The Biotic Inventory

Although nature’s annual display of brilliant foliage has come and gone, the days are growing continually shorter, and we are finding ourselves immersed in the holiday season, the beginning of winter here at Beaver Creek Reserve is also marked by the finalization of all of our summer projects. At the Citizen Science Center, we had a fantastic 2016 summer season, with a number of fun and educational citizen science programs, and a great volunteer turnout. One of the CSC’s most notable projects this year was our Biotic Inventory.  

Scientists hard at work on the
Biotic Inventory

The Biotic Inventory was a key project for the CSC this year, as it was used to accomplish several of BCR’s major goals. The Biotic Inventory allowed us to host nature experts who surveyed our property’s flora and fauna to add to our existing species list. This up-to-date species list will assist in the creation of a Comprehensive Forest Land Use Plan that will help us make educated decisions about how to manage our diverse property. The Inventory also successfully brought together local citizens and volunteers who have contributed their knowledge and skill in developing this species list. In addition, the Inventory provided volunteers and local citizens with the opportunity to connect with nature, one outcome that BCR is always working hard to meet.

Experts and citizen scientists, equipped with hand lenses, insect nets, bug spray, and field guides, surveyed a wide range of taxon, including lichens, frogs, toads, plants, insects, reptiles, amphibians, land snails, mammals, spiders, and many more. Though some surveys were more fruitful than others, we are very happy with the results of our survey and the updated snapshot of our species composition here at BCR. For example, what’s not to lichen about the 27 species identified during our Lichen Program? Or the 20 species of spiders we discovered without leaving the vicinity of the Nature Center?  

Journey examining a vole during the
Mammal program

In addition to the help of citizen scientists, we had several professional scientists assist with the Biotic Inventory by leading programs about different organisms found on the reserve. Professor Julie Beston from the University of Wisconsin – Stout was one such volunteer. She helped set up live mammal traps to record the number of shrews, voles, red and grey squirrels, chipmunks, white-tailed deer, and martens at the reserve. For the Biotic Inventory Land Snails Program, local snail expert Matt Kuchta, also from the University of Wisconsin – Stout, taught citizen scientists how to survey the forest for snails. Many of the terrestrial snails in Wisconsin are so small that they would barely cover Abraham Lincoln's nose on a penny. Dr. Todd Wellnitz from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire taught a handful of our volunteers to locate and identify both aquatic and terrestrial insects in our Biotic Inventory Bug Program. With the help of insect nets, we discovered 33 species of dragonflies, and easily verified the “healthy stream triad” of mayfly, stonefly, and caddisfly nymphs in Deinhammer Creek and Beaver Creek.

Collecting an array of aquatic insects
for the Bug Program

Along with professionals from educational institutions, we were lucky enough to have herptile expert Rori Paloski from the WDNR lead two great programs about reptiles and amphibians. In the reptile program, Rori and a group of volunteers identified several species of snakes using pre-placed reptile cover boards. These cover boards also allowed the group to get up close and personal with a prairie skink and her six eggs. During her amphibian program, Rori discussed the 12 species of frogs that live in Wisconsin and played their calls for participants, before leading a walk in the marsh on the south trails to listen for the calls. By the time the program was finished, participants were able to identify five different frog species just by listening to their call. With all of this help, it is no wonder that our Biotic Inventory was so successful.

We found and held three species of snakes
during the Reptile Program

In addition to collecting excellent scientific data and creating unique citizen science opportunities, this summer’s Biotic Inventory programs were a wonderful time to spend with fellow citizen scientists. We are looking forward to unveiling what we have planned for the next year!

Written by Tera Maldonado
With additions by Alison Campbell

New Girl Scout Badge

On November 5th, the Badgerland Girl Scouts unveiled a new badge for their members to strive for at the MAD (Make A Difference) 4 Science Expo in the Wisconsin Dells. This new badge, called the MAD 4 Science Badge, is unique to the Wisconsin area and encourages young girls to get involved in day-to-day science through citizen science projects.

Preview of the new badge

Citizen science is a method of collecting data as regular citizens, often in collaboration with professional scientists, to contribute to ongoing projects. Our very own Jeanette Kelly from the Citizen Science Center at Beaver Creek has been involved in the development of this badge, and was invited to the expo where it was introduced. Jeanette was sought out by the Girl Scout troop because of the opportunities they saw for Beaver Creek to be involved in helping Girl Scouts earn this badge.

Recently, a group of 25 local Girl Scouts gathered to build bluebird houses at Beaver Creek Reserve. Building these houses and learning about bluebirds is one example of a citizen science project that a Girl Scout could engage in to earn this new badge.

