Holiday Crafting for Kids

By: Claire Anderson, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Writing Intern 

On Saturday November 18th, Beaver Creek kicked off the holiday season with their annual Holiday Crafting for Kids event. With the help of volunteers from ECLIPSE (a group from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire) and our AmeriCorps Environmental Educators, the Nature Center was transformed into a room full of holiday spirit and excited kids ready to make fun, naturey holiday-themed crafts. 

At this event, kids were able to explore multiple different craft stations at their own pace where each station was stocked with recycled and reused materials.

The first craft was ornamental corn cobs that were decorated with construction paper, hole punched leaves, and lentils. 

The second craft was jingle bells made out of egg cartons. Kids were very creative at this station and added pipe cleaners so that their jingle bells could hang on their Christmas trees.

The third craft gave kids the opportunity to make toilet paper roll snowmen which they got to decorate with fun, sustainable materials. Some kids even made earmuffs and scarves for their snowmen!

Christmas tree pinecones were the fourth craft, and although there were lots of messy green hands, the trees looked beautiful with sequins, sparkles, and pompoms!

The fifth craft was paper cup owls where they used real feathers making the owls look very realistic. They also added eyes, legs, and beaks!

When the kids were finished with their crafts or needed to take a break so their creations could dry, they enjoyed hot chocolate and popcorn while listening to holiday books at storytime. This was a relaxing and fun way to get into the holiday spirit!

The event was a huge success and everyone was able to bring home new holiday crafts to decorate. If you missed this event but are interested in attending another crafting program check out our events calendar for more information.

Our First Motus Tower Ping!

By: Jeanette Kelly, BCR Citizen Science and Education Director

Last month you heard about Beaver Creek Reserve joining forces worldwide in bird conservation by taking part in an international research network called Motus. Motus Wildlife Tracking System uses automated radio telemetry to track birds. Captured birds are tagged with a small transmitter (Motus tag). A Motus tag can be detected by Motus towers worldwide! The towers can detect birds with Motus tags up to 20 km (12 miles) away. This summer we erected two Motus towers. There is a tower on top of the Wise Nature Center, look up before you enter the building, and one located at our Henke Acres Research Site.

Huge news! We have had our first ping! A ping occurs when a tower detects a bird that has a Motus tag. On October 10, a Virginia Rail (#45778) flew over the Wise Nature Center. I assumed the first bird picked up by the towers would be a Grosbeak, Crossbill, Redpoll, or Woodpecker, not a Virginia Rail. A Virginia Rail is a chicken like marsh bird somewhat larger than an American Robin. Virginia Rails are secretive and spend their days walking through the cattails of freshwater marshes searching for snails, crayfish, and frogs to eat.

Macaulay Library, ML 29069861, by Evan Lipton

By reviewing the Motus site, here is what we learned about Virginia Rail # 45778. On April 20, 2023, this Rail was trapped and banded with a Motus tag at Swan Bay in Oak Park, IL. From there it promptly traveled 115 KM (72 miles) to Dixon Waterfowl Refuge – North, located in Hennepin, IL. Number 45778 was not detected again until it pinged a Motus tower in Havana, IL, 117 km (73 miles) from where it was last recorded. Four months and 508 km later, this Virginia Rail flew over the Wise Nature Center. Why did it decided to head 315 miles our way? Why is it moving north in October. The more information we collect, the more questions we have. 

As winter nears, we do not expect a lot of activity on our Motus towers, but will keep our fingers crossed from spring migration. We will keep you posted.

Owls Under the Stars

By: Claire Anderson, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Writing Intern

Banded and recaptured Saw-whet Owl,
identified as an After Hatch-year

On Friday, October 20, I had the opportunity to attend Beaver Creek Reserve's (BCR) and the Natural Resources Foundation (NRF) of Wisconsin's program, "Owls Under the Stars." This program included looking at stars and planets with members from Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society (CVAS) and learning about the process of Northern Saw-whet Owl banding with Beaver Creek's Citizen Science Center. We started the evening with a presentation all about owls and other raptors found in Wisconsin. Our presenter and BCR's Citizen Science and Education Director, Jeanette Kelly, discussed the process of owl banding, what data is collected, and its importance to scientific research. During the presentation, Jeanette shared that recently a Barn Owl nest was found in Lacrosse Wisconsin, and it was the first nest found in 30-35 years in the state. 

