tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20658096719110025542024-02-19T20:01:47.456-05:00Avalonia eTrailsA blog for the friends of Avalonia Land Conservancy, acquiring and protecting natural habitats in southeastern ConnecticutAl Bachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00431827072300727766noreply@blogger.comBlogger416125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-80559301384804003422021-10-04T09:46:00.003-04:002021-10-04T09:46:51.658-04:00Finding Fall Fungi<p> by Beth Sullivan</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZvuH4tuygy3plpAsJTJgiJ3IyAsmti56k8srMgSkSwFiXan8GYTsNsfeU0b_eQjAtu5-Y29P7whemMUETNluEp5ZlsizcGPxJJHt43arRk4bzwyjQ9cv_nl_jK-5l6_GLc1imV-15KpV/s2048/Glistening+purple+gems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZvuH4tuygy3plpAsJTJgiJ3IyAsmti56k8srMgSkSwFiXan8GYTsNsfeU0b_eQjAtu5-Y29P7whemMUETNluEp5ZlsizcGPxJJHt43arRk4bzwyjQ9cv_nl_jK-5l6_GLc1imV-15KpV/w258-h194/Glistening+purple+gems.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glistening purple gems</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As we wind
down summer and gardens are going to fruit and seeds, it is also the season of
the Mushroom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can never get through
this season without renewing my sense of wonder at the variety and resiliency
of these organisms. Fungi fans are seeing the amazing results of all the rains
we have had through the summer and early fall. These are the perfect conditions
for the explosion of mushrooms we are seeing now. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As most
people know, there are mushrooms that are considered edible and very desirable
delicacies. There are also a huge number that are inedible and many that are
actually deadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mushroom hunting for
food is to be undertaken only by the knowledgeable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of us can hunt with our cameras. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Look around
your yard even, there are numerous small capped mushrooms that pop up after a
rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the darker, damper woods, they
are present on the forest floor and on dead wood stumps throughout the late
summer and early fall.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSF73V7pmHf_pp1gLebeZ6kfu_B3kXkUGU7tDreZPRGjthkwuQhpHK_LjTg3q7g-ps2-vs9MNRZ2Hkwyi3VGEKGuUbSx-wBR0eodjtQmPhe-A3rM8SgBgZsAhlMkPeRe0axlumYQRiccHv/s2048/Like+Fairy+umbrellas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSF73V7pmHf_pp1gLebeZ6kfu_B3kXkUGU7tDreZPRGjthkwuQhpHK_LjTg3q7g-ps2-vs9MNRZ2Hkwyi3VGEKGuUbSx-wBR0eodjtQmPhe-A3rM8SgBgZsAhlMkPeRe0axlumYQRiccHv/w140-h187/Like+Fairy+umbrellas.jpg" width="140" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Like fairy umbrellas</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table>Fungi are in
a Kingdom of their own. They are not plants at all, and surely they are not
animals, but you would be surprised at some of their characteristics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They do not have true roots, or a vascular
system, or flowers and seeds. They contain no chlorophyll so are unable to make
their own “food” utilizing nutrients and sunlight. Have you noticed there are
no real GREEN mushrooms? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They rely on
obtaining their nutrients from the decay process that they are part of on the
forest floor, within all the dead plant material that is present there. They
absorb their food through this process, rather than eating it or making it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mushrooms are actually the visible, spore
producing bodies of a largely underground network of rhizome threads that
comprise a fungus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The spread of the
rhizomes extends great distances but only one or two mushrooms may emerge. In
other cases, many will pop up in the same area. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are very specific, dependent for their
survival on certain species of living trees, dead trees, or in soil with very
narrow ranges of pH, soil acidity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But here’s
a fun fact:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the outer tough skin of many
mushrooms is made of Chitin, which is the same material as the shells of lobsters
and crabs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strange organisms. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZNYWJB5tg3bxXC2IfFlvtgc6S4z4k0E4Tvk5hJiZ1XaTN4Zei-puAGn68Kc-wZXLbuLrWsMjwt1Di8Za1Y5-Wvn-ek7vcb23g39W_NGrifp_LQa0NIDkLdzIXGSrY5uEut2x1DEsU3p1/s2048/These+are+called+Turkey+Tails+for+good+reason.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZNYWJB5tg3bxXC2IfFlvtgc6S4z4k0E4Tvk5hJiZ1XaTN4Zei-puAGn68Kc-wZXLbuLrWsMjwt1Di8Za1Y5-Wvn-ek7vcb23g39W_NGrifp_LQa0NIDkLdzIXGSrY5uEut2x1DEsU3p1/w276-h155/These+are+called+Turkey+Tails+for+good+reason.JPG" width="276" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">They are called turkey tails for <br />a good reason!</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table>Along with a
wide variation in color, they also take many forms: the familiar umbrella,
ruffles, shelves, “turkey tails” and puffballs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you have ever come upon a solid white ball on your lawn and think
“Golf ball”, experiment a little. A firm young puffball will be white all the
way through and have a pleasing earthy smell. But wait a few weeks and find a
puffball that has become browner with age. A touch with your toe or a flick of
the finger will make it “puff”, explode with fine black dust, which is all the
spores contained within. All mushrooms reproduce by releasing dusty spores and
the color and patterns of those spores, when collected and inspected, are
essential identification traits. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4p413gmJZ3w_wAkO_qTxBOE-Sx8kk8-oharygw3TghUjbjhfrchoElYyqWF8K9NhcUF0w5NuVbv-pUKdoamYOCFl_nrE63-yu_dHOeM2ixj5TmDUMYuW77I-6TXPeboPkLAtwoA0GCkvB/s2048/Get+a+child+to+use+a+sketchbook-+by+Emerson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1368" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4p413gmJZ3w_wAkO_qTxBOE-Sx8kk8-oharygw3TghUjbjhfrchoElYyqWF8K9NhcUF0w5NuVbv-pUKdoamYOCFl_nrE63-yu_dHOeM2ixj5TmDUMYuW77I-6TXPeboPkLAtwoA0GCkvB/w136-h205/Get+a+child+to+use+a+sketchbook-+by+Emerson.jpg" width="136" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Have a child draw <br />them in a sketch<br />book - by Emerson</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These first
weeks of October are perfect for hiking, and perfect for mushroom hunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Great Avalonia Trail Trek will be
happening soon. Saturday Oct 16 through Sunday Oct 24. Please see the web pages
and consider supporting our team Stonington Stewards, or any other team. <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.pledgereg.com/great-avalonia-trail-trek">https://www.pledgereg.com/great-avalonia-trail-trek</a></span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the week I know I will be wandering
the trails, doing routine stewardship, but also logging in miles for the
Trek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will also be searching out more
unique mushrooms to photograph. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Please keep
your eyes open for some beautiful, colorful and very interesting inhabitants of
the forest floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Avoid having children
touch them and instruct them about proper caution. A good idea would be to use
your camera or a sketch pad to enjoy them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have the kids draw them too.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf-qIcHnTql0Krb3-TbvwMsOChmMD9hMVb6JAPldgqo3MtmIqE15XCwddJvy35VVIHVzWTc1Yr2XFZ4tjMLQ3IpY6UkjexSp5sqYRAe4oayyV_WN76JggWx-21dctjVriG7DuKcnTH49y/s2048/Witch%2527s+Butter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf-qIcHnTql0Krb3-TbvwMsOChmMD9hMVb6JAPldgqo3MtmIqE15XCwddJvy35VVIHVzWTc1Yr2XFZ4tjMLQ3IpY6UkjexSp5sqYRAe4oayyV_WN76JggWx-21dctjVriG7DuKcnTH49y/s320/Witch%2527s+Butter.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Witch's Butter</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17zvMRPWzl3lmjWUfAajAgAQdY55AQHJ61H427SAmTWddI8HF8N-9fB1UbPQryrpLjNTiOUgGXyjbMVn_PIC5Ci-HXWoOdEdjo0X-HrQIQ_oYIsmdPwFc-zqk8U1pM4AW0iowM2GGY83H/s2048/Amanitas+have+bumps+on+their+tops+and+they+are+all+deadly.+BEWARE..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17zvMRPWzl3lmjWUfAajAgAQdY55AQHJ61H427SAmTWddI8HF8N-9fB1UbPQryrpLjNTiOUgGXyjbMVn_PIC5Ci-HXWoOdEdjo0X-HrQIQ_oYIsmdPwFc-zqk8U1pM4AW0iowM2GGY83H/s320/Amanitas+have+bumps+on+their+tops+and+they+are+all+deadly.+BEWARE..jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Amanitas have bumps on their top<br />and are deadly.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMjOrVqVkQgrtit12JIL232iV5cPXadUkWm6bP9rndpUBmnekI9Awr4AgK0tyfmbiD0QNp3H-_vUoXMZpn-djyAledron51K8SIedJtNG3thVpQzWGOjNimA7eQ0HxdTZI5X2Pc7TzkJS/s2048/What+happens+when+a+mushroom+gets+old+-it+gets+moldy%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMjOrVqVkQgrtit12JIL232iV5cPXadUkWm6bP9rndpUBmnekI9Awr4AgK0tyfmbiD0QNp3H-_vUoXMZpn-djyAledron51K8SIedJtNG3thVpQzWGOjNimA7eQ0HxdTZI5X2Pc7TzkJS/s320/What+happens+when+a+mushroom+gets+old+-it+gets+moldy%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">What happens when a mushroom gets old?<br />It gets moldy!</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CjcK-X8AdtB55yt9fCIiokCoXHUOsHPTYUPJvdwGFthYftfTCbuTgztrYjDc2q5lgcMMGhLOrS5eOYFgqNbeJHGDsvcqDIGacDinahfHdW0R_DNOIuZdAc9-Shuw2sPya7RvMGzLV3DF/s2048/Puffball-in+-Aspic++Yuck+Jelly%2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CjcK-X8AdtB55yt9fCIiokCoXHUOsHPTYUPJvdwGFthYftfTCbuTgztrYjDc2q5lgcMMGhLOrS5eOYFgqNbeJHGDsvcqDIGacDinahfHdW0R_DNOIuZdAc9-Shuw2sPya7RvMGzLV3DF/s320/Puffball-in+-Aspic++Yuck+Jelly%2521.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Puffball-in-Aspic Yuck Jelly!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-79796395922031574152021-09-16T17:23:00.004-04:002021-09-16T17:23:44.656-04:00The Great Avalonia Trail Trek 2021<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaQU96M6CVHk5DvKOfIS9Z9k8Z3ikfRpUXrk9G7Jdw8OWiPh9Ys_6BTSBw43bkPLfcicW_m4ymYFo0NAkgzk-dQ4AvBfywjZwSXkQ7Ri2qIzlPx3FsRibZp216vHWvMyQ7XBVXDlbRPQ4/s4608/A+peaceful+early+autum+tail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaQU96M6CVHk5DvKOfIS9Z9k8Z3ikfRpUXrk9G7Jdw8OWiPh9Ys_6BTSBw43bkPLfcicW_m4ymYFo0NAkgzk-dQ4AvBfywjZwSXkQ7Ri2qIzlPx3FsRibZp216vHWvMyQ7XBVXDlbRPQ4/w189-h142/A+peaceful+early+autum+tail.JPG" width="189" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>A peaceful early autumn trail.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
September and finally the weather has turned, to encourage outdoor
activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have waited patiently for
these less humid, blue sky, comfortably cool days when a hike or any other
minor exertion doesn’t leave you sweating and out of breath!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I would
expect most of us don’t really need any other reason to head onto a trail but
this is also the time when we are planning the second annual Trail Trek to
benefit Avalonia’s mission to preserve, protect and manage open space here in
southeastern CT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9D_oMrMDMPE4CFpL9O2-ZtHCecE389OWC_RDMEsB4dCKV6r8g6_lxV_5vXJoPk-KJ_fs_PQ4AMa9gU4vGBIhlmnU1nelqF0EZTPRFqk2zlrLvZPLW_WSNo9-wPav3WH_myjj1GiDCmoQ/s2048/No+two+trails+are+the+same.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9D_oMrMDMPE4CFpL9O2-ZtHCecE389OWC_RDMEsB4dCKV6r8g6_lxV_5vXJoPk-KJ_fs_PQ4AMa9gU4vGBIhlmnU1nelqF0EZTPRFqk2zlrLvZPLW_WSNo9-wPav3WH_myjj1GiDCmoQ/w201-h134/No+two+trails+are+the+same.JPG" width="201" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>No two trails are the same.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At this
point in time, Avalonia cares for almost 4,500 acres and the number of towns in
which these preserves are located, is continually growing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are anywhere between the Thames River
and the RI Border, or south to Little Narragansett Bay and Fisher’s Island Sound,
and north to Griswold and the Pachaug Forest area, there is an Avalonia
preserve near you ( <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://avalonia.org/preserves/">https://avalonia.org/preserves/</a></span>).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All of our
preserves are open but not all are trailed. The Avalonia website is linked to the
CT Trail Finder app and those preserves with trails are easy to find and well
described. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year folks hiked, ran
or did a bike loop connecting as many preserves as possible. You can bring your
four footed friends along on most preserves ( there are a couple of exceptions)
as long as they are on a leash and run along beside you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfzv7XO78m-P0eJOpkjvSU4vkxu55QklbYNx-nSdQJ9BLaakBLhXX0wKVMHn8Qj4p1pmsqUsPRZY7t3BYNhD8aR6gjYkxlp-rwdnIjM13ftaVSrGwbLvCvyloruEmlHdVSYYB_njx1EqC/s2048/At+Knox+Family+Farm+you+can+pull+up+in+your+kayak+and+go+for+a+hike+too..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfzv7XO78m-P0eJOpkjvSU4vkxu55QklbYNx-nSdQJ9BLaakBLhXX0wKVMHn8Qj4p1pmsqUsPRZY7t3BYNhD8aR6gjYkxlp-rwdnIjM13ftaVSrGwbLvCvyloruEmlHdVSYYB_njx1EqC/w218-h163/At+Knox+Family+Farm+you+can+pull+up+in+your+kayak+and+go+for+a+hike+too..jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>At Knox Farm, you can pull up in<br />your kayak and go for a hike.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </span>This year an added attraction will be a kayak
component. Many preserves in Stonington and Groton have water access or are
visible from the water. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several years ago,
I posted a blog with some directions and ideas. A Blue Trail. <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="http://avaloniaetrails.blogspot.com/2016/08/avalonia-by-kayak.html">http://avaloniaetrails.blogspot.com/2016/08/avalonia-by-kayak.html</a></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we have some freshwater access in
Griswold and soon may even have access from the Wood/Pawcatuck River to our new
Sheets Preserve in North Stonington. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At least one
preserve will allow mountain biking for part of the event.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIU98vWI272ff4NUws0907m-t2M7917TYm-WUVhv1Egt45Ay54szxQ8djyBJiQlQ6MX12BsfPJZxrRl5hcOhowGvEjNI0uY8-2YFfIH9_ILx1xA_xqdplPK-2VCREF_jDl17-flMBwoOr/s1200/The+Tri-Town+Ridgeline+trails+are+more+challenging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIU98vWI272ff4NUws0907m-t2M7917TYm-WUVhv1Egt45Ay54szxQ8djyBJiQlQ6MX12BsfPJZxrRl5hcOhowGvEjNI0uY8-2YFfIH9_ILx1xA_xqdplPK-2VCREF_jDl17-flMBwoOr/w225-h150/The+Tri-Town+Ridgeline+trails+are+more+challenging.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The TriTown Ridgeline Forest trails<br />are more challenging.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Last year
Trail Trek helped complete our funding for the Tri-Town Ridgeline </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> Forest. This preserve is Avalonia’s largest, most
diverse and ecologically unique property. There are majestic trees, rocky
ledges, clear streams, pre-colonial stone structures and even a true mountain! It now has literally miles of well marked trails,
some easy and some challenging, and all beautiful. They are perfect for hiking
and trail running. Everyone had fun last year, and we exceeded our fund raising
goals with great gratitude to all who donated. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Those of you
who have come to know me, through the blog or otherwise, know that I need no
extra incentive or reason to be outdoors. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a passion, and some might say an
obsession. A healthy one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t always
need to be on a trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boundary work
gives me a good excuse to go off trail and check out more remote corners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is my favorite time of year for kayaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The water is warm and really clear, and the colors of autumn reflect so
beautifully with the September-blue sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hope I can launch my little boat during the trail trek week but surely
will be out hiking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year “my team”
will be the Stonington Stewards, dedicated to all the people who help me here
in town, build bridges, pull invasives, mow trails populate the work parties, and
who support all the projects we are involved in. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Please
support Avalonia in all aspects of the good work that is being done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More land preserved, more trails maintained, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>more outreach and education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is all good. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Beth</span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTI6BlsnzOakJuxaT9DeU52xolF8QAl3w2qj2YXioPPr3pqb3LkHQxZReOJG0mvrMclyGnS7q7hJV9o7edF3qgVNH1RL3jCvl0R7T_zws0G8akI3tMC0v6qaffO7IzeNE8fv9QH5qc5gPr/s1280/A+bike+route+may+take+you+past+untrailed+properites+you+didn%2527t+know+about..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTI6BlsnzOakJuxaT9DeU52xolF8QAl3w2qj2YXioPPr3pqb3LkHQxZReOJG0mvrMclyGnS7q7hJV9o7edF3qgVNH1RL3jCvl0R7T_zws0G8akI3tMC0v6qaffO7IzeNE8fv9QH5qc5gPr/s320/A+bike+route+may+take+you+past+untrailed+properites+you+didn%2527t+know+about..jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>A bike route may take you past untrailed<br />properties that you didn't know about!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xwmto9sKkRiu9gH7QXXUIc7w6mugMb9eHlBG_FHLTpfqAgQA9zleKmHtF0On7DtS1clLrBmn-X3PteTmG-gJLCxshi_awreXuTlnsJjZ3tUkpnCEgJWVhykDUZJBq7Kqi3mguiiEN2KC/s2048/Some+trails+open+up+to+amazing+views..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xwmto9sKkRiu9gH7QXXUIc7w6mugMb9eHlBG_FHLTpfqAgQA9zleKmHtF0On7DtS1clLrBmn-X3PteTmG-gJLCxshi_awreXuTlnsJjZ3tUkpnCEgJWVhykDUZJBq7Kqi3mguiiEN2KC/s320/Some+trails+open+up+to+amazing+views..jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Some trails open up to amazing views!<br /></b><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido1PNj8JNTtuwdyVUgSlZwxJFPqxQahRVJJhab8PnyY3osUsPgnCl5AM_LNvyJlCPa13eaKkasex5YpMkZ8qrgb1yYRwo5YaFUOvBXE3YppHLp9bXhHQXuWzAKkLq8IRM40O9u-Z2osvJ/s1280/A+bench+welcomes+tired+trekkers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido1PNj8JNTtuwdyVUgSlZwxJFPqxQahRVJJhab8PnyY3osUsPgnCl5AM_LNvyJlCPa13eaKkasex5YpMkZ8qrgb1yYRwo5YaFUOvBXE3YppHLp9bXhHQXuWzAKkLq8IRM40O9u-Z2osvJ/s320/A+bench+welcomes+tired+trekkers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>A bench welcomes tired trekkers.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-49278687206168490532021-09-01T16:35:00.004-04:002021-09-01T16:36:00.080-04:00Invasive Species: the saga continues<p> by Beth Sullivan</p><p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvXewIpn03hWCZ2fK6hEJaFDfqW9prNi35A6kbSPr1W4EIjj6oTgVkp__ak9VPJTskM4onsjLcfyB5gxqOqrJlYLbyuq6Ds6FWAREOzMFnnM1tJ0fDeKHFLdnKKI-agm03z2Mexd2yKIJ/s2048/Multiflora+Rose+offers+some+protection+for+nesters+and+berries+for+food%252C+but+can+take+over+a+field+in+no+time..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvXewIpn03hWCZ2fK6hEJaFDfqW9prNi35A6kbSPr1W4EIjj6oTgVkp__ak9VPJTskM4onsjLcfyB5gxqOqrJlYLbyuq6Ds6FWAREOzMFnnM1tJ0fDeKHFLdnKKI-agm03z2Mexd2yKIJ/w225-h150/Multiflora+Rose+offers+some+protection+for+nesters+and+berries+for+food%252C+but+can+take+over+a+field+in+no+time..jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Multi-flora rose offers some protection<br />for nesters and berries for food, but can<br />take over a field in no time.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Over the last years I have written about invasive species,
plant, animal and insect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a
challenge to actually define the term as there are many species that have been
brought to our habitats that are not truly native or were not here before
European contact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many species of
animals have been domesticated such as cows, sheep, horses, pets. Most don’t
become an invasive problem but could, like feral cats. Some species, like the
Eastern Cottontail, have been introduced <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>purposefully and now have taken over a niche
that was occupied by their native relative the New England Cottontail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have become naturalized, a nuisance, but
not many people would refer to them as invasive. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Invasive insects have become a bigger problem. As products
from foreign countries come to our shores, they contain plant material or
insects and their eggs associated with the wood or packing material.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once these insects are released into a new
environment, they do not have native predators to control them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, they find sources of abundant food and
appropriate habitat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then they go to
town, unimpeded and often leave a path of destruction. We have witnessed this
most recently with gypsy moths, hemlock woolly adelgid, emerald ash borer,
Asian long-horned beetles and now spotted lanternfly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As climate warms, many of these pests are not
affected by winter temperatures anymore, so they survive. In most cases there
are few, if any, natural insect controls. I don’t think many of our native
birds are fully adapted to eat invasive insects, but we know cuckoos eat gypsy
moths and woodpeckers will go into wood for various beetle larvae.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result of invasive insects, we are
losing our hemlocks, ash trees and many of our oak trees. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQLv7K0BM15_HVrXjfk3ASW7DUwsugZ8Cb0NkI6iTmFO0YbUQ3Zy75xvBPFQNwAgUMp0JuYll7piu8bl7Qm8V2W3Pg3la4_HQn7-B4aJUsc0VFal_oFhX43FJJGHgKfousAVjXo66eLmC/s2048/Porcelain+Berry%252C+a+beauty+of+a+beast+that+will++cover+and+smother+entire+trees+and+walls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQLv7K0BM15_HVrXjfk3ASW7DUwsugZ8Cb0NkI6iTmFO0YbUQ3Zy75xvBPFQNwAgUMp0JuYll7piu8bl7Qm8V2W3Pg3la4_HQn7-B4aJUsc0VFal_oFhX43FJJGHgKfousAVjXo66eLmC/w204-h136/Porcelain+Berry%252C+a+beauty+of+a+beast+that+will++cover+and+smother+entire+trees+and+walls.jpg" width="204" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Porcelain berry, a beauty of a beast<br />that will cover and smother entire<br />trees and walls.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Invasive plants form another real threat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People have been intrigued by plants and
their uses, probably forever!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moving
plants around for food, medicine and decoration is an ongoing activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Centuries ago, people, and plants, didn’t
move quite as far or as quickly as they can now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Settlers introduced grasses for their
livestock that have become integrated into farm fields. Food plants were
introduced to give us all greater variety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But most of these kinds of plants have “better manners”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most don’t spread widely or
aggressively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the last century,
ecologists have noted new plants becoming monocultures in some areas, taking
over habitats, killing native species with various methods, and ultimately
enticing native wildlife to make use of them and spread their seeds far and
wide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of these plants are
beautiful,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and the uninformed are also
responsible for their spread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
plants were deemed useful in landscaping and no one really knew how
aggressively they would spread beyond their intended use. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFld4tG4m6FtJ0toUY5U-QhEoOdiVjUMZnfXCgHIDNHrmZiQdqiM0eLqzqVy6djhHuMPcaj5n-VIA0uZ8DKnzLcsoWHRGSPJ2TUxl2Py7O2O_rhjv483oMncfwfsssjbOPapC-gH8QGO3k/s2048/Oriental+BIttersweet+vines+twist+their+way+up+then+strangle+the+supporting+tree..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1155" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFld4tG4m6FtJ0toUY5U-QhEoOdiVjUMZnfXCgHIDNHrmZiQdqiM0eLqzqVy6djhHuMPcaj5n-VIA0uZ8DKnzLcsoWHRGSPJ2TUxl2Py7O2O_rhjv483oMncfwfsssjbOPapC-gH8QGO3k/w149-h264/Oriental+BIttersweet+vines+twist+their+way+up+then+strangle+the+supporting+tree..jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oriental bittersweet twist <br />their way up and then <br />strangle the supporting tree.</span></td></tr></tbody></table>So, here we are, as stewards for Avalonia, hoping to
maintain habitats that are appropriate for all kinds of wildlife and reflect,
as closely as possible, native species in their natural habitats. Sadly, as we
look closely and learn more, it is hard to see the native forest…for all the
invasive trees and shrubs and vines in the way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are several places where I feel the landscape would be completely
barren, if we were able to remove all the invasive plants. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On some preserves, we have worked tirelessly
to remove invasive shrubs such as multiflora rose and autumn olive and bush
honeysuckle. However the minute the area is opened to sun, new invasives take
their place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got bittersweet, reed
canary grass and porcelain berry. When those were tackled, swallowwort,
bindweed and stilt grass have began their destructive march.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A habitat overrun by invasives may offer some minimal
shelter for wildlife, but the food value is often very poor. In some cases,
nothing eats an invasive plant. In the worst case, our native and endangered
Monarchs are fooled into laying their eggs on black swallowwort but when the
caterpillars emerge, they cannot eat that plant, and they die. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTv9QkOkrxYL-P2e9Ga1JW7_S6JH7iRmbgK-17TLSbSM9uiWeXEQdfnUF15WCRbtvfrBZNc3IAQ5T4MABoEEzT7sgvVmf4GF1uQZA4AF10rrS3UnV5mcFWMn-dxX0Gmlcrz5_3YTdRUcWm/s2048/Stilt+grass+has+taken+over+the+banks+of+Pequotsepos+Brook+and+will+spread++downstream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTv9QkOkrxYL-P2e9Ga1JW7_S6JH7iRmbgK-17TLSbSM9uiWeXEQdfnUF15WCRbtvfrBZNc3IAQ5T4MABoEEzT7sgvVmf4GF1uQZA4AF10rrS3UnV5mcFWMn-dxX0Gmlcrz5_3YTdRUcWm/w197-h148/Stilt+grass+has+taken+over+the+banks+of+Pequotsepos+Brook+and+will+spread++downstream.jpg" width="197" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Stilt grass has taken over the banks<br />of the Pequotsepos Brook and will <br />spread downstream.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Stilt grass is relatively new here. However, in the more
southern/mid Atlantic states, the grass has spread so rapidly, and
destructively, that it carpets entire forests and parks, preventing any native
plants, flowers, or tree seedlings, from germinating. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The seeds originally came in packing material
that protected Japanese ceramics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
now wreaking havoc in our area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Avalonia stewards are determined to learn the best way to
control this grass, and other invasive species. We are conducting workshops, and
compiling data/fact sheets for our stewards to use. These, we hope will soon be
available on our website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now,
Japanese stilt grass is being tracked into preserves by hikers and bikers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has spread along the roadsides and
vehicles carry seeds to parking lots and other preserves. Landscape equipment
can carry and spread seed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the
time to identify it and begin to wage war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As an annual grass, it relies on self-seeding, so removal now, before
the seeds are set, is imperative. It is easy to pull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If seeds are present, already, it should be
bagged and not put into compost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can
even be “weedwhacked”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>down close to the
ground at this time of year, to inhibit the seeds. The plants will die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But sadly, seeds from previous years are already
in the seed bank and can last up to five years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Too bad we didn’t start, didn’t know, years ago!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is a lot to learn. Identification is the first
step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then learning about the best ways
to manage or treat infestations will take time and thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We, as an organization are working on finding
the right balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is a great resource:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good luck in your own home areas.<u><span style="color: #1a0dab; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Executive%20Director/Downloads/%0b%0dConnecticut%20Invasive%20Plant%20Working%20Group:%0dhttps:/cipwg.uconn.edu%0d"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></a></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: Roboto; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Executive%20Director/Downloads/%0b%0dConnecticut%20Invasive%20Plant%20Working%20Group:%0dhttps:/cipwg.uconn.edu%0d">Connecticut
Invasive Plant Working Group:<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: Roboto; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Executive%20Director/Downloads/%0b%0dConnecticut%20Invasive%20Plant%20Working%20Group:%0dhttps:/cipwg.uconn.edu%0d">https://cipwg.uconn.edu<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNC-zm1A5i8WaUqB9yt2huNkJdMKWgKTDiw27VSURQl92CLH4HTDgO3npGk35EZpXOMYvnFoLPpYUoODfUYyac8TtCessau2h5zNXU6AWBelR3okext4qFeWgBBvrKCJgklOzTLT02VNRK/s2048/If+you+find+Swallowwort%252C+at+least+remove+the+pods+to+prevent+seeding..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNC-zm1A5i8WaUqB9yt2huNkJdMKWgKTDiw27VSURQl92CLH4HTDgO3npGk35EZpXOMYvnFoLPpYUoODfUYyac8TtCessau2h5zNXU6AWBelR3okext4qFeWgBBvrKCJgklOzTLT02VNRK/s320/If+you+find+Swallowwort%252C+at+least+remove+the+pods+to+prevent+seeding..jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you find swallowwort, at least remove the <br />pods to prevent seeding. </span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAeKQPftkkvegT-zC0uNRgWUBaRW2iQKlWuKMQ4nOFvxbk2kL6K6Ney-wkdN2-rkmGxRK1H4HAqENsJexjg1RAw1vLtxIDWKZCg5r-srxu8layxW0DfqL8yZsBnSuosgi9mKoRZ9jr1v3/s922/Autumn-Olive+berries+make+great+jam%252C+but+there+are+just+too+many+of+them%2521%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="922" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAeKQPftkkvegT-zC0uNRgWUBaRW2iQKlWuKMQ4nOFvxbk2kL6K6Ney-wkdN2-rkmGxRK1H4HAqENsJexjg1RAw1vLtxIDWKZCg5r-srxu8layxW0DfqL8yZsBnSuosgi9mKoRZ9jr1v3/s320/Autumn-Olive+berries+make+great+jam%252C+but+there+are+just+too+many+of+them%2521%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Autumn Olive berries make great jam, but there<br />are just too many of them!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span class="MsoHyperlink"></span><br /><span class="MsoHyperlink"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MO2LbSd0UN2ZQmr-0l1A588NqVivOgLoGafQBqjOyPhIEBxlgva1tTFZXhk-v5v-3KNjl7YC_eGAnHpn2XDyBi1T99Ok_u6wimeKgYbUjwJfUUB-jpYAsTg7qMPVLrodJanREFHWQPfz/s2048/Stilt+grass+is+not+too+hard+to+identify%252C+once+you+know+it..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MO2LbSd0UN2ZQmr-0l1A588NqVivOgLoGafQBqjOyPhIEBxlgva1tTFZXhk-v5v-3KNjl7YC_eGAnHpn2XDyBi1T99Ok_u6wimeKgYbUjwJfUUB-jpYAsTg7qMPVLrodJanREFHWQPfz/s320/Stilt+grass+is+not+too+hard+to+identify%252C+once+you+know+it..jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Stilt grass is not too hard to identify,<br />once you know it.<br /><br /><br /></b><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-35763662948202687782021-08-09T08:33:00.000-04:002021-08-09T08:34:02.382-04:00Water<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSE67TX7PAgDFBR4iDnvuGP4BiwnRmgYAJf-GmLozNMlD_Z-KStETIK4Ht9Sz7p2D1tmJXstTJ6xWQZk-GNCIRnOfffx4awP4ak1kCVLeGX8x3vXRGo745GW1ScMKkTFBsSOzdtcLqEfs/s2048/The+landscape+is+created+by+the+water+%2528+D.+Young%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSE67TX7PAgDFBR4iDnvuGP4BiwnRmgYAJf-GmLozNMlD_Z-KStETIK4Ht9Sz7p2D1tmJXstTJ6xWQZk-GNCIRnOfffx4awP4ak1kCVLeGX8x3vXRGo745GW1ScMKkTFBsSOzdtcLqEfs/s320/The+landscape+is+created+by+the+water+%2528+D.+Young%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The landscape is created by the water.<br />Photo credit: David Young</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>by Beth Sullivan</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsZBNhKyDhUvEOKMedUC_hseJJbAQ_Hw_rzYLZ5vYQWCoxoKkn97JCnoR1mXIdpH1lZ7uPCmIfACTfYeMZSwTBHxSTvDC91JyPKkj61lcz4rdXFLdxhns6tKG0cvzY_ROJhqdruEZTnbL/s2048/A+swamp+is+an+indisctinct+soft+edge+between+land+and+water..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="2048" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsZBNhKyDhUvEOKMedUC_hseJJbAQ_Hw_rzYLZ5vYQWCoxoKkn97JCnoR1mXIdpH1lZ7uPCmIfACTfYeMZSwTBHxSTvDC91JyPKkj61lcz4rdXFLdxhns6tKG0cvzY_ROJhqdruEZTnbL/w247-h139/A+swamp+is+an+indisctinct+soft+edge+between+land+and+water..jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">The swamp is an indistinct edge between<br />land and water.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Not sure
exactly why I have been thinking so much about water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably a dozen different reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One is a book I am reading about the 1930’s
Dust Bowl era and drought and how everything, and everyone, simply dried up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Physically and emotionally. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it is because as I am sitting and writing,
my window is open and I can smell the rain as it is falling outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though we had an unusually wet July <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>after even a week of typical summer heat and
bright sun, my gardens wilted and I was grateful to have a hose and a reliable
source of water to remedy the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I cannot imagine the vast plains of our country dried and dusty. Dead. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Recent news
headlines and photos report on the drastically low levels of water in the
reservoirs out west.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Resources are
simply not there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enough snow didn’t fall
in the mountains or it melted earlier and faster and the slow steady
replenishment has ceased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The massive
fires are just mind boggling and the airlifted loads of water transported and
dumped on the flames seem so ineffectual It is so impossible to think of where
that water is coming from and how much energy it takes to transport it to the
fire site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wRKnjo6M3LkW6XweMQPuXecdDzYCYgJER9ImREUVIlUf51NdyCQPSnuGgDpVHYewwu7PwzWbVf14SF6USvoukx9RaRLa0pLTFv9ZF3mZ8N1lcWTjBDtIMG0KPrRfdxbiP3QXn_fcNamx/s2048/The+smallest+drops+conquer+thirst..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wRKnjo6M3LkW6XweMQPuXecdDzYCYgJER9ImREUVIlUf51NdyCQPSnuGgDpVHYewwu7PwzWbVf14SF6USvoukx9RaRLa0pLTFv9ZF3mZ8N1lcWTjBDtIMG0KPrRfdxbiP3QXn_fcNamx/w220-h146/The+smallest+drops+conquer+thirst..JPG" width="220" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The smallest drops conquer thirst.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Instinctively
we understand our bodies are made up of a lot of water. We recognize, without
thinking, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when we need to drink. Even
the smallest infant has that instinct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All levels of organisms from complex beings to the most microscopic
single celled life forms, are reliant on water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We know that our planet is mostly water. It is the Blue Planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of us turn to water in some form or
another, for our rest, peace, tranquility. Vacations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We head to the ocean for inspiration, we sit
by rivers, wade in ponds, dabble in brooks, paddle in swamps and are mesmerized
by waterfalls. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Water has the ability to
sculpt rock and create landscapes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxg0n4HDRVUCxLKs3LBdQv2yMBSMTIYJR9p5Zpv7gs4oJ0bg7yzHh5oQ6cfDFp7QoONOdIr2wFOBUGB7w6KMa2Bb2R2Mua7G6HtlFUQzjQSiFddiNLdXaLkZfkrOWtWDeVWJsDJSBjzghN/s2846/The+smallest+of+frogs+was+nurtured+by+a+vernal+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1806" data-original-width="2846" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxg0n4HDRVUCxLKs3LBdQv2yMBSMTIYJR9p5Zpv7gs4oJ0bg7yzHh5oQ6cfDFp7QoONOdIr2wFOBUGB7w6KMa2Bb2R2Mua7G6HtlFUQzjQSiFddiNLdXaLkZfkrOWtWDeVWJsDJSBjzghN/w247-h157/The+smallest+of+frogs+was+nurtured+by+a+vernal+pool.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The smallest of frogs was<br />nurtured by a vernal pool.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We really need
to think even a bit deeper though, especially as the climate is changing. Think
about water that is a bit less obvious but equally as essential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I walked in the woods earlier this week,
the path ahead of me seemed to be alive with movement. On closer inspection, I
counted dozens of really, really, small spring peepers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious that these were this year’s
young, newly transformed from small tadpoles. Where had they come from? There
is no pond nearby. But this spring, thanks to continuous rains, the vernal
wetland in the woods stayed waterfilled long enough to support a full hatch of
peepers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also probably supported many
other creatures that depend on the same lucky circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However,
this one wet spring wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit of drought
experienced over the last several summers. We are still seeing mighty Oaks,
whose roots extend far and deep, succumb to the stresses of the last dry years.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is related to ground water. Deep
resources, springs, aquifers, and headwaters where the earth’s waters merge,
purified and restored to hydrate the deepest roots and to replenish our reservoirs.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbt7PGvL6NFXO0w1HeHUrlwKJLpDMwtpdooJbA0AGl3nhfT_rafUoppxcHJ1qvYABb1TliermyyRlb8pxDkRaRs-j4Ked303rEQCMumq3vdEqYNWWl1FPwEh9LjMpJmiX2eHINQZ2wKgF/s2048/Streams+refresh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbt7PGvL6NFXO0w1HeHUrlwKJLpDMwtpdooJbA0AGl3nhfT_rafUoppxcHJ1qvYABb1TliermyyRlb8pxDkRaRs-j4Ked303rEQCMumq3vdEqYNWWl1FPwEh9LjMpJmiX2eHINQZ2wKgF/w146-h219/Streams+refresh.JPG" width="146" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Streams refresh.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Part of
Avalonia’s mission to preserve and protect the land we love, also includes the
waters both above and below ground, which the land itself protects. Most of our
recent acquisitions include significant wetlands or offer buffers to important
waterways in our area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to really
give more thought to the water we are blessed with, follow it back from the tap
to the reservoir to the stream to the aquifer or spring. What replenishes that?
