inscription, “Rept Wash Biol Serv” when bird banding was under a government department known as the Washington Biological Service, was discontinued quickly when it was discovered that it was being interpreted as “Repeat Wash, Boil, and Serve” even by people in the United States. Today, bands are more likely to simply give a 1-800 phone number or an internet address for reporting the band number to the BBL.


    What about that report from last year? While the report of a banded Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Louisiana was indeed exciting, it reminded us of the one from last year. You can imagine our surprise and pleasure when the notice we received last year was for one of those neotropical migrants and our longest distance encounter ever reported. Another Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak that had been banded by our off-site banders outside of Eleva in June, 2012, had been shot by hunting children on a farm near Somotillo, Nicaragua on December 26, 2015.
    Green arrows on map indicate where other birds banded at Beaver Creek Reserve have also been reported.

     If you find a dead bird, check to see if it is wearing a band. If you see a bird with a band coming to your feeder and you have a digital camera try to take pictures of the band. You may not be able to photograph the entire number but could get enough digits to allow tracing the band. Then report the band number (or portion of the number) on the internet at <www.reportband.gov> or by calling 1-800-327-BAND.

    Tuesday, April 18, 2017

    The Benefits of Being in Nature: The Kids Edition

    We all know the benefits of decreased stress and increased happiness that nature has on adults (read about them here), but does it do anything special for kids? Absolutely! Encouraging children to spend time in nature can have a huge positive impact on their health and mental well-being.


    It is widely known that nature can help you de-stress, but it also improves concentration. For children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), being in nature can reduce the attention fatigue that leads to an inability to pay attention or control impulses. According to the University of Minnesota, “Because humans find nature inherently interesting, we can naturally focus on what we are experiencing out in nature. This provides a respite for our overactive minds, refreshing us for new tasks” (Taking Charge of Your Health and Wellbeing). Studies show that access to nature improves concentration, learning, creativity, cognitive development, cooperation, flexibility, and self-awareness, while also increasing self-esteem and resilience (New Zealand Department of Conservation).


    Not only does nature positively impact children’s mental well-being and their cognitive skills, but it also improves their physical health. Children without regular access to nature have an increased risk of obesity, behavioral problems, and irregular sleep habits. A lack of time in nature often signals an increase in screen exposure. Limiting screen time to two hours per day can help reduce violent tendencies, improve academic performance, and promote creativity (University of Minnesota).


    Enjoying quality time in nature is beneficial for children’s health both physically and mentally. In addition to these positive outcomes, this time can lead to a love of nature and promote responsible environmental stewardship later in life. It encourages a sense of wonder and exploration for children of all ages, and serves to improve social interaction, while also developing closer relationships and a value for community (National Wildlife Federation).


    Looking for ways to get your kids in nature? Encouraging them to play outdoor sports, read books by the window, and exploring local environmental education programs are easy ways to get involved. Check out the three Nature Nooks (Fantasy Forest, Symphony of Sounds, and Little Kid, Big World) along the trails to help kids engage with nature in different ways. If you are looking for a way to blend storytelling and nature, a recent volunteer wrote an inspiring article about the Storybook Hiking Trail that can be found here.

    If you want to bond with your kids while engaging them in nature, join Beaver Creek at the Keeping Kids Entertained on the Trail program from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on May 20th. With interactive games and post-hike activities, what's not to love about this event?

    Thursday, April 6, 2017

    De-Stress in Nature

    Oohhmmm…oohhmmm…. You don’t have to attend a yoga class to become more mindful of the world around you. By spending time in nature, you can help decrease stress and increase happiness, all while enjoying the great outdoors. There are vast amounts of research about the benefits of being in nature, and one way to access these benefits is by engaging in nature activities here at Beaver Creek Reserve.


    According to a 2008 study published in the Lancet, people exposed to trees and green spaces were in better health, and had statistically increased longevity (Mitchell & Popham, 2008). The U.S. Department of Agriculture echoes these sentiments, writing, “Parks and other natural environments are a fundamental health resource.” Spending even a few minutes in the great outdoors has a positive impact on both your physical well-being and emotional well-being in the long term, by reducing the likelihood of some diseases, decreasing depression and stress, and increasing longevity. In the short term, being in nature increases relaxation and reduces muscle tension, blood pressure, and the production of stress hormones. If you can’t make it outside every day, research shows that “even having a simple plant in a room can have a significant impact on stress and anxiety” (Taking Charge of Your Health and Wellbeing, University of Minnesota).


    A study conducted by the University of Minnesota reaffirms Beaver Creek’s mission to connect people with nature. According to their report, Taking Charge of Your Health and Wellbeing, “nature inspires feelings that connect us to each other and our environment.” When we’re in natural environments, we feel a sense of unity with our community, are more likely to help each other out, and feel a greater sense of belonging.


    If you are looking for a way to take advantage of the benefits that nature can offer you, check out any
    of the number of programs Beaver Creek is offering this month. From Phenology Hikes for Elders, to Acoustic Bat Monitoring, to the Hobbs Observatory Astronomical Series, there is sure to be something for everyone.

    Thursday, March 30, 2017

    Snapshot Wisconsin

    Beaver Creek has exciting news! We will be partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on their Snapshot project. This project aims to encourage people to participate in citizen science opportunities, something that Beaver Creek is passionate about. It will use trail cameras to snap pictures of native animals as a way to monitor wildlife year-round. Similar to Beaver Creek’s Biotic Inventory, this will help the DNR track wildlife in the area and make wildlife management decisions.



