The Monarch Messenger
The Newsletter of the Ballard Nature Center
Summer 2011
“Hot!” Lately that is everybody’s comment about the weather. Of course, it is
cooler at higher altitudes and that is why we are encouraging everyone to stand atop the
new “observation tower” and enjoy the vista. OK! Maybe the tower is a viewing platform,
seven feet above the trail’s level, but it is definitely “cool.” In fact, during summer nature camp, “Oh, Cool” is exactly what we heard as the children spotted turtles, lounging
below in the wetland, and saw dragonflies darting here there and everywhere.
The viewing platform was Mr. Leo Kruenegel’s dream.
As a frequent visitor to the center, Leo discovered that
there were limitations to one’s ability to envision the
grounds as a landscape. In his mind, he pictured a way to
offer visitors a high vantage point so that they could realize
the diversity of the center’s natural communities. Leo was
especially mindful of the children, whose short statures inhibit them from seeing very far whenever they walk the
trails bordered by tall prairie grasses & forbs. When his
suggestion of a viewing platform delighted the center’s staff
and board, Leo built a model and sought financial support for
the project. He teamed up with Mike Clagg during the design and construction of the
handicap-accessible structure. This summer, despite the heat, Leo and Mike built it in
record time. The observation deck, of cedar-colored weatherproof composite lumber, is
now serving as a wonderful tool, helping the center achieve its
goal of nature education. It is truly a gift to the community.
We teasingly call it “Leo’s Perch,” expressing our affectionate
appreciation. Very significant to the perch project were grants
and donations from charitable organizations, businesses, and
individuals: Effingham County Community Foundation, Effingham Knights of Columbus, Teutopolis Knights of Columbus,
COHIHO Family Foundation, Koboldt Charitable Trust, Leon
Shaal and Gerald White (owners of S & W Supermarket, Inc.),
Crossroads Bank, Glen Mathias (owner of The Home Center of
Altamont), Altamont Lumber Company, Phil and Linda Stalling,
and Ted and Karen Forcum. We are thankful for Leo’s insight
and determination, and we are grateful to all contributors.
Think Scientifically The center’s new viewing platform will enhance your powers of observation, make a better scientist of you! You might just spot any
of the creatures listed below, but this article gives the scientific names. See
if you can recognize the names or if it is Greek to you.
Today from the vantage point of the observation deck, one can look out
over the prairie ablaze in color. There are yellows of Helianthus flowers or of
Silphium perfoliatum’s blooms or of Carduelis tristis’s feathers. Purplish-pink is
Liatris pycnostachya, swaying in the breeze, and deep blue is the small Passerina
cyanea, flying past. Turning one’s attention to the wetland, the observer catches
a glimpse of the long-legged Ardea herodias, stalking a motionless Rana sphenocephala, and he or she may see a patrolling Anax junius in pursuit of a fluttering
Phoebis sennae eubule. As one listens from atop the handicap-accessible deck, he
or she will hear “which is it,” song of the Geothlypis trichas. As evening wanes, a
repetitive call emanates from woodlands’ trees; it’s an insect of Pseudophyllinae.
Greek to you? Read the hints. Try the quiz. Come to BNC to spot the creatures.
Hints: 1. Helianthus, named for the bright rays of
its inflorescence. Heliotropic, sun-following nature.
2. Carduelis tristis, bird with black trimmed wings.
3. Silphium perfoliateum’s stem seems to go
through its leaves. The basin, made by its leaves,
holds water after a rain like a device for coffee
4. Liatris pycnostachya, common name makes one
think of the heat and light given off by balls of gas
in space light years away.
5. Passerina cyanea, name starts with an I as in
ROY G. BIV, mneumonic device for the rainbow
6. Ardea herodias, a bluish-gray large wading bird
7. Rana sphenocephala, an amphibian whose head is
sphenoid or wedge-shaped, but whose spots might
make us think of a large spotted African cat.
8. Anax junius, body resembling a large needle once
used to repair socks.
9. Phoebis sennae eubule, a butterfly, colored yellow like the mineral with an unpleasant odor
10. Geothlypis trichas, vociferous bird with a bib
of yellow under its chin and a black mask.
11. Pseudophyllinae, Subfamily, Common name –
Kathryn’s nickname & past tense of “do.”
Mike’s grandchildren enjoy the vista!
___ 1. Helianthus spp.
___ 2. Carduelis tristis
___ 3. Silphium perfoliatum
___ 4. Liatris pycnostachya
___ 5. Passerina cyanea
___ 6. Ardea herodias
___ 7. Rana sphenocephala
___ 8. Anax junius
___ 9. Phoebis sennae eubule
___ 10.Geothlypis trichas
___ 11.Pseudophyllinae.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
Cup Plant
Blazing Star
Southern Leopard Frog
Great Blue Heron
American Goldfinch
Common Yellow-Throat bird
Common Green Darner
Cloudless Sulfur butterfly
Katydid’s subfamily
Sunflower species
Indigo Bunting bird
Perch with us!