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please visit some of our preserves with
a different view. Think of the life-giving water that is present. Think of how
the water creates the habitat. Think of all the organisms that depend on that
water. We know about greenways. Think blue ways too. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5I5zZEh9NQEkPmTBaSYdWdqVNQgGqwRBGFbAZOnTEPkHvJXFQ9MQKvCW9vguuTnTrDagUoCBpIscq6mz75OEXzHILcmgkX7D52XrBh8Uu2LrEliUaHbqVPQPKYhpvGINmLf8k-1MUcPvg/s2048/Still+water+reflects..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5I5zZEh9NQEkPmTBaSYdWdqVNQgGqwRBGFbAZOnTEPkHvJXFQ9MQKvCW9vguuTnTrDagUoCBpIscq6mz75OEXzHILcmgkX7D52XrBh8Uu2LrEliUaHbqVPQPKYhpvGINmLf8k-1MUcPvg/s320/Still+water+reflects..jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Still water reflects.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><o:p><br /></o:p></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6RfoYAOJ3Fnra5Yl6uEQ16L9IrG2aXOOLTF4SAojVjo7kNLoVqUc2Te5dbQu4UmbI4cYs6I92wsxijAGW3MgazQuqdPmfQGIouHjVTbBzNPQCAHEEcwtplBYoOgEl_Im0yn53gb0KYdC/s2048/We+are+drawn+to+water+for+its+ability+to+sooth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6RfoYAOJ3Fnra5Yl6uEQ16L9IrG2aXOOLTF4SAojVjo7kNLoVqUc2Te5dbQu4UmbI4cYs6I92wsxijAGW3MgazQuqdPmfQGIouHjVTbBzNPQCAHEEcwtplBYoOgEl_Im0yn53gb0KYdC/s320/We+are+drawn+to+water+for+its+ability+to+sooth.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>We are drawn to water for its ability<br />to soothe.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">All photos by Beth Sullivan, except where noted. </p>Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-82341279685224541542021-07-26T10:54:00.006-04:002021-07-26T16:48:26.016-04:00End of July Already!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Mid-summer musings.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnX1923PrXGt9KU-2OGhwhFUQQW5xx_E1tc3hks2QsMLn3H0dbYeywjZ0bhdt0_jmg_Vx2UXQn6rKQ-lDU-s8c-cLkCKn0uOcLizF-IIy5Kw2WbrHyB7QBA3Eu_JrE7zVIDWnUL0IvNno/s640/Thanks+to+voluteers%252C+the+trail+is+open+but+not+for+long+in+this+weather.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnX1923PrXGt9KU-2OGhwhFUQQW5xx_E1tc3hks2QsMLn3H0dbYeywjZ0bhdt0_jmg_Vx2UXQn6rKQ-lDU-s8c-cLkCKn0uOcLizF-IIy5Kw2WbrHyB7QBA3Eu_JrE7zVIDWnUL0IvNno/w181-h242/Thanks+to+voluteers%252C+the+trail+is+open+but+not+for+long+in+this+weather.jpeg" width="181" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Thanks to volunteers, <br />this trail is open, <br />but not for long in this weather.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>It is the end of July already. To me that still means that
summer is half over ( even though I don’t worry about school vacations
anymore)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and we all know that August
goes by faster than July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It always
seems like it is a good point to stop and assess where we are, what we have, or
have not done, and what we hope to accomplish in the remaining weeks of summer.
<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It has been hot and wet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Steamier than I can ever remember July being and with more days of rain
than in other Julys on record. I am sure there are those that have been really
disappointed in the weather, but I will have to admit, I have been grateful for
every drop because the plantings we have done at the Hoffman Preserve are
thriving and we have not needed to constantly worry about watering them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would have been truly challenging. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGLiDolck9vuEF-6MvwQiYodXOEfeSZ5-FMYnCUbOpHGtOUwo86DT4IRtZF3AH3X5wC0zCQU0_s3HvzAW0oKtaZGeRZqu4TIRM8a3H9h_MdgYw1eVMnZG3fF3kd4O48VY7sXdHvONFTFk/s2048/Tall+stakes+and+color+coded+tape+help+us+locate+small+seedlings+at+Hoffman.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGLiDolck9vuEF-6MvwQiYodXOEfeSZ5-FMYnCUbOpHGtOUwo86DT4IRtZF3AH3X5wC0zCQU0_s3HvzAW0oKtaZGeRZqu4TIRM8a3H9h_MdgYw1eVMnZG3fF3kd4O48VY7sXdHvONFTFk/w169-h225/Tall+stakes+and+color+coded+tape+help+us+locate+small+seedlings+at+Hoffman.jpg" width="169" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Tall stakes and color-coded tape<br />help us locate <br />small seedlings at Hoffman,</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Everything
else is growing up too, so it has been hard to relocate some of those little
seedlings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to a youth group work
party from the Mystic Congregational Church, each plant was given a tall bamboo
stake and a colored flag to indicate its species.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that they are getting their leaves, it is
a lot easier to distinguish a sumac from a viburnum but those stakes are a huge
help!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wet loving plants, tupelo (
Nyssa sylvatica) and dogwood ( Cornus species)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>are loving the moist soils. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICsvsfInb4YDM9mzAbfnV0sTuJGzAxdX27e_j0BVidSfxyAe8lwGAt40lk065rB6V33f4GLXU2gAM69lcKJPluHpr4OWI6cS2scxcA4n1AvvvGdEKuqC1c_MkHP_9sdVpMqGlqMBSwhY3/s2048/One+of+many++lovely+coral+mushrooms..jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICsvsfInb4YDM9mzAbfnV0sTuJGzAxdX27e_j0BVidSfxyAe8lwGAt40lk065rB6V33f4GLXU2gAM69lcKJPluHpr4OWI6cS2scxcA4n1AvvvGdEKuqC1c_MkHP_9sdVpMqGlqMBSwhY3/w156-h207/One+of+many++lovely+coral+mushrooms..jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>One of the lovely <br />coral mushrooms.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The humidity and rainfall have been a boon for those of us
who love to search for unique mushrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some are prized edibles, but I would never suggest anyone go sampling
any mushroom in any landscape unless they were well educated!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Photography is safer, and being able to
document some of the colors and forms of these unique organisms is really an
interesting activity. There are apps for smart phones that can help identify
species but even the best apps have a hard time with some of those little brown
ones!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A friend and I used the same app,
on the same mushroom, and there were a couple of times when the IDs did not
match up immediately, but very close. In many cases, to get a definitive ID,
you need a spore print.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am happy with
my photos and iNaturalist app. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeG3l3CLRIeW9oXwjz_qCHeuOKtaIBUazYPQnN-l061WMligvaw4B3O4Yv4JcXxUU9UvJRgPeTfmM8sGKuqDj550J6vAacqgWl-NvqawZtuHQbIvF0wKM1tVmnPTMtXh6yiMBlbUE3mlF/s2048/There+is+a+trail+under+here+somewhere..jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1155" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeG3l3CLRIeW9oXwjz_qCHeuOKtaIBUazYPQnN-l061WMligvaw4B3O4Yv4JcXxUU9UvJRgPeTfmM8sGKuqDj550J6vAacqgWl-NvqawZtuHQbIvF0wKM1tVmnPTMtXh6yiMBlbUE3mlF/w135-h239/There+is+a+trail+under+here+somewhere..jpg" width="135" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>There is a trail in here <br />somewhere.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />On most preserves, everything else is growing like crazy
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vines, briars and invasives all
seem to be competing for space and in doing so, reach out into the trails!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the woodland trails are pretty
hardened. Broad and open. They are shady pleasures during the hot summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But some of the more open areas, meadows and
thickets require attention. Our stewards are out and about trying to keep up
with things, but the conditions are daunting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Feel free to hike with clippers and snip the encroaching vegetations.
And we give our thanks in advance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
invasive species seem to be more robust and numerous than ever. Many of our
volunteers will be doing some field research and identification studies to
better learn how to manage these species which outcompete our natives and are
not as valuable to our wildlife. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over the last months, Avalonia has been growing as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have added acres of new land,
now protected open space. Please keep checking the website for updates. Many
thanks to those who donated to make the acquisition of the Sheets Preserve in
North Stonington, a reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other new
preserves are being studied to note wildlife, habitats, sensitive areas and
points of interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A management plan
will be made for each one which will outline the goals and activities for each
property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boundaries will be walked and
posted. Trails will be created, with safety measures or improvements as
needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trails will be marked and
then the areas will be opened to the public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All of this takes a lot of work and maintaining all of our properties is
becoming a huge challenge, considering all of us are volunteers and most of us
are not professionals in any area dealing with habitat management!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnaMG3uDXpAeVv131kNBSH9MNVde_nGRVsd6Uy8_ZoBBklRRrCpWowvjuMkaHbLDzapFHFI1iGgiqq_3wrHL2-NXYUgF8uxjDG0v0foDzbnFykA_y12epf_IVDbvSWc3MACU3JMoj7NNL/s4032/Tobias+Glaza+high+res.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnaMG3uDXpAeVv131kNBSH9MNVde_nGRVsd6Uy8_ZoBBklRRrCpWowvjuMkaHbLDzapFHFI1iGgiqq_3wrHL2-NXYUgF8uxjDG0v0foDzbnFykA_y12epf_IVDbvSWc3MACU3JMoj7NNL/w184-h245/Tobias+Glaza+high+res.jpg" width="184" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Say hi to Toby when you see<br />him on the trails!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>So, it <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is with real
excitement that I can introduce our newest “acquisition,” a dedicated Stewardship Coordinator: Tobias Glaza.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Toby is a
Mystic native and resident, with a background in ecology and management with
lots of field experience. He brings this experience and great ideas to our
growing organization. Best of all, he will help us organize our volunteers <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to utilize our time and skills more
efficiently, to accomplish what needs to be done to provide proper stewardship
for all our beautiful places. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> You can read more about him <a href="https://avalonia.org/avalonia-hires-new-stewardship-coordinator-tobias-glaza/">here.</a> </span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Maybe growing our stewardship team will allow us to keep up
with the growing vegetation!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hike safely and enjoy what summer has to offer. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIfp80lMEEEmtIr2cOvM9w4obJl1Ixj57RgCSxxf1y_cVBtgWJC27DNv_B0eVCUIyziIsh7OC-8Q1tOrAD6eZQDOstkBhsEFMXwCEs401GxsI8c4gjfnEjxqIkEF8gy0CGQXV9tBUfC_4/s2048/Many+mushrooms+look+alike+and+it+takes+an+expert+to+distinguish+them.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIfp80lMEEEmtIr2cOvM9w4obJl1Ixj57RgCSxxf1y_cVBtgWJC27DNv_B0eVCUIyziIsh7OC-8Q1tOrAD6eZQDOstkBhsEFMXwCEs401GxsI8c4gjfnEjxqIkEF8gy0CGQXV9tBUfC_4/s320/Many+mushrooms+look+alike+and+it+takes+an+expert+to+distinguish+them.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Many mushrooms look alike and<br />it takes an expert to distinguish them.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fjOlNYzoS119HqGl5G9GYzx51vEn7VIULmn4uMNNyHxtnYubC3VujRQse4CaH4NdSmxa1XGFiFfjLcmomtZ8Fuxp-QE0Y7yR_gDYp-0v5BFWD72vTC6FIWEAAR5t8oWKnbnK8cJywmii/s2048/Beautiful+but+deadly+Amanita.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fjOlNYzoS119HqGl5G9GYzx51vEn7VIULmn4uMNNyHxtnYubC3VujRQse4CaH4NdSmxa1XGFiFfjLcmomtZ8Fuxp-QE0Y7yR_gDYp-0v5BFWD72vTC6FIWEAAR5t8oWKnbnK8cJywmii/s320/Beautiful+but+deadly+Amanita.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Beautiful but deadly Amanita.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrivHFXUwKKtPKU48liVkjQKLg6uZ5bTy70r1X_pp-SovOkVmaACx303dcl34dLtwcQcaDeZr7DOtkIqpwifFX8uFuk6dvf-PuYLHIrz1JRlL1GgGa5ryjrGnvmaUg2MiJ4N2r39QZRKft/s2048/A+true+beauty.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1605" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrivHFXUwKKtPKU48liVkjQKLg6uZ5bTy70r1X_pp-SovOkVmaACx303dcl34dLtwcQcaDeZr7DOtkIqpwifFX8uFuk6dvf-PuYLHIrz1JRlL1GgGa5ryjrGnvmaUg2MiJ4N2r39QZRKft/s320/A+true+beauty.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>A true beauty</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzGJoDZAEeo8HhkrOxnTyMjXRHCBZd8Aj0Lw1gpBibHrBf2JqI6wjPGvP-QVIgouur5QgoweZbrRnHWJY33DCs9QAZuYjn4E6pYwFr23imGvLyS0jb8LNWdlrD9R1LKYpsS-sm79cR0Ae/s2048/Nothing+appetizing+about+Dog+Vomit+Slime+Mold.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzGJoDZAEeo8HhkrOxnTyMjXRHCBZd8Aj0Lw1gpBibHrBf2JqI6wjPGvP-QVIgouur5QgoweZbrRnHWJY33DCs9QAZuYjn4E6pYwFr23imGvLyS0jb8LNWdlrD9R1LKYpsS-sm79cR0Ae/s320/Nothing+appetizing+about+Dog+Vomit+Slime+Mold.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Nothing appetizing about Dog Vomit Slime Mold.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-2274608411176761062021-07-07T18:16:00.001-04:002021-07-07T18:16:19.065-04:00Purple Martins 2021<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEA0S9NfJj_d7-QTuMruuKVCdCsCAQUH6nxhynBsGtvlEgBdFppeRFAPcDo7KF_C5kZRV78ywxddSHpZT8gmzDBKChcjbpD5M2h9TQyDv31tLWEV7T-WXEJLz67F2QlczcUhuMysU7ZyC/s4608/The+adults+declare+territory+and+build+nests.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEA0S9NfJj_d7-QTuMruuKVCdCsCAQUH6nxhynBsGtvlEgBdFppeRFAPcDo7KF_C5kZRV78ywxddSHpZT8gmzDBKChcjbpD5M2h9TQyDv31tLWEV7T-WXEJLz67F2QlczcUhuMysU7ZyC/w247-h185/The+adults+declare+territory+and+build+nests.JPG" width="247" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The adults declare territory <br />and build nests.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This year started slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our purple martin colony at Knox Preserve seemed to take a long time to
get occupied and established, but, once it got going, it was amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was late April when the first scouts arrived on the site,
but it was into May before there were others coming in to make their happy
chorus. The songs of happy purple martins are unmistakable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chattery and bubbly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the month of May progressed, the
adults were busily constructing their nests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each year when I set them up, I put a nice layer of dry pine needles
into each gourd. A little welcome mat. It’s always interesting to notice the
difference in the follow up techniques though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most martins use moderately thick grass stems, some work up to straw
blades, and then others carry in small twigs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some years, the birds will actually bring
in mud to reinforce the nests. Some have speculated that it may help insulate
the nest. So far this year, there was no mud used in our colony. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nests are pretty neat. If I discover a
really messy nest that fills up the entire gourd, I know it is a house sparrow
and remove the material to discourage nesting. House sparrows are invasive and
will fight and even kill martins (and blue birds and tree swallows) to get
access to favored nesting sites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
year it seemed that the martins got the upper hand and once I evicted a couple
of sparrow pairs, the martins were quite effective at defending their territory.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the first of June, most nest
building was complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A sure sign that
egg laying is imminent is a lovely layer of green cherry leaves that line the
cup of the nest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some birds bring in
just a few, others are quite enthusiastic in their layering. There is some
thought that cherry leaves help deter or kill parasitic mites that can harm the
young. <o:p></o:p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPaHhzWI-qn8iClIRnseVBM-eCj_HYoi08O2sE8rPqBOo9soKaJ3pXeXga7jt4TpnVBvecEasefWWAbLEIXmCBk8pRDO6J9w4wSGolTZ3FRYpbqmVUz2QaMPvqsehmAm9C4mlz6ojuBgL/s2048/A+perfect+nest+lined+with+green+leaves%252C+and+filled+with+5+eggs..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPaHhzWI-qn8iClIRnseVBM-eCj_HYoi08O2sE8rPqBOo9soKaJ3pXeXga7jt4TpnVBvecEasefWWAbLEIXmCBk8pRDO6J9w4wSGolTZ3FRYpbqmVUz2QaMPvqsehmAm9C4mlz6ojuBgL/w195-h260/A+perfect+nest+lined+with+green+leaves%252C+and+filled+with+5+eggs..jpg" width="195" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>A perfect nest lined with green leaves<br />and filled with five eggs.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Once egg laying begins, the female will lay one egg a day,
at sunrise, until her clutch is complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Average is 5 eggs but this year we had one with 7!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each week we checked the nests and counted
eggs. There is a formula to use to calculate when eggs will hatch based on when
they are laid. Most of the clutch hatches in one 24-hour period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once in a while a random female will ‘dump’
an egg into an established nest. Sometimes it works out quite fine. Sometimes
they hatch much later, and the young bird is quite handicapped by its smaller
size in the nest and feeding position and it will not survive. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">This year promised to be the best in our 9-year history. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the highest count we had the potential
for about 87 young and eggs were still being laid!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As in other years, some of our birds started
early nests, while other pairs were late starters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There would be quite an age span as we
started our monitoring over the next phase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wqWxu37HJRJuwoz0z7rBVK8nRb8QmZj_NNvQUb5_vin3utghp-jYjB3-DTjlbGp_3CeK_TWaR2tf4qqILMK2-FmDcRlOntzUgVbhUqv8AEUnq23c9VI4jNDiJQINR5o_3pizEsGZNY9L/s2048/So+wonderful+to+share+this+experience..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wqWxu37HJRJuwoz0z7rBVK8nRb8QmZj_NNvQUb5_vin3utghp-jYjB3-DTjlbGp_3CeK_TWaR2tf4qqILMK2-FmDcRlOntzUgVbhUqv8AEUnq23c9VI4jNDiJQINR5o_3pizEsGZNY9L/w178-h238/So+wonderful+to+share+this+experience..jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>So wonderful to <br />share this experience!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to bring
my grandson out to check the nests with me one day. I let him peek first, into
a nest I knew would have young birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His expression of awe and excitement was priceless!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From that point forward he insisted that he
look in first, make the count of eggs and/or young and only then could I look
in to confirm. Most of the time he was right!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Occasionally I had to sort out a jumbled pile of little birds in order
to get a good count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Things were going well until that last few days of June when
we had the terrible heat wave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was
followed by the sudden drop in temperatures, into upper 50’s with rain for
several days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is impossible to know
what was worst: the heat, the cold or the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In cold rain there are no insects flying and the parents couldn’t
support their rapidly growing young ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today, July 5<sup>th</sup>, I was able to get out and check
the colony. I was fearful of what I might find. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
first set of gourds seemed to be ok. A few birds seem weak or thin but were
alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the second set of gourds, I
found such sadness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two full nests were
lifeless, including the one with 7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those poor parents couldn’t keep up with the demand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were individual birds dead in other
nests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lost a total of 13 young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were others that looked weak but
hopefully will survive in the coming days of better weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We fared much better than some of the inland
colonies where the temperature soared higher and mortalities were far higher as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqSj7iiIan1ybPieUsIgEkLACEQsFTB9GGJXRDmCIp9CFxvIN9APlozwiVbNV-GKq01ZjnvRAytLFotRMT9Rl7kVO9_vzufe-YKuOivgnvRjTftu6XoQ3vXvOT2ruooHRL_D96MX7nLjo/s2048/The+gourds+were+set+up+at+the+end+of+April.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqSj7iiIan1ybPieUsIgEkLACEQsFTB9GGJXRDmCIp9CFxvIN9APlozwiVbNV-GKq01ZjnvRAytLFotRMT9Rl7kVO9_vzufe-YKuOivgnvRjTftu6XoQ3vXvOT2ruooHRL_D96MX7nLjo/w265-h199/The+gourds+were+set+up+at+the+end+of+April.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The gourds were set up at the end of April.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We can never really predict how a colony will do in a given
year. The purple martins rely on human help for their housing, but only nature
can truly provide the right conditions and food sources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Erratic and extreme weather, combined with
declining insect populations<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is not a
good scenario for survival for this and other species.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We still have the potential for a good year and good numbers
in 2021, but we never know what conditions are in our near future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we certainly do not know what is in store
in the next decades. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEv_e3r3aBaBlypUAVopfcm3XEr7W7wTQNbawXqWPtXGwhkLPieRDhrb8D-FuUoDMuHT30oSTM5HhZPPG8eul4LjiiNoGx7t5lIvO1gI5RT_XmWAIE2jBcRAu5EAFh_aLXIboCfsMOw5eX/s2048/Hatching+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEv_e3r3aBaBlypUAVopfcm3XEr7W7wTQNbawXqWPtXGwhkLPieRDhrb8D-FuUoDMuHT30oSTM5HhZPPG8eul4LjiiNoGx7t5lIvO1gI5RT_XmWAIE2jBcRAu5EAFh_aLXIboCfsMOw5eX/s320/Hatching+day.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Hatching Day!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoypmEIRgC3sGyKXpVfkfdgXa4FIg1WI9SLk19Wo-8CXP7S5aCDfy4vdJpe-NGR8lwBp7fu5nE3j6mM9IJSfe8jtwkm-OiOIV5mGX2nbPDfxw8v3et01Hskr0rY8x5MNErIe5bAUoybVk/s2048/About+11+days+old.+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoypmEIRgC3sGyKXpVfkfdgXa4FIg1WI9SLk19Wo-8CXP7S5aCDfy4vdJpe-NGR8lwBp7fu5nE3j6mM9IJSfe8jtwkm-OiOIV5mGX2nbPDfxw8v3et01Hskr0rY8x5MNErIe5bAUoybVk/s320/About+11+days+old.+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>About 11 days old.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-60113002399813418552021-06-21T20:50:00.000-04:002021-06-21T20:50:53.006-04:00Sandy Point: Getting Back to Sharing the Shore<p> </p>by Beth Sullivan<br />
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkike8K31GMz3ik0dDIqMUVAINc5FqLEz2SKzfw-mGTGj3GEPrwZqryS4xbfzKpnDv2H1gjQPolOb3CXTQS80WbrZVpxKHZwdF3VBNCAdqb2Bnv1EsEFeqqjHZWO4teyV0n-MWcqjN7G0u/s800/American+Oystercatchers+Rick+Newton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkike8K31GMz3ik0dDIqMUVAINc5FqLEz2SKzfw-mGTGj3GEPrwZqryS4xbfzKpnDv2H1gjQPolOb3CXTQS80WbrZVpxKHZwdF3VBNCAdqb2Bnv1EsEFeqqjHZWO4teyV0n-MWcqjN7G0u/w271-h180/American+Oystercatchers+Rick+Newton.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>American Oystercatchers <br />Photo credit: Rick Newton</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />There is so much going on right now. There is so much beauty
at this moment in time. Such life and rejuvenation, birth and growth, freedom
and the ability to breathe more openly and hopefully. I am quite sure that this spring seems extra
special because of the year we have all been through. We have holed up, curled in and in many
cases, kept our heads down. It is time
now to grow outward and explore and remind ourselves how lucky we all are.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nature has provided solace and sustenance for so many of us
over the last year and a half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
time now to look at where we have been and see how we can restore and support
some of our natural areas. To give back a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As stewards we have begun getting back onto the preserves and working as
teams, to maintain and monitor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the
summer we will make the rounds and I will report on what is happening.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAYXoEB4FEj92Y-PVhAIiu7GL2-90VNm8kuAEmspSoLQTguFrESNoU1uMuEfdXqsiWB9TKWPJUgxkBE_S36Q9ciQeaDSf6-6B5l1nIbIoL_vDwQLCtlj5bXtYfuyRRYk02By_U2qQEXtE/s2048/Sandy+Point.+One+Island%252C+two+states.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAYXoEB4FEj92Y-PVhAIiu7GL2-90VNm8kuAEmspSoLQTguFrESNoU1uMuEfdXqsiWB9TKWPJUgxkBE_S36Q9ciQeaDSf6-6B5l1nIbIoL_vDwQLCtlj5bXtYfuyRRYk02By_U2qQEXtE/w255-h183/Sandy+Point.+One+Island%252C+two+states.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Sandy Point: One Island, Two States</b></span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The first update is about Sandy Point Island: Avalonia’s gem
of a wildlife refuge in Little Narragansett<br /> Bay, between Stonington and
Napatree Point in Rhode Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
history of the island and Avalonia’s ownership can be found in earlier blogs
and on our website. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its primary purpose
is as a nature preserve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is acres and
miles of shifting sand and beach grasses and shrubs. The island itself has
shifted dramatically over the decades, a fact which can be seen easily on a
series of aerial maps and Google Earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But even with the movements of the land over time, the island has
remained a historical nesting and refuge area for a wide variety of very
special species. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvgT8j3v-bEvCH5Y1lm4J6HCJPrvV5xKGKCv-z6F1_YBQplBf9sLRTKvg_vKUXSWBU1qUualNqvS98LrLbxSa8H346ODBbfAU76ILarsgnylYSxOoGnx7CfCZzAZEPMs1_EybN-MNODQZ/s666/If+you+find+a+tagged+crab%252C+take+a+photo+of+the+data+on+it+and+report+it..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="666" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvgT8j3v-bEvCH5Y1lm4J6HCJPrvV5xKGKCv-z6F1_YBQplBf9sLRTKvg_vKUXSWBU1qUualNqvS98LrLbxSa8H346ODBbfAU76ILarsgnylYSxOoGnx7CfCZzAZEPMs1_EybN-MNODQZ/w222-h182/If+you+find+a+tagged+crab%252C+take+a+photo+of+the+data+on+it+and+report+it..jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>If you find a tagged horseshoe crab, <br />take a photo and report it<br />Photo Credit: Beth Sullivan</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The most ancient of these species is the horseshoe crab:<i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>Limulus polyphemus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>These relics of the dinosaur era return
to the same areas of sand at the edges of the oceans around the world, somehow following
some magnetic compass in their own bodies, to come ashore during the full and
new moons of May and June at the high tides, to mate and lay their eggs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For almost a decade, Avalonia volunteers made
multiple trips each season, usually at night and by kayak, out to the island to
count and tag the horseshoe crabs. This was part of Project Limulus, a study
conducted by Sacred Heart University. The tagging part of the project is completed,
different parts of the study continue, and the crabs continue to return to the
sandy island each late spring into summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you find a tagged horseshoe crab, take a photo of the information on
