The Monarch Messenger
The Newsletter of the Ballard Nature Center
Winter 2014
I was perusing the last few pages of Bernd Heinrich’s The Trees in My Forest when I read
the following: “…although we are now able to satisfy many of our physical needs outside
it [wilderness], psychologically we still need the vital diversity, complexity, grandeur, and
beauty of wild places.” How true!
When this need of which Heinrich speaks is satiated, it is a joy to behold. Often during
outdoor family programs, Karan and I have become tickled at the adults’ antics. Struck
by wonder, the parents and/or grandparents will display every bit as much curiosity and
rambunctiousness as their children.
Truly refreshed and revitalized are those individuals who have walked the springtime
woodland trail among blue blossoms, verdant foliage and pre-occupied bumblebees.
Fascinated and bright-eyed are those who have searched for the caterpillar who hides
amongst the leaves of the spicebush next to the center’s porch.
Even on the hottest of days, with nets in hand, go our workshop participants eager to
find Darners, Skimmers and Emeralds shimmering in the sunlight over the wetlands.
In the snow on an icy creek, the quick early morning explorations of a mink will have
been recorded, and there at the creek’s edge will be the boot tracks of a joyful observer.
We human beings wish to savor and preserve special moments of discovery out-ofdoors. Attestation is the camera. Just the other day, as Karan was commenting, “Good
picture, a female mallard,” I was noticing the photographer’s exuberant yet tranquil face.
I could tell that in his mind he was living again that sweet moment in the wilderness.
Patty Gillespie
Shane Cessna makes a discovery while
looking over his sons’ shoulders.
Former Co-Director Patty Gillespie
reveals her passion for restoring
prairies; Master Naturalists listen
Jim Burnett observes a dragonfly
Upcoming Programs
Bird Workshop
Friday, February 7th at 6:00pm
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a fun and easy way to help scientists
track bird movements and numbers. Come to Ballard Nature Center for
this workshop and find out what the GBBC is all about and how you can
get involved. Participants will also learn how to identify many of the common birds in our area.
Huggable or Not?
Friday, February 14th from 5:00-7:30pm
Valentine’s Day is a great time to explore our feelings toward wildlife. Why do rabbits, butterflies and deer elicit positive reactions
from most people while spiders, bats and snakes do not? Come
learn that all animals are special, even if you wouldn’t necessarily
want to hug some of them. This program is for children ages 7-10
and includes a pizza dinner, crafts and lots of exploring. $3 fee.
“Would you
hug a slug?”
Family Science Night - “Stories in Stones”
Saturday, February 22nd at 6:00pm
Brian Poelker and his EIU science students invite you to the 8th annual family science
night. It will be an evening of exploring hidden messages contained in the fossils, rocks, and
minerals around us. Participants will view stunning works of nature from all over the earth
and even beyond! EIU science education students will lead groups though hands-on activities
that provide clues into the identification of the rocks and the incredible stories they tell. Stations
include Rocks that Glow, Meteorites/Meteorwrongs, The Ancient Illinois Rainforest, Gorgeous Minerals, and
more. Most of the activities are geared to grades 3-8, but there will be something for everyone.
Frog Follies
Friday, March 14th at 6:00pm
With a peep, peep here and a crick, crick there. What is all that noise resonating
from the water? Join us for this family program to find out the answer to this
question along with lots of other information about our local frogs. You will have
a hoppin’ good time as we play games and search for frogs and other early spring
life along the trail.
~Registration is required for these programs. Call 618-483-6856, e-mail us: [email protected]~
Creativity Brings Smiles to Faces
Old nature train
The collective creativity of Mike Clagg and Leo Kruenegel is astonishing! The
last time that they schemed together, they created the interactive oak tree display !
Now, they’ve done it again, and the result is a new and greatly improved nature
train. A popular activity for kids at our annual Outdoor Day event is riding the
nature train through the prairie. The project was funded by a donation in memory
of John Jansen. Mike and Leo, assisted by Debbie Clagg, transformed ordinary barrels into works of
art. Children and adults alike were thrilled to see these new barrels: “Which one do you like best?” or
“I wanna ride the frog!” and “Look how cute the bee is!”
Many children came back throughout the day to ride the
train over and over so they could ride in each animal car.
A great big thanks
goes to Mike, Leo,
and Debbie, and
the Jansen family!
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Leo and Mike with the new nature train
A special thank you to Kathy
Stokes for a generous donation
to support the nature center’s
educational programming!
Successful Event!
We thank each one of you for
your support during our 14th annual fundraiser. Whether your
donation was money, or raffle
and auction items, or if you
helped or attend the
event, we do greatly
appreciate all you do
for Ballard Nature
Center. The success of
the nature center is a
testament to the great
communities that it
serves. We hope for
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Please visit us often!
