Great Natives of Midwestern Ecotype
July 2011 Edition
Cover Photo: Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) on Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)
© 2011
July 2011– Montgomery, IL
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Great Natives Of Mid-western Ecotype
July 26, 2011
GNOME N EWS THE BIG PICTURE:
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
One in Ten Species Could Face Extinction Plant Profile
4
Native on the Net
4
Best Books
4
Organization Spotlight
5
Native News
5
Planting with a Purpose
5
Louv Interview
6
Invasives!
7
Fantastic Fauna
7
Focus on the Future
8
Did you know... Nearly 1/4 of mammals and 1/3 of amphibians are in danger of becoming extinct? Canada thistle seed can be viable in the ground for up to 22 years? Dark morph female swallowtails use Batesian mimicry as a predator defense?
One in ten species on earth could face extinction by 2100 if current climate change impacts continue. University of Exeter research is examining studies on the effects of recent climate change on plant and animal species and comparing this with predictions of future declines. Published in leading journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the study uses the well-established IUCN Red List for linking population declines to extinction risk. The research examines nearly 200 predictions of the future effects of climate change from studies conducted around the world, as well as 130 reports of changes which have already occurred. The research shows that, on average, the actual declines match what had previously been predicted. The study covered a wide range of species in all types of habitat across the globe. The findings confirm that human-induced
Losing biodiversity at a predictable rate
climate change is now a threat to global biodiversity
already happening and, if anything, exceed predictions."
Lead author Dr Ilya Maclean of the University of Exeter said: "Our study is a wake-up call for action. The many species that are already declining could become extinct if things continue as they are. It is time to stop using the uncertainties as an excuse for not acting. Our research shows that the harmful effects of climate change are
It goes to reason that if we can deflect an asteroid hurtling through space on a collision course with Earth, or launch telescopes into space with enough power to see other galaxies and heretofore unknown planets, we should be able to at least stop the progression of climate change on our own planet. We have technologies already available. Let’s hope we can make use of them in time to save what’s left.
GNOME’S MISSION 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 mem-
bers 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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Callirhoe involucrata –Purple Poppy Mallow About 2/3 of the voters this month correctly identified this plant as Callirhoe involucrata— commonly called wine cups or purple poppy mallow. This native is what I would consider a highlight plant for native or ornamental beds.
The range of this plant extends through mainly the great plains region of the US. There are a few states both east and west of that area that sustain populations as well. This plant has a main tap root. From this many vine-like stems spread to form a general mound shape. These stems often reach several feet in length and sport large, lobed, toothed leaves. Also along these stems are the fuchsia colored flowers which open in the early morning and close at night. Bloom time for this plant is long, which makes it a desirable cultivated species. It
“Storms make the oak grow deeper roots.” ~George Herbert
NATIVE
ON THE
Sometimes wading through sites looking for good resources on native information is just too time consuming. This section should help! This month’s featured site is :
blooms from late spring through mid-summer. Faunal associations include insects searching for pollen during daylight hours. This plant is also palatable to mammals. Both leaves and the tap root are eaten by a variety of rodents and other herbivores. In my experience, full sun and well drained soil are best for this plant. Moist conditions will often lead to its demise. It grows along the ground, making it a great plant to fill in between mid-sized to larger plants. It will overwhelm plants less than a foot tall. It spreads slowly by seed.
NET There are a lot of online plant identification sites out there. I find many of these pretty daunting due to their advanced scientific knowledge requirements. An example of one category was ―Ligule an unfringed eciliate membrane ―
Flowering and Non-flowering Plant ID www.missouriplants.com/index.html So– I struck out to find one for the average citizen and this is a good one!
Navigation is easy because it is based on flower color (or no flower) and how the leaves are arranged. After finding your appropriate plant type, it gives real photo examples of plants meeting those requirements. Don’t forget to hit next on the bottom of the page to see more! It worked with most plants I tried.
BEST BOOKS– MIRACLE UNDER
THE
Miracle Under The Oaks by William K. Stevens is nonfiction, but reads like a novel.
can, through perseverance, hard work, and tons of patience, help depleted land recover and heal.