A Summer of Discoveries
“Teachers, look what I caught in my net! What kind of insect is it?”
A phrase which Patty, Derek, and Karan heard repeatedly this summer
while exploring with the children in our summer camps. We often responded, “Capture it in your jar and you can identify it later using the
guides.” Once back inside the children enthusiastically found the names of
their insects and reported their findings as we listed them on paper.
r vibrate The list of one ambitious class hit 26 species! Although each day of
feel the ja
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the students was included in the fun and learning of the day.
The summer camp participants were so observant, Usin
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resulting in the discovery of a dragonfly species
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which had not yet been documented at the center.
ly.
A boy in Young Explorers proudly netted this new
species, a swamp darner dragonfly. This large dragonfly has green striping on a brown body and beautiful blue eyes. The Eco-Explorers discovered a redlegged purse web spider, which looks quite intimidating with large chelicerae. The children and staff
alike were fascinated by it. Other discoveries in―Careful, do
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frogs, cup plants, bluegill “beds,” and the fact that
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ants!‖
even though it can be very hot outside, exploring in
nature can always reveal something “cool.”
My Internship Experience
Derek Ghast
My internship at Ballard Nature Center was an exciting and great learning experience. I enjoyed helping with the summer nature camps. The children were very
sharp and eager to learn. It was nice to walk along the trail and discover creatures and
share them with the children. I was delighted to help with
the games, activities and programs this summer. It was a
pleasure to help the Clagg family with this year's Trail
Run. I learned so much from my time at Ballard. I learned
about the management practices in place at Ballard. I
learned many of the prairie forbs and the importance of
prairie as habitat. I observed many species of dragonflies
as well as identified several beetle species.
I would like to thank the staff and board members for the opportunity to be
an intern at Ballard Nature Center. I had a blast!
Make Tracks To:
Ballard Nature Center’s
12th Annual Fundraising Banquet
September 24, 2011
Effingham Knights of Columbus Hall
This fundraiser is the main source of revenue to support
Ballard Nature Center’s operations and programs.
The banquet will feature:
· Wine tasting table featuring White Owl Wines
· Appetizers and a great meal
· Auction with Terry Redlin prints, handcrafted birds, lady’s night out
dinner package, wine basket, and much more.
· Nature Raffle and Silent Auction
Standard ticket prices:
$30.00 per single, $50.00 per couple, $250.00 sponsorship
$500.00 corporate table
Don’t Miss the 10th Annual Outdoor Day Event!
October 15, 2011
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Bring the whole family for an educational & funfilled day. Event includes hiking with llamas,
fishing, archery, face painting, a presentation by
Serengeti Steve including live snakes, folk toys,
historical presentations, barrel rides
and much, much more.
Lunch & ice cream will be available for purchase.
Don’t Miss the
Ballard Nature Center’s 12th Annual Fundraiser
on September 24, 2011
Make plans to attend by ordering your tickets now.
Yes, I want to attend. Please send me:
________ Single ticket(s) at $30.00 each.
________ Couple ticket(s) at $50.00 each.
________ Sponsorship at $250.00 per couple. (see below for details)
________ Corporate Table $500.00. (see below for details)
________ I cannot attend, but I want to support the center with a donation of $___________
Enclosed is my total payment of $ ______________
Early Bird Drawing – Mail this form in by August 31 and be eligible for an early bird drawing!
Name:_______________________________________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________________________
City:________________________________________ State:_____________ ZIP:_________________
Make checks payable to Ballard Nature Center and mail to:
5253 E. US Hwy 40
Altamont, IL 62411
Thank you for your support!
Sponsorship Benefits:
 Couple’s ticket to the Banquet
 Sponsor only gift
 Special recognition at Banquet
 Chance in sponsor only drawing at Banquet
 Name on plaque at Ballard Nature Center
 One free rental of nature center’s pavilion ($50.00 value)
 The knowledge that you are a part of a great community project
Corporate Table Benefits:
 Sponsorship (includes all benefits mentioned above) plus a reserved table for 8 near the front.
 One free rental of the visitor center’s lower level ($250 value) or pavilion ($50 value)
Ballard Nature Center
Phone: 618-483-6856
Fax: 618-483-6866
Hours
Visitor Center
Mon - Fri : 8:00-4:00
Saturday : 12:00–4:00
Sun : 1:00-4:00 (Apr-Oct)
Trails & Fishing Pond
Everyday—Dawn to Dusk
Board of Directors
President—Jim Weiss
Vice-President—Terry Esker
Secretary—Sami Childerson
Treasurer—Stan Kirchhofer
Debbie Clagg
Scott Ealy
Mark Flack
Mary Ann Hoeffliger
Kim Jansen
Shari Marvel
Glen Mathias
Chris Niebrugge
Marge Shubert
Ballard Nature Center
5253 E. US Hwy 40
Altamont, IL 62411
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ballardnaturecenter.org
Staff
Patty Gillespie—Co-Director
Karan Greuel—Co-Director