Great Natives Of Mid-western Ecotype
V o l u m e 8 , I ss u e 1 May 1, 2009
GNOME N EWS THE BIG PICTURE:
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Flying Mousetraps Plant Profile
2
Native on the Net
2
Best Books
2
Organization Spotlight
3
Native News
3
Planting with a Purpose
3
A Time for Ticks
4
Invasives!
5
Fantastic Fauna
5
Focus on the Future
6
Did you know...
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Iowa D.O.T has been placing kestrel nest boxes since 1983? For more information, visit http://www.enviroexplorers.com/ kestrel_web_pages/ kestrel_main_page.htm
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The number of Lyme Disease cases in 2007 were 27,444?
News from the Middle East has been anything but cheery in recent times, but here is some that is worth noting. A recent study based in Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority has shown that kestrels and barn owls are proving to be effective against rodent damage on crops– reducing the amount of pesticides used. Nest boxes for common raptors were placed in various locations near agricultural areas. One of these areas, the Bet-She’an Valley, already has 70 % of its nest boxes occupied by birds. “Kestrels hunt during the day and Barn Owls at night”, said Motti Charter a researcher at Tel-Aviv University. “This constant 24-hour threat of predation has caused changes in the pest’s behaviour and resulting in less crop damage”. Not only was the desired outcome accomplished (reducing chemical use and still controlling rodent populations), but there was a marked increase in
New Middle Eastern study has results that hit home. the number of indigenous raptor numbers as well. While barn owls are not “common” in the Mid-west, we do have other raptors that would benefit from provided nest boxes. A few states already have some of these programs in place.
One of the biggest issues facing these birds is the reduction of suitable nest sites due to modern development. “This was easily remedied by proving next boxes which were eagerly inhabited by the birds”, said Dr Leshem of SPNI. If you build them, they will come!
GNOME’S MISSION Great Natives Of Midwestern Ecotype (GNOME) is an organization focused on the preservation and expansion of native floral and faunal species. The mission is to provide a net-based forum where members can share
their passion, plans, ideas, and questions with other people having a common interest.
1. Join our facebook group at
You can participate in many different ways.
3. Visit or link to the website 4. Pass on the newsletter.
http://www.facebook.com/ group.php? gid=45643568296
2.
Submit articles, pictures, stories, or plans for publication.
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V o l u m e 8 , I ss u e 1
Geum triflorum– Prairie Smoke This is another of my favorite plants, though has also been a frustrating one personally. The plant is Prairie Smoke– Geum triflorum. Sometimes it is also known as Old Man’s Whiskers– which refers to its appearance in seed stage.
“Let us permit nature to have her way. She understands her business better than we do.” ~Michel de Montaigne
This is a small prairie plant growing from 6-18” tall. It is also one of the earliest blooming ones. Its leaves have a fernlike appearance and are hairy. Blooms are red and usually upright. These flowers can be seen in spring– usually April or early May.
Prairie smoke can add interest not only while blooming, but with seed heads after!
NATIVE
ON THE
Sometimes wading through search engine results can be a daunting task. Each month I will highlight a particularly good site related to native flora or fauna. You can also check out these links at our site! This month’s featured site is :
Plant Conservation Alliance (PCA) http://www.nps.gov/plants/
Faunal associations include some types of Syrphid flies, sap beetles, but mainly bumblebees. Their blooming is timed to when over-wintering queens are emerging and establishing new colonies. Seeds appear to be designed for wind distribution.
Some sources state that these will grow in even moist conditions. This has not been my experience. The plants I have grown have a strong preference for dry and well drained sites. I have killed several plants over two consecutive years both by bad placement (too wet) and overwatering. These are great plants for sunny dry areas. Used en masse, they are stunning not only when they bloom, but the seed heads after as well. The other nice things about these plants is that they are short. You can squeeze them in anywhere suitable!
