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.

Winter Sky Asterisms

 When you look up into the sky at the stars in the winter (arguably the best season for stargazing) there are a number of recognizable star patterns, which on their own do not make a constellation. These types of star patterns are called asterisms! Asterisms are defined as a prominent group of stars that is smaller than a constellation. They can be used to easily locate other celestial objects in the night sky. Examples of winter asterisms include; the Winter Hexagon and Triangle, Cassiopeia’s W, Orion’s Belt, and the Big Dipper.

The Winter Hexagon is a collection of some 1st magnitude stars, or the brightest stars in the sky, arranged in a noticeable hexagonal pattern. The six stars come from six different constellations; Rigel in Orion the Hunter, Aldebaran in Taurus the Bull, Capella in Auriga the Charioteer, Pollux in Gemini the Twins, Procyon in Canis Minor the Small Dog, and Sirius in Canis Major the Big Dog. Three stars within the Winter Hexagon make up the Winter Triangle, Betelgeuse in Orion, Sirius in Canis Major, and Procyon in Canis Minor. The Winter Hexagon and Triangle are located in the sky to the east, right above the horizon.

Winter Hexagon and Triangle

The Cassiopeia constellation itself has a large number of stars, but 5 of the brightest are arranged in a large “W.” The constellation is seen in the sky year round in our hemisphere, but during the winter months, Cassiopeia’s “W” is located above the North Star, or Polaris, and is upside down. During the summer months, the “W” shape is right-side up. To locate Cassiopeia or the “W” Asterism, search the northeast section of the sky, near the Little Dipper.

Cassiopeia's W

 Orion’s Belt and the Big Dipper are possibly the two most famous winter sky asterisms. Orion’s Belt is a line of 3 stars that makes up Orion’s waistline in The Hunter’s constellation. This asterism is an easy tool to use to locate the Orion Constellation! Look to the southern skies near the horizon for Orion. The Big Dipper is formed from the 7 brightest stars in the Ursa Major, or the Great Bear, Constellation. 6 of these 7 stars are at 2nd magnitude or higher, making it one of the most easily spotted star formations in the sky! Search the northern skies, right above the horizon for the Great Bear.

Orion the Hunter

Ursa Major

If you are looking to go stargazing in the next coming weeks, be sure to keep an eye out for these winter asterisms and their constellations! Beaver Creek Reserve is a great place to look for stars all year round! Listed as an area of Wisconsin’s darkest skies, Beaver Creek partners with the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society to host a variety of sky gazing programs in our Hobbs Observatory. Hobbs Observatory Astronomical Series are held on the third Saturday of every month and include a 30-45 minute program on various astronomical topics, followed by public observing with the telescopes if conditions are right. Public Observing sessions are held on all clear Saturdays from May through October. These sessions begin 30-45 minutes after the sun sets, and run for about 2 hours. Check out Beaver Creek Reserve to experience some of the best stargazing opportunities in the area!

Love in the Air at Our Valentine’s Day Candlelight Snowshoe Hike

While some birds fly south for the winter, love birds flocked to Beaver Creek Reserve to celebrate Valentine’s Day early with a candlelight snowshoe hike. Starting at the Wise Nature Center on the South Campus, snowshoers set off on a mile-long path lined with candles to take in the wonders of nature.

Winter may not be the first time of year people think of going on a hike, but this season gives Beaver Creek a unique charm that can’t be replicated any other time of year. Snow covering the tree branches and drifting on the paths made the experience feel like one from a movie, and the half-frozen creeks were a sight to behold.

In addition to the candles in the snow, hikers found themselves guided by the stars in the sky as well. A cloudless night made for a dazzling display above the tree line, with iconic constellations like Orion and the Big Dipper making an appearance.

Back at the Nature Center, smiling faces and two roaring bonfires greeted visitors ready to relax and warm up after their time on the trail. Cheerful chatter and the pop of champagne corks filled the air as everyone enjoyed each other's company alongside glasses of champagne and cups of hot cocoa.

The constellation of Orion above the candlelit trail.

If you missed out on the festivities, don't worry! Our trails remain open for all to enjoy,  but be sure to check our website for trail conditions and rental availability. We also have more programs to offer so you can get outside and take advantage of the fresh winter air. Check out our events calendar and register now!

Celebrating 75 Years of Connecting with Nature

75 years ago, on the grounds we now call home to Beaver Creek Reserve, laid a handful of scattered cabins tucked deep in the forest. These lodges were part of the Eau Claire County Youth Camp, the first of its kind here in the Chippewa Valley. After years of building and preparing, the first children campers made their way in 1953, 18 girls known as The Campfire Girls. Back then, the summer camps focused on teaching life skills such as outdoor cooking, fire building, nature exploration, and survival; all while wrapping in the foundations of a democratic citizenship and education. Since the 1950s, the goal of the Youth Camp was and will continue to be educating community members who connect with and appreciate the wonders of nature.