the tag, and report it on the website link below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.sacredheart.edu/academics/colleges--schools/college-of-arts--sciences/departments/biology/project-limulus/">https://www.sacredheart.edu/academics/colleges--schools/college-of-arts--sciences/departments/biology/project-limulus/</a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqF-BQ0wajoWuElQomVq8KHG_aaYLTbG5bVSm6ZI4f9olea1Hw6_HCiav3A4EiVb_TRm5CrkwlYrFLl6OVnWlp5sDIsrq7fFZNLU23LQsvDBXsFVuq0oSgkX-KAfe5tj9YB_r1GtDkIEwz/s800/Piping+Plover+Rick+Newton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqF-BQ0wajoWuElQomVq8KHG_aaYLTbG5bVSm6ZI4f9olea1Hw6_HCiav3A4EiVb_TRm5CrkwlYrFLl6OVnWlp5sDIsrq7fFZNLU23LQsvDBXsFVuq0oSgkX-KAfe5tj9YB_r1GtDkIEwz/w257-h171/Piping+Plover+Rick+Newton.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Piping Plovers<br />Photo Credit: Rick Newton</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table>The island is also an important nesting site for several
threatened or endangered species of birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Piping plovers, American oystercatchers and least terns make their homes
and raise their young on this strip of sandy island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All these species make very simple scrape
nests on the sand, amid the pebbles and shells on the beach. They are very
vulnerable to all kinds of dangers. High storm tides can wash the nests away,
there are predators that target the eggs and the young, including the gulls
that also nest there, and crows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly,
some of the worst disruption is human caused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The island is much loved by many people for its beauty, beaches, and
wildlife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But people and wildlife do
not always mix well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our simple
presence near a nest can cause a parent to abandon the nest or eggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People can inadvertently step on, or land
their boat on, a nest or eggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
the chicks hatch, they can run but they cannot fly so they must get to the
water’s edge to feed by finding their way through whatever obstacles there may
be on the shore. On busy summer weekends, that can be people, blankets, chairs,
kids and coolers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dogs are not allowed
on the island at all, even on leash, because their mere presence terrorizes the
birds.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They have a narrow window of time, when they nest, incubate
their eggs then have the young wandering around like toddlers; vulnerable to
all sorts of dangers and hard to control!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmlBwXuN7p9ib8Xc28ZE15WCQcefzTkiwQfp0g1N1g8qBLIQwOPDV7BjQWWWK5qYnjBCS3zn0XF8ALZN4viXpopXti08dEololiHpICpbhFaQgxsK0oUvA6Fq9kFAu8RveEu7nKOnLGqs/s2048/Signage+is+provided+for+all+visitors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmlBwXuN7p9ib8Xc28ZE15WCQcefzTkiwQfp0g1N1g8qBLIQwOPDV7BjQWWWK5qYnjBCS3zn0XF8ALZN4viXpopXti08dEololiHpICpbhFaQgxsK0oUvA6Fq9kFAu8RveEu7nKOnLGqs/w227-h171/Signage+is+provided+for+all+visitors.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Signage is provided for all visitors<br />Photo credit: Beth Sullivan</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table>The US Fish and Wildlife Service has provided an amazing
partnership with Avalonia to monitor the<br /> wildlife, provide fencing to help
remind visitors to avoid nesting sites, create educational signage and offer
trained biologists to be on the island to teach visitors about the importance
of the habitat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For permits and passes which are required,
please visit <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://rhodeislandpermits.recaccess.com/">https://rhodeislandpermits.recaccess.com/</a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We are at the Solstice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The longest days of the most lovely of seasons. We all want to enjoy our
new freedom to get back out in nature with our friends. Please remember that
wildlife on all our preserves, needs to be protected. At Sandy Point the
protection is critical to the survival of 3 species. Please help us, and the
wildlife, by observing the guidelines and looking out for and enjoying the
other beings that use the island.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsU-UbtDkrV5QShnJaj5gyaCbTvhSFA0-kSOA8eOaBvoBHQkOwM3aQVHytOyRFUs-B-JT4qwz4oFw8DTip4KRm9cQ0hTgkWVfUqggFxHfKqTMLl0vdZbVfPPdhg6G9PwxWP-xQoIcA4nN/s1280/USFWS+biologists+monitor+the+nesting+sites+and+roped+off+areas.+Rick+Newton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsU-UbtDkrV5QShnJaj5gyaCbTvhSFA0-kSOA8eOaBvoBHQkOwM3aQVHytOyRFUs-B-JT4qwz4oFw8DTip4KRm9cQ0hTgkWVfUqggFxHfKqTMLl0vdZbVfPPdhg6G9PwxWP-xQoIcA4nN/s320/USFWS+biologists+monitor+the+nesting+sites+and+roped+off+areas.+Rick+Newton.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>USFWS biologists monitor the nesting sites<br />and roped off areas.<br />Photo credit: Rick Newton</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0zAd05m16-ZFadYwKRhLJixfEN97aEPENJb5bX_KyAV9nQ7LX78wtlEv0Xgtkay6s1FOYghcAs1eCP-gog1w79vyRKviHLNsvDJIlsenpLZmef51THGjhUc8ZBRuHfYKsBvYE3DagohL/s2048/All+creatures+seem+to+be+drawn+to+the+gentle+shifting+shoreline+of+Sandy+Point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0zAd05m16-ZFadYwKRhLJixfEN97aEPENJb5bX_KyAV9nQ7LX78wtlEv0Xgtkay6s1FOYghcAs1eCP-gog1w79vyRKviHLNsvDJIlsenpLZmef51THGjhUc8ZBRuHfYKsBvYE3DagohL/s320/All+creatures+seem+to+be+drawn+to+the+gentle+shifting+shoreline+of+Sandy+Point.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">All creatures seem to be drawn to the <br />gentle, shifting shoreline of Sandy Point.<br />Photo credit: Beth Sullivan</span></b><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J2dAUpWxGMrMoRsWkvkWkXP0i0WPwY0_7JnmUij0_7ODDbyJ1kex3Szi37Rbkdj1_-TftztbOWJtavD4rOhhtqTRthmtKkwf21pOe27Kx3aQfe6eZzpA0U3fCyRjW6xd0q7z1pa0DE6i/s2048/When+young+shorebirds+need+to+run+to+the+water%252C+they+can+encounter+many+obstacles..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J2dAUpWxGMrMoRsWkvkWkXP0i0WPwY0_7JnmUij0_7ODDbyJ1kex3Szi37Rbkdj1_-TftztbOWJtavD4rOhhtqTRthmtKkwf21pOe27Kx3aQfe6eZzpA0U3fCyRjW6xd0q7z1pa0DE6i/s320/When+young+shorebirds+need+to+run+to+the+water%252C+they+can+encounter+many+obstacles..jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">When young shorebirds need to run to the<br />water, they can encounter many obstacles.<br />Photo credit: Beth Sullivan<br /><br /><br /></span><br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><o:p><br /></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-17380022255711761212021-06-07T11:23:00.001-04:002021-06-07T11:23:58.601-04:00Caterpillars: Love 'em or hate 'em?<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #824409; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SWubdqgkKOi2-6-kBIVG5m_kr2vGph5CXrRKDUbjadsacJKc85WLDlDOWRoqrngdNNQyG5obBg8b-2o-meDAY813vBQaQS7Oh0EV6p6LhfPRWD1FxO2PbeGeVEINGGRBR12MH6hP4la7/s640/Tent+Caterpillars+are+easy+to+spot+in+their+web+nestsw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SWubdqgkKOi2-6-kBIVG5m_kr2vGph5CXrRKDUbjadsacJKc85WLDlDOWRoqrngdNNQyG5obBg8b-2o-meDAY813vBQaQS7Oh0EV6p6LhfPRWD1FxO2PbeGeVEINGGRBR12MH6hP4la7/w260-h173/Tent+Caterpillars+are+easy+to+spot+in+their+web+nestsw.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-small;"><b>Tent caterpillars are easy to<br />spot in their nests.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Pretty much any kind of
wildlife intrigues me. I am not afraid of much but have a healthy respect for
things that bite or sting. I am grateful we do not have venomous snakes to
worry about in my area.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #824409; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But I have to say I am getting pretty upset
with caterpillars this spring! We have seen groves of trees denuded in a short
time. Some trees never even had the chance to unfurl their leaves. Some never
blossomed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #824409; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZNUGUWspI4TvnPHllYH3GssBXEIL70eapGCfm4cWhL_qk8UCwhmw9KE4LJkEyMaYhIQbxtUbgfWAJ_rqAAdl9jV9uh5pgMvJ1duat-TfQxndX0a20hEL3QO-HuPBIBW1wC2hjbJOldS9/s640/When+leaves+emerged+in+spring%252C+they+were+already+damagedw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZNUGUWspI4TvnPHllYH3GssBXEIL70eapGCfm4cWhL_qk8UCwhmw9KE4LJkEyMaYhIQbxtUbgfWAJ_rqAAdl9jV9uh5pgMvJ1duat-TfQxndX0a20hEL3QO-HuPBIBW1wC2hjbJOldS9/s320/When+leaves+emerged+in+spring%252C+they+were+already+damagedw.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">When leaves emerged this spring, <br />they were already damaged!</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #824409; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10.1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #824409; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Winter Moth<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #824409; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyVICgx5pWtq7ZF-MZz17o709jGmJMBtgN2KOuWcm50h6AFwooNRh3_nvC9SWzr2SYQypuyet38oqjQhvAVPjVuRUKcpVaVMZ0Pcv5HXkLwsxLN0bVhrHO_62bjE2we0c4CQ8k9ArxFaB/s640/This+is+a+June+photo...not+mid+winterw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="426" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyVICgx5pWtq7ZF-MZz17o709jGmJMBtgN2KOuWcm50h6AFwooNRh3_nvC9SWzr2SYQypuyet38oqjQhvAVPjVuRUKcpVaVMZ0Pcv5HXkLwsxLN0bVhrHO_62bjE2we0c4CQ8k9ArxFaB/w144-h217/This+is+a+June+photo...not+mid+winterw.jpg" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-small;"><b>This photo is from June - <br />not mid-winter</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The first wave of problems was caused by the Winter Moth: A
nondescript, smallish brown-gray moth that was noted in abundance last fall and
into December, in pockets in southeastern Connecticut. They flew in clouds,
caught in headlights, covered garage doors and patio windows. Then they
disappeared, but not before laying millions of eggs on the bark and buds at the
tips of branches of certain trees. They seemed to favor Oaks and fruit trees
like Crab Apples and Cherries. Despite the bitter winter the eggs survived and
as the spring enticed trees to begin their growth, the caterpillars hatched and
ate into the developing buds. As leaves unfolded they were damaged and lacey.
Their photosynthesis abilities were greatly diminished. The trees will suffer.
The caterpillars were small, smooth and green, and while I felt helpless, I
knew some birds were enjoying a spring feast. So there was a positive side to
it…maybe. But if Oaks are too weak to produce acorns, other species will be
impacted later. The trees that lost their blossoms will not produce fruit, so
the birds dependent on the berries in the fall will be severely challenged. The
birds being impacted are our own natives; the caterpillars doing the damage,
are not.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #824409; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #824409; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9byIL5wZW1Ql46Is_z5-Fi3Husl8yjx7lEV8lROfevYx-NQ82PcQ3ADuLRowvq3WnrytdYkMoofMHPgRddksHXxkVgys385u1YX6aN9M5TztqQwnKJ2RFQogtImChP2qHJs9_ykSWM6i/s640/Gypsy+Moth+caterpillars+blend+into+the+barkw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="549" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9byIL5wZW1Ql46Is_z5-Fi3Husl8yjx7lEV8lROfevYx-NQ82PcQ3ADuLRowvq3WnrytdYkMoofMHPgRddksHXxkVgys385u1YX6aN9M5TztqQwnKJ2RFQogtImChP2qHJs9_ykSWM6i/w180-h210/Gypsy+Moth+caterpillars+blend+into+the+barkw.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-small;"><b>Gypsy moth caterpillars<br />blend into the bark.</b></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Winter Moth caterpillar cycle is nearly finished now.
They will drop to the ground to pupate. There are foresters very interested to
determine exactly how and where they complete this stage, as control may be
possible. But, to add insult to injury, Gypsy Moth caterpillars have made a
comeback in many areas, as well as Tent Caterpillars, easy to spot with their
webby abodes. The poor trees that are trying to re-sprout leaves, are being
eaten back yet again. There is only so much a tree can tolerate before it will
be damaged beyond recovery. The Gypsy Moth caterpillars and Tent caterpillars
are not as enticing to birds; they are too fuzzy to be palatable to most,
except Cuckoos. We can wage war on them. Tent structures can be removed and
destroyed. Gypsy Moth caterpillars often migrate up and down the tree trunks
and can often be found clustering near the base prior to pupating. I have no
problem destroying them!</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10.1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #824409; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Monarch Butterflies</b></div></b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7supMsxVM3mXskLKXjkPEqk1s1djFGVKGfd1MQF9Ou1R3NiZebhY5EGfKaRF-gOJR-YJRWSox1Uj4-7KNoiH9F-IiM9qK5_qsRuhnevuC1YewxUKrMXuLSAL4pKTw1rn8LQZqN24ZMpPb/s640/Monarch+butterflies+are+in+serious+declinew.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7supMsxVM3mXskLKXjkPEqk1s1djFGVKGfd1MQF9Ou1R3NiZebhY5EGfKaRF-gOJR-YJRWSox1Uj4-7KNoiH9F-IiM9qK5_qsRuhnevuC1YewxUKrMXuLSAL4pKTw1rn8LQZqN24ZMpPb/w317-h211/Monarch+butterflies+are+in+serious+declinew.JPG" width="317" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-small;"><b>Monarch butterflies are in <br />serious decline!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><o:p></o:p></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #824409; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MtH-zvLDoW7An3MkpqbFtBmNjEu9sbW9N-mLcmYb6vRpEGQ-NNkFcBX0PW_iqc02_UlWqzLhSPZ9O4wlgCoHEfvQ2c4x6uFEAtBQuSv1ghuNogzehSDGA0GU0n372lgH5su9W5DDIC-V/s640/Little++Monarch+caterpillars+have+big+appetitesw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MtH-zvLDoW7An3MkpqbFtBmNjEu9sbW9N-mLcmYb6vRpEGQ-NNkFcBX0PW_iqc02_UlWqzLhSPZ9O4wlgCoHEfvQ2c4x6uFEAtBQuSv1ghuNogzehSDGA0GU0n372lgH5su9W5DDIC-V/w225-h150/Little++Monarch+caterpillars+have+big+appetitesw.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Little monarch caterpillars have <br />big appetites!</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table>But then we think of our Monarchs. The
beautiful native that has enthralled people of all ages and cultures for
centuries is under siege. Their home range for winter migration is threatened
with climate change and forest destruction. The Milkweed they depend on here,
for their caterpillar food, is being decimated by habitat change and widespread
use of herbicides. There is a “lookalike” invasive plant, Swallowwort that
attracts the butterfly to lay her eggs, but the caterpillars will not be able
to survive. </span><span style="background: white; color: #824409; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">So dedicated nature people like me go out to
dig, propagate and save milkweed to establish big patches in attractive places
for the Monarchs to use. We rejoice to see the chewed up leaves!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #824409; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Another caterpillar…a different response!</span><span style="color: #824409; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #824409; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40TCAQLx3-IA0iweNW4nLt3Y1n4kzKqN5WSxvWgkqoQ-GmXHq0yDkQIADPVW6dCi2WpAsBTrqvby4hTmlHlIpC7dy4DD5ntaUVfsZSoH9GoX568LaoLp_dznq7OMlyYkEFbTgah2MXJ65/s640/we+preserve+and+protect+the+Milkweed+plants+so+Monarch++can+survivew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="426" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40TCAQLx3-IA0iweNW4nLt3Y1n4kzKqN5WSxvWgkqoQ-GmXHq0yDkQIADPVW6dCi2WpAsBTrqvby4hTmlHlIpC7dy4DD5ntaUVfsZSoH9GoX568LaoLp_dznq7OMlyYkEFbTgah2MXJ65/w148-h222/we+preserve+and+protect+the+Milkweed+plants+so+Monarch++can+survivew.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-small;"><b>We preserve and protect Milkweed<br />so that the Monarch butterfly can survive!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-3237986664974324242021-05-17T11:26:00.000-04:002021-05-17T11:27:03.678-04:00Amphibians As Indicators of the Environment <p>by Edin Sisson and Alaine Zhang </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0e101a; font-size: 11pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nZ1YNX-HAJdWSjUjoFwQ6xtmMkGgNMp4tTuIgw2a1aHIVCKhxhjLlMfeGVf_X9HQTkvMDYnbcDfbyu5EtWiISXNOyQmEz0CnxgQ0SR8JUuGBXfsIhyphenhyphenYAm9tC_e5KeIwK5uxZHpQOyohl/s4608/Frog+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nZ1YNX-HAJdWSjUjoFwQ6xtmMkGgNMp4tTuIgw2a1aHIVCKhxhjLlMfeGVf_X9HQTkvMDYnbcDfbyu5EtWiISXNOyQmEz0CnxgQ0SR8JUuGBXfsIhyphenhyphenYAm9tC_e5KeIwK5uxZHpQOyohl/w242-h182/Frog+1.JPG" width="242" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Green frogs sound like a banjo <br />being plucked!</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background: white; color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Avalonia
Land Conservancy owns a large variety of wild habitats and local ecosystems and
its mission is to steward and manage these habitats in a way that benefits both
their ecological health and the communities surrounding them. In order to aid in these intentions, one
crucial group of animals must be considered as both a concentration of care and
a tool to gain insight on environmental health within Avalonia’s Preserves: Amphibians.
Frogs, toads and salamanders are complex organisms that are not only intriguing
but are important to focus on when studying local ecology. During the past
semester as students at Connecticut College, we partnered with Avalonia to help
create awareness of amphibian life on our local preserved lands. In order to do
this, we collected data weekly regarding the intensity of frog calls and wanted
to create a blog post that reflects the significance of frogs within the areas
studied. </span></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #0e101a; float: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8v7o6CKH-wxb4ubXfWb7eEkZqyvrGqJNVEr-mexQY1JC8YLs9g7iEAdBNnPTHDtrPyrpxVFkeEJqn7Ez5y8ywjRNa2Klqtj9vEphARSE4-FXBUlEatqLzxjgLSaJkCpkrVG2jtgk_2fk0/s2048/Vernal+pond+at+White+Cedar+Swamp.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8v7o6CKH-wxb4ubXfWb7eEkZqyvrGqJNVEr-mexQY1JC8YLs9g7iEAdBNnPTHDtrPyrpxVFkeEJqn7Ez5y8ywjRNa2Klqtj9vEphARSE4-FXBUlEatqLzxjgLSaJkCpkrVG2jtgk_2fk0/w161-h214/Vernal+pond+at+White+Cedar+Swamp.jpeg" width="161" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Vernal pond at White<br />Cedar Swamp</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">There
are three main groups that Amphibians are categorized into; urodeles, anurans,
and gymnophiones. Urodeles are composed of newts and salamanders, anurans
include frogs and toads all of which are vertebrates. Gymnophiones are also vertebrates but have no
limbs, and are otherwise known as caecilians. Amphibians are one of the oldest
types o</span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">f vertebrates <span style="background: white;">and are distinctive because they live on both water
and land at some point during their lives. Frogs and toads spend their early
stages of development with gills, and then develop lungs and limbs to be able
to survive on land as well. This unique development is what makes vernal pools,
swamps, and shallow areas of ponds such great habitats for them to live. In
addition to lacking hair and laying eggs, frogs and toads are exothermic,
meaning their internal temperature is externally regulated by factors such as
the sun. Frogs and toads are active during the spring and summer and hibernate
during the rest of the year, usually in the mud of ponds. What we hear most
frequently in the spring are the male mating calls, sung to attract females.
The males fertilize the eggs after they are laid, during a process called
external fertilization. In order to gain the upper hand over other males during
mating season, they practice amplexus, in which they climb onto the female and
wait for her eggs to be laid so that they can be the ones to fertilize them.
Depending on the frog species, mating happens at different times during spring,
the duration fluctuates as well depending on factors such as temperature and
climate. There are some key differences between true frogs and true toads. True
frogs are skinny with smooth, slimy skin and long legs. They leap and jump
fairly long distances, and they have an upper jaw with small teeth. Frogs also
lay eggs in large, often round, clusters. Toads, on the other hand, are
generally warty and dry, live mostly on land, have fat bodies with short legs,
and don’t hop that far. They also do not have teeth and lay their eggs in long
strands rather than clumps. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0e101a; font-size: 11pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmszRqtYHofgw-KBik6QKrCLHyB8lTnP3XAQO7V4aU5c9YAGWAdIarjUthd_tjanI8vxhIzX5Wh8h3gJT0N9gn7Q91XbiKd1161lXrcqa2MiOqNM64pmT7OWy_H7qTDE_Emhh5VRhCPDvS/s2048/White+Cedar+Swamp.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmszRqtYHofgw-KBik6QKrCLHyB8lTnP3XAQO7V4aU5c9YAGWAdIarjUthd_tjanI8vxhIzX5Wh8h3gJT0N9gn7Q91XbiKd1161lXrcqa2MiOqNM64pmT7OWy_H7qTDE_Emhh5VRhCPDvS/w214-h161/White+Cedar+Swamp.jpeg" width="214" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>White Cedar Swamp is great habitat <br />for frogs!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background: white; color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This
spring we focused on frogs specifically, which can be hugely beneficial to us
as humans, and to the ecological systems on Avalonia’s lands. They control
insect populations as they are the main part of their diet, as well as
providing food for predators such as fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds. With
their skin and eggs being especially permeable, frogs are very sensitive to
factors such as pollution, UV light, disease, and microscopic organisms. The
pores on their skin allow them to absorb gasses like oxygen through their skin
to breathe, but they also make the organisms prone to environmental changes in
the water or air. When the pH of water or soil, for example, becomes too low
and therefore acidic, materials such as heavy metal dissolve more easily, and
therefore create toxins that are unhealthy for the local ecosystem. When
exposed to these toxins, frogs are some of the first animals to die, or have
mutations. Their small size also makes them susceptible to fatal environmental
factors before larger animals like humans even become aware of the issue. There
are many reasons for frog population decline including habitat loss, non-native
species, climate disruption, parasites, and over-collection by humans. However,
where frogs are generally locally
abundant, they are a great, accessible resource for scientists to use to study
the changing environment. By recognizing fluctuations in frog populations and
breeding time, we can observe what environmental issues might be problematic
within our area here in Connecticut, and if possible, address them in
productive manners. </span></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0e101a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLL64wYukOsuewOmKEApJivbG6o8K0PvA_xYC6jAu80W9a4XdCGkoxLkrz8lP8e_pTB7n_r_q7ZQTZY-YOJ1uDHn6bOudSwlKzuLQcv1r36aTpIkOGuInA2D5o3v6AK3IAZHbkPQ8OVt77/s2048/Pond+on+Pequotsepos+Brook+Preserve.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="2048" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLL64wYukOsuewOmKEApJivbG6o8K0PvA_xYC6jAu80W9a4XdCGkoxLkrz8lP8e_pTB7n_r_q7ZQTZY-YOJ1uDHn6bOudSwlKzuLQcv1r36aTpIkOGuInA2D5o3v6AK3IAZHbkPQ8OVt77/w245-h173/Pond+on+Pequotsepos+Brook+Preserve.jpeg" width="245" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pond at Pequotsepos Brook Preserve</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background: white; color: #0e101a;">While
exploring both Avalonia’s Pequotsepos Brook Preserve and White Cedar Swamp, we
heard three main species of frogs: The Spring Peeper (<i>Pseudacris crucifer), </i>the
Green Frog, (<i>Rana Clamitans</i></span>)<i><span style="background: white; color: #0e101a;">, </span></i><span style="background: white; color: #0e101a;">and the Pickerel Frog (<i>Lithobates
palustris). </i>Spring Peepers are small frogs active from the end of the
winter until the late fall and the most abundant frog species that we heard at
our Avalonia sites. The Green Frog is a green or brown colored frog that feeds
on insects as well as small amphibians. Green Frogs usually mate in April and
early May but can continue into the summer months. Their call sound similar to
the buckling of a banjo, which we heard during our final visits to White Cedar
Swamp.</span> <span style="background: white; color: #0e101a;">Finally,
we heard the Pickerel Frog at Pequotsepos Brook Preserve, which is a
medium-sized frog with a lower-pitched call. It is also dark-colored somewhat
rectangular dark spots and yellow or orange on the underside of its legs.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background: white; color: #0e101a;"><br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #0e101a;">We
performed research on the intensity of frog calls this spring under the
protocols of the national Frog Watch USA organization. This organization calls
upon trained volunteers all over the US to collect data on local populations of
frog species and use it to monitor population decline, environmental changes,
and potentially make positive steps to protect species countrywide. With the
mission statement of Avalonia being to “[preserve] natural habitats in
southeastern Connecticut by acquiring and protecting lands and by communicating
the value of these irreplaceable resources,” these goals align extremely well,
especially when applied to the conservation of the wetland habitats that
Avalonia protects. By monitoring frogs on Avalonia’s lands, we can observe and
analyze behavioral and population changes that could correlate with
environmental concerns that negatively impact the ecosystems we cherish. </span></span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Works Cited:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 28.35pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -28.35pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Frogwatch Training Manual.” <i>FrogWatch USA</i>, www.aza.org/frogwatch?locale=en. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 28.35pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -28.35pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Marshall, John. “Indicator Species: Using Frogs and Salamanders to
Gauge Ecosystem Health.” <i>GRIT: Rural American Know-How</i>, 2021,
www.grit.com/departments/indicator-species-zm0z13jazgou/. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 28.35pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -28.35pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mosseso, John J. “Green Frog.” <i>Connecticut Frogs and Toads</i>,
NBII, wildlifeofct.com/green%20frog.html. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 28.35pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -28.35pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Pickerel Frog.” <i>Virginia Herpetological Society</i>,
Virginia Herpetological Society, 2021,
www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/amphibians/frogsandtoads/pickerel-frog/pickerel_frog.php. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 28.35pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -28.35pt;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Signs of the Seasons: A New England Phenology Program</span></span></i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">, The University of Maine Cooperative Extension,
extension.umaine.edu/signs-of-the-seasons/. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-15224160106777422762021-05-03T16:53:00.005-04:002021-05-03T22:22:30.994-04:00A Journey to Community<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Over the last 8 months or so, I have had the great pleasure
of working with a Local Girl Scout Troop. These are middle school aged
students, who have had to juggle a lot during this last year. In addition to
their school upheaval, they had also planned to work toward their Silver Award,
a high honor in Scouting circles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
proposal was to create a pollinator garden at the Parker Brothers Preserve on
River Rd. in Pawcatuck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This sweet
garden-like preserve was a somewhat underappreciated parcel, and over the
years, the invasives began to take over. It was looking a bit unloved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as the girls came forward with their
ideas, it made me look at the preserve with new appreciation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ourselves began to try and uncover and
recover its potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the girls
began their research and we consulted about their base plan, we stewards began
to attack the greater problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over
this past year we have untangled many trees, rescued and rejuvenated berry
shrubs and cleared some of the stone walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The pollinator garden took shape with help from parents and neighbors.