NET The PCA is a consortium of ten federal government Member agencies and over 225 nonfederal Cooperators working collectively to solve the problems of native plant extinction and native habitat restoration, ensuring the preservation of our ecosystem.
ration, this site has links to it all. This is a national scoped organization and the site allows to you look at both the big picture and locally. The scope of this site is very broad and all focused on native plants. Check it out!
Native medicinal plants, invasives, grants, programs, resto-
BEST BOOKS– SUMMER WORLD–A
SEASON OF BOUNTY
Released on April 7th of this year, Summer World will have you seeing the familiar world in a whole new way. Written by Bernd Heinrich, author Winter World, this book focuses on common flora and fauna that many people walk by every day and take for granted. He delves into the mysterious and complex lives of these organisms shedding light on them,
so that you will never see them in the same way again. The sapsucker replaces the golden-crowned kinglet in Summer World. I never knew the importance of this animal, though I have seen it many times. Lyrical in places and ever enlightening, it is just what the doctor ordered to get you out into the summer!
A companion to Winter World, many “ordinary” summer happenings become extraordinary!
G N O M E N ew s
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O RG A N I Z AT I O N S P O T L I G H T : FREECYCLE Freecycle is “a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills.”
Mission taken from their sitehttp://www.freecycle.org/ The Freecycle Network is a global organization boasting at least 4,729 groups and over 6.5 million individual members. "Our mission is to build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources & eases the burden
WHO A recent study focusing on the southeastern US might provide the answer to that question. Robert F. Brzuszek and Richard L. Harkess, researchers at Mississippi State University, developed an e-mail survey for wholesale and retail nursery owners (members of the Southern Nursery Association) in the
PLANTING
on our landfills while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community." From their main page, you can link to the “Browse Groups” tab. I was really surprised by the number of groups in the states I selected. It appears to be easy to find a group near you. If not, you can always start your own!
Changing the world one gift at a time
Membership is free. Most of the groups are organized By exchanging items for free that around yahoo groups, controlled by a volunteer moderayou need or are no longer tor. Simply find the group needed by you, you reduce the amount going into landfills, while nearest to you and send your extending the life of useful items. info to the moderator. Once accepted, start giving!
NATIVE NEWS: DRIVES NATIVE PLANT
southeastern region of the United States. The results showed that landscape architects and contractors have the largest influence in the nursery trade, driving the demand for native selections up, thus increasing the varieties offered to the public. The study also showed that while there is a perceived increase in native
WITH A
DEMAND? plant interest in the public sector, market demand and enhanced public education play a key role in further development of this growing market. It was also noted that the most effective way to increase public awareness was through specific ad campaigns and point-of-purchase information.
PURPOSE:
ROCK YOUR LANDSCAPE! If you look around in any natural area, rocks are an integral part of the landscape, yet this aspect is often overlooked in the planning at home.
American toads often take refuge in natural crevices or will burrow under stones to keep cool and moist during daylight hours.
Creating groups of rocks, rock piles, or even using individual rocks can add interest to your garden.
Birds, butterflies, and reptiles will often sun themselves atop stone radiators.
Rocks are used by many different species as sunning spots and as habitat.
The other nice aspect of using rocks and stones are that they come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and textures and can
easily be “matched” to compliment existing structure. Developers will often allow you to take rocks from empty lots free of charge. Many landscapers also sell them. You are sure to find some if you leave no stone unturned. :) Not only do rocks add interest to your garden, but they also provide habitat and valuable sunning spots.
“You will find something more in woods than in books. Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters.” ~St. Bernard
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V o l u m e 8 , I ss u e 1
A TIME FOR TICKSLYME DISEASE AND CLIMATE CHANGE Warmer weather, growing grass, budding plants can only mean one thing– ticks (bet you thought I was going to say spring). These common parasites begin to make their appearance when the weather gets warm, and host animals are more plentiful. With the increase in tick activity comes an increase in the number of bacteria-born illnesses associated with them. A recent study done by scientists at Yale University provides some new information about the relationship between Lyme Disease and climate change.