A huge step in Beaver Creek’s development was the groundbreaking for the Wise Nature Center in the mid-1980s. This came in response to the growing concern for environmental preservation and ecological education. Thus, the Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve was born, turning the summer camps into a full-fledged non-profit organization that could enhance its learning facilities and implement more educational programs for community members.
 
Over our 75-year history, Beaver Creek Reserve has not stopped growing. Summer camps and school groups were able to witness new developments and facilities, like the Hobbs Observatory and an outdoor obstacle course built throughout the 1980s. As stated in a 1983 Eau Claire Leader Telegram article, “the building [Hobbs Observatory] will be heated by passive and active solar energy…” Later, the Citizen Science Center was completed in 2004, where volunteer citizen scientists could take part in scientific studies involving the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
 
Beaver Creek Reserve has served as a vital part of the Eau Claire community for 75 years now. Our contributions to connecting individuals with nature and scientific advancement can be seen on an international scale with our bird banding program and Monarch butterfly tagging. As a non-profit organization, the funding for research, educational programs, and staff comes from supportive community members and organizations who value the work being done here.
 

To celebrate 75 years of research, wildlife education, and connecting with nature, Beaver Creek Reserve has set a goal of raising $75,000 towards our 75^th Anniversary Annual Fund by the end of 2022. Donations support various areas of growth at the Reserve. The future of Beaver Creek lies in the advancements of environmental education programs and nature facilities, such as the Greenhouse and the Butterfly House. We also award scholarships for students and summer camp members, along with the general cost of operation, upkeep, and equipment, all made possible due to generous donations.

As we enter this wonderful season of giving, consider supporting an organization that aligns with what is important to you. At Beaver Creek Reserve, our mission is simple: to keep people connected to the outdoors and educate our community on the plants and animals of nature. In 1985, a group of Eau Claire residents collaborated to ensure the future of the Reserve with the Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve Endowment Fund, establishing us to be what we are today. On November 22nd, 2022, we celebrate Giving Tuesday, a day designated to supporting non-profits that make a difference in our world. If you are interested in supporting the growth of nature education and eco-friendly environmental impacts, there are multiple ways to give at Beaver Creek.

Monetary donations will contribute to the 75th Anniversary Fund! Donations can be made at Donate to Beaver Creek Reserve | Wisconsin Nature Reserve. Add Beaver Creek Reserve to your Amazon Smile account to donate money through your purchases at Charity Lists (amazon.com). Another way to contribute is by donating your time as a volunteer!
Even the smallest donation makes a huge impact here at Beaver Creek! The success of the Reserve is thanks to those who believe in our mission and believe in the importance of nature in our lives. If you would like to learn more about our history, check out our Historical Booklet sold in our store at the Wise Nature Center. $8 for BCR Members and $10 for Non-Members. 

A Spooktacular Time at Boofest!

Spooky season at Beaver Creek Reserve was a success! Now that November is upon us, let’s recap the fun events that took place at Boofest on Thursday, October 28th. 

Preparation for this event began in the spring when pumpkin seeds were planted on our North campus. Throughout the summer, the pumpkins were carefully tended to, and the labor of love led to a bountiful harvest! The staff here at Beaver Creek worked hard to create a spooktacular atmosphere for visitors. Carved jack-o-lanterns lined the entrance, festive décor hung around the Wise Nature Center, and torches lit the walkways. Ghosts and goblins alike had endless fun at Boofest. Along with painting the pumpkins harvested here at Beaver Creek and those donated by the Krause family, visitors could trick-or-treat down the storybook hiking trail. 

    

 Throughout the trail, our Naturalists had set up stations where the children could collect candy and learn about owls, spiders, snakes, decomposers, wolves, and moths! Learning about nature couldn’t have been more “fang”-tastic! A cozy campfire provided warmth on the cool October night where everyone could make s’mores and enjoy hot apple cider. 

   

Inside the Nature Center, attendees had the opportunity to learn more about some of our animal ambassadors, Luna the Barred Owl, an American Toad, and Slither the Fox Snake. The Naturalists here at Beaver Creek Reserve shared their knowledge about these amazing creatures and their habitats. Along with this, children could enjoy a Halloween story time that featured books like The Halloween Tree, The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky, and Happy Halloween from the Very Busy Spider. 