Subnivean Critters
Meadow Vole
Now before you run off to google subnivean, I will provide you
with its meaning. Subnivean climate refers to the zone between the
snow and the ground. From the Latin for under (sub) & snow(nives).
In northern climates, many small creatures are true subniveans and
remain in this zone, moving about via excavated tunnels, until spring.
In our region we don’t typically have snow on the ground for long
periods, but we do have creatures that live in the subnivean zone
when snow does persist. Voles, shrews and mice are examples.
Following the melt of our early January snowfall, a curious visitor
Photo from About Mammals & How They Live
questioned me about some unusual patterns in the grass, so we went
out to investigate. I informed them that the patterns they found were made by
meadow voles. Voles are reclusive, mouse-like creatures that make runways through
the grass year-round. They clip grasses at ground level to create and maintain these
runways. The runways allow voles to move about quickly and secretively as they
eat seeds, roots and plant stalks. They are voracious eaters and are continually on
the move, resembling a furry train on tracks as they busily rush down their runways.
We could see where the vole had left the heavy cover of prairie grasses and ventured
out into the yard to create new runways under the protective cover of the snow.
Voles can thrive in the subnivean zone since the temperature is warmer in their tunnels than it is above the snow. The snow also
gives them more protection against their many predators; but some predators,
such as the great horned owl and the fox, are not deterred by this obstacle.
Their sensitive ears can hear the pitter-pat of the voles’ tiny paws. Shrews
Mary Lamb Greene also are scurrying around under the snow and will attack and eat voles.
Come out to the center and search for the runways! Or try finding them in your neighborhood.
Karan Greuel
Kids see how
many leaps it
takes them to
go a determined
distance.
Leap for Joy! Leap for Learning!
During the winter break program “Animal
Olympics,” participants learned about
amazing animal Olympians. “Who is the
best leaper? Is it the rabbit, jumping spider,
frog or grasshopper?” They played a frisbee
game and learned that a certain animal is
great at gliding—the flying squirrel. Perhaps
the greatest excitement resulted when kids
compared their leaping ability to that of a
bullfrog’s. Frogs can leap better than us, but
we doubt that they have near the fun!
Paw prints & footprints
Accepting applications for part-time employment for Naturalist/Educator
Requires: writing, public speaking & computer skills; knowledge of local flora & fauna; ability to develop & lead educational programs for
children; work includes landscaping & janitorial duties. Bachelor’s degree in related field is desirable. Send resume ’ to Ballard Nature Cntr
Kids’ Fun Page
There is a big question looming out there, “What does the fox say?”
Many of you have probably heard this silly, popular song. While it does reveal some true
facts about animal sounds and fox behavior, it never does reveal a truthful answer to what
the fox does say. So for those of you who are just hanging on the edge of your seats, here
is the answer. A red fox produces a harsh doglike bark or yap and also a more extended
hissing screech.
Here is a verse from the song The Fox ...
Now let’s play a game!
We have created some verses about
other creatures. Sing the verse and
figure out which creature it is describing.
Big blue eyes
Pointy nose
Chasing mice
And digging holes
Tiny paws
Up the hill
Suddenly you're standing still
Big round eyes
Big fan tail
Big flat bill
Silent wings
Struttin’ ‘round
Webby feet
Catching mice
Scratching leaves
Tipping up
& other things
Down on the ground
For food to eat
Strong legs
Feathers slick
Up the hill
On the pond
Suddenly you’re standing still
Suddenly you’re flying gone
2. ___
3. ___
Sharp claws
In the tree
Suddenly you’re flying free
1. ____
Yellow eyes
Sneaky feet
Sniffing out
Rabbits to eat
Grayish fur
Against the tree
Suddenly you look at me
4. ___
Big front teeth
Chubby cheeks
Collecting nuts
And making holes
Striped back
Underground
Suddenly you’re not around
5. ___
Big long legs
Bulging eyes
Swimming fast
And catching flies
At the pond
Slimy skin
Suddenly you’re jumping in
6. ___
ANSWERS to choose from:
A. What does the turkey say? Gobble, gobble
C. What does the frog say? Croak, croak
E. What does the chipmunk say? Chip, chip
B. What does the duck say? Quack, quack
D. What does the owl say? Hoot, hoot
F. What does the coyote say? Howl, howl
Volunteer Opportunities
Hours
Visitor Center
Mon - Fri : 8:00-4:00
Saturday : 12:00–4:00
Sun : 1:00-4:00
Closed on Sun. & Mon.
through the winter.
Wood duck box caretaker. This would
involve cleaning out the boxes each year,
adding wood chips, and making minor repairs.
Trails & Fishing Pond
Everyday—Dawn to Dusk
Weekend host/hostess.
Contact Information
E-mail:
[email protected]
Website:
www.ballardnaturecenter.org
Phone: 618-483-6856
Fax: 618-483-6866
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Ballard Nature Center
5253 E. US Hwy 40
Altamont, IL 62411