    During summer 2016, Beaver Creek performed a Biotic Inventory of the species at the reserve. With the help of both experts and citizen scientists alike, we were able to catalog over 30 species of dragonflies, 12 species of frogs, 27 species of lichen, and more! With our new trail camera and help from the Wisconsin DNR, we can track some of the more elusive animals. You can find the full article on the Biotic Inventory here.


    As of now, Snapshot Wisconsin has nearly 600 trail cameras returning over eight million photos! With Beaver Creek’s new trail camera, we can add to this number and help track numerous species on the reserve. We can use your help, too! After photos are collected, they will be uploaded to Zooniverse.org where volunteers and citizen scientists can be a part of this project by helping to classify animals. We are excited to be a part of this project, and look forward to seeing where it takes us!

    Interested in learning more about the Snapshot Wisconsin program? Click here to get involved! To help classify animals, click here.


    Thursday, March 2, 2017

    Calling All Citizen Scientists!

    Looking for an exciting, new program dedicated to conservation education and service to take part in this summer? The Wisconsin Master Naturalist (WIMN) Volunteer Training program is offering just that, right here at Beaver Creek this June!



    BCR Naturalist, Jim Schwiebert showing visitors mushrooms
    growing along a trail
    Modeled after similar programs in states across the country, WIMN Volunteer Training offers 40 hours of combined in-class instruction and field work in natural history, interpretation, and conservation stewardship to become a certified WIMN. The course covers eight topic areas, including geology, ecology, plants, wildlife, education and interpretation, water, aquatic life, and human influences. Developed with the UW–Extension’s Environmental Resources Center, this is an excellent opportunity for adults interested in learning more about Wisconsin’s natural resources, sharing that knowledge, and engaging in citizen science opportunities.


    After completing the course, WIMN Volunteers will complete 40 hours of service and eight hours of advanced training courses to remain certified. There are numerous opportunities in multiple focus areas, so everyone can find a project that they are passionate about. If you finish the course and are excited to teach it, you can take a two-day workshop to become a WIMN Instructor.


    The training is being held from Monday, June 5th, until Saturday, June 10th.The training will be taught by Beaver Creek Reserve staff, volunteers and an array of guest presenters. While most of the sessions will take place right here at Beaver Creek Reserve, there are several field trips planned as well. The course fee is $250, and includes all class materials and a one-year membership with the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. The registration deadline is May 26th, and the class size is limited to only 20 participants, so register soon!


    If you are interested in learning more about the WIMN Volunteer Training program, click here. To register for the course at Beaver Creek, click here.


    All information found at www.wimasternaturalist.org.

    Tuesday, February 7, 2017

    Weddings at Beaver Creek



    Photo courtesy of Zackary
    Oliphant Photography
    When you think about your wedding day, what do you picture? For some, it’s two hundred people milling about in a decorated ballroom. For others, it’s a small reception with your closest friends and family. And for one young couple, it was Beaver Creek Reserve. Sarah Bodeau and her now-husband, Paul Brandt, chose Beaver Creek as their ideal spot for their special day.

    Although there are numerous benefits to having an event in a space like Beaver Creek, what drew Sarah and Paul here was a combination of the amenities at the Reserve, and the personal connection they have with it. One of the selling points for them was the gorgeous scenery and the ability to bring in your own food. Whereas many event facilities have their own catering, Beaver Creek has its own industrial kitchen, allowing guests to bring in outside food and cook it on site.

    Photo courtesy of Zackary
    Oliphant Photography

    Another benefit? You don’t need to stress about decorations. When asked what she would suggest to other brides planning outdoor weddings, Sarah said, “Everything was so gorgeous outside...so we didn’t have to worry about decorations that much. I used to work [at a] flower store here in Altoona, and some brides would get really caught up in all the details being exactly how they envisioned it.” The benefit of having an outdoor wedding is that you can rest assured because “no matter what, it’s going to look good because we’re outside.”

    One particular thing that drew Sarah to Beaver Creek was the lifelong connection she and her family have had with the Reserve. As a child, Sarah came to camp here at Beaver Creek, attending Nature Sprouts, Nature Nuts, and Earth Detectives. While some of the memories may not be specific, Sarah says, “I loved getting to go to the nature center, seeing all the taxidermy...and looking at the animals. I remember hiking around Big Falls area. I’ve just always loved nature and being outside in the natural world, and I remember that inspiring that interest and a love of [nature].” It wasn’t just Sarah who had a relationship with Beaver Creek; she says, “My brother and sister did Nature Nuts and Nature Sprouts, too, and we would go hiking up there [at Big Falls] and snowshoeing.”


    Photo courtesy of Beaver Creek

    Not only did Sarah attend camps at Beaver Creek as a child, she is still supporting the Reserve today. Rather than having a traditional bachelorette party with her bridesmaids, Sarah came up with a unique idea, “Let’s do a fun run and a brunch or something.” Sarah and her friends decided to run in Royal Credit Union’s Charity Classic this past October, and when she realized that it was benefiting Beaver Creek, she decided it would be a perfect way to celebrate her upcoming wedding.
    Photo courtesy of Zackary
    Oliphant Photography

    We are thrilled that Sarah and Paul’s wedding went so beautifully, and wish them the best of luck in the future. Are you interested in having an event at Beaver Creek Reserve? Contact bcr@beavercreekreserve.org for more details.