Last fall they planted and this spring we have already welcomed pollinators to
the early spring flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a few
weeks, the scouts: Nora, Sierra and Kate and their families will celebrate
their Silver Award Winning project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For them it wasn’t just about making a garden to fulfill a
requirement. It truly was helping to create a benefit for pollinators, as well
as creating a lovely spot for community members to gather and enjoy being
outside again. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af8NRg_BmRc" target="_blank">Please watch their video here</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Read their report and take some time to visit their garden at the Parker
Brother’s Preserve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you to all
involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beth<o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>A Journey to Community by Sierra Redfern</b></h3><p style="text-align: left;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcy1WjRspYHFMFB-LdM_lcxnfxWEpmvDvccspgc9JGsxNSTSti3lig6a4WSuaNQAiEFISwSl4iSsMq4Iw-R07eN2qd0uzNWBf1bGxv9WscifKge97S8VU0ypz4HkxEbweIM97uF5vadtco/s2048/The+star+of+the+show+-+a+Monarch.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcy1WjRspYHFMFB-LdM_lcxnfxWEpmvDvccspgc9JGsxNSTSti3lig6a4WSuaNQAiEFISwSl4iSsMq4Iw-R07eN2qd0uzNWBf1bGxv9WscifKge97S8VU0ypz4HkxEbweIM97uF5vadtco/w228-h152/The+star+of+the+show+-+a+Monarch.JPG" width="228" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">The star of the show - a Monarch!</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">We began the Pollinator Project looking to change our community
for the better.<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Make a difference
together.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">It started as a project for a
silver award and became so much more.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">We
found that we could help others through this project. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m57byr1S3oDoRU1Ubkeku_-FCzYLvtnGBnAq0DgBBg1zfrRtklHLFo-jWFSooo7lFcXJW0iLvpq5rLyRxYKZKQgJzSiWqcWzaWJAs-O8LXwkbuytYvOQGEREUHyMstBvma0zvjaUyNvN/s2048/Last+fall+the+preserve+was+cleaned+up+and+the+garden+dug..jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m57byr1S3oDoRU1Ubkeku_-FCzYLvtnGBnAq0DgBBg1zfrRtklHLFo-jWFSooo7lFcXJW0iLvpq5rLyRxYKZKQgJzSiWqcWzaWJAs-O8LXwkbuytYvOQGEREUHyMstBvma0zvjaUyNvN/w173-h130/Last+fall+the+preserve+was+cleaned+up+and+the+garden+dug..jpg" width="173" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Last fall the preserve was <br />cleaned up and <br />the garden dug.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">We started on planning our garden, researching on what plants
<br />would work best. We divided the research between the three of us and attended a
weekly meeting every Tuesday at 5.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Once
all of our research was finished we put our plan into action.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">We dug up our garden and cleaned up the area
around it.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Now we were ready to get our
plants!</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cx_3CYMiU9bLv1Jbpo0G_0HLt4WZhAfE1nXt4NOKyYfe7rx9l_biaESuiGkUvR8a3Gj9N1cfBeFZuelf-JpVmo4CFinUEUPODTn3YlEkihdac5W7tks8o6au4b5m3q4aiUrxsKeByfzp/s640/Nora%2527s+PAWSOME+dog+treats+fundraiser.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cx_3CYMiU9bLv1Jbpo0G_0HLt4WZhAfE1nXt4NOKyYfe7rx9l_biaESuiGkUvR8a3Gj9N1cfBeFZuelf-JpVmo4CFinUEUPODTn3YlEkihdac5W7tks8o6au4b5m3q4aiUrxsKeByfzp/w127-h170/Nora%2527s+PAWSOME+dog+treats+fundraiser.jpg" width="127" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Nora's PAWSOME <br />dog treat fundraiser!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br />One of our girl scouts, Nora, had raised money selling dog
treats so we could fund our project, so we purchased our plants and began to
plant them.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">They were all perennials so
they could come back every year without our help.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">We wanted our project to last a long
time.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Our garden was planted but we
weren’t done.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">We still had to add our
butterflies!</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Because you can’t have a
butterfly garden without butterflies!</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">We had to wait though because the best time to release these
insects is near the end of April, so we decided we weren’t done quite yet with
pollinators.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">We all collaborated on a 3
part video explaining the importance of pollinators, why they’re going extinct,
and how we can save them.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">This was one
of the most important parts of our project.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">And once we were done we got to share it with local areas that wanted to
help spread our message. (Editor's note: You can watch it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af8NRg_BmRc" target="_blank">here</a>!)</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbKGfWZFQuSpOXqxd60a4KBhRzl2g0VJeTlWGo0QFVR9KXf6ZaiLtx4mDk9lgilnZI5acg66zWD-t6qC-jI_ZBdc7c6oj3BkO0NTWWy9ftPvTjyPxagHbfFCWC_Y41veP8SvPM2q7q7AC/s2048/Early+spring+bulbs+welcomed+the+early+insects..JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbKGfWZFQuSpOXqxd60a4KBhRzl2g0VJeTlWGo0QFVR9KXf6ZaiLtx4mDk9lgilnZI5acg66zWD-t6qC-jI_ZBdc7c6oj3BkO0NTWWy9ftPvTjyPxagHbfFCWC_Y41veP8SvPM2q7q7AC/w263-h175/Early+spring+bulbs+welcomed+the+early+insects..JPG" width="263" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Early spring bulbs welcomed the insects!</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">To bring some more passion to the garden we made signs for our
plants, a care tip book, and painted rocks.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">All to help bring our garden to life, and once our butterflies are
released then our garden will have truly been completed.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Completed but not finished, the whole point
of our silver award </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">was to give back to the community, and our garden will help
bring more pollinators to the neighborhood, bring people together, and make
some new memories.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny9r-IpBx2t53AETV0mEhJpOkl6mP7J6LHBpTi1FTi2g72VekaoNrceuNTgoNDtvdDdIeo2-QRW9AI8f_waJ1aIgJ6fTeh7beYVj-4zxe1o4twHbggKnfohRbM-4vbyaXi8Re03DiaPiD/s640/Getting+donations++from+Pequot+Plant+Farm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny9r-IpBx2t53AETV0mEhJpOkl6mP7J6LHBpTi1FTi2g72VekaoNrceuNTgoNDtvdDdIeo2-QRW9AI8f_waJ1aIgJ6fTeh7beYVj-4zxe1o4twHbggKnfohRbM-4vbyaXi8Re03DiaPiD/s320/Getting+donations++from+Pequot+Plant+Farm.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Getting donations from Stonington Gardens <br />and Pequot Plant Farm</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWt4EwULtRRvEGphaZWLqHMKfcLZ_flk1PGSANlkQdN7gN9zn6WHDU2ad0zHOkhOB4vhxKdVVSTx6EnmKBbmviqOeapvpR4Z4sJR2mu0_-IAuSeQcJ4UJ2ybZy-a9gwOXI0vTbSDEWsKfx/s1280/Planting+in+the+fall.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWt4EwULtRRvEGphaZWLqHMKfcLZ_flk1PGSANlkQdN7gN9zn6WHDU2ad0zHOkhOB4vhxKdVVSTx6EnmKBbmviqOeapvpR4Z4sJR2mu0_-IAuSeQcJ4UJ2ybZy-a9gwOXI0vTbSDEWsKfx/s320/Planting+in+the+fall.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Planting in the fall</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHtoV2PpK6oGKMiGvxCwwkY2cDpdHvy4icBxHQ4tPBgBWi_CmvDuX0uDRh5l6acrjtiIm726BtAtjhtavq2xwoVdnJRuVFQKNrONSz-e0-PHXJM3Z2IwMsU0nerYG_LUxSMx1Cpm70OVf/s766/Later+this+season%252C+there+will+be+many+more+welcoming+flowers+for+bees.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="766" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHtoV2PpK6oGKMiGvxCwwkY2cDpdHvy4icBxHQ4tPBgBWi_CmvDuX0uDRh5l6acrjtiIm726BtAtjhtavq2xwoVdnJRuVFQKNrONSz-e0-PHXJM3Z2IwMsU0nerYG_LUxSMx1Cpm70OVf/s320/Later+this+season%252C+there+will+be+many+more+welcoming+flowers+for+bees.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Later this season, there will be many more <br />welcoming flowers for bees!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-49954484902902587752021-04-18T19:52:00.009-04:002021-04-18T19:57:24.305-04:00Spring Is Here! <p> <span face=""Lato 2", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">As in the past several years, I am getting a fun break from writing the blog and turning it over to students from the Conn College Goodwin Niering Center for the Environment. I enjoy the new voices. Sometimes they see the same things differently. They have different points of view. I always learn a lot from these enthusiastic and motivated young adults. This year has been more challenging due to Covid. But they have adapted well.</span></p><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">These upcoming weeks will showcase essays for the blog post by different students. Some will highlight the project they are working on or offer their thoughts on different topics. The photos will be from various sources but the words are their own. </div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Please enjoy their voices. Beth</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">******</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8F13HqyycKVoZgpq5WoGooau454DrW0ZOnbnozHjYxHiQMRtrl2qsLe1t56CPphwOB8__IUizX31mrqv8bv53OUV7rkWQAQOuXd5YG0JPK7VMxUEksbLgGnJkmIH8WOoqDWvtuvJ8HMw/s589/Blooming+cherry+blossoms+welcoming+the+world+to+spring..jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="589" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8F13HqyycKVoZgpq5WoGooau454DrW0ZOnbnozHjYxHiQMRtrl2qsLe1t56CPphwOB8__IUizX31mrqv8bv53OUV7rkWQAQOuXd5YG0JPK7VMxUEksbLgGnJkmIH8WOoqDWvtuvJ8HMw/w199-h177/Blooming+cherry+blossoms+welcoming+the+world+to+spring..jpg" width="199" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Blooming cherry blossoms <br />welcomingthe world to spring</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></b>The start of spring marks a new beginning.
As the days get longer, the weather warms, and animals start to wake up from
hibernation, we too crawl out from under our warm covers and start enjoying the
sunshine and the outdoors. March 20 marked the first official day of spring
this year and was welcomed wholeheartedly. As we start to leave cold, rainy
days in the past and start to enjoy fresh air more, it is not unusual to
encounter wildlife while taking a leisurely outdoor walk. Here are a few fun
facts about common Connecticut wildlife during transitions from winter to
spring.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>1. Welcoming New Life</b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Spring is often viewed as a symbol for new
beginnings, for growth, and for new life. This can be seen in the regrowth of
plants from winter, new flowers blossoming, and, many people’s favorite, baby
animals! As the weather starts to warm, you can expect to see and hear signs of
new life.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGx6q87G2ayJJcYvepiK4M0vYuLyECA4OAL4bFZVDIXg0hNs0YcxG3LWdLHLC8CJBn-_9-BtNksuuTWx34ZUTrS89zwTzk9ZQND__rdWT8f8K1GGdWmIsQu_TdU-e79vwHo3fI1PodgAiN/s211/Baby+birds+also+make+their+way+into+the+world+during+the+spring.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="211" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGx6q87G2ayJJcYvepiK4M0vYuLyECA4OAL4bFZVDIXg0hNs0YcxG3LWdLHLC8CJBn-_9-BtNksuuTWx34ZUTrS89zwTzk9ZQND__rdWT8f8K1GGdWmIsQu_TdU-e79vwHo3fI1PodgAiN/w160-h158/Baby+birds+also+make+their+way+into+the+world+during+the+spring.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Baby birds also make their way<br />into the world in spring.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Many common mammals, especially wild
herbivores such as deer and rabbits have babies during spring.<br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Baby rabbits are called kittens, females
are called doe, and males are called bucks. Doe are only pregnant for 28-31
days and can give birth to up to 14 babies. Rabbits mature between three and
six months of life, so by next spring, all of this year’s kittens will have
separated from their mother and will be on their own.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Baby deer, or fawns, are usually born
between May and June. They are usually found in meadows during spring and
summer months. Mother deer, or doe, usually leave their fawns for long periods
of time the first few days. Although this may seem harsh, it’s because fawns
don’t have a scent, so it is actually safer for them to lay still alone to hide
from predators. Fawns usually stay with their mothers for up to a year, much
longer than kittens!</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>2. Migration Season</b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsD60XF4-1EHxpb1QvhdPj9p33UOa-DfmDTEOYhbsCep8RVW-w4PpI-QktD2rAD5KLazR8hdtYAhYAWXDJn7-1siTeS5qtzUTnhv6m1Yo-4caX4Uwc-7onf8v4Y4HspPPYiZ2DHma4BqC/s2048/Purple+Martins+are+returning+to+their+colonies.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsD60XF4-1EHxpb1QvhdPj9p33UOa-DfmDTEOYhbsCep8RVW-w4PpI-QktD2rAD5KLazR8hdtYAhYAWXDJn7-1siTeS5qtzUTnhv6m1Yo-4caX4Uwc-7onf8v4Y4HspPPYiZ2DHma4BqC/w196-h140/Purple+Martins+are+returning+to+their+colonies.jpg" width="196" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Purple martins returning<br />to their colonies.</b></span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The start of spring also marks the
beginning of a new migration season. With warmer weather, many bird species
start to make their way back to their homes up North. Connecticut is a great
place to see birds such as Warblers, Hummingbirds, Purple Martins, and Tree
Swallows. Connecticut is also home to birds such as American Robins, Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, and
many more. Head over to an Avalonia Trail to enjoy nature and see some
beautiful birds. Bring binoculars for the best views and don’t forget to take a
moment to listen and enjoy the birdsong!</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>3. Spring Peepers</b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><span lang="EN"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyLpXtx3HW0qumOXxsfI2pXg1qlvilXAie5FKzP4TwEyel2D_bacnuTCLYx9FPZn2ApURe_vCX2S25WZ1-U3dg6WrrzgQI2VmKN_zpLu5rD-QdLQwRiFbrHyIYBxdrOy3FDrLs-V7jDdO/s520/Saying+hellos+to+a+small+friend.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="520" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyLpXtx3HW0qumOXxsfI2pXg1qlvilXAie5FKzP4TwEyel2D_bacnuTCLYx9FPZn2ApURe_vCX2S25WZ1-U3dg6WrrzgQI2VmKN_zpLu5rD-QdLQwRiFbrHyIYBxdrOy3FDrLs-V7jDdO/w166-h166/Saying+hellos+to+a+small+friend.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Saying hello to a small friend</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span lang="EN">Birds are not the only species to return
for spring. Frogs, such as Spring Peepers also start to come out <br />more. These
little frogs are known for their distinctive chirping. In fact, they have an
especially pronounced vocal sac under their chin that looks like a bubble. The
endless chripring you often hear at night is actually a spring peeper mating
ritual. Males call out to females, who are attracted to the male’s chirping.
After mating, females will lay their eggs underwater and wait for them to hatch
approximately twelve days later.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><span lang="EN"><b>4. Welcoming Wildflowers</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1mylImUKNSQoOmomMVon6Os78cpd1bdWnjX8MLiQnizGA_YM1iHgbAZx7Z4e7fdXssKD7V4a5sK5BM0q0Y40UCvViaVlIoDLFxyWNLNjQ4C8lTEBSjdnKCW_CxTkp799IeuaU5xHw3F2/s624/Beautiful+fruit+tree+blooming+under+the+spring+sun.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="624" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1mylImUKNSQoOmomMVon6Os78cpd1bdWnjX8MLiQnizGA_YM1iHgbAZx7Z4e7fdXssKD7V4a5sK5BM0q0Y40UCvViaVlIoDLFxyWNLNjQ4C8lTEBSjdnKCW_CxTkp799IeuaU5xHw3F2/w266-h174/Beautiful+fruit+tree+blooming+under+the+spring+sun.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Beautiful fruit trees bloom under<br />the spring sun.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />After months of only seeing cold, grey
outdoors, Spring finally reintroduces color back into our lives. Wildflowers
can really help landscapes look more cheerful. From daisies, dandelions,
clovers, and chicories, a variety of flowers start to color the ground. Spring
is the perfect time for colorful, relaxing walks and taking beautiful pictures.
Just remember to bring allergy medicine if pollen bothers you!<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><a><span lang="EN"><b>5. Saying Hello to Butterflies and Bees</b></span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><a><span lang="EN"></span></a></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBalX4O5fke5FVhyEWL6v5gGE5ryHxXXJgu8_IgDNnhJDMuhxx0Yq0xxz4j-J2tnWGFStA4r2tutIaTMb8OKaL9eMD_SY1z3clvGg4LUfpx0b63lUoHbd7Cqv7-RVMncl5CqV-2CVoZuQ/s2048/Mourning+Cloaks+are+often+the+first+butterflies++to+be+seen+in+the+spring.+%25281%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBalX4O5fke5FVhyEWL6v5gGE5ryHxXXJgu8_IgDNnhJDMuhxx0Yq0xxz4j-J2tnWGFStA4r2tutIaTMb8OKaL9eMD_SY1z3clvGg4LUfpx0b63lUoHbd7Cqv7-RVMncl5CqV-2CVoZuQ/w270-h193/Mourning+Cloaks+are+often+the+first+butterflies++to+be+seen+in+the+spring.+%25281%2529.JPG" width="270" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Mourning cloaks are often the first<br />butterflies to be seen in the spring.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><a><span lang="EN">Warmer days and clear weather sure encourage
people to go outside, but did you know that bumblebees <br /> feel the same way? Queen
bees are the first to leave their underground hibernation sites in search of
flowers to regain strength lost during winter. They search for the first spring
flowers to feed on and rebuild their colonies throughout the season.</span></a><span lang="EN"><a class="msocomanchor" href="file:///C:/Users/teres/Downloads/Newsletter.docx#_msocom_1" id="_anchor_1" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_1">[1]</a> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">Butterflies are one of the most popular
signs of spring. Their colorful wings and gentle nature delights people of all
ages. Many butterflies emerge from their chrysalis in March or early spring,
and some have overwintered as butterflies and hibernated. Most will continue to
be active until fall. They usually become active as the day warms in the
morning and can often be seen in the afternoon. Although butterflies start to
appear in spring, peak butterfly season isn’t until summer, meaning that
different kinds of butterflies continue to emerge throughout spring.</p><p class="MsoSubtitle" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><a name="_9b9s00fvznn9"></a><span lang="EN"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Written
by Madeleine Gassin</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoSubtitle" style="border: none;"><a name="_k6ectgrvvzie"></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sources:</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoSubtitle" style="border: none;"><a name="_fgr5kfmvsdr6"></a><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.konnecthq.com/rabbit-facts/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">https://www.konnecthq.com/rabbit-facts/</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/general-animals/10-hopping-fun-rabbit-facts/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/general-animals/10-hopping-fun-rabbit-facts/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.wildrepublic.com/product/fawn/#:~:text=A%20new%20born%20fawn%20weighs,to%20four%20times%20a%20day"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.wildrepublic.com/product/fawn/#:~:text=A%20new%20born%20fawn%20weighs,to%20four%20times%20a%20day</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.farmersalmanac.com/facts-about-spring-peepers-24077"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.farmersalmanac.com/facts-about-spring-peepers-24077</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.honeybeesuite.com/bumble-bees-hibernate-honey-bees-do-not/#:~:text=Only%20the%20queen%20bumble%20bees,while%20burning%20very%20little%20fuel"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.honeybeesuite.com/bumble-bees-hibernate-honey-bees-do-not/#:~:text=Only%20the%20queen%20bumble%20bees,while%20burning%20very%20little%20fuel</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.birdsandblooms.com/gardening/attracting-butterflies/year-round-guide-butterflies/#:~:text=Summer%20is%20peak%20butterfly%20season,to%20see%20throughout%20the%20year"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.birdsandblooms.com/gardening/attracting-butterflies/year-round-guide-butterflies/#:~:text=Summer%20is%20peak%20butterfly%20season,to%20see%20throughout%20the%20year</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoSubtitle" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><a name="_bikrevxilriq"></a><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
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</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><br /></p></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lato 2", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div>Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-40372183746470578442021-04-05T13:45:00.007-04:002021-04-05T15:20:44.214-04:00Spring Updates<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmoH15TUDWGC7V8bo3ljWTsdWFIFTJrho4LrSa7JMfg988v8_q0MAcb9NV5vVpP5Zm6z8iOpNDDbvL6iZzU8Cm72aVShyphenhyphenbUNuQ6LogU7gm79VrUIupLNYLBgC841d1Ba5QJFUZJ-3SK5x/s2048/Native+wildflowers%252C+like+bloodroot%252C+are+quite+used+to+pushing+up+through+leaf+litter..JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmoH15TUDWGC7V8bo3ljWTsdWFIFTJrho4LrSa7JMfg988v8_q0MAcb9NV5vVpP5Zm6z8iOpNDDbvL6iZzU8Cm72aVShyphenhyphenbUNuQ6LogU7gm79VrUIupLNYLBgC841d1Ba5QJFUZJ-3SK5x/w201-h151/Native+wildflowers%252C+like+bloodroot%252C+are+quite+used+to+pushing+up+through+leaf+litter..JPG" width="201" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Native wildflowers, like bloodroot<br />are quite used to pushing up through<br />leaf litter</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />There are lots of things, little and big, to report on. As usual this is a terrifically busy time of year. Some of us clean indoors and open windows, to chase away the old winter air and sweep away cobwebs. At the same time we are drawn outdoors, to look for our favorite firsts of spring; peepers, bluebirds and butterflies or to clean out garden beds and look for the first green shoots and blossoms. There is never enough time, or energy to accomplish everything! <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7X7HdEbZnlv2X7_eYJ4q6xztbi8IA1Wd1k-m4Aq0QQe0DNxotpr-ZxjNDhuuB5E2bO6CG0ARA9rPMqXjIDTGlDR3zVxQeOykIZb6kH8jBMzqkEdVMITKwcHA9ovOapwwmseVJe6C7rd8/s2048/Piles+of+leaves+make+great+shelters+for+salamanders+who+have+emerged+from+hibernation..jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="2048" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7X7HdEbZnlv2X7_eYJ4q6xztbi8IA1Wd1k-m4Aq0QQe0DNxotpr-ZxjNDhuuB5E2bO6CG0ARA9rPMqXjIDTGlDR3zVxQeOykIZb6kH8jBMzqkEdVMITKwcHA9ovOapwwmseVJe6C7rd8/w244-h137/Piles+of+leaves+make+great+shelters+for+salamanders+who+have+emerged+from+hibernation..jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Piles of leaves make great shelters<br />for salamanders who have <br />emerged from hibernation.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>One short cut I have taken is to leave my garden beds messy! Unless it is in a corner where huge volumes of leaves have accumulated so that they suffocate my plants, I am leaving leaves as a mulch. I have to get used to the look and in some places I will do a little more cleaning later. Right now though, these piles provide much needed shelter and insulation for all number of insects, invertebrates and even amphibians. You might say there are no bees and butterflies under the leaves, but their larval caterpillars and pupae are there. Many species of bees have overwintering populations, including the queen, and they are found under composting logs and leaves. So, tell yourself to take a breather. The plants will find their way up through the leaves, they always do. And they maybe all the happier for the natural mulch.</div><div><br /></div><div>On a garden related theme: last fall Girl Scout Troop 61047 created a pollinator garden at the Parker Brothers Pre-serve on River Road in Pawcatuck. They wisely included some spring bulbs to provide early nectar sources for flies and bees. The flowers are a joy to see. The girls have created a wonderful You Tube video which will be released soon which is educational and amazingly creative. I am hoping that they, or others, will continue the effort and help expand the pollinator pathway project that the town of Stonington has begun. </div><div><br /></div><div><br />A task I have mixed feelings about is cleaning out bird houses. We leave them over winter for families of to shelter in. I have seen bluebirds and woodpeckers roosting in bird houses over winter as well. But now it the time to have them cleaned out and welcome mats extended for bluebirds, tree swallows and house wrens, among others, that will appreciate the cleanup job. It can be messy though. This year many of the east-facing nests were very soggy, probably from some wind driven rain or snow storm, and there were all sorts of muddy remains inside of them! There were also the mice that refused to be evicted. They scampered up and over, down and around, and one leapt straight over my head as I gently tried to remove them and their bedding. Interestingly, some of the houses were infested with ants. I wondered whether the birds would enjoy them or not. </div><div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Gt262AAcSVQVK-cbtL_o8oGVvAHAPcwq8J0Oet6SScqR6xe-7bc8Zrd_I6i8N9R6BE0P1MwjQLR-1J15ASqMXIzkILo_kWJA4ueYeU8mr-uwKikAY9VSUakj4EoiriSMjUCewCh7FrH0/s800/It+took+skill++to+tackle+this+project+to+restore+the+osprey+platform..jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Gt262AAcSVQVK-cbtL_o8oGVvAHAPcwq8J0Oet6SScqR6xe-7bc8Zrd_I6i8N9R6BE0P1MwjQLR-1J15ASqMXIzkILo_kWJA4ueYeU8mr-uwKikAY9VSUakj4EoiriSMjUCewCh7FrH0/w168-h224/It+took+skill++to+tackle+this+project+to+restore+the+osprey+platform..jpeg" width="168" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>It took skill to tackle the <br />project to restore the<br />osprey platform.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Talking about nesting, by now I hope everyone has noticed that the osprey have finally shown up at many of their nest sites along the shoreline. Some of us mark our calendars each year, and recognize the arrival at a particular nest site, as the true beginning of spring. On the Woolworth Porter Preserve, there are three nest platforms, two on the eastern side, and an older one on the west side closest to Lord’s Point. This one has been in tough shape for a while, and each year, attempts to nest there have not succeeded. This year, an Avalonia member volunteer and several other Lord’s Point residents, assessed the situation and asked permission to refurbish and reinforce the nest platform and structure. What an amazing job! With donations of materials, and volunteer time, a magnificent platform was erected last weekend. As if on cue, a pair of osprey flew over and circled as it was being put up. I can’t wait for reports! Another nest, on Downes Marsh, along the Mystic River, was reported to have monofilament fish-ing line draped in it. This is a terrible situation for adults and could be fatal for young when they hatch a few months. A neighbor there was able to get access and remove the line. We are grateful for all the monitors who keep track of the osprey in our area and on our preserves. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the next weeks, the Conn College student will begin reporting on their projects. One group has already started monitoring calling frogs. Another is preparing to explore a property that is soon to be part of our list of beautiful preserves in North Stonington. One group is continuing our study of climate adaptation for coastal forests and an-other is exploring ways for Avalonia to reach out to populations that are minorities or underserved in our area. Avalonia properties are for everyone! You don’t need to be a member, or a resident of a particular town. Two students are working on creating page translations of Avalonia website, into Mandarin and French and Spanish will be on the way. These translations will be further welcoming to visitors and new residents here in our area. </div><div><br /></div><div>We want to make sure that every family, in every town, of every ethnicity and background, knows that they are welcome, that our preserves are open for everyone to enjoy and find peace and inspiration. What a great time of year!</div><div><br /></div><div>by Beth Sullivan</div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mPmuTp_G7wVoCKswPvtwWuQnALytjwA0uz4T_OggHCrYxSblO-MlAUGbF0kAOskNrgPF3__1LV-nsCB_fnsQJ5DFLlmKyMjRKpOta482VMl8uDwCVk24YH0fDsT1JRNZc2xJF-q_cqn7/s1024/Lords+Point+Osprey+platform+team.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mPmuTp_G7wVoCKswPvtwWuQnALytjwA0uz4T_OggHCrYxSblO-MlAUGbF0kAOskNrgPF3__1LV-nsCB_fnsQJ5DFLlmKyMjRKpOta482VMl8uDwCVk24YH0fDsT1JRNZc2xJF-q_cqn7/s320/Lords+Point+Osprey+platform+team.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Lord's Point Osprey Platform Team<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MQjLVOSwJPKlv6n1Cm7FLQP8r-FiH7bUZScdKs2P37n-IhK2xUcM3_W1do8M57CD39CL7kvzCHO_WVJSMWLSFEpiVpKBphjNUpi_TbsEehhPSeXYcQffCoF76N18xAg9ABQNRpZUxWLG/s900/The+tree+swallows+have+returned+to+the+clean+houses+on+Knox+Preserve.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MQjLVOSwJPKlv6n1Cm7FLQP8r-FiH7bUZScdKs2P37n-IhK2xUcM3_W1do8M57CD39CL7kvzCHO_WVJSMWLSFEpiVpKBphjNUpi_TbsEehhPSeXYcQffCoF76N18xAg9ABQNRpZUxWLG/s320/The+tree+swallows+have+returned+to+the+clean+houses+on+Knox+Preserve.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">The tree swallows have returned<br />to clean houses on Knox Preserve.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKfl0nRebmKjv_EQNSlxJ6WC7kF1qI6rr64m4pksDOfr9_YN2jDyJDJF0h8K1777vPTUSmxQffhTbL3BOgS7p8dCrSUrcOkF_U48DVQd6Vp7k1svVmVpmUNQ0NccHstA3mgg08aBltC8c/s2048/Cleaning+gardens+now+may+uncover+woolly+bears+that+would+still+prefer+a+bit+more+sleep.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKfl0nRebmKjv_EQNSlxJ6WC7kF1qI6rr64m4pksDOfr9_YN2jDyJDJF0h8K1777vPTUSmxQffhTbL3BOgS7p8dCrSUrcOkF_U48DVQd6Vp7k1svVmVpmUNQ0NccHstA3mgg08aBltC8c/s320/Cleaning+gardens+now+may+uncover+woolly+bears+that+would+still+prefer+a+bit+more+sleep.jpg" /></span></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cleaning gardens now may uncover <br />wooly bears that may have<br />preferred to sleep in a bit.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><br /></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b><div> </div>Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-2303216691946132762021-03-15T16:22:00.004-04:002021-03-15T16:23:50.113-04:00Bits and Pieces Coming Together for Spring<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Like everyone else, I have found myself totally scattered
and disconnected over the past year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have missed deadlines, have had days of total brain fog,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and weeks <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have flown by, despite days dragging, and I
feel like I have not accomplished much at all. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCXT1MGVMMSTrp28cm2My7YXzUWCAVnZg0RAzUVEcpGSUYWvPRDM0KPfID0qoQRLWSBb9A9-hcjDm0EPJ1-5b76ayRQS9r_h2D-y-LSgwzQklBZiqO2EScDMXv6HSy0x-1zRNju8cIKx4/s2048/The+favorite+of+many+through+the+winter%252C+the+cardinals+now+declare+their+territories..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCXT1MGVMMSTrp28cm2My7YXzUWCAVnZg0RAzUVEcpGSUYWvPRDM0KPfID0qoQRLWSBb9A9-hcjDm0EPJ1-5b76ayRQS9r_h2D-y-LSgwzQklBZiqO2EScDMXv6HSy0x-1zRNju8cIKx4/w263-h175/The+favorite+of+many+through+the+winter%252C+the+cardinals+now+declare+their+territories..jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The favorite of many through the winter, <br />cardinals now declare their territory.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />But it is feeling like spring and little bits are
re-awakening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While nature gets herself
organized to begin the next season, we see there are disconnects in the seasonal
changes too. We are not alone in feeling out of sync. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>March is, in its very nature, a time of
transition and change:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from winter to
spring, from lions to lambs, from darkness to greater light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me, these transitions are positive ones.
I much prefer the coming of spring and promise of warmth, than the cooling that
comes with autumn. But both periods can be unsettling.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsp6VeogUM1pO3PXdK8fRyiw9c_C-IM7Hg4iysKtjnlmQgv7AsZhpfVTUIvtvw179XLsPeP4dNLrvEPHgNn0b2t4rhSOF3ziNsCjhVdYM89sASh7gXTuaGWuAMIrGfSlhN92w1jsg2kOf/s2048/In+vernal+wetlands%252C+the+skunk+cabbage+expands+and+opens..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsp6VeogUM1pO3PXdK8fRyiw9c_C-IM7Hg4iysKtjnlmQgv7AsZhpfVTUIvtvw179XLsPeP4dNLrvEPHgNn0b2t4rhSOF3ziNsCjhVdYM89sASh7gXTuaGWuAMIrGfSlhN92w1jsg2kOf/w155-h206/In+vernal+wetlands%252C+the+skunk+cabbage+expands+and+opens..jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">In vernal wetlands, <br />the skunk cabbage expands and opens.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table>Many creatures, including humans, respond to the lengthening
days, more hours of sunlight. Others respond more to changing temperatures.
