CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May Birdathon: Help Audubon Continue To Sponsor Programs and Activities in our Schools and Community! May is the perfect time for bird watching during the spring migration. And, so it is a great time for our Birdathon. You are invited to help us count! Give us a call to join one of our bird watching teams. We have a wonderful time visiting our favorite bird haunts to see, hear, count and record as many birds as we can in a 24 hour period. Spend an hour with us or the whole day. The Birdathon would not be a success without the generous contributions of our members and friends. Please sponsor our birders by pledging a per bird amount or fixed dollar amount. Your support allows us to continue providing quality events and programs in our community. Contact Carla Hansen for more information, to make a pledge, or join a team: 920-233-1129 or carlajhansen@sbcglobal.net
May Bird Count
May 19, 2012
On this annual bird count observers record all birds seen or heard in Winnebago County on one day (24 hour period) in May. The Winnebago County bird count has been conducted every May since 1966. The final results are submitted to the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology.
Anyone can participate in the bird count. The amount of time that you wish to commit is up to you. You can watch your feeders/yard for an hour or all day. Your can walk, bike, or boat a certain area. For the more dedicated birder, surveying one of the 30 county areas is also an option.
WHAT IS REQUIRED?
-Record the number of each species seen or heard
(including Starlings, House Sparrows, etc.)
-Record time spent watching (yard, walking, car, etc.)
-Record distance traveled (walking, car, etc.)
-Record names of all observers
-Document unusual species and numbers
If you do plan on participating PLEASE contact Tom Ziebell and inform him of the location that you intend to cover. This is to reduce duplication of birds counted.
For more information on the count or if interested in surveying an area in the county, contact Tom Ziebell at cziebell@new.rr.com or 920-312-1976.
Calling All Frogs! A Night Hike
Saturday, May 19, 2012
7:30 - 9:30 pm
Pickett Community Center
6687 State Road 44, Pickett (10 miles SW of Oshkosh)
This is a hit with kids and adults alike!
A hands-on program with frogs, toads, and salamanders followed by a walk in a wetland after dark to hear and see frogs in their natural habitat.
An indoor orientation to Wisconsin Frogs will begin at 7:30 pm. with naturalist, Randy Korb. Young and old alike will enjoy this program. Participants will get to know the calls of our 10 species of frogs and toads. Children may hold and feed frogs, toads and salamanders during the orientation. Then we'll venture out at dusk to hear them. We will be driving to a nearby location in the Pickett area. The eastern gray tree frog is in peak breeding in late May plus we may hear American toads, spring peepers, chorus and green frogs.
Free for Audubon members. Non-members: $5/adult and $3/child under 17. Non-members may join Audubon at the door, only $20.00 for a family. Participants should bring flashlights and wear old tennis shoes or boots. With the rain we have had recently, the fields may be quite wet.
If you would like more information contact Janet at 920-589-2602 or wiss@centurytel.net.
"Adults Only" Night Hike
Saturday, May 26, 2012
8:00 pm
Uihlein Marsh
Set aside this date for an evening of nature's entertainment. We are offering an "adults only" night hike to Uihlein Marsh. Come and enjoy the nighttime solitude of this wonderful wetland. As anyone who has visited a marsh at night during spring knows, it is alive with plunks, whinnies and trills. Led by naturalist, Anita Carpenter, come and experience this springtime chorus of birds and frogs. And who knows what other surprises await those with quiet patience in this beautiful setting.
Winnebago Audubon plans many events with children in mind, but this one is just for adults, who can appreciate the stillness of the night and the sounds we might hear.
DIRECTIONS: We will meet in the parking lot of the Uihlein Waterfowl Production Area on the east side of the road at 1902 County Road M (and Osborne Rd.), just 1.5 miles south of Hwy. 91/Waukau.
We will be walking the dikes which are dry and mowed, but you should wear sturdy shoes. Dress for the weather. You may want to bring insect repellent and a small flashlight.
Oshkosh Farmer's Market
Saturday, June 9, 2012
8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Visit us at our booth in downtown Oshkosh. It will be all about birds!