Next, we headed out to Hobbs Observatory to look at the stars and different planets with members from CVAS, Lauren Likkel and Mike Brown. My group started inside the observatory's dome to get a better look at the moon, which we saw in greater detail than what can be seen with the naked eye. Then we went outside and looked through another telescope and saw Saturn, a planetary nebula, a star cluster called M13, and the Andromeda Galaxy called M31. When viewing Saturn at high levels of magnification, I was able to distinguish the rings and some of the moons. The other group saw Jupiter and a few other star clusters. Following looking at the different astronomical features, we went back inside to watch a presentation about stars. CVAS members described the way stars move through the night, and through the year.  I found the Andromeda Galaxy especially fascinating! This galaxy is 25 million light years away, which means that what we are looking at now is the same way it was 25 million years ago. It’s appearance is compared to a stretched out cotton ball. Thinking about how far away these entities are and how vast our universe is, is astonishing.

Saw-whet Owl identified as a 
Second year, being aged using a UV light

After the presentation, we waited in the Citizen Science Center to see Northern Saw-whet Owls get banded. It was nearing the end of the session when they caught two owls! One of the owls caught was a recapture, meaning it had previously been caught and banded by a banding team before. The other owl was identified as a female, second year, which means this owl is in its second year of life.

In order to attract the owls, the banders play a recording of the spring mating call of a male Northern Saw-whet Owl. This lures owls to the mist nets set up by the bird banders, and they are checked every half hour. Sometimes, the nets capture non-targeted species. For example, the banders have captured an American Woodcock and a Barred Owl in the past.

The bird banders showed us the process of measuring and weighing the birds, as well as determining the age and sex. The bird banders use a chart that determines the sex based on the size of the owl and the length of their wings. To identify the age of the bird they use a UV light. When the wings are under the UV light, a chemical called "porphyrin" appears as different shades of pink. New feathers will show up as a darker pink, older feathers will be lighter shades of pink, and some with no visible coloring at all. 

If you’re interested in watching the owl banding process, keep an eye on our events calendar for more opportunities. If you’re interested in going to a public telescope observing program, see CVAS’ website  for more information about upcoming events.

Fall Colors: Coming Soon!

By: Claire Anderson

Photo Credit

It often seems that the beautiful red and gold hues of fall leaves are here and gone in the blink of an eye. Planning ahead and knowing the foliage timeline can help you make the most out of the fall colors and enjoy the beautiful landscapes around you. 

According to the Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Prediction Map, the Chippewa Valley area will be in near peak and peak colors from October 9th to around October 21st. These dates may vary slightly depending on the amount of moisture in the soil, when we start getting frost, and the weather throughout the week. Typically warmer days and cooler nights encourage brighter colors! Keep an eye on the Fall Color Report Map for updated information and see when the colors in your region may be at its peak. 

Getting outside to experience the fall colors is essential to the fall experience. If you're looking for a more creative way to enjoy the fall weather, try your hand at crafts that utilize fall foliage. An easy craft is collecting leaves that have fallen, and making biodegradable confetti with a fun hole puncher! 

You may also want to check out an apple orchard, or a pumpkin patch in the area. If you’re looking for a beautiful autumn hike, come out to Beaver Creek and check out our trails that allow for any experience level. If you're looking for a trail with a beautiful overlook our Blue and Red trails on our South campus are two longer hikes that both have breathtaking overlooks. For a quicker and easier hike, check out our Green trail!

No matter what you do this season, make sure to enjoy the fall colors and have some fun outside during the beautiful autumn days!

Kestrel Host Program, 2023 Recap

By: Jeanette Kelly, Citizen Science & Education Director

This summer was the first year of our new Kestrel Host program. We had five landowners commit to putting up a Kestrel nest box on their property and regularly monitoring the nest box to determine if Kestrels inhabited the box and if their nest was successful. At the start of this program, I told participants to not get their hopes up. The likelihood of them having Kestrels in their box this 1^st year was slim. It often takes larger birds a season or two before they use a new box.