Many react to both. It’s often a challenge, and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can be life threatening. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A day like today, as I write, was near 60 degrees. A gift of
a day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A day to burst out of the house
and explore some patches of woodlands for thawed vernal pools and to check on
the rapidly expanding skunk cabbages in the wetlands. It was a good day to rake
out a few corners and uncover some woolly bears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were small gnats of some kind,
bouncing in the air outside my window and there were houseflies and even a butterfly,
a Cabbage white, nectaring on some snow drops. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8W2auWW06GZIrxX0UqmkqW4JyIuaPktmJ2E9qdB-LDn_IOA-sFjZt21mx2XDod6_BqVu6cH4Ok_ct-_VE-2uZUnNuM_vGGeaAsG_qm2IAx-zXetRnw4Ut9uF81nH6plhD7HHK4tcr-vy/s800/The+song+sparrow+will+sing+a+fuller+song+now.+%2528+Rick+Newton%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8W2auWW06GZIrxX0UqmkqW4JyIuaPktmJ2E9qdB-LDn_IOA-sFjZt21mx2XDod6_BqVu6cH4Ok_ct-_VE-2uZUnNuM_vGGeaAsG_qm2IAx-zXetRnw4Ut9uF81nH6plhD7HHK4tcr-vy/w168-h252/The+song+sparrow+will+sing+a+fuller+song+now.+%2528+Rick+Newton%2529.jpg" width="168" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The song sparrow will<br />sing a fuller song now.<br /><i>Photo credit: Rick Newton</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Listening in the morning, it is also interesting to note the
different bird songs. For the most part, birds respond to day length. While a
spring storm, or strong winds can sometimes alter their plans by a day or two,
most are on a pretty consistent schedule. The juncos and white throated
sparrows are singing their spring songs, but it is only a practice as they are
getting ready to head back north.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
same harmony, the cardinals declare their territories high from my dogwood tree
and the house finches chatter<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and sing. My
favorite, the song sparrow, has raised its voice on occasion even during the
cool gray days, but now tosses back its head and declares that it is spring
with a fuller song. They have been here all winter and will be remaining here
to nest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A red-shouldered hawk screamed
loudly today as it circled the woods. They are choosing their nesting sites. However,
other <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>birds are just returning from
their wintering grounds. Today I heard a killdeer, its distinctive call
announcing its arrival. All are in transition, and today was a good day.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The plants are in transition too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many plants respond to the lengthening light
of day. That really doesn’t change from year to year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the temperature swings that we experience
at this time of year, can cause buds to swell too early, and a later, hard
freeze can kill them. With our changing climate and changing temperatures, the
plants and birds and insects are beginning to get out of sync.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could always count on the quince to be
blossoming at the same time the orioles arrive. They make good use of the
nectar. But over the last several years, the quince have bloomed too early, and
are pretty much done when the orioles arrive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The robins arrive with the understanding that
the ground will be softened and foraging for worms will be easy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can get pretty desperate when we get that
hard freeze. <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YDFLuZqre_0YilnPk4GB-2bakEHuf-rkeKeTmSYtebg-q6_GHQSlHlrtY2A6AsSXCc7D0HrVK_Zc16q9v4p6QTxcdQPzyXFCLNTL9cj2ubfZkg9NgGm3EBM45waZCFti-BoIiOQgdw-O/s2048/Pussywillows+are+a+constant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YDFLuZqre_0YilnPk4GB-2bakEHuf-rkeKeTmSYtebg-q6_GHQSlHlrtY2A6AsSXCc7D0HrVK_Zc16q9v4p6QTxcdQPzyXFCLNTL9cj2ubfZkg9NgGm3EBM45waZCFti-BoIiOQgdw-O/w272-h181/Pussywillows+are+a+constant.JPG" width="272" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pussywillows are a constant.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcnFEBVbvzVooZ5JVPYYW0r5tO217U12f7eFVvhroOVqLmTvgiRORJvikGHYzYVXwPCS3JgkGfZ_bBQL3Vkq4zPdFUeNXLdRnrMYhRc2aLCtVd_e9I6m3du0Q9m7pJM5LEqFrigcgtZEC/s2048/But+they+will+transition+too..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiph91-F_3vstWAz1x1xjR3SEeXUIwM_SF-cRJ6QOJZIFQRrE4rlacL7j8L7syEEOfiSFxLcssf0_E6eOW-lJnriDWuI7AhsaZD-tJ7b91oxIrLswCQVELOr2kr36bsFXeJG0U379rXaOK-/s2048/But+they+will+transition+too..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiph91-F_3vstWAz1x1xjR3SEeXUIwM_SF-cRJ6QOJZIFQRrE4rlacL7j8L7syEEOfiSFxLcssf0_E6eOW-lJnriDWuI7AhsaZD-tJ7b91oxIrLswCQVELOr2kr36bsFXeJG0U379rXaOK-/w264-h198/But+they+will+transition+too..JPG" width="264" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">But they will transition, too</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><br />But, things always change. I think most of us have become a
bit armored against certain changes. We have come to expect them. Some of them
we can anticipate and deal with. We know not to put away the warm coats, or
even the snow shovels yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things
change. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard under normal
circumstances, to adjust to seasonal transitions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The climate changing has added some new
challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being cooped up during the
winter of Covid has made us even more restless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The best way that I can settle myself, is to try and embrace
each day as it arrives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not easy,
nor am I always successful. But it is a goal, to see what each day brings and
appreciate it. It can be another sunny warm spring day, or back to howling
winter chill. Some days are quiet and others full of bird song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we know that, even though things may be unsettled
from day to day, we can count on the greater cycles of nature to continue, and
give us hope.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Please take care of yourself and others and our Earth as we head into our next transition. </p><p class="MsoNormal">by Beth Sullivan</p><p class="MsoNormal">All photos by Beth Sullivan, except where noted.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAd-KJxmzopQIsWv7yZWqfTQDR1cLhIi7PREta-mzyAAPH8saX3IBvUWAR9Y03I4huA5gAWKiEJSbA_egXZCSpqZtG0hSpEE3bb8-vA1UceuQTdvfoAYadbUehtvFz0xK7fWF-f9_RCuY/s4608/They+will+stay+into+late+April+but+the+white+throated+sparrows+will+head+north.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAd-KJxmzopQIsWv7yZWqfTQDR1cLhIi7PREta-mzyAAPH8saX3IBvUWAR9Y03I4huA5gAWKiEJSbA_egXZCSpqZtG0hSpEE3bb8-vA1UceuQTdvfoAYadbUehtvFz0xK7fWF-f9_RCuY/s320/They+will+stay+into+late+April+but+the+white+throated+sparrows+will+head+north.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">They will stay until late April<br />but the white-throated sparrows will head north.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AUgMsDPnSnN2WAXxc0u8Hax-YltN63xeMf6VtEHrlIqzJkRrC32wa4Gj8Ds7NeR6s-6lDI0189nnxNuuQbmPg4_azbJ8I0grrv7H-fF6SfeIezkmRt6Fryl-xuT84XuFt9gzAXpy_b-X/s2048/The+oriole%2527s+arrival+is+timed+to+coincide+with+flowering+trees.+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AUgMsDPnSnN2WAXxc0u8Hax-YltN63xeMf6VtEHrlIqzJkRrC32wa4Gj8Ds7NeR6s-6lDI0189nnxNuuQbmPg4_azbJ8I0grrv7H-fF6SfeIezkmRt6Fryl-xuT84XuFt9gzAXpy_b-X/s320/The+oriole%2527s+arrival+is+timed+to+coincide+with+flowering+trees.+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">The oriole's arrival is timed to <br />coincide with the flowering trees.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDENvpF8NtGfW37cAd8_2YXU3rNQqdIgelaTtwlLimcLiK3yqMDhB53J0JXiZnjXWJIFxlksG1sWf-jDCpJPo0mQeyncp2wM74-JYVvn8l3ebz_yGhw80RzX2q-3wVoZIrDEOBafNVK81S/s2048/The+killdeer+are+really+vocal+when+they+return+in+the+spring..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1994" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDENvpF8NtGfW37cAd8_2YXU3rNQqdIgelaTtwlLimcLiK3yqMDhB53J0JXiZnjXWJIFxlksG1sWf-jDCpJPo0mQeyncp2wM74-JYVvn8l3ebz_yGhw80RzX2q-3wVoZIrDEOBafNVK81S/s320/The+killdeer+are+really+vocal+when+they+return+in+the+spring..JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The killdeer is really vocal when it returns in spring.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></b><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-32772166986147678832021-02-28T19:48:00.003-05:002021-02-28T19:48:27.230-05:00The Other Half of Our Mission<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>by Beth Sullivan</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><b>Our Mission: </b>We preserve natural habitats in southeastern Connecticut by acquiring and protecting lands, and by communicating the value of these irreplaceable resources.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJLhu0Trnp46-L9Yl3LkpX0ODGTqcw_oynGKHJikRphg-jP79zfx9Ibz5f7Yv30BtURkAmo_hAXLY1EKoDcsLTnr1x-qms-982eFRZYzydBpNOpHreooWExaI46C4eGqV7D9vxb-PWZJX/s4608/Communicating+the+value+of+these+irreplaceable+resources..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJLhu0Trnp46-L9Yl3LkpX0ODGTqcw_oynGKHJikRphg-jP79zfx9Ibz5f7Yv30BtURkAmo_hAXLY1EKoDcsLTnr1x-qms-982eFRZYzydBpNOpHreooWExaI46C4eGqV7D9vxb-PWZJX/w224-h168/Communicating+the+value+of+these+irreplaceable+resources..JPG" width="224" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Communicating the value of these<br />irreplaceable resources.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Everyone who is aware of Avalonia as a land conservancy in
southeast CT, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>understands the first part
of that statement,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>about preserving,
acquiring and protecting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the last
several years Avalonia has acquired, or is in the process of acquiring, almost
1000 acres.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, over 4,300 acres are
protected for the future, for generations of wildlife and people. From our
shoreline, which is imperiled by rising sea level, to coastal forests that are
being lost to development;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from small
vernal pools, to swamps and bogs,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ponds,
streams and rivers;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from meadows and
thickets to forests with rocky ledges and towering old trees;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Avalonia has a wonderful and diverse cross
section of habitats to share.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkR1CZM7UvA4-ajlRXhxi0trTJJmQIDqC-MTOJGQM6XblcaWEV70kyzFQojwoVxLS1emFGKbGoyR2Kj5moQu0WuNp1GiBWYk-kWTDz9mzmDdRtAfnxbvCvLAWTRqrcsPnt5yDabr2sevW6/s2048/An+illustrated+sign+grabs+the+interest+of+a+young+hiker..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkR1CZM7UvA4-ajlRXhxi0trTJJmQIDqC-MTOJGQM6XblcaWEV70kyzFQojwoVxLS1emFGKbGoyR2Kj5moQu0WuNp1GiBWYk-kWTDz9mzmDdRtAfnxbvCvLAWTRqrcsPnt5yDabr2sevW6/w217-h144/An+illustrated+sign+grabs+the+interest+of+a+young+hiker..JPG" width="217" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>An illustrated sign captures the<br />interest of a young hiker.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>That’s where the second part of the mission comes in:
sharing these resources, communicating and educating all who will listen, about
the importance of habitat conservation and diversity. Many of us took refuge in
nature over this past year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our trails
saw enormous increases in traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is always my hope that people truly think about where they walk, see with
different eyes, keep their ears alert, when they are on a trail in the woods
and not merely walk for exercise with ear phones securely plugged in! You can
learn so much, just on your own, by paying attention.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, sometimes we are lucky to be able to truly,
actively, educate people about our preserves, and sometimes they educate us! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few
preserves have informational signage to point out special elements<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>along the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are hoping to do a little more of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a lot of information on our website
about each of the preserves, and links to articles that may offer more insight.
Hike and Seek has remained popular with children, families and even older
adults who have found our trails and preserves to be sources of learning,
respite and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>exercise. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvNMjqoolR3-ZI6VttH7LUzJFPH6DQxQZh54dMLqezGqDclKCI7q25Vo1YgdPOMXxviII9aawKilggDLCtMul6IlPBLofR4KUymLK1pgt_dUSrT3A2cHG8c7RD7xpw3_nsSOzgfgZkZWD/s2048/The+students+became+the+educators..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvNMjqoolR3-ZI6VttH7LUzJFPH6DQxQZh54dMLqezGqDclKCI7q25Vo1YgdPOMXxviII9aawKilggDLCtMul6IlPBLofR4KUymLK1pgt_dUSrT3A2cHG8c7RD7xpw3_nsSOzgfgZkZWD/w211-h158/The+students+became+the+educators..jpg" width="211" /></b></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The students become the educators</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>This is the time of year when we also begin to think about
some special programs that offer different levels of education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Conn College Goodwin Niering Center for
the Environment will be joining forces with Avalonia for the ninth year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since 2013 I have worked with some of the
brightest<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>young minds, enthusiastic,
hopeful and eager to participate in some aspect of Avalonia’s work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years we have had projects from
stewardship and on the ground research, to fundraising and social media
efforts. We never quite know what direction their projects will take, but in
the next semester, you will be introduced to some of them as we learn together.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am also so very lucky to be working with a great team from
UConn on the Hoffman Project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through
these connections, I myself am learning a lot about forest management, climate
change and also ways to impart that knowledge to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are creating more informational signs for
trail side learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Under the
leadership of a Stonington Town Committee member, a professor from GWU,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Avalonia will be offering a series of
webinars about how changing climate is influencing our forests and their
ability to adapt. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Entitled “Finding the
Right Trees for the Right Time”,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
seminars will discuss the planning and planting we are doing to ensure a
resilient coastal forest at the Hoffman Preserve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find out more on our website <a href="https://avalonia.org/finding-the-right-trees-for-the-right-time-a-speaker-series/">here.</a> We are also
planning to work with the local schools and teachers to offer Hoffman as a
living laboratory for learning and field work.
At a time when classrooms are often challenging to keep safe, an outdoor
classroom may prove perfect!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHw3-CDUIv52BvxpTMXvxwZfd__QjicJathjTql2CO-fwGUdvAFL9exdJiy6akfagbT8gNKV_YOIb5q7djCPx8a_Xu5_agXVEF3U04I9f8tK5e3dZL90dY-op-HYtL4NjeZg5U7dpwVUg/s2016/Putting+heads+together+to+explore+life+found+in+a+vernal+pool.+%2528+Kim+Bradley%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHw3-CDUIv52BvxpTMXvxwZfd__QjicJathjTql2CO-fwGUdvAFL9exdJiy6akfagbT8gNKV_YOIb5q7djCPx8a_Xu5_agXVEF3U04I9f8tK5e3dZL90dY-op-HYtL4NjeZg5U7dpwVUg/w185-h246/Putting+heads+together+to+explore+life+found+in+a+vernal+pool.+%2528+Kim+Bradley%2529.jpg" width="185" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Putting heads together to explore <br />life found in a vernal pool. <br />(Photo credit:Kim Bradley) </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>There are also many Citizen Science opportunities for
students and families to participate in, providing opportunities to learn,and to
contribute data to the knowledge base about wildlife in our area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is an ongoing opportunity to record
bird sightings on eBird<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://ebird.org/">https://ebird.org/</a>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have just finished the Great Backyard
Birdcount <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.birdcount.org/">https://www.birdcount.org/</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and
Project Feeder Watch <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://feederwatch.org/">https://feederwatch.org/</a> continues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both websites offer great information about
observing birds wherever you may be. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe it or not, next month we will be
watching for the return of the Osprey to their nesting sites. Osprey Nation
offers great information and opportunities to monitor these magnificent birds. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.ctaudubon.org/osprey-nation-home">https://www.ctaudubon.org/osprey-nation-home</a>.
We will also begin to listen for and report,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>those first sounds of spring, from frogs and toads in the Frog Watch
Program <a href="https://www.aza.org/frogwatch">https://www.aza.org/frogwatch</a>,
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sponsored locally by the Mystic
Aquarium. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We may still be in the middle of winter, but we can think
forward to spring. Avalonia provides the land and opportunities to communicate the
value of these irreplaceable resources.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZFWf9YT3_qLBTTgXfH6GSHfE0tRt-F7St_Wl0ebMEU3xPvt85P6TVn_i_5-c5ZyM6PoMkjOwPCmVaLbCgVSAXLCrUSD3I24xpBGUrOVYHkh-yHjdOqk5MRuThKJAjpODLog8013fkm5H/s2048/At+Hoffman%252C+educational+signage+helps+visitors+understand+the+conservation+practices..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZFWf9YT3_qLBTTgXfH6GSHfE0tRt-F7St_Wl0ebMEU3xPvt85P6TVn_i_5-c5ZyM6PoMkjOwPCmVaLbCgVSAXLCrUSD3I24xpBGUrOVYHkh-yHjdOqk5MRuThKJAjpODLog8013fkm5H/s320/At+Hoffman%252C+educational+signage+helps+visitors+understand+the+conservation+practices..jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>At Hoffman, educational signage helps <br />visitors understand conservation practices.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTOSOrp5Y_QfyQYmA3uH1ZF0NkN5ZqaFEA-ZhTw6SyDyLfdofdvQaCm0PX8LMVwZRZX2Ir6hyphenhyphen_-Et5BD4AHfWAmaFessW5xDXYSFPOQIQKKYJcaoPrYk5dl6Xwghyphenhyphenh7Zs78CNblbFCouY/s1280/Citizen+Science+activities+can+start+early%252C+and+last+a+lifetime+%2528+Nick+Young%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTOSOrp5Y_QfyQYmA3uH1ZF0NkN5ZqaFEA-ZhTw6SyDyLfdofdvQaCm0PX8LMVwZRZX2Ir6hyphenhyphen_-Et5BD4AHfWAmaFessW5xDXYSFPOQIQKKYJcaoPrYk5dl6Xwghyphenhyphenh7Zs78CNblbFCouY/s320/Citizen+Science+activities+can+start+early%252C+and+last+a+lifetime+%2528+Nick+Young%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Citizen science activities can start early and last a lifetime.<br />Photo credit: Nick Young</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDYzuU5MCGPTlyQmNM38Bzy4Q5WKJt7oxK9gPVaUqPwYl5ysUxLR8Iw83I5MPD9my8OtAhhREIy9_NKPwmJpDqx2ZKI5zeDNky791FP-ALYjG04mDvN-JF8noDWQSezH-I8KTNVsortHy/s2048/Education+and+outreach+can+take+many+forms..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDYzuU5MCGPTlyQmNM38Bzy4Q5WKJt7oxK9gPVaUqPwYl5ysUxLR8Iw83I5MPD9my8OtAhhREIy9_NKPwmJpDqx2ZKI5zeDNky791FP-ALYjG04mDvN-JF8noDWQSezH-I8KTNVsortHy/s320/Education+and+outreach+can+take+many+forms..jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Education and outreach can take many forms.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-76356546583621147232021-01-31T20:07:00.002-05:002021-01-31T20:56:20.105-05:00Musings on a snowy morning<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SO1o756WiUHRPdyXvsSuQNnrI9VOprER03rutAxmHK8hO0m3e79yLD-ruTbS80fORHID76oIyx50Zg5KSK0cwIwWzLN4M1bFAShbbaJ6LFp-Xm_ydVwzvCWFjNcSG8_mOKnF2wBzooMo/s1766/Delicate+pine+needles+captured+and+held+the+even+more+delicate+snow+flakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1386" data-original-width="1766" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SO1o756WiUHRPdyXvsSuQNnrI9VOprER03rutAxmHK8hO0m3e79yLD-ruTbS80fORHID76oIyx50Zg5KSK0cwIwWzLN4M1bFAShbbaJ6LFp-Xm_ydVwzvCWFjNcSG8_mOKnF2wBzooMo/w200-h157/Delicate+pine+needles+captured+and+held+the+even+more+delicate+snow+flakes.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Delicate pine needles held and</b></span> <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>then captured the even<br />more delicate snow.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>We haven’t had a lot of snow yet this season. There are pros and cons to that and many would argue over whether it is good or bad. I myself am not fond of a lot of snow, but I would much rather see normal snowfall, in the proper time frame, to keep plants and animals in sync with their natural seasonal responses. In recent years we have had delayed starts to winter, we have had less snow cover to protect plants during winter. We have had warm spells way too early which trigger sap flows and bud swelling, only to be followed by late snow and deep freezes that wreak havoc on every one and every thing. <div><br /></div><div> But awakening to a beautiful January snowfall this past Wednesday was a well-timed gift. I don’t think anyone can deny the beauty of a light, fluffy snow; pristine in the morning hours, still coating every small branch. There is a pull to get out the door. Not necessarily to get the walkways and driveways clear, but maybe to be the first to set foot in the untouched snow on a favorite trail. </div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzek0tj-ginEeBP8H-cSfj8SRPG7GztfZvwLlixCuJYttCdGtvKoysQ1Ofd2UXQslnF8ayaI-jSkvvueBc6M-HWoOJWkIQKiQIqerq9US10-aq3qjzK4RDpqY8Qjtahe9IZLPHwwTUOPn/s2048/I+wasn%2527t+the+first+creature+to+set+foot+on+the+trail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzek0tj-ginEeBP8H-cSfj8SRPG7GztfZvwLlixCuJYttCdGtvKoysQ1Ofd2UXQslnF8ayaI-jSkvvueBc6M-HWoOJWkIQKiQIqerq9US10-aq3qjzK4RDpqY8Qjtahe9IZLPHwwTUOPn/w236-h177/I+wasn%2527t+the+first+creature+to+set+foot+on+the+trail.JPG" width="236" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>I was not the first creature to <br />set foot on the trails</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Things just look so different in the snow, not just because of the whiteness, but because of the way some details are covered up and others stand out. Stepping into the woods, all the distracting details of leaves and browns and grays of rocks and wood, were covered. Instead the trees looked draped in lace with intricate patterns of delicate white threading through the branches. It was still early and there was no wind, no melting to disturb the snow on even the smallest twig. But when there was a motion of falling snow, it was an easy way to notice a bird or squirrel over head. </div><div><br /></div><div>I wasn’t the first creature on the path that morning. Several deer had walked through the woods before me, following their own trails. They seem to follow the same patterns of travel month after month, season after season, through these woods of the Woodlot Sanctuary. Then I found the tracks of a squirrel. It was fun to note where it had left the ground and jumped into a tree and also to note where it tried to uncover a hidden stash of seeds or acorns, by </div><div>digging several holes in an area. At one point set of canine prints joined the trail. They were most certainly coyote tracks and it appeared that the animal was very comfortable using the same trail that I was now. It stopped and investigated where the squirrel had been digging. Snow allows us to see things that would be otherwise invisible. A month ago I wrote of needing to search for rabbit pellets on bare ground. They are so much easier to see with snow! </div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf6VQ3zpN5BKVhLe2RF7JeEgUOULqYDhD1T7e1o-6Tunh5DgHEeqZK2k5g67ggaIzgP9PQba7v9iTHfskPr9eA4HXcymP-QI0Po7vDzWn9h7VHshXRqaodRwKPX_k0cLZVDI484xliyL9/s2048/I+never+would+have++noticed+the+stair+step+patterns+on+this+rock+if+not+for+the+snow..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf6VQ3zpN5BKVhLe2RF7JeEgUOULqYDhD1T7e1o-6Tunh5DgHEeqZK2k5g67ggaIzgP9PQba7v9iTHfskPr9eA4HXcymP-QI0Po7vDzWn9h7VHshXRqaodRwKPX_k0cLZVDI484xliyL9/w256-h191/I+never+would+have++noticed+the+stair+step+patterns+on+this+rock+if+not+for+the+snow..JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>I never would have noticed the <br />stairstep patterns on this rock<br />if not for the snow.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>But walking in the snow wasn’t just about tracking things. The snow made certain shapes and designs stand out in ways that we wouldn’t ordinarily notice. Against the snow white background, lichens on the rocks stood out more distinctly. The soft brown leaves on the beech trees took on a greater brilliance in the snow. Designs were created by ordinary objects when covered irregularly by the light snow. </div><div><br /></div><div>It’s fun to take photos and then look at them later to see what the camera has captured. But, always make sure you spend more time stopping, and looking with your own eyes, to fully appreciate a beautiful, fleeting, snowy morning. Be in the moment and cherish it. </div><div><br /></div><div>by Beth Sullivan</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bcbvq7acMeh5QXd5TeF7V-YtiNhzuUry5WuRK56n_zjdRQn5_KF5_p0s8ca50AVUWW6TiKGqtqBzimmQ88OZLRjrt-54ypEyLO1L6vKkV9DrZsHZwknY7h_SedLQZCE_fjArAwPE_O9L/s2048/The+soft+brown+beech+leaves+took+on+a+warmer%252C+more+outstanding+glow..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bcbvq7acMeh5QXd5TeF7V-YtiNhzuUry5WuRK56n_zjdRQn5_KF5_p0s8ca50AVUWW6TiKGqtqBzimmQ88OZLRjrt-54ypEyLO1L6vKkV9DrZsHZwknY7h_SedLQZCE_fjArAwPE_O9L/w311-h232/The+soft+brown+beech+leaves+took+on+a+warmer%252C+more+outstanding+glow..JPG" width="311" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">The soft brown beech leaves took on<br />a warmer, more outstanding glow.<br /><br /></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEIPjOlDPdiyteHVw4z9EM_9D8Ku5REdiP2kNnIvGlq1qV7SpdMqEeF3__41Wx-eSIVAtozmiHsMCrZ0cY5tSNBs7bZoclwQnTDR9we_jVncQL2HWPhHyGsgxirS085TfSKmpRqxoUIio/s2048/The+details+of+this+lichen+just+jumped+out+into+view+against+the+background+of+pute+white..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1571" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEIPjOlDPdiyteHVw4z9EM_9D8Ku5REdiP2kNnIvGlq1qV7SpdMqEeF3__41Wx-eSIVAtozmiHsMCrZ0cY5tSNBs7bZoclwQnTDR9we_jVncQL2HWPhHyGsgxirS085TfSKmpRqxoUIio/w196-h257/The+details+of+this+lichen+just+jumped+out+into+view+against+the+background+of+pute+white..jpg" width="196" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The details of this lichen<br />just jumped out into<br />view against the <br />background of pure white.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6s6x7RvTuEm_hu2_mCYsbi80KDpdrC3n2alqA1d5is2R1r-Qij5MShaT_bpMH74Xn6h_HWXn5L5br_UbWUI6_S7_AubIOfjWu6RlfSzzYnHruZRkB7P8N7B_2CrO5owsUblSK1Sk3u1QI/s2048/Some+things+are+just+a+lot+easier+to+see+in+the+snow%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1823" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6s6x7RvTuEm_hu2_mCYsbi80KDpdrC3n2alqA1d5is2R1r-Qij5MShaT_bpMH74Xn6h_HWXn5L5br_UbWUI6_S7_AubIOfjWu6RlfSzzYnHruZRkB7P8N7B_2CrO5owsUblSK1Sk3u1QI/w225-h253/Some+things+are+just+a+lot+easier+to+see+in+the+snow%2521.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Some things are just a lot<br />easier to see in the snow!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9vJLDsw3HjbtySPqwtraDc_Z_Gf-51-WT0Rpd9EULIqd6vHs1I8PFL0m0Z51TtGaiT3Pjp7yoIpYaJW5H-bRI4duXvXNEgbBO3vQUYM98soSMHyBEJALCfTFgnKfj25Ln9IZu18p4K1S/s2048/Where+a+rock%252C+covered+with+lichen+and+moss+retained+some+heat+from+the+ground%252C+the+snow+receded+and+left+it+in+view..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9vJLDsw3HjbtySPqwtraDc_Z_Gf-51-WT0Rpd9EULIqd6vHs1I8PFL0m0Z51TtGaiT3Pjp7yoIpYaJW5H-bRI4duXvXNEgbBO3vQUYM98soSMHyBEJALCfTFgnKfj25Ln9IZu18p4K1S/s320/Where+a+rock%252C+covered+with+lichen+and+moss+retained+some+heat+from+the+ground%252C+the+snow+receded+and+left+it+in+view..JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Where a rock, covered in lichen and moss, retained<br />some heat from the ground, the snow receded<br />and left it in view.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-59387132438644504952021-01-18T09:31:00.001-05:002021-01-18T09:32:43.950-05:00Looking for Color in Winter by Beth Sullivan<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfz7hoRLYzKtLp_UhVNpvOfGcbVJyVPM2NMGVQEQbgPt_VYIC8SyIPCPkapZ3KONUMCYwwtOMDTiNyaxn567XXYDLKLnB4YsfNfIzkrLXn51ncD6e9Th09wIfvNpauWrtaPjUDT6QENQO/s2048/A+few+deep+blue+berries+on+greenbrier+are+welcomed+by+birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfz7hoRLYzKtLp_UhVNpvOfGcbVJyVPM2NMGVQEQbgPt_VYIC8SyIPCPkapZ3KONUMCYwwtOMDTiNyaxn567XXYDLKLnB4YsfNfIzkrLXn51ncD6e9Th09wIfvNpauWrtaPjUDT6QENQO/s320/A+few+deep+blue+berries+on+greenbrier+are+welcomed+by+birds.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>A few deep blue berries on greenbriar are welcomed by birds.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We are at
the darkest days of the year. The woods can look pretty drab and it even makes me
appreciate just a bit of snow to brighten
the scenery. But take a walk and look
closely and you will find some welcome color.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We all know
our pines, spruce, firs, and cedars the bigger evergreens of the
woodlands. They provide great protection
for birds and other small creatures when the winter winds blow and snows
fall. Their cones hold nutritious seeds,
high in fats and proteins that the wildlife need to help them through the cold
season. <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_Z6GtVKsWJFzn9bO-ySu3C0P7yU8JqzBFjN7srXtQTs1EyK8P-nJzE-HRvY5ONu_taWRWtXCOJDrCmQ4g5bGLf_NVusus41Qxzlpmw_dpexFtdz-9V3fm9ZeHG9sxYnwxgu635Hf1Yi5/s2048/Mountain+Laurel+thickets+keep+us+in+green+all+winter..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_Z6GtVKsWJFzn9bO-ySu3C0P7yU8JqzBFjN7srXtQTs1EyK8P-nJzE-HRvY5ONu_taWRWtXCOJDrCmQ4g5bGLf_NVusus41Qxzlpmw_dpexFtdz-9V3fm9ZeHG9sxYnwxgu635Hf1Yi5/w232-h174/Mountain+Laurel+thickets+keep+us+in+green+all+winter..jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Mountain laurel thickets keep us green all winter.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Look a
little lower, the shrub layer in many of our woodlands is dominated in places
by our State Flower: Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia). Drive along many of our roads where the
scenery is rocky and rough and you will welcome the sight of gnarled branches
and leathery green leaves of this lovely shrub. While it doesn’t provide a food
supply, the usefulness as nesting sites for forest birds is often revealed in
winter. (Tefftweald in North
Stonington, Hoffman Preserve in Stonington)<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6osJ1A5Sn7nO-S3jIktK6buSYLrBJkukO4gHGDtUMr9J7Qr98106nKsWMfFJaBQtB8TmzFbUuG0cEdFgNrA0o60GODrxoQu8HepdCmHvh4R8lqXsGmE7pcpZXGoCBYP52Le8kgKcowQqm/s4608/Wintergreen+holly+loses+its+leaves+and+the+berries+are+standouts%2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6osJ1A5Sn7nO-S3jIktK6buSYLrBJkukO4gHGDtUMr9J7Qr98106nKsWMfFJaBQtB8TmzFbUuG0cEdFgNrA0o60GODrxoQu8HepdCmHvh4R8lqXsGmE7pcpZXGoCBYP52Le8kgKcowQqm/s4608/Wintergreen+holly+loses+its+leaves+and+the+berries+are+standouts%2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6osJ1A5Sn7nO-S3jIktK6buSYLrBJkukO4gHGDtUMr9J7Qr98106nKsWMfFJaBQtB8TmzFbUuG0cEdFgNrA0o60GODrxoQu8HepdCmHvh4R8lqXsGmE7pcpZXGoCBYP52Le8kgKcowQqm/w257-h193/Wintergreen+holly+loses+its+leaves+and+the+berries+are+standouts%2521.JPG" width="257" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Wintergreen holly loses its leaves <br />and the berries are standouts! </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Our native
hollies provide winter interest. Our native evergreen American holly, ( Ilex
opaca) the familiar Christmas decoration, has spikes on the leaves to deter deer but the berries are feasted
upon by many birds through the winter,
as long as they last. Robins, Thrushes, Cedar Waxwings and Bluebirds in
particular will find a bush and claim it!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Our other
native holly, Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)is deciduous, but its berries glow
red on bare branches during this season.