“Most children have a bug period, and I never grew out of mine. ~Edward O. Wilson
In regions that have severe seasonal cycles, like the Midwest and Northeast, ticks have a shorter feeding cycle between stages than in other areas of milder climate changes. Researchers found that with shorter times between feeding cycles, the infection tends to be less persistent than in areas with longer intervals. Having longer time within the tick at the nymph stage allows the more persistent bacterium remain powerful, causing an increase in the severity of the infection.
Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis– also known as deer or bear ticks) live for two years and have three Common ticks and their relative sizes in different stages. stages of life– larval, nym(Blacklegged tick is on top, then lone star and dog tick) phal, and adult. At each life stage, these ticks consume one blood meal. It is during the feeding in these stages that the bacIf the global temperature change creates milder terium Borrelia burgdorferi enter the system of the climates in the northern US, the severity of Lyme tick. It is this bacterium that causes Lyme DisDisease cases could also increase according to ease. the findings of these researchers. For 70 to 80% of people infected with this bacterium, symptoms start with a circular rash called erythema migrans (EM). This usually occurs several days after the actual bite and gradually expands in size (up to 12 inches). As the rash moves outward from the bite, the center clears forming the telltale “bulls eye” that has become a classic diagnostic symbol of the disease. Along with EM, other symptoms can also begin to show. Fatigue, chills, fever, headache, and muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes often accompany EM. In some cases, these may be the only symptoms of infection.
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are some tips of reducing the risks of being bitten by ticks. You can avoid areas that ticks prefer– especially in May, June, and July. These would be areas with overgrown grass or a lot of leaf litter. Use repellents when in these areas. Also wear long pants and shirts. Tucking in pant legs and taping sleeves can keep ticks outside of clothing. When coming in from these areas, do a physical check for ticks under clothing. Ticks especially love warmer body areas where blood is nearest to the surface of the skin.
If left untreated, the infection spreads over the next few days to weeks. Muscle loss creating facial palsy, severe headaches, shooting pains, joint soreness, and heart palpitations can occur. If left untreated, several months later over 50% of people infected experience bouts of arthritis and severe joint swelling, especially in the knees. Numbness in extremities and short-term memory and concentration problems can also occur. Given the potential severity of Lyme Disease, Yale researchers, in collaboration with some other institutions, decided to look at how climate change could affect the potency of this infectious disease.
Tucking in pant legs and spraying socks can reduce your chances of being bitten.
G N O M E N ew s
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I N VA S I V E S G A R L I C M U S TA R D Alliaria petiolata is an invasive from Europe that is believed to have arrived in the 1860s in North America. Originally used for both medicinal and culinary purposes, it is now considered a noxious weed in most states where it is found.
this plant creates dense colonies that outcompete native flora in woodland areas. Once established, it is very difficult to eradicate. It takes diligent efforts to keep this plant from re-invading.
Garlic mustard is biennial. The first year plants typically have rounded leaves and form clumps. Second year plants have leaves that are more heart shaped and white flowers. It is a prolific seeder and has a very high rate of germination. Garlic mustard poses a huge issue in native landscapes. Due to its fruitful nature,
Garlic Mustard Pesto 1 1/2 C. Fresh Garlic Mustard leaves 1 clove garlic 1/4 C. pine or walnuts 3/4 C. Parmesan Cheese 3/4 C. Olive Oil In a food processor, finely chop the garlic mustard leaves, garlic and nuts. Slowly mix in the cheese and olive oil.
Garlic Mustard Distribution Green= Present
Eat on pasta, crackers, bread, or freeze in ice cube trays to use later!
F A N TA S T I C F A U N A : T H E A M E R I C A N W O O D C O C K The American woodcock is a very interesting , but not widely known (or seen) bird. The scientific name is Scolopax minor, but woodcock or timberdoodle are more common aliases.
These displays take place in open areas in woodlands or in fields adjacent to forests. The male attracts as many females as possible and is polygamous.