Well surprise surprise, we had a successful Kestrel nest this summer! Near the end of nesting season, I told the host that it was time to close up their nest boxes and we would cross our fingers for next year. When one host went to close their box, they peeked in a found a male Kestrel sitting on four eggs! I was informed that a happy dance followed.

The host monitored the box every few days keeping us informed on hatch date and development of the chicks. At around 20 days old, I headed to the host property to take measurements, determine sex, and band the chicks. It was an exciting event with the whole family joining. The four chicks, two female and two male, were all growing and well fed. The adult Kestrels successfully fledged all four chicks later that week. I know that come next spring; these hosts will be anxiously awaiting to see if the Kestrels return to their box.

There was action in a few other boxes too. One host frequently witnessed a female Kestrel around his nest box. When he monitored his box, the female Kestrel was very vocal, letting him know she would prefer him to move on. The Kestrel laid one egg in the box and that was it. My guess would be that this year was the birds first nesting season and she was practicing. Practice makes perfect and maybe next year the nest will be a success.

No Kestrels, but another box had a very ambitious House Wren. If you have ever looked inside a Wren house, you know that Wrens fill every possibly space in a nest box with a twig. A Kestrel nest box is four times the size of a Wren box. Not sure what this little Wren was trying to prove, but happy they were able to pull off a successful nest.

This has been a great program in engaging community members in science and promoting Kestrel conservation. Thank you hosts for all your time and effort monitoring your nest boxes. Thank you Xcel Energy Foundation for the grant that made this project possible. A huge thank you to our amazing birdhouse volunteer that made all the boxes for this project.

Watch this fall for information on how you can become an American Kestrel nest box host. Learn more about our Citizen Science Center and the projects they've been working on!

It's a bird... It's a plane... It's a Motus Tower!

By: Luke Trittelwitz, WisCorps Avian Field Technician

Have you noticed the new addition on the roof of the Wise Nature Center? This tower may look like the average TV antenna, however it's really a breakthrough in scientific research happening right here at Beaver Creek! Last month, with the help of volunteers, donors, and Beaver Creek staff, two Motus towers were built so we can join the advancing research! One is on top of the Wise Nature Center, and the other at the Henke Acres. 

You may now be wondering, what is Motus? The Motus Wildlife Tracking System is an international research network that uses automated radio telemetry to track birds, bats, and insects. This can be detected by Motus stations worldwide! The towers can detect these transmitters up to 20 km away. There are currently 31 countries participating in Motus, totaling over 1,200 stations, and 30,000 tags that have been placed on more than 250 species. This data has contributed to 130 academic publications covering a wide range of disciplines such as breeding, migration behavior, and more!

Motus towers provide you:

• The widest variety of animals to be monitored over the greatest distance with relatively high geographic precision, an incredible temporal precision Centralized, and a public data portal for automated radio telemetry projects globally.
• See what’s been detected at your and other stations around the world.
• Shared local-to-hemispheric tracking infrastructure.
• Innovative, affordable, open-source hardware and software.
• Compatibility across numerous technology providers.
• A large international collaborative community.

Some of the largest barriers to effective conservation and management of migratory animals is our ability to determine the importance of various landscapes and how they are utilized throughout their annual cycle. Our landscape includes numerous geographic and anthropogenic features (urban, rural, utility, industrial) that might influence migratory animals’ use of and movement through the landscape. Gaining a better understanding of these processes will help those in the field make ecologically informed decisions with regards to wildlife management, policy, and regulation. 

Not everywhere is able to be a host site for a Motus tower. To be a good location, the most important factor is that the antennas have an unobstructed view in the direction they are facing. For this reason, the highest point on the surrounding landscape (within 5-10 km) is usually preferred. This may be a hill or other prominent feature, shoreline, a station attached to an existing building (like the Wise Nature Center), or a standalone station that exceeds the height of any nearby trees or features (like the Henke Acres). 