These berries often do not fully
ripen until they have been cold for a long time, then they actually ferment and
the birds love them. This is true of
many berries that remain on the bush through the winter: Viburnum and crab
apple in particular. Those birds know how to wait until the vintage is perfect!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Look in the
most tangled thickets to find dark blue or purple berries of viburnum,
greenbrier and Virginia creeper. All of these are sought after by birds. At Knox Preserve the field cedars/junipers
have blue fruits prized by many birds through the winter. <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvlCc1chzmVarIU8ed3c4a13vujyf7fFnYLJFXdZs3Jpcm_nUyXzgV_Edv5I9aKcOI_20ot29p4xw3Gbuf6egOTy2CeGnNOJzpTcUMOunURMepMgBPsL4fMNVIVU_4wX4fuml-zC9b-L1/s2048/A+clubmoss+emerges+above+the+snow..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvlCc1chzmVarIU8ed3c4a13vujyf7fFnYLJFXdZs3Jpcm_nUyXzgV_Edv5I9aKcOI_20ot29p4xw3Gbuf6egOTy2CeGnNOJzpTcUMOunURMepMgBPsL4fMNVIVU_4wX4fuml-zC9b-L1/w177-h118/A+clubmoss+emerges+above+the+snow..JPG" width="177" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Club moss emerges<br />above the snow.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Club Mosses
(Lycopodium sp.), such as Princess Pine and Ground Cedar ( they have multiple
common names), will populate the ground in patches. Years ago they were
harvested irresponsibly for Christmas decorations and the populations were
nearly decimated. Garden Clubs have
protected the species by refusing to pick it or sell decorations using the club
mosses. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Many species
of true mosses seem to become more intensely emerald at this time of year. Others take on softer tones. They are all
welcome sights amid the brown and grays on the ground. They are especially
lovely peeking through the snow. </span></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUNAh9ehxl0MblMvh8zFfatteoPJxyNGxIp6GzFEjihauY-RGl8eWlrR_R6-xQZvaFnEdvf_nc0Zt_ZUXjfHSQMw7UD1X82fXqDC37kPAiNiR8lXSnL8rgUPArStH1VjsB0-omoWvs2hx/s2048/Partridgeberry+hugs+the+ground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="2048" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUNAh9ehxl0MblMvh8zFfatteoPJxyNGxIp6GzFEjihauY-RGl8eWlrR_R6-xQZvaFnEdvf_nc0Zt_ZUXjfHSQMw7UD1X82fXqDC37kPAiNiR8lXSnL8rgUPArStH1VjsB0-omoWvs2hx/w240-h135/Partridgeberry+hugs+the+ground.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Partridge berry hugs the ground.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="line-height: 115%;">There are a
few evergreen plants, still holding leaves: Christmas Fern for one, each ‘leaflet’
on a frond<br /> has a “toe” creating a “stocking”. Partridgeberry is a sweet vining plan with
delicate evergreen leaves. The occasional red berry remains on the plant as an
invitation to a ‘Partridge’ who may favor the berries. Sadly our native
partridge or quail, the Bobwhite is considered extirpated from Connecticut. Only to be remembered in Christmas song,
being in a Pear Tree!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Many people
truly look forward to the pure and dazzling white of a pristine snowfall. But, since we haven’t had but one this
season, enjoy finding bits of color on your woodland walks.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QtWzCLthu7C4UZ5o1juI-btSJyISFT_988pEbbqXfl7XQ2l4y6eMLzFdR88NjemEunDWpI10-KJqOK7dm4akjb6jgzFDpMNDAvtPtfn8OTPDwsnAgfaHV_k2wVgXHaYA6Mqz5QyXoqyu/s4608/A+Cedar+Wax-wing+knows+when+the+berries+are+at+the+peak+of+their+sugar+content.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QtWzCLthu7C4UZ5o1juI-btSJyISFT_988pEbbqXfl7XQ2l4y6eMLzFdR88NjemEunDWpI10-KJqOK7dm4akjb6jgzFDpMNDAvtPtfn8OTPDwsnAgfaHV_k2wVgXHaYA6Mqz5QyXoqyu/s320/A+Cedar+Wax-wing+knows+when+the+berries+are+at+the+peak+of+their+sugar+content.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>A Cedar Wax-wing knows when the berries<br />are at the peak of their sugar content.<br /><br /></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuF1_djALlemWnTtCOEKBaCpx9p6EeIy1CMEofZbmtwwWCRBkwvfE0NOM935gRAw4aYHGJcEfZBpscKWpYAvcUEMWYLNIV-m9aJjvfccoQURoyD_325jgS0NIRtIuz9iI58eyUrTWJbPz/s2048/The+brightest+emerald+in+the+woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuF1_djALlemWnTtCOEKBaCpx9p6EeIy1CMEofZbmtwwWCRBkwvfE0NOM935gRAw4aYHGJcEfZBpscKWpYAvcUEMWYLNIV-m9aJjvfccoQURoyD_325jgS0NIRtIuz9iI58eyUrTWJbPz/s320/The+brightest+emerald+in+the+woods.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">The brightest emerald in the woods!</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-45369070723777520382021-01-04T17:33:00.000-05:002021-01-04T17:34:17.436-05:00Looking forward with 2020...in 2021<p> by Beth Sullivan</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #824409; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFT3eE1jAOmFyAS6MxHrUm5bNwbdsqfsa9su2RIS1tYf7x6S___A4hXMtoZx4zbg5ptn2vzp3D1cqPp3czi8rvAujZhxIZc9tadlbgpCdxSRyM087nHnx7xKxkawNzLd7eO6yf_vbZqXK4/s4608/The+littlest+ones+will+always+need+a+guiding+hand..JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFT3eE1jAOmFyAS6MxHrUm5bNwbdsqfsa9su2RIS1tYf7x6S___A4hXMtoZx4zbg5ptn2vzp3D1cqPp3czi8rvAujZhxIZc9tadlbgpCdxSRyM087nHnx7xKxkawNzLd7eO6yf_vbZqXK4/w253-h337/The+littlest+ones+will+always+need+a+guiding+hand..JPG" width="253" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The littlest ones will always need a <br />guiding hand.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #b45f06;">Happy
New Year. A new year, a new decade, possibly a new way to think. Most of us try
to start a new year with resolutions, or at least good intentions to do
something different. It might be to exercise more, eat healthier, or lose
weight. It also could be to take a class, start a project, or learn a skill.
For others it is cleaning up, clearing out, purging papers, and reducing
clutter in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></i><p></p>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
got thinking about a different path. Maybe it’s because ‘2020’ is also linked
with good vision. We are able to look forward clearly but also be in the
present clearly, consciously.<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our
vision for the future is entirely entwined with our children, the children of
the world. Think of what we can teach them. What can we show them, both
beautiful and inspiring, and not so beautiful but hopefully inspiring in a
different way? All parents know you cannot force a toddler or a teenager to
comply with our every wish, but what we can do is gently and patiently open
their eyes to their potential and guide them on a 2020 path of clear sight to
improve our world and make a positive difference. It’s just one year,
concentrating not on ourselves, but having a greater vision and understanding
that as one person, we can truly make a difference. Maybe it will become a new
habit.</span></i><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #824409; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuuY9RYjD_wLQwfSKp1hyphenhyphensrj3M4Q5yfSwf3bk8Jr56ZTg1Yva__1E5182W559f1a60BQ4_tsIyEgtc07svXmicL2yWcYtUr7aq1l8igYkyCNLXqlhZDw0NelFRIWJqcUmK_D3TF7bYiV6/s843/Some+contacts+don%2527t+need+masks.+Encourage+those..jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Some contacts don't need masks. Encourage them." border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="843" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuuY9RYjD_wLQwfSKp1hyphenhyphensrj3M4Q5yfSwf3bk8Jr56ZTg1Yva__1E5182W559f1a60BQ4_tsIyEgtc07svXmicL2yWcYtUr7aq1l8igYkyCNLXqlhZDw0NelFRIWJqcUmK_D3TF7bYiV6/w209-h205/Some+contacts+don%2527t+need+masks.+Encourage+those..jpg" title="Some contacts don't need masks. Encourage them." width="209" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Some contacts don't need masks.<br />Encourage them.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>That is what I wrote
for the first blog of 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who could
have known what we would go through and witness with our “2020 vision”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I read those words several times and
realized there was a lot of truth to them, but maybe not exactly what we
imagined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A new way to think”: That’s
for sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all had to change how we
thought about almost everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many
things we took for granted, now became focal points. People we may have taken
for granted, were now recognized as essential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hugging and touching, basic human contacts became actions we had to
pre-think and even avoid. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were all
finally getting on the right track to avoid plastics, disposables and bringing
our own bags to the grocery store. Unfortunately, I am afraid the pandemic put
some of the ecological thinking on the back burner for a while. Much of the large
scale, international, and certainly national efforts to clean up the
environment and reduce emissions became secondary to the pandemic affecting
lives all around the world. <span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89Cki4X4q-FdHwzhyM8lZpvHMWKiZM3jDk9qODEyyKrG8gk7ZOqI24DQTwsPtok8srtvjzhoYutixQD2-obaRnkGK7eziEo4h213fCAeoFOJSMiP1JgOUSXBa_iSWXozVosUX3nItHJXS/s2048/Maybe+our+new+exposure+to+such+places+will+increase+our+desire+to+preserve+and+protect+them..JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maybe our new exposure to such places will increase our desire to preserve and protect them." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89Cki4X4q-FdHwzhyM8lZpvHMWKiZM3jDk9qODEyyKrG8gk7ZOqI24DQTwsPtok8srtvjzhoYutixQD2-obaRnkGK7eziEo4h213fCAeoFOJSMiP1JgOUSXBa_iSWXozVosUX3nItHJXS/w282-h187/Maybe+our+new+exposure+to+such+places+will+increase+our+desire+to+preserve+and+protect+them..JPG" title="Maybe our new exposure to such places will increase our desire to preserve and protect them." width="282" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Maybe our new exposure to such places <br />will increase our desire to preserve <br />and protect them</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table> But think about the
rest of it: there really were ways we grew, and many more opportunities to
observe and appreciate what we have. One of the most obvious side- impacts of
2020, had to do with people being more aware of the natural world. It was truly
unfortunate that many people had to give up jobs, or work from home, and kids were
out of school, but it created opportunities for many of us to turn to Nature
for recreation, exercise, education, companionship and respite. As an outcome,
just possibly, children may have come to greater curiosity, understanding and
love for Nature and with that will come a caring for the environment, habitats
and ecosystems in the future. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">So, my hope for 2021 is that we have learned from 2020
insights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have learned the importance
of people and services that are truly essential. We need to trust science in
matters of health, and environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
will never take for granted a hug, a handshake or even a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have come to know our outdoor havens and
how good nature is for the soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s
please resolve to keep other important things in our vision for 2021 to remain
safe and grateful for the good in the world.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"></span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b>Wishing a Happy, Healthy New Year to all. Beth</b></h2><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYx2qisJIifUG8D0_aAoMNVDW2LTO2fUOcGJh48uQP1Ko08sedJgX7xpCpyrrWxAIsfs9FlFEVw6oWe8zGPgn1ZWzxRzlgn-9yL-iMESU108EkypadQp5xkYS3WsELr4mCly9Vrzme17h/w278-h370/There+are+many+mysteries+to+be+unraveled+this+winter..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="278" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">There are many mysteries to be unraveled this winter<br /><br /></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEz6ksfchD9oTH4bpSXCxmBlXqJUmZJ9e5r5TJv1lGqgn56oKCxSXAAErxduWaA1NLFYPY4ftaeUJ9VStD9DFPHNJJU4SzlfB3cleZb-GgGGCIWRV5POvwYIpCAI-db2qnjyVzptW7xZSJ/s2048/The+ultimate+sign+of+hope+that+the+winter+ahead+will+end..jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1957" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEz6ksfchD9oTH4bpSXCxmBlXqJUmZJ9e5r5TJv1lGqgn56oKCxSXAAErxduWaA1NLFYPY4ftaeUJ9VStD9DFPHNJJU4SzlfB3cleZb-GgGGCIWRV5POvwYIpCAI-db2qnjyVzptW7xZSJ/w318-h334/The+ultimate+sign+of+hope+that+the+winter+ahead+will+end..jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The ultimate sign of hope that the winter<br />ahead will end.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYx2qisJIifUG8D0_aAoMNVDW2LTO2fUOcGJh48uQP1Ko08sedJgX7xpCpyrrWxAIsfs9FlFEVw6oWe8zGPgn1ZWzxRzlgn-9yL-iMESU108EkypadQp5xkYS3WsELr4mCly9Vrzme17h/s2048/There+are+many+mysteries+to+be+unraveled+this+winter..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpZVJEw4o4HOTvv7e-zIctZTPYgaL2numOD-gzSCkfZMrAbdBSyDS8CAskJxBh9T3RHszK5A9silbNxcUqgyQfBFthICzo2Ttlq45KctDFqqMA0UxZkTHmJrAEk1qCx2BTFEtOA9-ZNyv/s2048/Maybe+when+the+bloodroot+blooms+this+spring%252C+things+will+be+a+lot+better..JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fYGVoEtd94zMlpLmqy2NOtDc_KQ1fAVOvRq7reO5m9KG9I6MtEola6tGq0G0X9DlglEAdIX5XNY4ZowOpbKLHRTSw97U4vhHYs8_ZxaOqlBgWqzJ31KdjLMIqB2OSnDatfZvgTlcNtc9/s2048/Maybe+when+the+bloodroot+blooms+this+spring%252C+things+will+be+a+lot+better..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fYGVoEtd94zMlpLmqy2NOtDc_KQ1fAVOvRq7reO5m9KG9I6MtEola6tGq0G0X9DlglEAdIX5XNY4ZowOpbKLHRTSw97U4vhHYs8_ZxaOqlBgWqzJ31KdjLMIqB2OSnDatfZvgTlcNtc9/w400-h300/Maybe+when+the+bloodroot+blooms+this+spring%252C+things+will+be+a+lot+better..JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Maybe when the bloodroot blooms this spring,<br />things will be a lot better.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><b><h2 style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></h2></b><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0JZk598rEN6t-Y3shUFxBWMX4kJyI9AH1iSDKo0G5F0inqcGisMpQLo9mSnWCIFpqMvN9d1fWPwE-jEKZoBpvjr3zFy0ueYNDDkBt0fKOUlZozLbt01jbs6a_wlUcUUwJkhXTsA7VuYL/s2048/Natural+intricacies+are+not+changed+by+human+concerns..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0JZk598rEN6t-Y3shUFxBWMX4kJyI9AH1iSDKo0G5F0inqcGisMpQLo9mSnWCIFpqMvN9d1fWPwE-jEKZoBpvjr3zFy0ueYNDDkBt0fKOUlZozLbt01jbs6a_wlUcUUwJkhXTsA7VuYL/w433-h288/Natural+intricacies+are+not+changed+by+human+concerns..jpg" width="433" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Natural intricacies are not changed by human concerns.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"></p><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Terri Eickelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049203131610044042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-45365198815577365232020-12-21T00:30:00.005-05:002020-12-21T00:30:03.678-05:00Gratitude<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">By Beth Sullivan</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We have come to the end of the year. A year that most of us
would like to forget. A year that has brought such huge disruption and trauma
into everyone’s lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I have made
it a point to try, each day, to reflect on how lucky I am, how grateful I am,
for each small thing, and I find that they are too numerous to count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am especially
grateful for our collaboration with the Sea Grant program of University of Connecticut for putting
together an amazing proposal to get us a Long Island Sound Futures Fund Grant
from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to restore a resilient forest at
Hoffman Preserve,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which will be adapted
to the warming climate of the future. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following article is the official press
release by Judy Benson. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A very special thank you to Al Bach for being the master
behind this blog for 8 years and his wife Lisa, my dear friend who patiently
edited all my erratic sentences!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
his encouragement and willingness to do the technical work to set it up and
post it, that gave me the opportunity to write about things I love and wanted
to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That part of the team is retiring
after this post. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope to keep writing,
but I am not sure who will have the patience to deal with my punctuation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLP85TO8JcJIWxlacoGH0drltOCQtyx5oQjXsn-7MMO72MTWtJQifBi-RCSrLpMm7ZANwzx3zxxkEoitM0eV5ybQPI7HXXwelsHJhBorrxedJWP74HYqs7yq3THD2v2zuDKpDZRIIsRM/s1067/Opportunities+to+educate+and++inform+our+visitorsw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLP85TO8JcJIWxlacoGH0drltOCQtyx5oQjXsn-7MMO72MTWtJQifBi-RCSrLpMm7ZANwzx3zxxkEoitM0eV5ybQPI7HXXwelsHJhBorrxedJWP74HYqs7yq3THD2v2zuDKpDZRIIsRM/w480-h640/Opportunities+to+educate+and++inform+our+visitorsw.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are grateful for opportunities to educate and inform our visitors.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkjlMykEaBwYulXU9mXSwOTXjYQaXaokGjP-CSJS3SLZEGGMif068PRkn3Z3fHyI_mTz5EovLflQzJ3ET45p96KjtE6A_XUNem8jJZBlB_OJeNYPQrJq-SALPGH-UMucHRVkIWIgw4Ek/s800/Opportunities+for+community+involvementw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkjlMykEaBwYulXU9mXSwOTXjYQaXaokGjP-CSJS3SLZEGGMif068PRkn3Z3fHyI_mTz5EovLflQzJ3ET45p96KjtE6A_XUNem8jJZBlB_OJeNYPQrJq-SALPGH-UMucHRVkIWIgw4Ek/w640-h480/Opportunities+for+community+involvementw.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We are grateful for opportunities to encourage community involvement.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIjLp22lXgo5FEvjebtQvCIh7GJL0RzxUlPF4d6Sh2X0wRPRopy9QzCro2CDQs4mioPCYHrxKv8sfMsImO5G8a3q5f8W4eB5n75U0B_9RC-sPEGVqQaQYXiI0tQbJdvLoCYUxPkoTGL0/s1121/Opportunity+to+test+some+southern+speciesw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIjLp22lXgo5FEvjebtQvCIh7GJL0RzxUlPF4d6Sh2X0wRPRopy9QzCro2CDQs4mioPCYHrxKv8sfMsImO5G8a3q5f8W4eB5n75U0B_9RC-sPEGVqQaQYXiI0tQbJdvLoCYUxPkoTGL0/w285-h400/Opportunity+to+test+some+southern+speciesw.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We are grateful for opportunities to test how some southern species will grow in our preserves.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlK8jO1bKJR3u4zGXD4gJixXCs_yrHzS9W6DWWe0lR7jbgs2AOEDGTYzPPIPN3L2whoLtbLEnp__uLp9Zv9Qiz2KTPplkYDLEcgkegPPMRS_h15VH7gV-wQPUMnSxnurqdn5gy_tQuQKE/s1067/Opportunities+for+acorns+to+become+oaksw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlK8jO1bKJR3u4zGXD4gJixXCs_yrHzS9W6DWWe0lR7jbgs2AOEDGTYzPPIPN3L2whoLtbLEnp__uLp9Zv9Qiz2KTPplkYDLEcgkegPPMRS_h15VH7gV-wQPUMnSxnurqdn5gy_tQuQKE/w480-h640/Opportunities+for+acorns+to+become+oaksw.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We are grateful for opportunities that allow acorns to become oaks.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMMNWiyI3NiYTX4vpkIWKjlfg4_wPeICI7wsu2dXhFR5nlcVAq2SOkg1w5vB38g4br2hKKAWjOS2FUhYqQ1qVqBWePcyp-rcag2JKLPjmJ9STMmyaGc4uidOngNit2wL_TbD3gGK8Aq8/s800/Opportunities+for+a+new+forest+to+grow+green+againw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMMNWiyI3NiYTX4vpkIWKjlfg4_wPeICI7wsu2dXhFR5nlcVAq2SOkg1w5vB38g4br2hKKAWjOS2FUhYqQ1qVqBWePcyp-rcag2JKLPjmJ9STMmyaGc4uidOngNit2wL_TbD3gGK8Aq8/w640-h480/Opportunities+for+a+new+forest+to+grow+green+againw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We are grateful for opportunities that allow a new forest to grow green.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p>
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" 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/> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dec. 18, 2020</b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">CT Sea Grant, Avalonia
project looks to prepare forest preserve for the future</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stonington</b> –
Battered by coastal storms and infestations of wooly adelgids, gypsy moth, winter
moth and emerald ash borer, sections of the 200-acre Hoffman Evergreen Preserve
will now serve as a living lab and demonstration site for how land managers can
help forests adapt to climate change. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“We want to increase the resilience of the forest and
maintain the water quality filtration services it provides to Long Island
Sound,” said Juliana Barrett, coastal habitat specialist for Connecticut Sea
Grant. “We’re trying to plant the right trees for the right time.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Owned by the Avalonia Land Conservancy and popular with
hikers and bird watchers, sections of the forest became unsafe over the last
decade due to large numbers of diseased and storm-damaged trees. That prompted
the land trust to contract with Hull Forest Products to do selective logging in
2019 that left open areas that will now be the subject of a joint project
between Avalonia and CT Sea Grant. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“This is about helping to restore a healthy forest,” said
Beth Sullivan, Stonington chairperson for Avalonia. “It’s something we’ve been
working towards for the last five to six years.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A grant of $57,144 from the Long Island Sound Futures Fund,
announced last week, will provide funds for the development of a unique forward-looking
forest management plan for the cleared areas, along with a series of public
education programs. Barrett said the project is one of the first of its kind in
Connecticut that incorporates climate change projections and assisted migration
techniques for plants better adapted to future conditions. Some seedlings and
seeds will be planted as part of the yearlong project, chosen both for their ability
to regenerate under future climate conditions and their value as food sources
for wildlife. Robert Ricard, a forester and senior extension educator with
UConn, will help develop the plan and planting list, and provide guidance on
the best locations for particular species.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“We’re going to try some species at the edge of their limits
in Connecticut that, based on climate change projections, we think will do
well,” Barrett said.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Instead of replanting the same species of hemlocks, oaks and
ash shown to be vulnerable to the pests and weather disruptions brought by
climate change, the plan will identify tree and shrub species likely to be more
resilient in warmer temperatures. These could include loblolly pine, tulip
poplar, sweetgum and others more common in the mid-Atlantic region. About a dozen
loblolly pine seedlings planted last spring, in fact, have already become well
established despite last summer’s drought, Sullivan said. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The preserve, located at the north end of town several miles
from the shoreline, nonetheless provides important services to Long Island
Sound by absorbing runoff and filtering pollutants that would end up in the
estuary, Barrett noted.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The public education component was developed with Avalonia
project collaborator Sharon Lynch, George Washington University professor
emerita in the School of Education and Human Development. An expert in science
teacher education, Lynch currently works on education initiatives with the
National Science Foundation. The education component will consist of a series
of four webinars on topics relevant to the project, including the history of
New England forests and the carbon sequestration services they provide. The
series is intended for municipal officials, land trust officials, forest
landowners and the general public. In addition, a two-day workshop on guiding
principles for coastal forest resilience in the Long Island Sound region will
be offered specifically for municipal officials, resource managers, land trust
officials, forest landowners and students. An accompanying fact sheet will be
developed and published.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nancy Balcom, CT Sea Grant associate director of CT Sea
Grant, said she hopes the project will provide valuable information for land
managers throughout the region.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Given the devastation our local forests have suffered which
threatens their ability to provide critical ecosystem and recreational
services, it’s important to not only test the ability of new species to survive
and thrive in our changing climate but to also share the progress and results
widely so other land trusts and organizations can pursue similar paths,” she
said. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Barrett said the lessons learned at the Hoffman preserve
will be shared with other land trusts and land managers, and hopes that tours
of the site can be offered in the future to show how different plant species
are adapting. The project, she said, will be an opportunity “to educate and
engage land trust stewards, resource managers, municipal officials and
neighbors in understanding coastal forest ecosystem services, impacts of
climate change on these systems and guiding principles for management under
changing conditions.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The grant for the Hoffman Preserve, which will be matched
with $33,600 in in-kind services from Avalonia volunteers, is one of 38 awarded
in this year’s <a href="https://longislandsoundstudy.net/about/grants/lis-futures-fund/" target="_blank">Long Island Sound Futures Fund</a> program. The 15-year-old program combines funds
from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support projects that
improve the water quality and restore habitat in the Long Island Sound
watershed. This year, $3.8 million in funding will support 15 projects in
Connecticut, 14 in New York, three in Massachusetts, three in Vermont, one in
New Hampshire and two in multiple states.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“It is heartwarming to see innovation at work, people and
organizations getting together, planning and acting now for what the world will
look like in decades,” said Sylvain De Guise, director of CT Sea Grant. “At the
same time, it is encouraging that grant programs are open enough to recognize
and fund innovation, even if riskier than sticking with old habits.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“I think we are heading in the right direction,” he
concluded.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Connecticut Sea Grant,
located at the University of Connecticut’s Avery Point campus in Groton, is one
of 34 Sea Grant programs across the country focused on projects that support
healthy coastal ecosystems, environmental literacy, resilient communities,
fisheries and aquaculture. For information, visit:<a href="seagrant.uconn.edu" target="_blank"> </a></i><a href="seagrant.uconn.edu" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">seagrant.uconn.edu</i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p>Al Bachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00431827072300727766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-41660692660441630302020-12-07T00:30:00.060-05:002020-12-07T00:30:05.571-05:00On the trail of the elusive cottontail<p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;">By Beth Sullivan
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">While most people are thinking of reindeer at this time of
year, some of us remain focused on rabbits. New England Cottontails to be
exact. </span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">A bit of history:<span>
</span>There are two cottontails in CT.<span>
</span>The native one is the New England Cottontail (NEC). The more abundant,
and frequently seen, Eastern Cottontail (EC) was introduced many years ago as a
game animal.<span> </span>The EC was more competitive
and adapted to fragmented fields, forest edges and neighborhoods while the NEC
is at home in dense growth, thickets and briar patches.<span> </span>It is impossible for any but the very best
experts to try and identify them in the field. They appear identical, but they
are distinct species and do not interbreed.<span>
</span>Over decades the NEC population declined steeply, partly due to the
competition but also due to loss of habitat. As old farm fields were abandoned,
there was a period when the thicket and young growth was perfect for NEC, but
now, those lots have grown into mature forests, with little ground cover, and
many areas are fragmented by neighborhoods and development, suitable for EC. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbV02oIz3X_cMKyKgFqpjYrmEN3wsdkGJixrq7sneFlQ-84lJZgOicDxLFt5o9Oe4azYJhejcpOLH-cDp8znPu24ZFy8WxDa6s7PdD4TOEIpE1KYFbZmslQMPN3ZI-5FQ4poKpx66tZpk/s1067/Three+vials+of+pellets%252C+labeled+and+ready+to+be+processed.+%2528+Andrea+Petrullo%2529w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbV02oIz3X_cMKyKgFqpjYrmEN3wsdkGJixrq7sneFlQ-84lJZgOicDxLFt5o9Oe4azYJhejcpOLH-cDp8znPu24ZFy8WxDa6s7PdD4TOEIpE1KYFbZmslQMPN3ZI-5FQ4poKpx66tZpk/w480-h640/Three+vials+of+pellets%252C+labeled+and+ready+to+be+processed.+%2528+Andrea+Petrullo%2529w.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three vials of pellets, labeled and ready to be processed. Photograph by Andrea Petrullo.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young forest habitat</span></h2><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">The young forest habitat, as it is called, or early
successional forest, has become scarce. And with habitat decline, a large
number of other species associated with that habitat declined as well. While
biologists were noticing the NEC decline, they also noted loss of grouse,
woodcock, blue-winged warblers, rufous sided towhees, as well as certain reptiles,
amphibians and insects all part of that ecological niche.<span> </span>Over fifty species dependent on that dense,
young thicket growth were imperiled. Numerous organizations, including DEEP, US
Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Fish and Wildlife Federation, partnered
with land-owners, public and private, including Avalonia, to create suitable
habitat. </span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">In 2013 The Peck and Callahan
preserves were managed for this purpose by cutting older growth and opening up
the land for new.<span> </span>You can read older posts
about this project <a href="https://avaloniaetrails.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-big-project-for-little-bunny.html" target="_blank">here</a><span> </span>,
<a href="https://avaloniaetrails.blogspot.com/2014/07/new-england-cottontail-project-update.html" target="_blank">here</a> ,
and <a href="https://avaloniaetrails.blogspot.com/2017/04/new-england-cottontail-hops-back.html" target="_blank">here</a> .<span style="color: red;"> </span>The biologists believed that if we gave the nearby
population of NECs a welcome mat, they would find the area and colonize it.