With its one-of-a-kind Citizen Science Center facility, Beaver Creek Reserve can allow young girls get involved in the sciences by offering them the chance to help with scientific research. So far, the only similar badge that exists is one for Girl Scouts in Ohio. This is an exciting program to watch unfold because with the related STEM badge that the Badgerland Girl Scouts have already developed, it is likely that more and more young girls will be encouraged to learn about the sciences, and pursue these fields of study.

This is a citizen science project
that could earn the MAD 4
Science Badge

Local Girl Scouts building bluebird houses

You can find more information about the badge and the Badgerland Girl Scouts at www.gsbadgerland.org/ under the Council Patches tab.

The Little Free Library is open!

Cyndee Kaiser painting the
Little Free Library

Beaver Creek Reserve has installed its first Little Free Library near the head of the Storybook Nature Trail, next to the Wise Nature Center!

The Little Free Library program began in 2009, just miles away in Hudson, Wisconsin, as a way for Todd Bol, the original creator, to honor his mother, who was a school teacher. Soon after, this idea caught the attention of Rick Brooks at UW-Madison, and collaborating together, the Little Free Library program began, with the mission to “promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide and to build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity, and wisdom across generations.” The program accomplishes its mission by having people leave a book or take a book from each box that is installed. Though it started with a goal to build 2,510 Little Free Libraries, the program reached in goal in August 2012, a year and a half ahead of schedule, but it didn’t stop there. As of now, there are over 50,000 Little Free Libraries around the world.

The Little Free Library at Beaver Creek was built by a local Eagle Scout as part of his final project. Cyndee Kaiser generously donated her time once again to paint the Little Free Library, after having painted the mural in the 3M Fledgling Forest in the Wise Nature Center. The idea to put a Library here was brought in by Jeanette Kelly, who wished to honor her late father, Bruce Kelly, a lover of books, nature, and kids. Donations were made in his name to help build the Little Free Library at Beaver Creek. Currently, the Library at Beaver Creek is waiting for a charter number to be assigned and added to the map on the Little Free Library website, but it is already open for use by anyone. Come on down to Beaver Creek, leave a book for someone else, and take a new book to read for yourself.

Information about the Little Free Library program gathered from www.littlefreelibrary.org.

International Migratory Bird Day 2016

It has been a long winter but alas, birdsongs fill the air as our migrants return from their treacherous journeys northward!

On Saturday, May 14, 2016 we celebrate International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD). Coordinated by Environment for the Americas, this event celebrates the difficult journey a migratory bird must take between its winter and summer homes.  The theme for IMBD this year focuses on conservation laws and actions that were inspired by birds.  The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 made it illegal to possess, sell, and transport any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a bird.  To find out more about IMBD, visit http://www.migratorybirdday.org/

Every IMBD, a featured artist creates a work of art that represents that year’s theme.  This year, artist Lionel Worrell featured 10 birds that are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty, and 1 species that went extinct (the Carolina Parakeet) due to a lack of protection.  One of this year’s featured birds is the American Kestrel, a bird that Beaver Creek Bird Banders know quite a lot about! 

The American Kestrel is North America's smallest falcon. Kestrels prefer open country with an occasional tree for nesting. Kestrels can often be seen perching on wires and are able to hover in place looking for prey. Their diet consists of grasshoppers, dragonflies, voles, mice, shrews, bats, and small songbirds. They are cavity nesters, taking readily to nest boxes.  Nationwide, populations declined by 66% from 1966-2014 due to habitat loss and a loss of prey sources as farmland disappears. 

In 2002 an American Kestrel Nest Box Monitoring Program began at Beaver Creek Reserve. Following some maintenance and a cleaning in March, the nest boxes are checked regularly until the young fledge in June and July. All nestlings are banded with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service aluminum bands. Beaver Creek banders oversee 40 kestrel nest boxes on their 92 mile route. The most recent report shows that 26 of the boxes are currently occupied for the 2016 season!

American Kestrel

Beaver Creek Reserve is welcoming back our feathered friends in several ways!

This spring, Beaver Creek Bird Banders piloted their first Migration Monitoring Project.  This study provides long term data on diversity, abundance and health of avian populations on Beaver Creek Reserve property during the peak of both spring and fall migration.

 

Nashville Warbler

Have you heard of Welcome Back Bird Day? On May 18 from 7:00am-7:00pm, birders will try to identify every bird they see or hear from 5 “circles” located across the Eau Claire area.  Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science Center is hosting a circle from 7:00AM – 3:00PM on the west side of the Grand Avenue walking bridge in Eau Claire. Stop by and see if you can add to the day’s species total!  
For more information and to see where the Citizen Science Center circle is located, visit the Gaylord Nelson Audubon Society website. 
http://gaylordnelsonaudubon.org/wbbd/

This summer we are taking part in the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II. The Breeding Bird Atlas is a five-year citizen science project that aims to map the distribution and abundance of all bird species breeding in Wisconsin.  The survey will allow scientists to understand how bird populations have changed in the years since the first atlas. We are holding a Breeding Bird Atlas Blitz on Tuesday June 7 and Tuesday June 21, 2016 at Beaver Creek Reserve.  There will be morning and afternoon sessions.  Registration will be available on our website soon.  You can also call BCR at 715-877-2212.