Motus is not only advancing our knowledge in animal and migration science, but also in:

• Open framework for development, code, and analysis sharing
• Population ecology
• Animal behavior and physiology
• Environmental impact assessment and management
• Populations, survival, and species dynamics
• Stopover, site-based, and full life-cycle knowledge
• How animals use flyways and landscapes

Soon we will begin attaching telemetry tags to birds, bats, and insects to learn more about their migration patterns and aid in conservation efforts. We are excited to join this international project because this data will revolutionize our understanding of migratory animals! Stay tuned for more information.

Does This Tank Make My Shell Look Big: Snapper’s New Enclosure

 By: Mia Zacho, WisCorps Naturalist

Here at Beaver Creek Reserve our mission is Connecting People with Nature. One of the most unique ways we do so is through our animal ambassadors. Raising animal ambassadors is something Beaver Creek has proudly done for almost 40 years. Since 1985, we have had many cherished residents. Beaver Creek has had the privilege of housing a variety of native and even federally threatened or endangered species. One of our oldest, long term residents is our Common Snapping Turtle, Snapper. Donning his prehistoric looking features and his large size, he is a pristine example of what these creatures are like in the wild. Snapper was hatched in 2011 here at Beaver Creek and has been in our care since. Each animal ambassador comes with their own unique care requirements. As a nature center we are equipped with the necessary knowledge and materials to care for wild animals like Snapper. As captive “wild” animals grow, their own unique needs grow with them. 

With his exponential growth as our resident “dinosaur,” Snapper has already grown out of two different enclosures. His most recent enclosure was developed in 2016 with the expansion of the Scheels Discovery Room. Our commitment to the wellbeing of our beloved animal ambassadors is central in our standards for daily care; however, enclosure development takes time. Since Snapper came to us, his shell has grown to a whopping 11 inches in diameter. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) standards adult Common Snapping turtles require approximately 10 gallons of water for every inch in diameter of their shell. Due to Snapper’s healthy rate of growth, one of Beaver Creek’s WisCorps Naturalists, Mia Zacho, has begun the process of designing the home he deserves as her year long capstone project! 

Working alongside specialists in reptile husbandry and exhibit design, we hope to build a permanent enclosure for Snapper to accommodate his needs as he grows in size for years to come. His new enclosure is planned to mimic a wetland habitat and will consist of a 550 gallon aquatic tank with a large rock platform for him to bask in the heat. A project of this magnitude will take time and resources. This year we are launching a campaign to raise funds for the design and development of Snapper’s forever home. This is where we need your help! If you are interested in supporting, please visit our website beavercreekreserve.org to make your contribution. It takes a village to keep Beaver Creek wild, and we are beyond grateful for our community who makes this possible. Learn more & donate!

A Plant for Every Person at Our Native Plant Sale!

Wild Ginger

At Beaver Creek, we’ve been busy in the greenhouse getting ready for our largest fundraiser: the Native Plant Sale! Not only do purchases support our programming but  native plants also help the environment in many ways, such as building animal habitats, helping pollinators, and conserving water.

With so many options, there’s a plant that’s right for everyone. But if you find yourself wondering where to start amongst all the goodies, here are a few suggestions to get you started!

Won’t-Outgrow-My-Toddler Plants

While some native plants have the potential to get up to seven feet tall, others keep a low profile for a more subtle touch. Prickly Pear clocks in at under 1 foot. Prairie Smoke grows between 6 inches and 1 foot. Wild Ginger, a ground cover, will grow to be somewhere between 1 inch and 1 foot.

I-Have-Too-Many-Trees Plants

Big, friendly trees are a fantastic feature of the region, but they also block sun from reaching the ground, where your native plants will need them. Luckily, some plants actually prefer shaded or part-shaded environments. Wild Ginger, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Tall Bellflower, and Big-Leaved Aster are all plants that will thrive in the shade, just like most Wisconsinites.

I-Want-A-New-Hobby Plants

If you’d like to try your hand at creature spotting, some plants host butterflies, hummingbirds, and other nectar-loving critters. Common Milkweed attracts the iconic Monarch butterfly, a species that has faced an extreme population decline. To bring in hummingbirds, the Cardinal Flower (though slightly inappropriately named, given the bird it actually draws in), are a great choice.