Paddle Rush Lake
with Tom Ziebell and Anita Carpenter
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Start: 7:30 am (Plan to be on the lake for 2 to 3 hours)
No charge, but PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! Limit 12 boats.
(You must provide your own canoe/kayak.)
Pre-register with Janet at wiss@centurytel.net or 920-589-2602.
Winnebago Audubon invites you to explore Rush Lake with us. Our guides will be Tom Ziebell, who knows Rush Lake and its birds very well; and naturalist, Anita Carpenter. Learn about the restoration of this important remnant prairie pothole lake from the vantage point of a canoe or kayak. Enjoy a morning on the water, in the reeds and cattails, observing the birds and wildlife of the lake. Some of the birds we might see are black terns, yellowheaded blackbirds, redhead ducks, bitterns, pied-billed grebes, herons and egrets.
What to bring: Canoe or kayak, life jackets, binoculars, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, drinking water, snack.
Where to meet: Rush Lake East Boat Landing on County Road M between State Road 44 and State Road 91. The landing is on the west side of the road about 2.8 miles south of State Rd. 91/Waukau.
Please arrive early so that we are ready to launch at 7:30 am.
Oshkosh Farmer's Market
Saturday, August 18, 2012
8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Visit us at our booth in downtown Oshkosh, which will feature a Monarch butterfly display. Learn about their lifecycle and amazing migration to Mexico.
Monarch Tagging
Date (late Aug/early Sept), place and time to be determined.
Prairie Walk on the Wiouwash
Sunday, September 9, 2012
1:30 pm
Meeting place to be determined.
A walk down the Wiouwash Trail has been arranged with Anita Carpenter and Tom Underwood, who will escort you through one of the prairie remnants that still retains some of its character of pre-settlement times. With Anita’s acute observational skills when it comes to insects and other critters, and Tom’s knowledge of the prairie plants, you can count on this to be an interesting afternoon for the whole family.
Dress for a mile or two of easy walking and the weather conditions. This field trip is free and open to the public.
September Bird Count
September 15, 2012
On this annual bird count observers record all birds seen or heard in Winnebago County on one day (24 hour period) in September. The Winnebago County bird count has been conducted every September since 1995.
Anyone can participate in the bird count. The amount of time that you wish to commit is up to you. You can watch your feeders/yard for an hour or all day. Your can walk, bike, or boat a certain area. For the more dedicated birder, surveying one of the 30 county areas is also an option.
WHAT IS REQUIRED?
-Record the number of each species seen or heard (including Starlings, House Sparrows, etc.)
-Record time spent watching (yard, walking, car, etc.)
-Record distance traveled (walking, car, etc.)
-Record names of all observers
-Document unusual species and numbers
If you do plan on participating PLEASE contact Tom Ziebell and inform him of the location that you intend to cover. This is to reduce duplication of birds counted.
For more information on the count or if interested in surveying an area in the county, contact Tom Ziebell at cziebell@new.rr.com or 920-312-1976.
Bhutan: "Land of the Thunder Dragon"
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
6:30 pm
Evergreen Retirement Community, The Commons (lower level)
1130 N. Westfield St., Oshkosh
The ancient kingdom of Bhutan will unfold before your eyes when native Bhutanese Chubzang Tangbi brings to life the beauty of the Himalayan landscapes, sacred temples and deeply rooted culture filled with colorful festivals in an entertaining photo presentation.
Chubzang is a photographer and premier birder and a tour guide with the Langur Eco Travels of Bhutan. His country was closed to outside visitors until 1970. Today, Cubzang is dedicating his life to share the wonders of his homeland with others.
The presentation will take you trekking across the breathtaking high mountain passes, through alpine forests to see the magnificent hillside fortress-monasteries dzongs, to participate in the pageantry of the colorful festivals while experiencing the abundant flora, and discovering its wide diversity of birds and wildlife.
Only half the size of Indiana, Bhutan is considered one of the world's top ten biodiversity hot spots. Its deeply rooted culture of Tantric Mahayana Buddhism stresses that inhabitants take care of the land and maintain the pristine environment in order that life thrives. Bhutan is one of the few unspoiled areas remaining in the world. The country mandates that two-thirds of the land remains under forest cover respecting the ancient landscape.