Beaver Creek Reserve is definitely for the birds, and if you are too, we hope you will join us for one of these programs!

Upcoming Nature Sales To Benefit BCR

Whether you have a green thumb or an area in your home or garden that needs a touch of nature, Beaver Creek Reserve's Native Plant Sale and nature thrift sale will have just what you need. On Saturday May 7th we will have around 3,000 beautiful native plants available for purchase as well as a variety of donated nature-themed items.


Native plants are sturdy, their lives are not due to human introduction. They require little maintenance but provide great benefit. From their roots to their petals, native plants help preserve and promote biotic diversity.

The prices of plants are usually within the $3-$10 range. They come in over 60 varieties and serve numerous purposes. Anyone can find a plant that reflects their interests. Don't know what you're looking for? A staff of master gardeners will be there to answer questions and to steer you in the right direction.

These plants don't just look good, some are pollinators like the complex milkweed or the foxglove beardtongue, a favorite of the hummingbird. Plants like these will attract insects like butterflies, coloring your garden with life. For those who are less interested in the visual display of plants, herbs such as basil, parsley, and oregano will be available for purchase. Take this opportunity to check spices off your shopping list!

There will be over 60 varieties of plants including native grasses, perennials, and host plants. The popularity of these plants is clear from last year's event which was completely sold out. Early birds will arrive at the start of the event at 8:30 am, don't miss your chance to have a complete pick of the lot before the event ends at 1:00 pm! 

Click here to download the 2016 Plant List!

Once you find the plants you want, you can visit the nature center to look for gently used nature items of all kinds! Items for sale include, movies, books, music, jewelry, clothing, and much more. The funds raised from this one-time event will assist the Bird Banding program at Beaver Creek Reserve. Donate your items during Nature Center hours on Friday May 6th to become part of this great event. Your donations are tax-deductible and help connect you and others with nature.

We hope to see you at Beaver Creek Reserve this Saturday!

Welcome to the Beaver Creek Connection

If you are reading this,  you have found your source for information from, and about Beaver Creek Reserve.  From information on programs and events to articles from our naturalists and Citizen Science Center, the Beaver Creek Connection seeks to help us further our mission of connecting people with nature.

Bee Keeping 101
There is currently a lot of buzz surrounding two events both taking place on Saturday, March 5th. First is Beekeeping 101: Learn the Art of Beekeeping from 9 am - 4 pm.  Bees are important pollinators.  In the first of a series of three programs, attendees will learn how to successfully start their own hive.

Farewell Event: Saturday March 5th

From 12 pm till 4 pm at the Wise Nature Center we are saying goodbye to the Discovery Room as we know it. After over 30 years unchanged, the time to upgrade has come. Celebrate the old and ring in the new with us with FREE admission, snacks, and warm beverages. Attendees will get the opportunity to learn hands on about the animals that call the Discovery Room home such as snakes, turtles, and owls. Bring in the whole family for one last visit to the Discovery Room before it reopens in early June.


Maple Syrup Sunday: Sunday March 13

Ever wonder how that sweet maple syrup makes its way to our breakfast plates? Become a part of the tradition by attending one of our three one-hour sessions where you can actually learn what trees to tap, how to tap them, and what fresh, right out of the tree maple syrup tastes like over ice cream. Sessions start at 1:30 pm, 2 pm, 2:30 pm, and will last one hour.

French Toast Breakfast: Saturday March 19

Start your day early the best way possible- surrounded by nature and french toast! A hearty breakfast will be available in the Main Lodge of the Youth Camp at 8:30 am till 12:30 pm where you can fill up before a day filled with activities, exhibits, and shopping as well as hiking or snowshoeing. Tickets at the door will be $7 for adults and $4 for children but you will save a dollar for every pre-sale ticket purchased. Follow this link to register.

Adopt-A-Maple Tree

In conjunction with french toast breakfast on Saturday March 19, families are welcomed to adopt their own maple tree. After identifying and tapping the tree, families can leave a unique design on it so they can return in the future to see how their tree has changed. Once the process is finished, families will receive their own 8 oz. bottle of syrup harvested from their tree as well as photos chronicling their adventure! Events begin at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am and will last an hour. Family groups of six whom are friends of Beaver Creek will pay $20 for admission, nonmember family groups will pay $30. Groups largest than 6 must register for additional spots.

This is just a small sample of the types of events we have coming up at Beaver Creek.  We hope you will follow our blog as we share information about the natural world, programs and events or anything else that we think will help our readers connect with nature.