The Native Plant Sale’s online store will open on May 3 at 9:00am and closes May 10. Plants sell out fast, so we recommend browsing our list of available plants and deciding what you’d like ahead of time. Plants will be available for pick up on May 12 and 13. Check out our website anytime during the sales period for a link to our online shop!

Cardinal Flower

Earth Day Walk is a Runaway Success!

On Saturday, April 22nd, Beaver Creek Reserve broke out our best matching t-shirts to celebrate Earth Day with a ton of activities going on around the Nature Center! From crafts to scavenger hunts to self-guided nature walks, attendees learned all about sustainability and had fun doing it.

Our self-guided Earth Day Walk had participants start on the South Campus and make their way to the North. Sign posts guided walkers, provided educational facts about sustainability, and encouraged them to admire the nature around them. Despite on-and-off rain and snow, the weather cleared up just in time to celebrate the big day in the great outdoors.

Back at the Wise Nature Center, more activities awaited. A scavenger hunt took searchers on a tour of the center to see a snapping turtle in the Discovery Room, bird feeders outside, and more in, out, and around the center. 

Those wanting to bring home their own piece of nature were in luck. Our seed starter station provided everything folks needed to make sustainable seed starters that could grow into their own plants. Also donated to us by Paint Creek Nursery were swamp milkweed plants and white pine trees, both native to the area, for visitors to take home and plant outside after the final frost. Unfortunately, given our temperamental weather, we may be waiting for that day for a while now.

All in all, we had a fantastic time celebrating Earth Day! If you didn’t get a chance to join, the good news is that the festivities aren’t quite over. Sign up for an event during the last week of April and you may win a gift card! Check out our events calendar!

The History of Earth Day

On April 22nd of each year, people from all around the world celebrate the Earth and come together to protect it. From community clean-ups to tree planting, nature walks and advocacy, the holiday is marked in many different ways. Earth Day was established in the United States in 1970, but how did it come to be?

Ambitious Beginnings and Wisconsin’s Role

Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin was a leading figure in the creation of Earth Day. After a major oil spill the year before, Senator Nelson organized nationwide and bipartisan university teach-ins in 1970 to fire up the public about threats the environment faced. Recognizing the day’s potential, additional events and partnerships with organizations were devised to get all Americans involved in the movement.

They chose April 22nd, and the very first Earth Day inspired fervor across the country. By the end of year, the Environmental Protection Agency was founded. In the following years, Congress would pass many more bills to support the conversation of the environment.

Earth Day in the Current Era

As the world has moved into the digital age, so has Earth Day. For example, in 2019, those participating in clean-ups shared their experiences and photos with the #ProtectOurSpecies. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders in the movement hosted many online celebrations and events. In 2021, EARTHDAY.ORG and The Biden Administration each hosted online streams featuring activists, teachers, organizations, and other influential players in the movement.

Earth Day Every Day at Beaver Creek Reserve

At Beaver Creek, we celebrate Earth Day all month long! Events and programs are happening all throughout the month of April all over Eau Claire. It’s never been easier to get hands-on in your community, enjoy nature, and help protect the earth. To commemorate Earth Day on April 22nd, we will host an Earth Day Walk. Take a self-guided walk on our trails and learn about all things sustainability! Walk-ins welcome, or register ahead of time here.

From April 17-23, entry to Beaver Creek and all Eau Claire county parks will be FREE! Visit the reserve and participate in our Earth Week Photo Contest! Take a snapshot during your time here and post it on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #BCREarthWeek (Beaver Creek is in the digital age, too!) or submit on our website. The photo with the most likes will win a prize!

Pollinators Help Us 一 Let’s Help Them, Too.

Pollinators are one of the most important parts of a healthy ecosystem. While bees often take the role as the mascot of the pollinators (who remembers the Bee Movie?), a pollinator is anything that transports pollen between flowering plants. In Wisconsin, this primarily means bees, butterflies, and moths, but birds, bats and beetles can act as pollinators as well. 

The transportation of pollen is vital in many ways. Importantly, it maintains our agricultural system. Plants can’t exist without pollination, and plants are what feed the world. Plants also feed animals, which also feed the world! The United Nations predicts the world population will reach 9.7 billion by 2030, and all those people need to eat, so a healthy system of pollination is crucial as populations rise.