This event promises to be an intriguing armchair journey into one of the world's truly remote ancient kingdoms.
Winnebago Lakes Council Program
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Joint meeting with Wild Ones Fox Valley Area
6:30 pm Social
7:00 pm Program
Evergreen Retirement Community
1130 N. Westfield St., Oshkosh
Dr. Michael Lizotte will give a presentation on one of the activities of the Winnebago Lakes Council. The Winnebago Lakes Council promotes the long-term sustainability of lakes Winnebago, Butte des Morts, Winneconne, and Poygan and their connecting rivers. The Council’s mission is to protect and improve the ecological health and scenic beauty of the Winnebago lakes through citizen involvement in research, education, communication and cooperation. Some of the projects of the Council include lake monitoring, aquatic invasive species, and conservation photography.
Dr. Lizotte is President of Winnebago Lakes Council. He serves as Director of Sustainability at UW Oshkosh and was former Director of the Aquatic Research Laboratory. His professional interest is scientific research in aquatic biology, particularly algal blooms, and environmental education.
Christmas Bird Count
December 15, 2012
On this annual bird count observers record all birds seen or heard within a fifteen mile diameter circle around Oshkosh on one day (24 hour period) in mid to late December. In addition to the count day, species seen during the count week (3 days before and 3 days after the count day) but not recorded on the count day are also included in the results. The Oshkosh Christmas bird count has been conducted every year since 1964. The final results are submitted to the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology.
Anyone can participate in the bird count. The amount of time that you wish to commit is up to you. You can watch your feeders/yard for an hour or all day. For the more dedicated birder, surveying one of the 13 county areas in the count circle is also an option.
WHAT IS REQUIRED?
-Record the number of each species seen or heard
(including Starlings, House Sparrows, etc.)
-Record time spent watching (yard, walking, car, etc.)
-Record distance traveled (walking, car, etc.)
-Record names of all observers
-Document unusual species and numbers
If you do plan on participating PLEASE contact Tom Ziebell and inform him of the location that you intend to cover. This is to make sure the location is in the count area and to reduce duplication of birds counted.
For more information on the count or if interested in surveying an area in the count circle, contact Tom Ziebell at cziebell@new.rr.com or 920-312-1976.
PAST PROGRAMS
Celebrates International Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, May 5, 2012
6:00 am - 2:00 pm Menominee Park, Oshkosh
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Downtown Oshkosh Gallery Walk
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The second annual Oshkosh Bird Fest celebrates International Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 5 with a variety of activities for all ages and everyone interested in birds. Most of the activities will take place in Menominee Park from 6:00 am - 2:00 pm. Visit the Kiwanis Shelter for a complete schedule and directions. In addition, there will be yard tours hosted by Wild Ones Fox Valley Area members from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Then, visit downtown Oshkosh for Gallery Walk from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, which will feature a student bird art exhibit, local bird photographers and artists, and more.
The day will begin with a “Big Sit” in two locations. Join Anita Carpenter and the Oshkosh Bird Club inside one of two 17-foot diameter circles for the Big Sit anytime from 6:00 am until Noon for as long as you want. Bring a chair and binoculars, if you have them, then enjoy watching, listening, counting and learning about birds that you see and hear. This is sometimes described as “a tailgate party for birders”. Anita, an Oshkosh resident, is an avid birder and naturalist. She contributes articles to Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine and has a regular column in the Winnebago Audubon Lake Flyer newsletter.
From 8:00 am – 2:00 pm, you will find informative exhibits at the Kiwanis Shelter covering bird migration, landscaping with native plants, habitat restoration, eagle/osprey surveys, whooping cranes, bluebirds, county parks, and more. You won’t want to miss the presentations with live birds of prey at 10:30 and 12:30 by Beka Weiss of Aves Wildlife Alliance. Learn all about why and how bird banding is done from a licensed bird bander.
The Oshkosh Zoological Society will host educational and fun children’s activities from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. in the zoo. Children will make their own binoculars, then go on a bird walk and learn to identify birds. We will also be “banding” kids in an exercise to show them how birds are caught, processed and banded for research. Birds have different kinds of beaks and the children will be able try to eat like a bird using different tools.
