Together with other volunteers we planted more than 1,000 native prairie plants in the newest restoration area (Fox Prairie) of the park Funded installation of 2 new prairie areas using native vegetated mats at the south entrance Completed reconstruction of the accessible fishing pier and purchase of 2 new de-icers to maintain the structure Implemented non-toxic goose population remediation Introduced …
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Naturalist Notes May 2018
Naturalist Notes March 2018 While some winter birds still enjoy our waters until they migrate to cooler regions, others are just beginning their return. Still in the waters are the Goldeneyes, Lesser Scaups, and Red-breasted Mergansers. We have sighted the first Tree Swallows of the season. Their wings and tails are dark grey and forked, while their upper bodies …
Naturalist Notes April 2018
Naturalist Notes April 2018 As Spring begins to provide us with warmer weather, the first forbs, or flowering plants, are finally bringing a little color to the gardens at the front of the park. Prairie Smoke is the first to emerge! Geum triflorum: Native North American herbaceous perennial in the Rose family Common names: Prairie Smoke, Old Man Whiskers, Praire …
Naturalist Notes March 2018
Naturalist Notes March 2018 The weather is beginning to warm up and the animals are starting to become more active. During the winter months, you may have seen some Coyote tracks around, and thanks to one of our park visitors, Michael DeBoer, we have photographic evidence of its presence. While Coyotes (Canis latrans) have been known to take over fox dens, this …
Naturalist Notes February 2018
Naturalist Notes February 2018 The temperatures have remained relatively stable, which means solid ice in the lagoon that is perfect for ice fishing. Waterfowl, however, do not share the same enthusiasm for ice cover. They are warmer and closer to their food source when they stay in open water areas during Wisconsin’s winters. The open water area under the bridge …