Since pollinators allow plant life to flourish, they allow for a more healthy and balanced environment as well. The flowering plants on our earth clean our air, support animals, stabilize soil, and more. However, pollinators are at risk. Many pollinators' natural habitats are destroyed or degraded due to human intervention, reducing their ability to transport pollen.

One way to support pollinators is right in our own yards. No Mow May is an initiative taken around the country to create pollinator-friendly zones in residential areas, where there is generally less native plant life. By not mowing or using chemical products in the month of May, natural flowering plants will grow in our yards, helping pollinators thrive. Did you know some pollinators are still overwintering in your grass, garden beds, or leftover plants from last season in May? This is why it's important to limit your mowing even when the weather seems nice enough to do so.

It’s a perfect excuse to get out of an annoying chore for a whole month! But if leaving your entire yard to nature’s whims is not a great fit for you, we also encourage smaller steps. Leaving a patch unmowed or mowing your entire yard less frequently are also great options.

The city of Eau Claire has even changed their lawn ordinances to encourage residents to participate. More information on Now Mow May can be found here! There are also events happening throughout this and next month to celebrate Earth Day and support pollinators and native plant life.

One such event is right here at Beaver Creek Reserve: our Native Plant Sale. We’ve been hard at work in our greenhouse growing native plants, which our online store opens May 3. Beaver Creek Reserve members get 10% off their order! These plants sell out fast, so if you’re looking for new plants, or plants you know will come back every year, for your yard or garden, we recommend jumping on the sale when it opens.

Timber Sale at Beaver Creek Reserve

By: Jim Schwiebert, Beaver Creek Reserve Naturalist & Land Manager

For the first time, Beaver Creek Reserve will have an active timber sale on its property. Over the years, Beaver Creek has basically had a “no management” policy for timber harvesting despite a forestry plan made in 1981. Things were left to follow a course of natural succession. Looking at the many different timber stands on the property however, and one jack pine stand in particular, it soon became apparent that some kind of a timber sale operation not only needed to be done, but could benefit Beaver Creek as well.

South Trails Overlook at Beaver Creek.

In 2014, a DNR Forester surveyed the existing timber stands around Beaver Creek and noticed that one particular area had a component of jack pine that was aging and in need of harvest. The jack pine is currently mixed with pin oak with an understory (trees that are growing beneath the canopy) of predominantly red maple and white pine. This parcel of land was donated to Beaver Creek after we were already established and had current forestry management recommendations. However, prior to allowing a cutting to take place at that time, we decided our previous forestry management plan should be updated to help our Board of Directors make a better recommendation for the proposed harvest. Most of the acreage at Beaver Creek Reserve was recently placed in "County Forest Special Use" lands. Special Use exceptions are given in light of the unique nature of Beaver Creek and the way we use the property. 

This stand of timber, and the potential for harvesting, could be approached in two ways. One is to do nothing- let the jack pine mature, rot, and fall down. The other option is to conduct a tree selection harvest where only the jack pine, hazard trees (oak and others that border the hiking trails), and some of the oak that are dying from oak wilt, could also be harvested. Our Board of Directors decided that a tree selection harvest was the most desirable to capture the value of the jack pine before it became unusable. Also, this harvest would provide a safer space for hikers since the mature trees represented significant falling hazards near popular trails. The money generated from the sale will go back into operation and maintenance expenses for Beaver Creek.

Photo by My Wisconsin Woods.

From a strictly silvicultural (the science of forest management) standpoint, this stand probably should have been clear-cut to allow the oak and jack pine to regenerate. Oak and jack pine cannot regenerate without full sun reaching the young seeds and saplings.  This can only happen when the stands are clear-cut. With the selective removal of the jack pine only, the stand will eventually convert to a less desirable white pine/red maple forest type, which is typical succession for most of the oak/pine forest types in our area. I use the term ‘less desirable’ simply because the oak/jack pine forest type is diminishing in acreage and the maple/white pine forest is becoming more predominant. The oak/jack pine forest type also has obvious wildlife benefits with mast (seed) production and browse, benefiting many species. Both white pine and red maple grow well in the shade, so a clear-cut is not necessary to promote their growth. They will replace the oak and jack pine. Although there will be disturbance with the selective thinning, it won’t be to the same degree as a clear-cut. Considering the use of the area for hiking, snowshoeing, and nature exploration, the selective thinning was the timber harvest prescription approved by our Board. There is also a small strip of red pine in the sale area that was planted years ago and is in need of thinning. Those trees will also be selectively removed as part of the sale.