Wild Ones Fox Valley Area members will host yard tours in Oshkosh from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Pick up a map at the Kiwanis Shelter. These yards are landscaped with native plants and the homeowners will share with you how they made their yards more bird and nature friendly.
Food will be available from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm and also from Kangaroostaurant, 11:00 am - 1:30 pm.
The bird theme continues into the evening at Downtown Oshkosh Gallery Walk from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Downtown stores will feature live birds, bird art and bird photography. A specail feature will be the student bird art exhibit at the First National Bank building.
Oshkosh Bird Fest is planned by a committee of people who have a passion for birds and a healthy environment with affiliations to Oshkosh Bird Club, Oshkosh Zoological Society, Wild Ones Fox Valley Area, Winnebago Audubon Society, and Wisconsin DNR with support from the City of Oshkosh. The concept for a Bird Fest came from Bird City Wisconsin. Oshkosh has been recognized as a Bird City since 2011, after submitting its application and successfully meeting the criteria outlined. Our city proved that it not only can implement sound conservation practices on their own, but it can educate its residents to play an increased role in making our community healthy for birds . . . and people.
Bird City Wisconsin is a coalition led by Milwaukee Audubon Society, the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative and the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology to ensure that Wisconsin’s city folk maintain healthy populations of birds and grow an appreciation for them. With funding from TogetherGreen, an alliance between National Audubon Society and Toyota, the program addresses an increasing problem: the decline of urban bird populations. Bird City participants will learn how to protect and manage greenspace; landscape with native plants in backyards and parks; adopt architecture and lighting systems that reduce bird collisions; and making our community hospitable to breeding, wintering, and migrating birds that seek safe places to spend time and find food. Check out the Bird City website at www.birdcitywisconsin.org.
Oshkosh Bird Fest is free and open to the public. For more information about the first annual Oshkosh Bird Fest, contact Janet at wiss@centurytel.net or 920-589-2602. Opportunities to volunteer or provide financial support are available.
MENOMINEE PARK at Kiwanis Shelter
6am-Noon: Two Big Sits, a unique way to bird watch. You can enter the circle and
participate. How many birds will we see and hear from a 17 ft. circle?
Near Kiwanis Shelter
7am-11am: Bird Banding near Kiwanis Shelter
8am-2pm: Informative Exhibits and Vendors
10am-2pm: Live Birds of Prey with Bird Rehabilitator Beka Weiss, Aves Wildlife
Alliance. Presentations at 10:30 & 12:30 at Kiwanis Shelter.
Children's Activities in the Zoo
Yard Tours hosted by Wild Ones Fox Valley Area
Pick up map at Kiwanis Shelter
11am-1:30pm: Food by Kangaroostaurant
DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH GALLERY WALK
6:00pm-9:00pm
Student Bird Art Exhibit at First National Bank Building
with bird photograhers, artists, other bird-related fare and more!
Spring Banquet
Saturday, April 28
Primo's Restaurant
2605 Jackson St., Oshkosh
5:30 Social and Silent Auction
6:30 Dinner . . . followed by a brief business meeting and the
presentation of the Katherine D. Rill Environmental Award
Our program will be "Kirtland's Warbler in Wisconsin"
by Joel A. Trick, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
A special evening is planned beginning with a social hour during which you can visit with friends and place your bids on some great silent auction items. After dinner we will introduce this year's recipient of the Katherine D. Rill Environmental Award. Then enjoy our program on Kirtland's Warbler in Wisconsin by Joel A. Trick of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. His talk will include an overview of the history of the species, its life history and nesting ecology, and historical presence in Wisconsin. He will also give a detailed account of the monitoring and research that has been conducted since the birds were discovered nesting in the state in 2007.
$25.00 per person
Space is limited. RSVP by April 20.
Call by Apr. 24 and there may be room for you (589-2602).