This occurs frequently along powerline corridors where animals can move safely
from one place to another in safe shrub cover.<span>
</span><span> </span>Over the last several years we
monitored the site. We photographed the growth of plant life, noted the return
of numerous different bird species, abundant insects and saw signs of other
wildlife using the area. Neighbors reported larger mammals using the area, such
as bobcats and coyotes, but how could we tell if we had any New England
Cottontails?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pXiti3gP7LAKlPMVEquixgpybbCqgPdwdC4g83RQFw8_EhDxNiUe-gsTKPBAokDRNqsLJstzHpJx-yf_H410Nbm7kPvhT16uvTaIc_1BWgtLAK1pHWlvhJu6G2XmKjBZdn9KizkjjYI/s800/1+In+2012+there+was+no+place+for+a+rabbit+to+hide+and+we+could+walk+through+easilyw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pXiti3gP7LAKlPMVEquixgpybbCqgPdwdC4g83RQFw8_EhDxNiUe-gsTKPBAokDRNqsLJstzHpJx-yf_H410Nbm7kPvhT16uvTaIc_1BWgtLAK1pHWlvhJu6G2XmKjBZdn9KizkjjYI/w400-h300/1+In+2012+there+was+no+place+for+a+rabbit+to+hide+and+we+could+walk+through+easilyw.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> In 2012 there was no place for a rabbit to hide and we could walk through easily.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbzXJ5bl8x1NA8m169HniZIKY5_oHOk-xcYlo3U2pRtHxDhHXlkOZT8YyIw8gQc6NCphttH_D-WPmJhhIq__EPyx2_NigwO9-WImUn5-3FGS0ji3_yLUHhL0_Lr0iCuaP9YI5SQFtWEk/s800/2+The+first+growing+season+offered+little+cover%252C+except+the+large+brushpilesw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="800" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbzXJ5bl8x1NA8m169HniZIKY5_oHOk-xcYlo3U2pRtHxDhHXlkOZT8YyIw8gQc6NCphttH_D-WPmJhhIq__EPyx2_NigwO9-WImUn5-3FGS0ji3_yLUHhL0_Lr0iCuaP9YI5SQFtWEk/w640-h392/2+The+first+growing+season+offered+little+cover%252C+except+the+large+brushpilesw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The first growing season offered little cover, except the large brush piles.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBxIaEFxKIIfIPpykpztmuqRKBQYGpwpF1vDHQYZecW_QEVqUtQ1gGCvy57y6FCHKSRg_qrRBMjAov6AbEjya51Ht6mn3_if105M-CXarQaJzCCDQdK-ytRpV3q6aY5S6xEkeIdWoGD0/s800/3+By+2018+the+same+area+was+lush+habitatw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBxIaEFxKIIfIPpykpztmuqRKBQYGpwpF1vDHQYZecW_QEVqUtQ1gGCvy57y6FCHKSRg_qrRBMjAov6AbEjya51Ht6mn3_if105M-CXarQaJzCCDQdK-ytRpV3q6aY5S6xEkeIdWoGD0/w640-h480/3+By+2018+the+same+area+was+lush+habitatw.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By 2018 the same area was lush habitat.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DahjOCIF7zsbiNaRsyzADog8y55iA20HOt5Ihf3OeGqcP66okvlyFh8gBfYcj4Zlkyhle01LolrZBjeKvyu1jH4R8iCnwhKi_DAhu5qq2B7sZCs5U9J247u-YZaX0VaXZoTsteFVlZw/s800/4+Now+the+area+is+thick+and+dense+with+young+trees+and+shrubs+even+in+winter%252C+except+where+Eversource+conintues+to+cutw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DahjOCIF7zsbiNaRsyzADog8y55iA20HOt5Ihf3OeGqcP66okvlyFh8gBfYcj4Zlkyhle01LolrZBjeKvyu1jH4R8iCnwhKi_DAhu5qq2B7sZCs5U9J247u-YZaX0VaXZoTsteFVlZw/w640-h480/4+Now+the+area+is+thick+and+dense+with+young+trees+and+shrubs+even+in+winter%252C+except+where+Eversource+conintues+to+cutw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now the area is thick and dense with young trees and shrubs even in winter, except where Eversource continues to cut.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8CT7d4UdF9OhSeiCDT8g7L3h9Lm-pe7hVP-u5TZuhyphenhyphen6y4jS2sOwheySqfk2vUnGbLeIrypOqqr8fHxnI0b1GfyBGm6mm4G7OTMM0aXHIh_cjQDEMeS8JGihxkRBCTvU5FckQkVrygGU/s800/5+We+marked+this+as+a+photo+point.+The+first+year+there+was+nothing+growing.+Now+the+stems+are+numerousw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8CT7d4UdF9OhSeiCDT8g7L3h9Lm-pe7hVP-u5TZuhyphenhyphen6y4jS2sOwheySqfk2vUnGbLeIrypOqqr8fHxnI0b1GfyBGm6mm4G7OTMM0aXHIh_cjQDEMeS8JGihxkRBCTvU5FckQkVrygGU/w400-h300/5+We+marked+this+as+a+photo+point.+The+first+year+there+was+nothing+growing.+Now+the+stems+are+numerousw.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> We marked this as a photo point. The first year there was nothing growing. Now the stems are numerous.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In search of bunny poop</span></h2><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, it’s interesting and an
adventure not everyone would appreciate. The only way you can definitively
identify NEC is by DNA, and that DNA is found in their pellets. Yes, whatever
you choose to call it: pellets, scat, feces, it is bunny poop!<span> </span>And to find it you have to hunt for it. It
is a lot easier when there is snow on the ground making them easier to
see.<span> </span><span> </span>Sometimes you just have to take an opportunity
when it arises. About a week ago, I was contacted by Andrea Petrullo, a
contractor to the DEEP Wildlife division through the Wildlife Management
Institute. She is the New England Cottontail project’s lead technician.<span> </span>We had to go on a Sunday to avoid the
hunting in the area, and there was no snow on the ground; everything was shades
of brown. <span> </span>We donned heavy duty briar
proof and moisture proof bib overalls ( so lovely) over our warm clothes, boots
and gloves and armed with clippers, cell phones, and lots of paperwork for
Andrea, we headed deep into the preserve. It was not easy. We had to push our
way through some of the densest vegetation I have ever had to deal with, and
much of it was covered with sharp thorns.<span>
</span>But when searching for signs of rabbits, you have to think like one. We
got down low, followed small paths in the underbrush and noted nibbled plants
and woody stems. A rabbit nips a stem with a very sharp bite, at a 45-degree
angle, which is very different from how deer eat, leaving a ragged, torn flat
top, often higher up from the ground.<span>
</span>And when bunnies eat, their pellets can’t be too far away.<span> </span>As Andrea and I combed back and forth through
the brush, we had conversations about topics only other naturalists/biologists
would appreciate, such as the finer distinctions between fresh and older
excretions-color, distribution etc.<span> </span>We
did have fun and after about 3 ½ hours, we had discovered at least 12
distinctly different locations to collect specimens. They were collected into
special vials, marked and labeled, as well as identified by GPS location. </span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">When we emerged, we were beat up,
jackets torn and hands scratched up, but we were enthusiastic that we had so
many specimens.<span> </span>While it is possible
that there could be regular Eastern Cottontails in there, the habitat is not to
their liking, and it is much favored by New England Cottontails. Andrea took
the specimens, and will keep them frozen. The DNA tests won’t be run until next
summer, as it is an involved process and they do many samples at the same
time.<span> </span>The young forest looks bleak at
this time of year; all woodlands do. But if you know how and where to look, you
can be rewarded with findings only a biologist could appreciate. <span> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgoKDgLN5ZbAuXWNrn3lR73LvUYVovnWquTTmjrqA5gIWvA4jtW-KhBe104ZKSPF5qqoU2tCp47_ArsVM6zpENmaDVDeTb0Vplq0Pm-kh9EltkJZUTB7sgUaPmLAoHeM_dpJOah_PoEc/s800/Look+closely+and+you+can+see+the+stems+are+nipped+with+a+very+sharp+bite+at+a+45+degree+angle.+Rabbitsw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="800" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgoKDgLN5ZbAuXWNrn3lR73LvUYVovnWquTTmjrqA5gIWvA4jtW-KhBe104ZKSPF5qqoU2tCp47_ArsVM6zpENmaDVDeTb0Vplq0Pm-kh9EltkJZUTB7sgUaPmLAoHeM_dpJOah_PoEc/w640-h574/Look+closely+and+you+can+see+the+stems+are+nipped+with+a+very+sharp+bite+at+a+45+degree+angle.+Rabbitsw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look closely and you can see the stems are nipped with a very sharp bite at a 45-degree angle. Rabbits for sure.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1AgIw_ZhCn_5PvXtTe-83bPWfCX5h2-Wt2YJXd06KOc5drKsIDfOxUI9uNzh8eGl6MHcQG84X8a72t1aNdY3DL3ukNRdG3F9mKu8kTCHjb4pUICmugFNZL3FUwGAyjXpHh4u6v0nsEE/s800/With+protective+clothing%252C+Andrea+could+get+deep+into+the+briarsw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="800" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1AgIw_ZhCn_5PvXtTe-83bPWfCX5h2-Wt2YJXd06KOc5drKsIDfOxUI9uNzh8eGl6MHcQG84X8a72t1aNdY3DL3ukNRdG3F9mKu8kTCHjb4pUICmugFNZL3FUwGAyjXpHh4u6v0nsEE/w640-h422/With+protective+clothing%252C+Andrea+could+get+deep+into+the+briarsw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With protective clothing, Andrea could get deep into the briars.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Photographs by Beth Sullivan,
unless otherwise indicated. </span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span>Al Bachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00431827072300727766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-91569782660164090582020-11-16T00:30:00.001-05:002020-11-16T00:30:02.568-05:00There is hope<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->By Beth Sullivan
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Time for good news, positive thoughts, and actions. A nice
change of pace. </p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Parker Preserve</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Almost 10 years ago an interesting piece of property was
donated to Avalonia Land Conservancy, way out on the southern tip of River Rd
in Pawcatuck. The two Parker brothers tended the front acres as a garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The larger western portion, or rear of the
parcel, is mostly wetlands with an established grove of large mixed evergreens.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the property was given to Avalonia,
it became the Parker Brothers Preserve. It had young fruit trees, blueberries,
raspberries, a grape arbor, and many specimen evergreens and conifers. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over the years, the fields were mowed by a willing and
generous neighbor steward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the
gardening part went by the wayside. Our stewardship chores are too numerous
already, and we don’t have time for maintenance gardening. I tried my hand at
rescuing the grape arbor several times, but when it became overgrown with
porcelain berry, it was nearly impossible to tell the two vines and their
leaves apart. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During the terribly stormy period of 2012-2013 with hurricanes
and blizzards, the evergreen grove took a beating. Many of them were broken,
trunks littered the ground, and what remained were jagged snags and brush
piles. We couldn’t do anything about it. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each year we would go
in to do our annual boundary walk and tried to get around the wetlands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was always easier to do it when the
ground was frozen, so we really didn’t spend a lot of time there during the
summer season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years, invasive
vines grew up into the evergreens and over the walls. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it remained a lovely spot to look for cones,
berries, and birds - a place to see the water and enjoy the breeze and views.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIibQwsCwKbjzHlaGeYoEAdgCY7uabuXEc_XiyzRpPxDrsgqO0GHp0CzqLGfmnPJzWupsnTsNgX_1vjfk2LnehPwTAt4aLhtI8j1nJ6cMP8a6QVR4dFZaX5q9vv_Tic8IlZh11hihDcf8/s800/Shining+yellow+near+the+center+of+the+back+wall%252C+we+found+a+lovely+Dawn+redwood+tree+growingw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="800" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIibQwsCwKbjzHlaGeYoEAdgCY7uabuXEc_XiyzRpPxDrsgqO0GHp0CzqLGfmnPJzWupsnTsNgX_1vjfk2LnehPwTAt4aLhtI8j1nJ6cMP8a6QVR4dFZaX5q9vv_Tic8IlZh11hihDcf8/w640-h634/Shining+yellow+near+the+center+of+the+back+wall%252C+we+found+a+lovely+Dawn+redwood+tree+growingw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shining yellow near the center of the back wall, we found a lovely Dawn redwood tree growing.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjj3d0WztsgEviNT68aozxh77D6UTVB6etbovdIw0yfNukKsxlMNzabOLHthRML8rSk3P2ZjZARpNcR7KzugLPmSb-50OJn7ARaOLBcfuPXn2vNSzam6AK-f0Y00dHFNBFwUrN12TMU8c/s1067/The+evergreen+grove+was+severely+damaged+by+the+wind+storms+and+blizzards+several+years+agow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjj3d0WztsgEviNT68aozxh77D6UTVB6etbovdIw0yfNukKsxlMNzabOLHthRML8rSk3P2ZjZARpNcR7KzugLPmSb-50OJn7ARaOLBcfuPXn2vNSzam6AK-f0Y00dHFNBFwUrN12TMU8c/w300-h400/The+evergreen+grove+was+severely+damaged+by+the+wind+storms+and+blizzards+several+years+agow.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The evergreen grove was severely damaged by the wind storms and blizzards several years ago.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivh9ZTwoy9kSSdhdwMIML1ImG6YEV8iUsfeOQDQUfTpuhg1JR3td0L-G9DugJXqH7xDq8aTD6V_PZSnrgeenj3NwgBnYxCkAcIg73LSbJLG6oPSTwL21hFevLWZOQJWsDrFzVUIN5KZlQ/s800/There+was+a+great+patch+of+native+milkweed+already+establishedw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="800" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivh9ZTwoy9kSSdhdwMIML1ImG6YEV8iUsfeOQDQUfTpuhg1JR3td0L-G9DugJXqH7xDq8aTD6V_PZSnrgeenj3NwgBnYxCkAcIg73LSbJLG6oPSTwL21hFevLWZOQJWsDrFzVUIN5KZlQ/w640-h476/There+was+a+great+patch+of+native+milkweed+already+establishedw.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a great patch of native milkweed already established.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Girl Scouts have a plan</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Early this year I was contacted by Girl Scout troop 61047 leader,
Laura Holveck, who had enjoyed the Hike Stonington Program, got to know Avalonia,
and knew the Parker preserve in her neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and her troop had a proposal: to create a
pollinator garden in the preserve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
would be following Stonington’s efforts to create pollinator pathways
throughout the town. Avalonia doesn’t, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as a rule, allow or encourage “gardening” on
our nature preserves, but since the preserve was the donors’ garden, and it
surely needed some TLC and attention, this seemed like a great time to take a
new look and get some new input. Perfect for a Girl Scout Project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then came Covid, home schooling, confusion,
and distancing. Then there was summer drought and more uncertainty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girls, Kate Holveck, Nora Fanning, and
Sierra Redfern, are Middle School age and working toward their Silver Award.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(You
can read more about the Silver Award <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/our-program/highest-awards/silver-award.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)
They had to research, plan, and present their plan. Then they needed to decide
how to implement the plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did a
lot of email communication, and I did an on-site meeting with one Scout and her
mom. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">She presented the group’s idea to create a 10-foot diameter
circle garden, divided into quarters, that would represent the four seasons
with appropriate plants and flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was decided that the best place to locate the garden was just inside the entrance
and adjacent to a natural patch of native milkweed for monarchs. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With the help of our neighbor-steward and his bigger
equipment, the sod was removed and compost was added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point it was getting late in the
season, well into October, so the opportunity to get donations from local
garden centers seemed to be diminishing for the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the girls had great luck when they
approached Pequot Plant Farm and were given two native Cinquefoil and two
butterfly bushes. Many Thanks! </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During the recent spell of lovely weather, the girls got
together and edged out the garden and planted the small shrubs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They hope to add some early spring-flowering
bulbs for those early honeybees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
will continue to plan over the winter, for a spring planting of flowers for
summer bloom.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Avalonia stewards have continued to clear the walls, took a
lot of debris to the dump, and have had quite a time ripping and pulling invasive
plants and vines from the beautiful big trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are larch, fir, yew, cedar, spruce, and pine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We uncovered several young, native holly
trees and also discovered a lovely Dawn redwood tree along the back wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The evergreen grove is beyond rescue. The area will be left
to evolve naturally with gradual decomposition of woody debris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is an old dump of garden debris that will also compost naturally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Invasive plants are attempting to get hold in
that area, and we may need to address these, but otherwise we will leave the
woodlands and wetlands alone. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Parker Brothers’ Preserve is a little gem, off the main
roads of travel. It can become a great local resource with some collaboration. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hoping that other neighbors in the area
will step up and continue to help with stewardship as the Girl Scouts have set
a good example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bright spot when we
need it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIcOjWeTWv8sOrXI7W3wUXs42a2Utl_Uhecy3mcTSok3vGq73CUNSdZnyVpQlBisfr_xlAUute8V_Ccyc9K5mBhUGOJFNr8M8I1rQx5acUvIfAKkfYbwFJqOKE1jxZ22rojAC0CZiuD4/s1067/Picking+up+trash+that+was+hidden+under+years+of+vegetationw.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIcOjWeTWv8sOrXI7W3wUXs42a2Utl_Uhecy3mcTSok3vGq73CUNSdZnyVpQlBisfr_xlAUute8V_Ccyc9K5mBhUGOJFNr8M8I1rQx5acUvIfAKkfYbwFJqOKE1jxZ22rojAC0CZiuD4/w480-h640/Picking+up+trash+that+was+hidden+under+years+of+vegetationw.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking up trash that was hidden under years of vegetation. Photograph by Troop 61047.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQ6rAHhEuvQwFoytBm7gBBuNxgylwChh5ZSXr-G8wVn5mKwpUqjisgoez7VunzOncNxDXpizBTIjQXKpzXhqxXesoUBQgUgxy9JdwIfIDRnck_NMHLwjBAzIuZ0aYJI9VY3djXko1hYQ/s800/The+garden+was+dug+and+compost+piled+onw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="800" height="517" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQ6rAHhEuvQwFoytBm7gBBuNxgylwChh5ZSXr-G8wVn5mKwpUqjisgoez7VunzOncNxDXpizBTIjQXKpzXhqxXesoUBQgUgxy9JdwIfIDRnck_NMHLwjBAzIuZ0aYJI9VY3djXko1hYQ/w640-h517/The+garden+was+dug+and+compost+piled+onw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The garden was dug and compost piled on. Photograph by Troop 61047.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNgXqyJXgt7puny750Ay_CMyCnTbELzJPdB2S_l8suMFLNO9v5ryXANn06d9-Q6wIGdR4dzSoln5rF01_I5E76a2JG1lFJ-BmssnkSVc_xbCbvXeO2oJiKTZx2aajW062lhdtLCiANH8/s1067/Pequot+Plant+Farm+donated+some+great+plants%252C+and+they+are+inw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNgXqyJXgt7puny750Ay_CMyCnTbELzJPdB2S_l8suMFLNO9v5ryXANn06d9-Q6wIGdR4dzSoln5rF01_I5E76a2JG1lFJ-BmssnkSVc_xbCbvXeO2oJiKTZx2aajW062lhdtLCiANH8/w480-h640/Pequot+Plant+Farm+donated+some+great+plants%252C+and+they+are+inw.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pequot Plant Farm donated some great plants, and they are in. Photograph by Troop 61047.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl4_rRgkYqsjF1wUGkk4yTRvwQJVAgahbC2qfNub5DVZYFzAduzFHxOJ7DjppmvBzk3J5VMsBJWIbYSNTaAG41rEysCcWKL9kokV2azvzKgpRNQBoQ_iTkNXaJDxaeMScBYrK0D9OP6E/s924/The+plants%252C+and+the+girls%252C+look+pretty+happyw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl4_rRgkYqsjF1wUGkk4yTRvwQJVAgahbC2qfNub5DVZYFzAduzFHxOJ7DjppmvBzk3J5VMsBJWIbYSNTaAG41rEysCcWKL9kokV2azvzKgpRNQBoQ_iTkNXaJDxaeMScBYrK0D9OP6E/w554-h640/The+plants%252C+and+the+girls%252C+look+pretty+happyw.jpg" width="554" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plants, and the girls, look pretty happy. Photograph by Troop 61047.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zKIm536wuKET-5905Gh5sPcai64vrmKKRayVmsgxQepEv8Kh031v4frcfHB9o4yumkYwUTBi6r7Q4rQMMJGW2rYWVxMXh41IyGD7jnh7lSBXECU9YJB0qd5D7wkP1VXNnfgV95moMaI/s800/It+is+cleaned+up%252C+garden+ready%252C+grapes+rescued+and+it+is+a+lovely+spotw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="800" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zKIm536wuKET-5905Gh5sPcai64vrmKKRayVmsgxQepEv8Kh031v4frcfHB9o4yumkYwUTBi6r7Q4rQMMJGW2rYWVxMXh41IyGD7jnh7lSBXECU9YJB0qd5D7wkP1VXNnfgV95moMaI/w640-h512/It+is+cleaned+up%252C+garden+ready%252C+grapes+rescued+and+it+is+a+lovely+spotw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is cleaned up, garden ready, and grapes rescued. It is a lovely spot. Photograph by Troop 61047.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Photographs by Beth Sullivan, unless otherwise indicated.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Al Bachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00431827072300727766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-26596435659074760062020-11-02T00:30:00.061-05:002020-11-02T00:30:07.895-05:00To counter the madness<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
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Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
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Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
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Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
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Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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Name="Smart Link"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"> By Beth Sullivan
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">As I write, it is Halloween.<span>
</span>We had a trick yesterday - snow and frigid temps - and a treat today
when the sun came out and everything sparkled. The contrast of the colored
leaves with the white snow and water droplets was really pretty.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRtQZLMOW1IP2hwipOHwvawn56-bqYIaN3_uE4LoGc24dF2qPzdi_zBaQTs7yU1XvE09lk6CXHU0rPSZI6zV8q5qp5AMbD1uKz12gOK7mZ8Hek2WkKlCrV6w3drB3j4rCLpsczoRufgg/s800/Preserve+our+serene+and+inspiring+placesw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRtQZLMOW1IP2hwipOHwvawn56-bqYIaN3_uE4LoGc24dF2qPzdi_zBaQTs7yU1XvE09lk6CXHU0rPSZI6zV8q5qp5AMbD1uKz12gOK7mZ8Hek2WkKlCrV6w3drB3j4rCLpsczoRufgg/w640-h480/Preserve+our+serene+and+inspiring+placesw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preserve our serene and inspiring places.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><h3 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Am I scared this Halloween? </span></h3><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes.<span> </span>I am scared
about the situations we are in.<span> </span>I
cannot prioritize; each one of these issues is a crisis in and of itself,
enough to rattle the brain of even the sanest. And that is not me!<span> </span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">I worry about politics and policies and the election and
what will happen afterwards. </span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">I am angry and saddened by the disrespect for each other and
intolerance of so many, the acceptance of lies and brutality and inhumane
behavior towards others.<span> </span>Racism.</span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">I am scared of Covid: it is not going away; it is creeping
closer to home. Being of a certain age, I am more vulnerable and am living in a
situation where another in my household is immunocompromised.<span> </span>We are being really careful. <span> </span>I miss my grandchildren.</span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">I am truly concerned about the youngest among us.<span> </span>While they may be more able to rebound or
resist in this health crisis, I worry that from social, emotional and
educational perspectives, they will suffer more than we can imagine with long
lasting effects. </span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">I am frustrated and scared by the refusal of some leaders to
see that the climate is changing, and not for the better. It’s one thing to see
it on paper: heat indices rise; sea levels rise; ice melts; fires rage;
hurricanes are record breaking; seasons are messed up.<span> </span>But we can witness some of this in our own
communities. <span> </span>Flooding tides and record
drought all in one town. </span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">I am frightened and angry about the environmental abuse that
is occurring. There have been changes in the regulations concerning clean water
and air standards. There is less concern, or none at all, for endangered
species and the chain of life, the interconnected webs that we ourselves are a
part of.<span> </span>I fear that the old forests and
huge blocks of untouched wilderness will be opened and violated.<span> </span>They will never recover their virgin
state.<span> </span>I worry about our soil and our oceans.<span> </span>Can they sustain the next generations? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbb6CufFoiau2JDVOPzf9giX9OKqgsc5Yjb450V455leyVtJR7Hsx9J_7zrDtKIlmQp5hc4DmPBg5_jrPV_Wshh6PgAWWhVyG2cdk6cnY-ux0TIWrPXcdRqCzyzH2VtgUrfadO70gHko/s640/Storms+and+higher+tides+flood+our+communities+RNw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbb6CufFoiau2JDVOPzf9giX9OKqgsc5Yjb450V455leyVtJR7Hsx9J_7zrDtKIlmQp5hc4DmPBg5_jrPV_Wshh6PgAWWhVyG2cdk6cnY-ux0TIWrPXcdRqCzyzH2VtgUrfadO70gHko/w640-h428/Storms+and+higher+tides+flood+our+communities+RNw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storms and higher tides flood our communities. Photograph by Rick Newton.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD68_HTEoRnFOyPSx_6wwezyWIP7rMGmvCUEAfYWEz_WrpZ5fBAKScsuVUVoBzEFRiaKjfX_duDbtFst4yuk_Gm16T3wFuH70ZdxgJAYAgCUPjMJBI9AFD-5hPAGJ30ujFhrQXz5YoZSU/s800/Our+Reservoirs+run+dry+RNw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD68_HTEoRnFOyPSx_6wwezyWIP7rMGmvCUEAfYWEz_WrpZ5fBAKScsuVUVoBzEFRiaKjfX_duDbtFst4yuk_Gm16T3wFuH70ZdxgJAYAgCUPjMJBI9AFD-5hPAGJ30ujFhrQXz5YoZSU/w640-h426/Our+Reservoirs+run+dry+RNw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our reservoirs run dry. Photograph by Rick Newton.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS3V7XEk6U2tSzV0axtodrj2mGqatXcJ7_ha3QffXd3mJ6dC8eWDqNuJYCZc_9zmPfiZH9VC2EtNHSTc28fd2ERjJaa9h3Ln3hSw0uvIELMxD4peBOCRI6588Cd8pPwmtDWl387HIhTo/s1200/Listen+for+bird+song+R.Newtonw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS3V7XEk6U2tSzV0axtodrj2mGqatXcJ7_ha3QffXd3mJ6dC8eWDqNuJYCZc_9zmPfiZH9VC2EtNHSTc28fd2ERjJaa9h3Ln3hSw0uvIELMxD4peBOCRI6588Cd8pPwmtDWl387HIhTo/w266-h400/Listen+for+bird+song+R.Newtonw.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Listen for bird song. Photograph by Rick Newton.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZXY7lQ7MkxsWIsuAt4WpOA73KSDUQHZhhylDrcSIE_KOZ57CVAostv-GTAqFUSTk6Z4ZNoqxLySVvdJnLLPExEVigkGISoDR4o9joGh8amcGQ6DPyGVSeUbvObhu6cNwzUbe3STkvMo/s904/Find+stability+in+the+ongoing+cycle+of+seasonsw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="796" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZXY7lQ7MkxsWIsuAt4WpOA73KSDUQHZhhylDrcSIE_KOZ57CVAostv-GTAqFUSTk6Z4ZNoqxLySVvdJnLLPExEVigkGISoDR4o9joGh8amcGQ6DPyGVSeUbvObhu6cNwzUbe3STkvMo/w564-h640/Find+stability+in+the+ongoing+cycle+of+seasonsw.jpg" width="564" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find stability in the ongoing cycle of seasons. Photograph by Al Bach.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><h3 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">To counter the madness </span></h3><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">HOWEVER, I also work really hard to find the positive to
overcome these fears. <span> </span>The world is truly
awesome. <span> </span>The more I practice seeing the
positive, seeing the beauty and focusing on what is good, the less fearful I
can be.<span> </span>Even if it is only for a short
time, concentrating on something positive can break the anxiety.</span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">We each have to find our own ways to do this.<span> </span>For me, the best way is to be in nature.<span> </span>There are so many beautiful places to let our
eyes rest and our spirits be restored - places where we can let our minds
quiet. We are blessed with an abundance of choices: oceans and beaches, forests
and fields, flower gardens, and wild meadows.<span>
</span>Just looking at the snow and leaves this morning, in the sparking sun,
gave me happiness.<span> </span>For the last month or
more, listening to the night noises in the woods was hypnotic.<span> </span>This afternoon, the constant dripping of
water from leaves in the woods was soothing. <span> </span>We can listen to birds.<span> </span>We can share these moments with a friend, a
child or even a pet.<span> </span>Sharing joy expands
us. </span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">In order to be able to ensure that these opportunities
remain, to give us peace and to share with the youngest ones, we need to do our
best to see that each one of us takes a stand.</span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>Each one of us must
vote with our hearts, and souls and conscience, to protect what is at stake.
From the smallest creature, and the smallest child, to biggest forest tracts
and deepest oceans.</span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">My one voice doesn’t count for a lot.<span> </span>We have to believe that together all our
voices will.<span> </span>Mother Nature and Father
Time can heal, but if we want to see results in our lifetime, we need to act
together. Now. Use your voice to educate a child, spread your own peace. Make
your voice heard in your community to help protect the birthright of our
children and grandchildren.<span> </span>Help teach
them kindness and empathy.<span> </span>The world will
be a better place in their hands.</span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeD7M8i3VxnkzcSNqV2wE9lymh-Jf-VkxVm9ojZ-2HmsExim7k9fVgopYxGeKcfufFDdQQacU_omMmFVKbh2xCQXirN9frV3QqqU46-PB3XtJELZrymQPvGaxblx6RuWjC4IuAUlHfBrE/w300-h400/Find+the+beauty+in+the+coldw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find beauty in the cold.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvToXuYOf5MtaxLbKWsWH9345qmX0IccQ-9ij7XCDD23WC3M-KWLGqgbjZQwC7KA7L2vAG818TUVOcMWsORgpYRg8P1iMxCfk1KkVMn_pEBjOFpeC6YiC_oyjqeFi4MmVZm7_AF5lJ5E/s1067/Share+the+wonder+Emily+Sullivanw.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvToXuYOf5MtaxLbKWsWH9345qmX0IccQ-9ij7XCDD23WC3M-KWLGqgbjZQwC7KA7L2vAG818TUVOcMWsORgpYRg8P1iMxCfk1KkVMn_pEBjOFpeC6YiC_oyjqeFi4MmVZm7_AF5lJ5E/w480-h640/Share+the+wonder+Emily+Sullivanw.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Share the wonder. Photograph by Emily Sullivan.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span> </span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9noEHkohtuQJJdxq4hiRyVdrZN0f7vpFdkkKM9yLXysjTJSIX2vdqFWhFQF_6p_0JbrvcuABEf57wAqfU4wfNKBlFJnQOCCudDhG-jjK97dJGdEzzsqRorpaTc6fiYAjHcnUpDK3K7Do/s800/My+happiest+place+E.+Sullivanw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="800" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9noEHkohtuQJJdxq4hiRyVdrZN0f7vpFdkkKM9yLXysjTJSIX2vdqFWhFQF_6p_0JbrvcuABEf57wAqfU4wfNKBlFJnQOCCudDhG-jjK97dJGdEzzsqRorpaTc6fiYAjHcnUpDK3K7Do/w640-h434/My+happiest+place+E.+Sullivanw.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My happiest place. Photograph by Emily Sullivan.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Photographs by Beth Sullivan, unless otherwise indicated.</span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span>Al Bachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00431827072300727766noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-85488179641145038262020-10-19T00:30:00.059-04:002020-10-19T00:30:05.773-04:00The great Avalonia trail trek<p><span style="font-size: small;">By Beth Sullivan </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">It is time to hit the trails for a purpose, and if you can’t get out to do it, you can support a team or support the effort. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1089" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloAa419liYjMmnh9N_VSCmM9aXHeJJP6sOudn0bTSNx1eJ5jOj3R0vPpTIbMNKFx3r9eyAxTCvbkR_krvdYyAjfebJ5f57qnnOPvzE5eu2sPEGV0kULCeXG0j1OvmCJqN0sJdvBgAIpY/w294-h400/A+short+trail+may+have+a+reward+at+the+endw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="294" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A short trail may have a reward at the end.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /> </span><p></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The trek begins </span></h2><p><span style="font-size: small;">This weekend marked the beginning of the Trail Trek fund raiser for Avalonia. The organization has never done this kind of an event, and the plans were hatched before we found ourselves in the depth of a pandemic. So, not only are we trying something new, but we have to punt. Make lemonade! Or whatever metaphor you want to use to describe making the very best of a less than perfect situation.