Red Loop Trail on South Campus.

The hiking trail will be closed for the duration of the sale activity this spring, hopefully with sale completion done by the end of May. The Red Trail on our South Campus is the only area affected, in the far western part of Beaver Creek's property, north of County Highway K. Signs will be posted on the trails to alert hikers of the closure. We apologize for this inconvenience, but look forward to new growth and continued proper management of our land.

Reduce and Reuse: Recycle’s Underrated Sisters

It’s one of the first things we learn about how to practice sustainability in our everyday lives: reduce, reuse, recycle. Most of us have recycling down by now, but what about the first two steps? Reducing consumption and reusing what we already own are the first two steps after all, and they deserve just as much love as recycling. They even go hand in hand. By reusing what you already own, you’ll reduce what you have to buy. Simple, right? One example of how reducing and reusing can benefit the environment is in our closets.

Clothing is a great way to express yourself, but it’s also an efficient way to make a lot of trash. 11.3 million tons of textile waste are created every year in the U.S. alone, and the average garment is worn just seven to ten times. This waste has cascading effects. Most fabrics used to make clothing contain at least some polyester, which requires a huge amount of power and carbon emissions to produce, which releases microplastics into the environment, harming wildlife.

While wider use of recycling programs for clothes could reduce this amount, what if we reuse our clothes thirty times instead, as this challenge posits? Even better, what if we only buy what we really love, not what fits in with ever-changing trends, and wear our clothes for years and years at a time?

I have hand-me-down sweatpants that age back to my brother’s high school days, circa 2013. Some sweaters I have worn so many times that people immediately recognize them as my signature pieces. Because they are all clothes I genuinely love, there’s no reason for me to buy more new things or try to recycle them.

Without a doubt, recycling is an important aspect of sustainability and should not be forgotten by any means. But by reducing and reusing, we can make it so that recycling is less needed in the first place.

Earth Day is April 22nd, but at Beaver Creek, we are celebrating “Earth Day Every Day”! If you have the sustainability bug, we have no shortage of ways to get involved. Check out our website and sign up for one of our April events. At the end of each program, you will be entered in a drawing for a gift card! Be sure to take advantage of our FREE admission the week of Earth Day and participate in our Earth Day Walk on April 22nd!

Summer Camps at Beaver Creek

While it seems like the snow is never ending, summer will come before we know it and bring one of the best times of the year at Beaver Creek! It’s not too early to plan how you will get out to the reserve to enjoy the warm weather, and luckily, summer camp registration is already open. Summer camp opportunities are available for kids from grades kindergarten through 8th. Whether your camper dreams of a multi-day experience or a single-day excursion, there are options every child will love.

To take advantage of our most popular summer attraction, the Budding Butterflies camp is the perfect choice for kindergarteners and 1st graders! Campers will learn all about these beautiful insects native to the area in our very own butterfly house. By the end of the experience, they’ll tell you that they want to be a lepidopterist or a butterfly scientist when they grow up.

To get to know another kind of flying friend, 3rd through 5th graders will love Soaring Scientists. Campers will learn about what birds can be seen and heard in Beaver Creek. They will also get to meet our own bird ambassadors (am-bird-ssadors, if you will) and experience our bird banding program. Campers will come home able to identify the birds singing in their own backyard!

For older campers in 7th and 8th grade whose only wish is to get on the water, Outdoor Water Adventures will take them to do just that. Part of the day will be spent kayaking at Coon Fork Park, any experience level welcome. The rest of the day, campers will learn about Wisconsin’s fish and try their hand at catching some themselves.

Beaver Creek summer camps are an impactful experience that your child will remember forever! Camps are filling up fast! To see the full list of camp offerings and to register your child, visit our website here.