Click on this link for Reservation Form Reservation Form
Do you have something to donate to the silent auction? Let Janet know about it: wiss@centurytel.net
Annual Midwest Crane Count
Saturday, April 14, 2012
5:30-7:30 am
The Annual Midwest Crane Count is a citizen science tradition createdby the International Crane Foundation (ICF) of Baraboo, WI, to monitor the general population trend of sandhill cranes in the Upper Midwest, as well as to promote awareness of cranes and wetland conservation throughout the count area. We invite you to help gather this valuable data to further ICF research. Volunteer counters of all ages can enjoy this early morning activity. Winnebago Audubon coordinates the count in Winnebago County which has 46 designated sites to be surveyed. After the count, join us for breakfast (Dutch Treat) at the Fin 'n Feather in Winneconne.
The Annual Midwest Crane Count is set to take place on Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 5:30 – 7:30 a.m. We will NOT hold an orientation meeting this year. In staying with the “green” movement, ICF is going paperless (as much as possible) this year and has partnered with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. It will be using www.eBird.org as a more efficient and inclusive way to collect, analyze and share the data for the Crane Count.
The Winnebago County count will still be coordinated by the county coordinator, Evelyn Meuret, so sites are assigned as before. However, we will not be holding a meeting to assign the sites or provide data sheets. Since ICF has gone paperless, so will WAS attempt to. If you want to participate in the Crane Count this year and you do not have access to a computer or printer, WAS can still provide a data sheet and input your count on ebird.org. You must arrange that with Evelyn prior to April 1 so she has time to set everything up and get the data sheet to you.
Who counts on what site? Winnebago County has 46 sites that are available to count on. You can view these on this link: Sites Map Note: site 46 is not on the map as it is a new site we submitted to ICF in 2011. Be aware that many of our sites are already assigned as we have counters who have been participating since its beginning in 1976. Many counters want to continue counting on their original site and others want to venture to somewhere new.
I will be writing to all 2010 and 2011 counters at the e-mail addresses provided to me at the time they registered. If you did not provide an e-mail address, I will use the USPS you provided but our hope is to go paperless so if you now have an e-mail address or it has changed since then, send it to me at evelynmeuret57@att.net. I will be asking that you inform me if you want the site you counted on in the previous year(s) or seek a new one by April 1. After April 1, I will be offering any unclaimed sites to counters seeking an alternate site or new counters wanting to join up.
I strongly encourage you to go to www.cranecount.org at the ICF website to read about the 2012 Annual Midwest Crane Count. On the right side, under Learn More, select Counter Information. Here there are newly revised Data Sheets that can be printed out to have in the field. There are also Data Entry instructions for registering and using eBird and identification calls if you need to review them.
I look forward to working with all of you this year. The Fin n Feather in Winneconne will again set up the mini breakfast buffet for us to enjoy al a carte directly after counting. Please join everyone in sharing stories after the count and turning in your data sheets IF you cannot input the information at eBird.org. Watch for my e-mail or snail mail in the near future. Feel free to contact me at 920-573-7828 or write to me at evelynmeuret57@att.net prior to getting my letter if you already know the site you want to count on.
Based in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the nonprofit International Crane Foundation sponsors the Crane Count as a part of its efforts to preserve and study the world's 15 species of cranes and the natural communities on which they depend. Sandhill Cranes once experienced severe population declines in the late 1800s to early 1900s in the Upper Midwest, but have recovered successfully. The Crane Count has documented the growth of thesandhill population, and allows ICF to monitor crane abundance and distribution. Observations of the abundant Sandhill Cranes can often lend insight into the endangered crane species of the world. One local example is the flock of Whooping Cranes being released in Central Wisconsin, and led on migration to the Gulf Coast of Florida by ultralight aircraft. Participants may have a chance of sighting a Whooping Crane during the Crane Count.
"Show & Tell" Ice Cream Social
Sunday, March 11, 2012
1:30 pm
Oshkosh Seniors Center - Oasis Room
200 N. Campbell Rd., Oshkosh
This annual event is always fun, free and open to the public! The Audubon board will treat you to ice cream and a variety of toppings. We invite you to share your photos, slides, videos, DVD slide shows, and stories of your outdoor adventures, flowers, birds, nature, etc. To allow everyone an opportunity to share, please keep your presentation to around 10-15 minutes. A slide projector, and LCD projector with a laptop/dvd drive will be provided. Mike Huebschen will be our featured photographer sharing his excellent bird photos and stories. Please join us for an enjoyable "sundae" afternoon with friends and family - old and new!