American woodcocks are found in forest habitats where access to moist areas and clearings are nearby. These birds are only found in North America, though some sources state that migrants will overwinter in the Caribbean. Within North America, the largest concentration of these birds can be found in the eastern half of the US.
Being in the shorebird family, the woodcock has many typical features of these birds. Most notably of these is the very long bill makes it an invertebrate specialist. Earthworms make up between 4090% of its diet.
“God gives every bird his worm, but He does not throw it into the nest.”
Many writers have described this bird. I believe it typifies the season. I would recommend Leopold or Heinrich for vivid descriptions of the “sky dance”.
~P.D. James
April and May are probably the most likely time to see these birds moving from their wintering grounds to their breeding grounds. This is also the peak time of year for the male woodcock’s “sky dance”. This amazing courtship display occurs most frequently at dusk and can go on into the night. While he makes his “peent” vocalization, he circles upward into the sky until he can almost not be seen. His flight feathers also create noise on the way up, adding to his attractiveness (to females).
The American woodcock
Great Natives of Mid-western Ecotype (GNOME) is an organization focused on the preservation and expansion of native floral and faunal species. The mission is to provide a netbased forum where members can share their passion, plans, ideas, and questions with other people having a common interest in native species.
Great Natives Of Mid-western Ecotype Primary Business Address 1753 Wick Way Montgomery, IL 60538
Check out our site!!!
E-mail: GNOME.Native@gmail.com
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Fantastic Fauna p.5- http://www.hodagguideservice.com/images/ Woodcock.jpg
Invasives- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlic_Mustard
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/Lyme/
and
Fantastic Fauna p.5- http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/ accounts/information/Scolopax_minor.html
Garlic Mustard p.5- http://cabd0.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/ sitebuilderpictures/garmus2.jpg
Invasives Map p.5- http://plants.usda.gov/maps/large/AL/ALPE4.png
Ticks- http://www.sciencedaily.com/ releases/2009/04/090426182944.htm
Ticks p.4-http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/Lyme/Prevention/ ld_Prevention_Avoid.htm
Native News p.3- http://www.sciencedaily.com/ releases/2009/03/090325162630.htm Invasive Map p.5-http://pest.ceris.purdue.edu/map/INBPAZA.gif
Ticks p.4- http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/LYME/images/ TickMaster4_12.jpg
Cover- http://www.sciencedaily.com/ releases/2009/04/090418085935.htm Cover Photo- http:htthttp://www.sciencedaily.com/ images/2009/04/090418085935-large.jpg
Pictures
References
Articles
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FOCUS I was having a discussion the other day with neighbors after we had just received our Com-Ed electrical bill. Both of these neighbors were frustrated at their high electrical costs. When they asked me what my bill was, I told them. It was about half of what theirs was.
ON THE
FUTURE one standard incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent lamp it would reduce greenhouses gasses equivalent to the emissions of 800,000 cars. That makes a big difference. Or what about doing other things? What if everyone turned off their lights for one minute during their regular evening. What about for an hour once a week?
That might sound great, Why not? but there are several (recycle them at a home improvement store near you) factors at play here. These aren’t big sacrifices First, my house is about $300 dollars a year. We cerfor a country that is one of the larg1000 square feet smaller than tainly aren’t going to be able est energy consumers in the world. theirs are. That makes a big to take a family vacation on difference. Other things that what we save on electricity. make a difference, however I think the bigger question is why But, globally, what kind of small, are unplugging chargers don’t we do some of these things? difference would it make if when not in use, turning off lights every family did something to Really, why not? What is keeping so when not in a room, using only many people from making little save? enough lighting for your needs, changes that collaboratively create and using CF (compact fluoresa huge change? According to the U.S. Environcent) bulbs. mental Protection Agency’s I don’t know the answer to that. Energy Star program, if every Overall, this difference may only Take a look and see how you can American home replaced just save our household about $200make a difference.