If you are interested in volunteering, spots may still be available. Email outreach@beavercreekreserve.org for more information.

Maple Syrup Beyond the Plate of Pancakes

If you grew up like me, you had a father who was adamant that only real maple syrup should be kept in the house. Even going in the near vicinity of so-called “breakfast syrup” in the grocery store was practically an act worthy of scorn. He can’t even be blamed ー nothing beats that authentic, maple, sticky goodness on a stack of pancakes in the morning.

But why should something so good be limited to just one dish? Maple syrup has four different grades, from golden to almost black, each with their own flavor profile, so there’s a kind of maple syrup for many things we make in the kitchen.

Coffee and tea

If you’re putting it on your pancakes, you might as well add it to your morning caffeine boost too. A bit of maple syrup in a cup of coffee or tea is a delicious, natural alternative to other kinds of sweetener. Experiment with the different grades of maple syrup and coffee roasts or tea blends to see which one makes your morning pick-me-up rival anything a cafe could put together.

Baked goods

Maple and baking go together like two peas in a pod. Like coffee, maple syrup can be used as an alternative sweetener that gives a maple-y boost to cookies, cake, and other sweet treats. If putting it on top is more your style, replace some of the liquid in your frosting or glaze with maple syrup. You can even forgo mixing it into anything and drizzle the plain syrup on top of whatever you like. It’ll definitely win the next baking contest you enter.

Baked beans?

This one surprised me too, but a quick search shows a multitude of recipes for baked beans sweetened with maple syrup, often with spices for a sweet and tangy flavor combination. It’s a Canadian classic that’s eaten at any meal of the day in any number of ways, including as a side or on toast. 

Drooling yet? If you’re just as excited about maple syrup as we are at Beaver Creek, you can join us this weekend for Maple Syrup Saturday! In this family-friendly event, you will learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the rich tradition of maple sugaring in the Chippewa Valley. You will even assist with tapping a tree and see where sap is turned into syrup! Register here to join us for a fun-filled day of nature and maple syrup!

Winter Storms 101

Wisconsinites are no strangers to snow, but this week’s predicted 15-25 inches of snow was enough to throw even lifelong residents of the area for a loop. We hear every year about winter storms on the news, but what do all those different classifications really mean?

Lake effect snow plumes travelling
southeast across the Great Lakes region.

While terms like “snowstorm” and “blizzard” are used interchangeably in everyday speech by many, for classification purposes, they are not one and the same. They are both a kind of winter storm associated with precipitation of snow. There are several different kinds of snowstorms, depending on the amount of snow accumulated and wind speeds. Blizzards are a severe type of snowstorm that has winds of at least 35 mph for three or more hours. 

Lake effect snowstorms, while not common in Beaver Creek’s neck of the woods, are another fascinating form of winter storm which takes place south and east of the Great Lakes. Low-pressure systems cause the high levels of moisture from the relatively warm Great Lakes to rise and fall again in spectacular amounts. Lake effect snow can regularly drop several feet of snow on an area in a matter of days.

Whether it’s 15 inches or 5 feet, the snow and wind that comes with winter storms can be dangerous, and it’s important to be prepared. The National Weather Service recommends stocking up on necessary food and supplies before a run to the store turns dangerous. They also recommend stocking your car with emergency supplies, as snow and ice can catch even the best drivers off guard. Keeping a blanket, warm clothes, food, and a shovel in your car is a simple precaution you can take to stay safe. 

Should a winter storm knock out your power, staying warm is the number one priority. Wearing many loose layers, closing curtains and blinds, stuffing towels under door cracks, and closing off unused rooms will keep your home the warmest the longest if the heat goes out. It is also vital to eat well, as food gives you energy to stay warm, and drink plenty of water, since cold air is very dry.

Once the storms blow over, they leave plenty of gorgeous scenery for us to enjoy! If you’re looking to enjoy the natural beauty of winter, Beaver Creek has plenty of opportunities. Enjoying a hike in the trails is a great way to see the sights! Check out our website for trail conditions and rentals. Looking to sign-up for an outdoor program? See our events calendar for upcoming events and programs.