Great Backyard Bird Count
February 17-20, 2012
The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.”
Winnebago Audubon is pleased to again sponsor the GBBC in our local area and we encourage participation at any level. If you want to learn more, go to the GBBC website at www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ . The beauty of this event is that everyone can participate by: watching your backyard feeder, driving to a special place to count, or trekking out into the country to look for birds. There are simple rules to follow to submit your results. Your efforts contribute important data regarding the movement of birds across North America. Winnebago Audubon encourages you to learn more and be a part of this annual citizen science project.
Eagles and Ospreys of NE Wisconsin
Saturday, February 4, 2012
1:30 pm
JP Coughlin Center
625 E. County Road Y, Oshkosh
Winnebago Audubon invites you to a presentation on the eagles and ospreys of northeast Wisconsin on Saturday, February 4 at 1:30 pm at the JP Coughlin Center, 625 E. County Road Y, Oshkosh. Steve Easterly, Wildlife Technician with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, will talk about the continuing efforts to monitor the recovery of these two magnificent birds. Aerial surveys are conducted every spring and early summer by the DNR. This is an opportunity to learn how these surveys are done and to hear about the results of the 2011 surveys. The road to recovery has not been an easy one for these two previously endangered raptors. With the assistance of concerned citizens, conservation groups, private companies, as well as state and federal agencies there has been a dramatic rebound for both the bald eagle and the osprey. Preserving and protecting habitat, changes in land use, enacting legislation, and erecting nesting platforms have all been important steps in this amazing story. This program is free and open to the public.
Following Easterly’s presentation, Winnebago Audubon will provide information about the Great Backyard Bird Count which is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event, which runs from Feb. 17 through Feb. 20. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.
If you want to learn more about the GBBC visit www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ . The beauty of this event is that everyone can participate by: watching your backyard feeder, driving to a special place to count, or trekking out into the country to look for birds. There are simple rules to follow to submit your results. Your efforts contribute important data regarding the movement of birds across North America. Winnebago Audubon encourages you to learn more and be a part of this annual citizen science project.
If you would like more information about this program, contact Janet Wissink at wiss@centurytel.net or 920-589-2602.
Restoration and Management of Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid at Uihlein WPA
Thursday, November 17, 2011
6:30 pm, Evergreen Retirement Community
Winnebago Audubon and Wild Ones Fox Valley will co-host a program about a special native orchid that grows in Uihlein Waterfowl Production Area in western Winnebago County. Jim Lutes, District Wildlife Biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, will give a presentation about the Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid, its ecology and status in Wisconsin, and its history on Uihlein WPA. When the USFWS purchased this property, management actions were undertaken to support the recovery of this species on the property. Join us to find out the results of their efforts on Thursday, November 17, at Evergreen Retirement Community, 1130 N. Westfield St., Oshkosh (lower level). Social time begins at 6:30 pm followed by the program at 7:00 pm. It is free and open to the public.
Lutes has held his position as biologist for the Leopold Wetland Management District since 1999. He is primarily responsible for overseeing the restoration, management, and monitoring of upland and wetland habitats, and the wildlife that depends on them, on over 13,000 acres of Waterfowl Production Areas scattered throughout 17 counties of eastern and southeastern Wisconsin.
Work Party on the Wiouwash
Saturday, October 22, 2011
10:00 am - Noon
We will work on a section of the trail north of Maxwell Rd.
It’s that time of year again when the prairies along the Wiouwash trail north of Oshkosh look forward to a little help from Winnebago Audubon and its volunteers. So, once again, the chapter has scheduled a work day to discourage the encroaching shrubs and thereby encourage the prairie elements that have persisted since before the first European settlers arrived.
Lend us a hand on Saturday, October 22 from 10:00 am until noon. We will be working the section of the Wiouwash Trail north of Maxwell Road. Loppers and pruners are the tools of choice to bring although a bow saw has occasional value.