To lock in these unforgettable memories, families could take pictures at a photo spot set up in front of the Nature Center. Not only was this event a chance to fill up your trick-or-treating bucket, but also a great opportunity to get outside and connect with the creatures of the night! To get a glimpse at the fun we had, you can watch this short video of the event highlights at Watch | Facebook.  

Hiking at Beaver Creek

Fall in Wisconsin can be described in many ways: colorful, unpredictable, and breathtaking. There’s no better way to enjoy this short time of year than getting outdoors and putting a few miles under your belt. At Beaver Creek Reserve, there’s about 9 miles of beautiful hiking trails just waiting to be discovered. Not only are the hiking trails lined with the extravagant colors of fall, but bordered by streams, wetlands, and the Eau Claire River. Taking in these wonders of nature not only gets you away from the stress of work or school, but also has many physical, mental, and social benefits!

It can be difficult to find time to move your body and get your heart rate up, especially when the sun starts to set earlier and the temperature begins to drop. If you’re looking for great hikes that you can fit in with limited time, Beaver Creek is the perfect place to start! The hiking trails can range from just a half mile to about 2 miles. The terrain and inclines make for an effective leg workout, while breathing in the clean, fresh air works to strengthen your lungs. You can customize the experience to what you’re looking for by taking the trails slowly or speeding up your pace and taking longer trails for a more intense workout.

While working to improve your physical health, hiking also benefits your mental health. Getting connected with nature is a great opportunity to take time to think and reflect. This can improve your mental clarity and focus, leaving you feeling like a better version of yourself. At Beaver Creek, the diverse habitats make for a wider variety of small animals moving around. In the fall, the animals are preparing for winter, so their activity is increased. If you’re in need of a serotonin boost, seeing the fall colors and animals in nature is sure to do the trick! With each step through Beaver Creek, let go of the stress from school, work, or life that may be weighing you down.

Struggling to find things to do with friends and family? Sick of going to the movies again? Take your loved ones on a hike with you! Nature is the best backdrop and with others, you’ll have someone to take pictures with. No distractions, just good conversation and a gorgeous view. Making memories at Beaver Creek will not only connect you with nature but give you lifelong stories with friends and family.

Fall is the ideal time to try out the hobby of hiking at Beaver Creek Reserve. The crisp, cool weather and changing leaves make for a peaceful, calm environment. Make a day out of it with friends by grabbing a warm cup of hot chocolate and a polaroid camera for fun pictures. For nonmembers, adults can hike for the day for $5 and children (15 years and under) for $3. Children under 2 years of age are free. For more information, visit Trails & Maps at Beaver Creek Reserve | Wisconsin Nature Reserve to get a closer look at the trails and other amenities. Now is the perfect time to connect with nature and take a hike at Beaver Creek Reserve!

Northern Saw-whet Owl Migration Banding

Here at Beaver Creek Reserve we have a ton of new experiences that can connect you with different parts of nature throughout the entire year!  One exciting journey that keeps going is our bird banding programs. Bird banding is a practice that has been around since the 1800s. To get in on the inside scoop, I talked with Tully Frain, Beaver Creek Reserve’s Avian Field Technician, about the bird banding we do here. 

Beaver Creek Reserve is part of an international program in North and South America that tracks birds. A small metal tag with a 9-digit identification number is attached to the bird’s leg, which can then track the bird’s migration patterns, movement, and life history. This data is compiled and sent to a government organization that has it available for researchers who can use the information.

Currently, our bird banders are focusing on the Northern Saw-whet Owl. This small owl wears a brown and white coat with a white “V” between the eyes. The name of the owl comes from the noise they produce, which is said to sound like the sharpening of a mill saw. September to October is generally when we band, and this species of owl is the focus because it’s one of the only true migrating owls. They’re truly a “hoot!” 

Other species of birds that are banded throughout the year include songbirds and the American Kestrel, which is the smallest and most common falcon in North America. As our bird banders collect more and more data about these different species of birds, this data can support larger sets of findings from all over the nation. 

The more species of birds we band and the more information we can collect, the more we can learn about nature and its wildlife. Connecting with wildlife is not only healthy for your physical health, but your mental health as well. The discoveries are endless here at Beaver Creek Reserve, so come visit and be inspired! 

If you’re interested in experiencing bird banding,  keep an eye out for our bird banding volunteer trainings offered at certain times throughout the year, or reach out to us with any questions. We have a couple programs coming up this October if you wanted to observe our Northern Saw-whet Owl banding sessions here at Beaver Creek Reserve.

Stay updated on our events calendar & register for our upcoming programs today! https://beavercreekreserve.doubleknot.com/app/calendar/month/4370