But, you know, this is turning out to be quite wonderful. Maybe even better than a bunch of big group hikes. This way we all spread out our energies and intentions and cover Southeast Connecticut with our members and friends, to spread the word of the work Avalonia is doing to preserve the beautiful open spaces that have kept many of us, especially me, sane over these past months. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">I myself have never actively participated in a walk/bike/run for any cause. Some people find it easier to simply make a donation. Of course, you can still do that (thank you!). But how much more fun it is going to be to have a purpose, a goal, to do something I love anyway. I may not cover as much ground as the runners. I can’t climb the Tri-Town mountain like the real hikers. But I am pretty sure I will really look at things along the way. I take time; I dawdle when I walk. I have to stop to look up so I don’t trip on something, and I need my bifocals to look at things really closely. I always wander with my camera, or most frequently with my phone that seems to be quite satisfactory in its quality and detail in photos. I often have binoculars hanging around my neck as well. This is a great time to look for migrant birds, both those passing through and those who are arriving here for the winter. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="800" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9rwALuLl6JotIllAjzxSS6s9CkAk8K8hamr7u2Isgji1wIuQg3wINr6OC-fpZnb39O2_oHcRhHE9kyAp6XJn8R8qwWS0jiWNFtGeOYinIxK7nO_ElLveYWlUoUzTm84xG_9QziQTNGw/w400-h328/It%2527s+never+too+soon+to+start+Trekkingw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's never too soon to start trekking.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="800" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzevyi1OFFDSKXr4wE-6u7jxDkwqXQ1RFU1IFo0y7HyhzTNAo-Me0p_5PWoEskOwfesnlQeOnk7gL_ECnXglQZXftnF3mVJLYI0Wzz8vdoq9ZUf82LIxwsUyJSDGZ9QQXmqViRxPa70Ek/w640-h424/Bridges+can+be+part+of+the+funw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridges can be part of the fun.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24J0OP70lVZg_kYCuNFciivoegK4xlMciiQ6T7YRGCXJbKwghXALnvpmy0-OKY1d5_B69rsCaMNy3-HZ8HGE4lTGfho0h1_Qs8A2fQwc8DIV1HvHQ92PHjaSA62HfcQh6nIk-ta5HeUU/w640-h426/For+some+the+challenge+will+be+verticalw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For some the challenge will be vertical.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmSX4GZD7nsPNvedBWRa4dAWkUs6TMZdA4ikDCYm4mhUM9Q-Ubt9mUPUspk0a2tRZ1MPyYesL_q-VdNrwsc33zR2dmUC33k8lbENuVmcJM3sBuDMy8AsU0SQhQK9j4mRrz1xKF67QokE/w640-h480/This+fall+I+don%2527t+think+we+have+to+worry+about+too+much+water+on+the+trailsw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fall I don't think we have to worry about too much water on the trails.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /> </span><p></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don’t forget your phone </span></h2><p><span style="font-size: small;">I don’t carry bird books anymore because the phone apps are so wonderful for birds and plants and all sorts of things. I often take photos of things and then look them up at home. Being able to do that gets me moving a little faster. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">I also tend to wander off the trails. There always seems to be something pretty interesting around a corner, over a hill, or across the lot. I won’t admit to becoming lost, but I do get turned around pretty easily. For that reason I really love the ArcGIS Explorer app. The app is free. A dedicated volunteer has loaded all the Avalonia properties, trailed and untrailed, into a file of Avalonia online maps. You can easily locate yourself on any preserve, on or off the trail. I have not become lost even once while exploring off trail since I installed the app. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">It seems that I depend a lot on the smartphone technology. I guess I do. I am not a very tech savvy person, but I recognize how we can enrich ourselves in our hiking experiences by tapping into the great resources available at our fingertips. We developed Hike and Seek specifically with that in mind. If you are lucky enough to be able to trek with kids, check out the Hike and Seek program on the Avalonia website and get even more out of your hike. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">I may not cover a lot of ground myself being so distracted, but I hope my Sullivans and Friends group will. We will walk, stroll, hike and bike. Please check out the web page: <a href="https://www.pledgereg.com/great-avalonia-trail-trek">https://www.pledgereg.com/great-avalonia-trail-trek</a>. The main event will be happening all week, but donations and team support will be welcome into November.
If you have the ability to support Avalonia with a small donation, you will be helping us keep our many paths open so you can Trek any time you choose. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Be well; hope to see you on the trails. And please be sure to send or post your photos of places you have trekked.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIx21sikG9p8LhQCSxwGxxPvv7lvSS6hEL8feotsVxM8I3nBVfWL2jMkTpMqUxF7DwLZn18uPbcB7uouxBr4fSerXInMmXxcciYkYE06k4m0G-93d0U_4T6acMm-p79qdBwnAXqEkmBDk/w640-h426/You+may+have+choices+to+makew.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You may have choices to make.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="800" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQ0k3BUDnz4LZYifnXD5lc614u2N6Wz31peoLe0aEnzg2iPTO_X_xznoCf1db9ci9-yJzWd_Jgqx5fu60gHH7coMhxDvNFPONdGqwQ4QgGvwRLb8lsPJF1nhCN0XKFlwunGBjayzvtKU/w640-h442/Sometimes+you+have+to+stop+and+notice+the+little+thingsw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes you have to stop and notice the little things.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="800" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuV93ZoZpO091SevT049WZF36N0Mvs0XxZgNS-DQ_z7i8tyviOFvOZTr3bvjRtFwlV56qW2qETB2Ov5LysULLjZw90sWAwLBvrZ8Ibezn-Dj7U1S4DpvMYN8ZmGWBQoZWPG6vMzsZpScA/w640-h452/You+might+have+to+take+a+break+from+the+walk%252C+and+view+the+trail+from+abovew.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You might have to take a break from the walk and view the trail from above.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"> Photographs by Beth Sullivan.
</span></p>Al Bachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00431827072300727766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-27975237225616640672020-10-05T00:30:00.060-04:002020-10-05T17:31:01.851-04:00Autumn Hiking 2020<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">By Beth Sullivan</span></span></span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It has been
quite a year. Even the way the plants and trees are responding to the weather
is a bit off. The drought has impacted and stressed most plants. A cold snap
with localized frosts also set the color changes into motion a bit early.<span> </span>One constant: it is beautiful out now.<span> </span>Surely every season has its fans. Each one
can be considered perfect for some reason, an excuse for being out on a
trail.<span> </span>I would guess though, that this
time of year probably is the top vote-getter for a lot of reasons.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-zKk6TJwfZK4mjEKokpCzk1WQa5VtSaXoSpvs-_oVq5klIediKrqEp0qtW4uWcxfl4ZIKS0fGC_OVTZ2by5m38EdK_Ct6JmtEeD-CkNEbRzzgYAYKkPLjJ7-wMfDflMPPJagXEgWoDY/w640-h458/Some+times+a+trail+opens+up+a+view+that+is+stunning+in+late+afternoon+light.+From+Knox+Preserve.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some times a trail opens up a view that is stunning in late afternoon light. From Knox Preserve.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /> </span><p></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">You can
still be outdoors</span></span></span></h2><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We have all
tried to be outdoors as much as possible over the last months, but the summer
heat was a bit daunting for strenuous work or hiking. Finally the air has cleared
of the oppressive humidity.<span> </span>It’s
actually been enjoyable to pull on a fleece in the morning, and more enjoyable
to take it off in the afternoon warmth.<span>
</span>We can happily don hiking boots that give us good footing to get out on rougher
trails and put away the flip flops.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There is a clarity
of color we haven’t seen for months. The blue of the sky is a perfect
complement for the gold-hued leaves, and the perfect match for the Blue Jays
acting like gangs of rowdy teens blasting noisily through the trees.<span> </span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Because the
leaves have begun falling already, the density of the green is lessened. <span> </span>There is more space in the woodland view, and
those spaces are filled with sunlight.<span>
</span>Some people complain that the “deep dark woods” of summer can feel too
close, claustrophobic.<span> </span>I never feel
that, but I do understand, and now that there is more light and an airy
feeling, those folks can feel more comfortable with a longer view.<span> </span>While it is not as stark and open as it will
be in another month, we can now see some of the more hidden elements that
summer covered up:<span> </span>rocky outcrops
covered in green moss, stone walls running through woodlands, skeletal trees
that have not survived the last several years of stress and drought,<span> </span>and bird and insect nests high in the bare
trees. We can walk dry stream beds in many places like another trail.<span> </span>This gives the opportunity to look for
footprints of wild things searching for moisture and edibles under rocks. </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">But there
are some things to be wary of.<span> </span>Lest you
become distracted by the beauty of an open field of gorgeous grasses and
wildflowers, and decide to wander in for a closer look, remember that the ticks
have re-emerged now and seem to be more abundant than in previous months. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZhyUZPQBvXNDJptYXAehhmuCYgB30RW8x1x3N53UEw58QCy9xW889xK3SlRPgX9CXrxYk_KTaca6ihm6GKpJUoWshnyKV7xPo2iqFovO8YevJ1O-a08UWroDme9Nr3wK2Qih-2YIFI8/w640-h480/Heavy+use+on+the+trails+results+in+more+roots+exposed.+look+at+the+ground+as+you+walkw..JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy use on the trails results in more roots exposed. Look at the ground as you walk.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQO_tXW1unCVpT3-DE5nKTApe1YlnbE9VovMTn0KzY52nMy6uivvs2_nJynpYyehRwr79QwyJeJYg2TQbylPop7FQawLmjcdpsP4PBH1-1DGOlk5C5Y-TtitJCmNCIow0FbH9PswIYf5s/w640-h480/The+bare+trees+create+their+own+beautiful+views.+Just+look+up.+Hoffmanw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bare trees create their own beautiful views. Just look up. From Hoffman Preserve.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBulqysNZBOcwGsQKR0sRn8Z5EKnGE0u5677PMiXgCDckfhfkWaERoDk2Yz-dMLryuuI1296hbjsV3GpsoKUfOzwowUwm2XjzBQuuZZx3v6uA1sc6BscJdNq0EGdV1pZTSzoHBY_szzFo/w400-h300/The+Woodlot+glows+with+clear+yellow+in+the+understory+of+spicebush+as+well+as+the+canopyw.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Woodlot glows with clear yellow in the understory of spicebush as well as the canopy.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /> </span><p></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Changes in
the woods</span></span></span></h2><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In the
woods, the leaves are already falling, and they can obscure rocks and roots
that may be an accident waiting to happen.<span>
</span>On trails that are not heavily traveled, the trail itself may be hard to
discern, so keep your eyes out for the blazes.<span>
</span>Cool and frosty mornings leave rocks slippery, and remember the rocks
can stay moist or icy even after the rest of the ground has warmed up. You know
the warning about bridges freeze before roads - that is true in the woods as
well. Wooden bridges can be slippery when damp, so please be careful.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Really
cherish every little bit of this season. I know I feel hyper-vigilant, seeing
things with new eyes and remembering details.<span>
</span>This often occurs before winter sends me indoors, but this year it seems
to be more important to gather in all the goodness that nature has to offer. I
gather strength from nature. We get vitamin D from the sun. Exercise improves
our health and mood. Our good mood improves our immune system and settles our
hearts and minds. It’s all related.<span> </span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t think
of hibernating this winter, I know I have, but invest in some warmer clothes,
some good boots, and a hiking stick. Make a list of the places you hike now so
you can revisit with new eyes in the next season.<span> </span>Join us for the Great Avalonia Trail Trek<span style="color: red;"><span>. <span style="color: black;">Learn more <a href="https://www.pledgereg.com/great-avalonia-trail-trek" target="_blank">here</a>.</span> </span></span></span><span style="color: red; line-height: 115%;"><span> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; line-height: 115%;"><span> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Avalonia is your
local land trust. We are stewards of the land for the habitats, but also for
your well-being and peace of mind.<span> </span>Please
join us.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="800" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXCCYQpuB1no3WRUBb7RPMzqQgBoY9_WpRNe5JyVPdlKLVSRfQveVuFBmqLaa-iKqQxy_iB1TeIIg2vVUGhS-gbE4sd5RiqE3GtnDT8onFENU007IRyi_2HcyD1UdpfvfMLodHA8oMtg/w400-h208/Autumn+exposes+things+we+may+have+wished+we+had+known+about+earlierw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn exposes things we may have wished we had known about earlier.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="800" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pO_7ZiI7OVZ1hqPwB0ziR37v-6aR62KrrMYf5g0wufyAPaYU5P-aWg3GSS5wjWbqqaEfQ9tQm8Zzmhoyz7vcaSQTBmmwX3Bwq8668Pnk-mOMLaSUeLHTqeK95ofz51bA5I22eDngFGk/w640-h616/Even+a+new+wooden+bridge+can+be+slippery+when+wet%252C+but+the+dry+stream+bed+is+great+to+explore-Paffard+Woodsw.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even a new wooden bridge can be slippery when wet, but the dry stream bed is great to explore. From Paffard Woods Preserve.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="800" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6Z6qM5iwjmYp6Pw7FeozAD_ycQOPTTirdmFwBRncF8IUjp6ioEPmJHa4R2iLohbFJzQsFw1xqrH6DPcv5e3Opd77h6wNOg5k2WZG48atQJXHzudZ20ykjBb3w-HdyUiWApH5EPg3I6o/w400-h285/With+leaves+thinning+out%252C+new+details+are+revealed.+Preston+Nature+Preservew.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With leaves thinning out, new details are revealed. From Preston Nature Preserve.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="579" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPLryqECJstPfztjnaCyi1wLxkEsCdtS1Fp8qjedDsrerztWZnuenEzr0RdqThNUQ2Ksjq4aVYVAKBtCbRtGbCz4WpLwwrQrH6s3fdHsSLVOK8T4Kyykh8jB_i5OrXIpcis-qwoOgpfc/w362-h640/Wherever+you+walk+this+fall%252C+take+the+time+to+love+a+treew.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="362" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wherever you walk this fall, take the time to love a tree.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Photographs
by Beth Sullivan</span></span></span></p>
Al Bachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00431827072300727766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-88475535954261356922020-09-21T00:30:00.082-04:002020-09-21T00:30:02.386-04:00Embracing Changes<p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->By Beth Sullivan
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">This time of year always seems to sneak up on me, and the
changes catch me by surprise. One would guess after all these years I would be
better at remembering, anticipating, and preparing.</span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Of course in our early years we always knew school was
coming, and that marked the change. We got ready by buying pencil boxes and new
crayons. Later it was binders and notebooks and calculators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we had our own kids, and we were again
buying those same things. The seasonal changes seemed to blend into the
expected activity.</span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Over the years I have also gotten used to hearing the school
buses go by, but I mark my seasonal changes by watching the birds and plants and
thinking about family birthdays all clustered at this time of year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things don’t change, but it seems like
everything else has.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I think of
the changes, I can get really depressed, but I have decided to try <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to pay attention to the positive, to try and
remember the good in people and the consistency in nature, even in the face of
change.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7Cze0RnYrL9i4t9am3fqgEdMBAIc1_kZmh2oWFAAEpNJ8o65NJu2N-ZIFM4VTC6cOfE3SHr5hyphenhyphenuAax99bkQcznA0vsxoLfuEwe7fhwrTzenpVZInpC4h_HgXTHV6DoaMsYsP8TjGZoM/w640-h480/A+little+bit+of+dirt+never+hurt+anyonew.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little bit of dirt never hurt anyone.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="800" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSjoFQxQi0_OuHVNzCXe8vJ15LAImUa06Hx69nAWMsrdZ2iFQgHNtA838j4EqPtGMt-tUdLM0p2VdWNP8n42TUz-HFxP8nvWeJ1l36eiv_VRc8A7xEHsnDOm7N1bluEZ6W9zlXhwchZc/w640-h534/Allow+your+inner+child+a+chance+to+have+fun+toow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allow your inner child a chance to have a little fun, too.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /> </span><p></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><h3 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grandchildren</span></h3><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Almost exactly six years ago I wrote a blog dedicated to my
first grandchild, <a href="https://avaloniaetrails.blogspot.com/2014/10/in-childs-eyes-dedicated-to-ejsy.html" target="_blank">Emerson</a>.<span style="color: #00b0f0;"> </span>I
couldn’t wait to be his nature teacher (not that his parents couldn’t do
it!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the following years we have
done everything I hoped and more. We have explored woods, played in brooks,
walked and talked about all sorts of things from insects and birds and
mushrooms to the magic of acorns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
he was two, we discovered “birdies on the phone”, the Audubon Bird ID app. How
much fun we had learning the birds and their sounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never doubt that the lessons learned at an
early age can last a lifetime. He still knows his way around that app better
than I do.</span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Two years ago we welcomed a granddaughter, Ava. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From day one, or maybe two, we walked
outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best way to soothe a crying
infant, and let a tired mom get some rest, was to bring her out to see the sky
and trees and feel the breeze. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
favorite place was under a maple tree where we could watch the leaves move and
see the play of light through them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
summer was a good summer to be outside. This little girl learned early about
animals of all sizes - dogs, goats and even horses. She is comfortable out in
nature, and even enjoys pointing out ‘buggies’ where her bright little eyes
find them. She will run barefoot over any kind of surface, hop in puddles with
glee, and keeps her mom busy with laundry and trying to match socks she has
discarded along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her first word,
or command, was “OUTSIDE!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and is still
tops on her vocabulary list.</span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Now we have a third grandchild, Clara. She is almost one.
Such a wonderful age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course every
age is wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is following in
the footsteps of her brother, literally, as she is learning to climb and
explore. She, too, has a fondness for leaves, rocks, acorns, and water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knows how to use a few words of sign
language and ‘birdie’ is one of her favorites. She can spot them high and hear
them from afar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, things have changed. I can’t be with my little ones as
much as I would like. But we can still communicate, share treasures, photos,
and adventures. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being close to children
now is so important; they are such sponges for information and needy for
opportunities to connect and learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are also fonts of joy and hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="800" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLqbuJJSFS-wR1_kH8tcYo0HoDdcwzEvSl4HPaGp6XWnGY7HB7ohZ8jTTz5AzqY8xChIxZLdjwt6O8Iw3SBFUAYtu034fc6riTjxfVfgHrqcDAV0fWHW_8jxT_e8k2Al3kQs_HBH3FzM/w640-h494/Emerson+now+can+teach+Clara+all+the+secrets+he+has+learnedw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerson now can teach Clara all the secrets he has learned.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9_zPQNlnAeADhWqPh7s6lsPoPLwVz8w_16N84Jfqn-Dr1c6KHxDFywh-whR6uwvE5Cp_CTWUhfONAh505g9E9cDK0swUsb1WVryaaw6ykBYy2vN3byn-2dH9z_jS7fFrS5FmMFLg2pw/w300-h400/Independance%252C+self+confidence+and+joy+are+all+possible+outdoors+when+you+are+sixw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Independence, self confidence, and joy are all possible outdoors when you are six.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="800" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNYE7oAfDi4gCgd9cLem123UXD-Z-Z9-D1mszcjYSAEX2W1nNHoF90TExJih_WT3B8MWYTWKdNnk1mdhUzBsUj1n82OOhCw0he7tbx5liewGFIaNryNTfsJ0thMF6Nk8-jvtHN8T4_go/w640-h374/Learning+to+be+with+animals+is+a+gift+that+will+last+a+lifetimew.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning to be with animals is a gift that will last a lifetime. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /> </span></span><p></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><h3 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Go outside with children</span></h3><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">As the season changes, the children especially will need
ways to stretch away from computers, to get rid of masks for a bit if
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adopt a child to nurture, or
at the very least, adopt a childlike nature for yourself, and take some time to
stop the speeding madness and take in the true beauty of this time of year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Embrace the changes as they arise, and do
your very best to begin an outward ripple of positivity and hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids do that without even thinking. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbSotwvuhWS3LCw_XyTYFxgy4ASnC3sqqz03IlMSyJlhbhgmHvmPRCpx6uiQMuxMNZuOhGW3DdzpKNgT0OHjQUQAyktRjm1EOi9GUV-SfpLjlHzlpPv-jQc63yurmh2lYFXQHGbgxWKs/w640-h480/OUTSIDE%2521+is+where+Ava+wants+to+bew.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OUTSIDE! is where Ava wants to be.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qEEwvxwkB1fLJdowMoFE89VkKWL-Uh6ymrIF60Z1Xs2OSd3PKBAemfB8-46TZHQZbPxaPhAg51nf4AorIHR5r-rE7KUvFCIZCyYDqZxATNGWUoLBQkhTqX9cLd-FTt8BMG8AOKdbhzA/w480-h640/Sometimes+I+feel+like+this+when+I+am+outdoorsw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes I feel like this when I am outdoors.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBl0zU-XdduW81zxq6KXiy6gt6tkuzfZvwFtY5urdAJ6Ia39EXNF45TJ9NfX5Cs67XD1zyzDaFWAjGzdyG52xah6Ztw9eUkTWtu44OnuD72k982ibxp_FXp5dU0wmYyixG1snfCmP8-4/w480-h640/Why+bother+with+toys+when+a+leaf+is+just+perfectw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why bother with toys when a leaf is just perfect.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="569" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilo6SX9ENey1yxunc7ikluf4vpNhNDOrcxRiIukehbfiSheiBamP6RsoX89N29SwRL_AktD2GNDFHK-ecLyXtSmtdMH7WwAVGOzWUClHEoIG4L1Od5YthuuDniwXVxnAdoO0eTvlW83yA/w285-h400/blogpicw.jpeg" width="285" /></div><br /> </span><p></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Photographs by Beth Sullivan and her family.</span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span>Al Bachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00431827072300727766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2065809671911002554.post-21004143353232032212020-09-07T00:30:00.100-04:002020-09-07T00:30:05.065-04:00Resilience<p style="text-align: left;"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><span style="font-size: small;"><i>This spring and summer I had the pleasure and great good fortune to work with Chris Arrotti, a recent UConn graduate. As a summer intern with the UConn program Climate Corps, he helped me scientifically and logically sort out a lot of options and directions for our planning for the Hoffman Preserve. He has created a super management proposal that will be reviewed by our stewardship team and added to the Hoffman Management Plan going forward. It will ultimately be available on our website. Enjoy his report. With young adults like Chris, succeeding even during this time of upheaval and change, standing ready to confront the future and whatever challenges it holds, I have hope. <br /><br />Beth</i></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hi! My name is Chris Arrotti, and I’m a recent graduate from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in biology. When exposed to the different facets within biology, I learned I had an affinity for ecology and conservation, the branch of biology which studies organisms' relationship to one another, their physical surroundings, and preserving these relationships. I think my passion for the subject accrued given the current circumstances on Earth: humans have altered the planet in such substantial ways to the point where there is an environmental crisis. I feel very lucky to be passionate about something that will be arguably one of the most important frontiers in my lifetime. In the past few months, I’ve learned about the difference between school work and employment, both the challenges and freedoms that come with each, and the necessity for resilience in nature and life. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /> When I had started my project on Avalonia’s Hoffman Preserve, I was a senior during the Spring 2020 semester. Numerous courses painted a bleak picture of the realities of conservation: limited funding, limited resources, and most importantly limited time. We were taught to ponder questions of triage, choosing between species x or species y and how you go about justifying such an answer. Or what makes one environment more of a priority than the next for conservation efforts: productivity, number of species, uniqueness of habitat. There isn’t exactly a clear-cut answer to many of these predicaments, nor is there a very storied history of conservation which can tell us which the best way is to go about addressing these problems. One philosophy that was consistently suggested was adaptive management. Adaptive management is essentially a set of guidelines one uses to make management decisions when faced with uncertainty. This is a process general enough to be repeated when new conflicts arise and specific enough to tailor it to certain circumstances. </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghH1PMiOqs13caDjiw1_zzC-NQKzMox_RphBmuSttfsOlydmDffNQajp16J-txsdFWvMQY3qrCy7fp1WhW54UFZfarVpUZN7VuOArTdnWAli_f8Pfa6DeLPOziSS5YbCocIxLhMXGGkxQ/w625-h469/A+patch+cut+that+was+bare%252C+is+now+regenerating%252C+one+step+at+a+timew.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="625" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A patch cut that was bare is now regenerating, one step at a time.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="781" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRel-WPbxytWKbTUXpbN1F8nMA3_-p2Pe0wvHXpUqI9M1WGFVMzxwzMxFafiKQT8qLgVImEVs1zvdyHlIwDW_thQhHZR-A5h03mwzxY-Z2Nu3T48Dk96GtG2sqfR6tpfe3OL4avGTlta4/w586-h781/Chestnuts+have+succumbed+to+blight+for+over+a+century+yet+regrow+from+their+basesw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="586" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chestnuts have succumbed to blight for over a century, yet regrow from their bases.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJDGW8qCsLDC38cHtSeaavQz-yPbEGmIF376a_ZYofodh9xgYPdigS6O706ZoazbWvCUK9AbytmdgAa9etbvhuv4_dKUMSFpNeVnKTFxHY6aBkOEqowFfHVCQwhVE-nZE2cDL4uLvbSY/w625-h469/A+young+helock+grows+in+the+shelter+of+an+old+birchw.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="625" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A young hemlock grows in the shelter of an old birch tree.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Assisted Migration </span></h3><p><span style="font-size: small;">During January, I had taken a walk through Hoffman Preserve’s patch cuts. The patch cuts, as a good portion of the preserve in general, were barren: compact dark soil, no vegetation, and silhouettes of sickly grey trees outlining the outskirts. I was told many of the trees were diseased and unhealthy conditions led to these acre-sized vacancies. I started to feel as if I likely wouldn’t have an impact here. I had limited knowledge of forest ecology, and the landscape did not look able-bodied enough to harbor life. However, in the lack of growth I saw an opportunity for something that was unprecedented at Hoffman: assisted migration. Assisted migration is the idea of moving southern native species into northern areas to make the environment more resilient to projected changes in climate. With the vacant areas of the preserve I thought it would be an ideal place to attempt to translocate some southern species. <br /><br /> As I continued to work on the project, I learned about the issues that led Hoffman to where it is now and what the managers planned to do going forward. Hoffman Evergreen Preserve, as the name suggests, was a preserve for evergreen trees. However, early management practices led to an overcrowding of planted evergreens. Ultimately, this created areas of densely populated, unhealthy trees that shaded out any light underneath, disallowing the establishment of any understory. The intense monoculture limited biodiversity and was a mediocre habitat for animals that used it. For that reason, patch cuts were made; trees would be logged and harvested throughout the park. However, removing the trees and transporting them out of the preserve also created large skid trails. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2aV4W8zoIBQfzFUhCysPsnH5Q27qCbaKFd3eyl8TLrIGHO31RWBbUQYUZxzoNgxZIMSKY6dD8P3iwfXe1O36PwCEc2g-uI1jUlAKSVBRblR3CbAiG0pKdOtdViUexBFvuq2HwSsCtaU/w469-h625/Resilience+will+have+a+chance+when+the+sun+reaches+the+forest+floorw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="469" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resilience will have a chance when the sun reaches the forest floor.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp0voSheJ5t2snA1aTu38BvRSYFV4Ik8Efo-OFPfscpPyYIS3bwecZ0XCUDrKTeN6Ej2KOBy4CKMYdpb-tsY9vqyuFGpuc9pzEIgEpX3q2BJGiYUWgKY2_sZAu8eG-wsMtdPbEkxlK2I/w625-h469/Lush+new+growth+on+a+hemlock+in+response+to+more+lightw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="625" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lush new growth on a hemlock in response to more light.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="800" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-s8-dli7-ni_DVX6hiDI8iUCvXwlopIeLGWWd_-ffeWs0RBO6RqUOIdEGGsKbUp8qcFgllgjko8carRZhh8wX7446Lx3S_ytGut2kSr-5ns_JG-SkKNDut40iDkj3uWvbJhElcqhlMU/w576-h625/Hope+for+the+warmer+future.+A+southern+species+pinew.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="576" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hope for a warmer future. A southern species of pine.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">Pandemic<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></h3><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /> Come late March, a pandemic had swept across the world and I was out of school. Among the stresses a pandemic brings alone, the abstractness of online classes was a difficult transition, and I found my management plan was harder to write. I think everybody can attest to the grueling mental grind quarantine put us through worrying if you were sick, the impatience of wanting normalcy, and never having experienced a rapid change such as this one. <br /><br /> But I write this now in August, and it feels like March was a decade ago. And it looks like it, too. Yes, people are still wearing masks, but there’s this palpable plasticity in society where I feel as though normalcy is within reach. For better or worse, I’ve adapted to the house-workplace and feel as though if I were to be under these circumstances again, I’d be better prepared. Moreover, Hoffman’s plants have bounced back with a vibrancy I didn’t think was possible. Three of the five patches are covered in a lush-green. Plants have managed to thrive in one of the driest and hottest summers in Connecticut's history without the help of people. I’ve even gone on to see some of the southern native species I recommended get planted on the site. Sometimes, the future seems unimaginably bleak. But it’s important to recognize the necessity and importance of resilience and your ability to adapt in the face of change. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWmqejOIwQ3nSMXvZAuZ2Yy9w3xS6YC8W_EWjTmlNmh7f3s80wUbmilO4NpzTNCh8d1zcYrjIHyMbkLjuutMXm_bdwvCoidA-t0yWXm8eLcYwjAZXyhisU1wG2cEDloIA6qZ2h8aJ0Sc/w625-h469/Stump+sprouting+maple+is+resiliencew.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="625" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stump sprouting maple is also resilience. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="800" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrqPsFJcx0wigtcpPvCvT0d96HBv1uMdqkCYrge9SLo5eymKSW4NokVOW_Bcqi9YQX-h-aZHLT2nbJFxcb3rakxyz0syW5nQXERHWU9HDvreCZtm-_cIe1Lz8ETyDV_liOmxafI1tn8g/w781-h606/The+next+generation+steward+%2528+J.+Alexander%2529w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="781" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next generation steward. Photograph by J. Alexander.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<span style="font-size: small;"> Photographs by Beth Sullivan, unless otherwise indicated.</span>Al Bachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00431827072300727766noreply@blogger.com0