Please join us for the fresh air, conversation, and the physical contribution to a prairie remnant of state significance. Questions may be directed to Tom Underwood at (920) 410-9703.
Shoreland Restoration Project on Miller's Bay in Menominee Park
Saturday, October 1, 2011
8:00 am - Noon
The first phase of this project will consist of planting seed and a minimal number of 2 year plant plugs in the area approximately 7-10 feet back from the water up to the trail. This area will be first seeded at a pretty heavy rate, and then covered with a quality straw cover to keep in moisture and eliminate any possibility of runoff. We are going to finalize with a small planting of the plugs. We may also proceed on this day with creating the shore-access pathways.
We will meet at Ames Point at the northern tip of Menominee Park at 8:00 am and will plan on working for 3-4 hours on the restoration. We have a goal of 25 volunteers to make this possible. We're covering a large area so your help is essential. Several organizations are working with the city on this project. Let's have a great showing of Audubon members.
If you are willing to make a commitment to help on Oct. 1, please sign up as soon as possible by contacting Pat Nichols at 920-426-0261 or jvnichols@earthlink.net.
Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and the Land Ethic
in the 21st Century
Thursday, September 29, 2011
6:30 pm
Oshkosh Senior Center, Willow Rooms, 200 N. Campbell Rd.
Winnebago Audubon invites you to view “The Green Fire Story” with Shannon Davis-Foust, Lecturer, Environmental Studies, UW Oshkosh. The extraordinary film, Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and the Land Ethic in the 21st Century, will be shown on Thursday, September 29 at 6:30 pm in the Willow Rooms at the Oshkosh Senior Center, 200 N. Campbell Rd. It is free and open to the public. This film introduces the viewer to the famed conservationist and writer, Aldo Leopold, who is sometimes referred to as the "father of wildlife management." It traces his life in the American environmental movement; his legacy can be traced to many of today's conservation projects. The film helps viewers to understand "land ethic" and how this way of thinking can be applied to the environmental problems we face today. Audiences are challenged to contemplate humanity's relationship with the natural world and inspired to actively engage in land stewardship projects in their communities.
“We reached the old wolf in time to watch a fierce green fire dying in her eyes. I realized then, and have known ever since, that there was something new to me in those eyes—something known only to her and to the mountain. I was young then, and full of trigger-itch; I thought that because fewer wolves meant more deer, that no wolves would mean hunters’ paradise. But after seeing the green fire die, I sensed that neither the wolf nor the mountain agreed with such a view.” - Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac, 1949
For more information about the film checkout this website: http://www.aldoleopold.org/greenfire/index.html. If you have questions about the evening, please contact Dana at 920-582-4498 or danahartel@yahoo.com.
All About Fungi:
Magical Molds and Mystical Mushrooms
(why mycologists have more fungi)
Sunday, September 25, 2011
1:30 pm
Ripon College, Todd Wehr Hall, Room 104 & South Woods
Winnebago Audubon is hosting Dr. Stephen P. Bentivenga, Professor of Mycology at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, to give an introductory overview of fungi, focusing on mushrooms. In his presentation, he will cover the basics of mushroom identification and make suggestions on how to get started mushroom collecting.
The presentation will take place at Ripon College, Todd Wehr Hall, Room 104, starting at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 25. After learning about fungi, magical molds and mystical mushrooms for about an hour, we’ll venture out to South Woods for another hour or two collecting whatever mushrooms we find. Hope for lots of rain in August and September so the conditions are better for our hunt. Plan to wear appropriate footwear if we do get the rain they need.
Dr. Bentivenga has been teaching mycology at UW Oshkosh for 15 years. He has authored and coauthored many publications. See a list of his publications and find out more about Dr. Bentivenga by googling Stephen Bentivenga. Join us for an afternoon of fun(gi). The program is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Evelyn Meuret at 920-573-7828 or evelynmeuret57@att.net.
Directions: From Oshkosh take Hwy. 44 to Ripon. At the four-way stop sign turn left onto Blackburn St. After the stoplights, watch for W. Blossom St. Turn right onto Blossom which will end at Ransom St. directly in front of Todd Wehr Hall. Look for Parking signs, faculty/staff lots are open on Sunday.
Catch and Tag Migrating Monarchs
POSTPONED UNTIL SUN., SEPT. 4
Saturday, September 3, 2011 (raindate Sunday, September 4)
1:00 pm Green Lake Area
Families, friends, young and old alike, can participate in the autumn migration of monarch butterflies on Saturday, September 3 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. We will meet at the Londowski farm (see below for directions) where there will be a short orientation and a demonstration of the tagging process. Then participants will head out to the clover and alfalfa fields on the farm to net monarchs and attach numbered tags to their wings, record data, and release them as part of a nationwide research project by the University of Kansas called MonarchWatch (www.monarchwatch.org).
These amazing fliers will migrate 1800 miles to spend the winter in the mountains of central Mexico.
This event is suitable for children four years and up. We recommend that children wear long pants, shoes and socks. It is free to Winnebago Audubon members. The non-member fee is $5.00 per adult and $3.00 per child 17 years and under. Pre-registration is not required. Non-members may join at the event for only $20.00 for a one year family membership. A limited number of butterfly nets will be available, so please bring your own if you have one.
Teachers or families who are raising monarchs and are interested in tagging their butterflies may contact Janet for tags and forms.
For more information contact Dave Moon at 920-235-4429 or djmoon@northnet.net.
CARPOOL: If you would like to carpool, meet at Carl Traeger School, in the eastside parking lot, 3000 W. 20th Ave., Oshkosh. Arrive early to depart at 12:15 pm.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Meet us at the Londowski farm at 1:00 pm. From Hwy. 44 just southwest of Oshkosh take Hwy. 91 to Berlin. In Berlin turn left (south) on Hwy. 49 to County Road J. Turn right on County Road J. The Londowski farm is one mile down the road.
Bird by Bike
Sunday, August 21, 2011
1:30 pm
Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, 1305 Plank Rd. (Hwy. 114), Menasha
This family-friendly 5 mile bike ride explores nature here in the Fox Valley with a unique tour of area parks and trails.
Learn about the plants and wildlife with Winnebago Audubon naturalists and confident cycling with a Bike Federation of Wisconsin instructor.
After a walk at the Reserve and an intro to bike safety, we will bike to Fritse Park on the Trestle Trail in Menasha. BIKE HELMETS REQUIRED.
For more information, contact Scott Reilly at scott.reilly@bfw.org or Janet at wiss@centurytel.net or 920-589-2602.
Terrell's Island Tour
Saturday, July 30, 2011
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Directions: Just east of Omro on State Rd. 21 (at skydiving school) take Rivermoor Road north. At about 3 miles, turn right onto Shubert Rd. and follow to parking area.
Join Winnebago Audubon for a tour of Terrell’s Island on July 30th. We will start our tour at 8 a.m. and will finish by 11 a.m. Wear appropriate clothing for this adventure. It is recommended that you wear long pants and bring along a long sleeved shirt because of the mosquitoes. Also, wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and/or dirty. I’ve been informed that there are ‘tons’ of pelicans inside the breakwall on Terrell’s Island as well as many other birds attracted to the habitat available there. Following is a brief description of what the Butte des Morts Conservation Club has done to preserve and expand this important habitat. For lots more information on the birds of this area visit the club’s website at www.bdmcc.org/Terrells.htm
From the BDMCC Website:
In 1998, the Butte des Morts Conservation Club, with the assistance of public contributions, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource grant programs, purchased 1183 acres of this habitat known as Terrell's Island and placed it in 'public trust' for perpetuity. In 2010 we added 18 acres bringing the total acreage of Terrell's Island to 1201.
This wetland area has all of the basic ingredients necessary to rebuild and restore a healthy and productive wildlife habitat and spawning grounds for a vast variety of marine life. The long term commitment by the Butte des Morts Conservation Club to Conserve, Preserve,and Restore the habitat of Terrell's Island is the primary focus of the club's efforts on Lake Butte des Morts.
In March of 2008 the Butte des Morts Conservation Club, together with the WDNR, built several nesting islands on Lake Butte des Morts that successfully attracted eleven nesting pairs of the State Endangered Common Tern.