Regionally, the North Branch Restoration Project is a great success story of the urbanized northern Illinois area. It is known to many that are environmentally involved. This book is the story of this project. From a vacant, mattress strewn wasteland to a recovered niche ecosystem
complete with native and rare plant species, this story is true. The protagonist in the story is Steve Packard. The setting is along the Chicago River in a place called Vestal Grove. This is the inspirational story of how humans
OAKS
I found it very inspirational. It is a reminder that one person can make a difference to both other people and to the natural world.
It never hurts to read a ―feel good‖ book. This is one of those. May it inspire you as well! The Revival of Nature in America
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O RG A N I Z AT I O N S P O T L I G H T : CHILDREN & NATURE NETWORK The vision and mission of the Children & Nature Network is to give every child in every community a wide range of opportunities to experience nature directly, reconnecting our children with nature's joys and lessons, its profound physical and mental bounty. www.childrenandnature.org As the name of this organization suggests, the goal of every facet of what they do is to get children (and adults) involved with the natural world. Richard Louv, cofounder of C&NN, is the featured interview this month on the next page.
There are many ways to participate in this group. They have groups (networks) for teachers, families, service work, leaders, and more. All of these contain specific resources to assist with creating a valuable connection with nature. Re-connecting people with nature Another unique way to connect with others through this organization is by As with other organizations, either finding already established you can donate. On the page groups or activities in your area, that gets you started with this or to create your own. This parprocess is a pie chart explainticular action allows for exceping exactly where your donational individual agency within tion goes. the common causes of the orThis is a vital organization ganizational groups. worthy or your attention.
NATIVE NEWS:
BLUEBIRD HOUSES INSPIRE VOLUNTEERS A couple of months ago, Focus on the Future discussed the redefining of a village’s Beautification Committee to include habitat enhancements that would be beneficial to area wildlife. A recently-published online article (http:// montgomery.patch.com/ articles/volunteer-project-for-
PLANTING
the-birds-in-montgomery ) highlighted this project. The response was very favorable. I immediately received several emails giving a time commitment to assist with the project. Stan Bond, a village trustee, also got several more volunteers. This is good news for the people and the birds that live here.
WITH A
“If one way be better than another, that you may be sure is nature's way.”
Previous to the publication, the first house had been removed from its post two different times. ~Aristotle After the article, it seems that people have taken the project under their wing, so to speak. While there were a few misunderstandings in the article (it called me a naturalist!) It provided the needed boost to gain the community’s support.
PURPOSE:
KNOW WHAT IS NATIVE A native plant is one that occurs naturally in a given region without direct or indirect assistance from people. To many, native plant means an American plant– one found in the United States. But what is native to one location in the country does not mean that it is native to other locations within that country. Sometimes non-natives become so prevalent because of use in an area that we can forget that they are not native to that region.
An example of this is the common use of blue spruce in the home landscape.
Taking time to research what plants are indigenous to your area may well save you time, effort, and money in the long run.
Recently on the GNOME facebook page, a member shared the photo at right. Through several While some plants can and do of our knowledgeable members, survive outside of their original range, choosing those that the likely cause was identified. have evolved and adapted to your area stand a much better Rhizosphaera needlecast is bechance of survival. This blue spruce is likely the victim lieved to be the culprit in this of rhizosphaera needlecast. case. While this spruce is native to the Mountain West region, it is County extension offices and not native to the Midwest. Moist websites like www.bonap.org/ conditions here can be detrican help you determine what IS mental. native to your area. Plant wisely!
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I NTERVIEW WITH R ICHAR D LOUV “THE NATURE PRINCIPLE” Last month I featured The Nature Principle by Richard Louv in the Best Books section. I decided that I would ask this author to elaborate on some of the ideas he has presented in his recent publications. He graciously took time from his busy schedule to address my questions. Don’t forget to also visit his sitewww.richardlouv.com and also the Organization Spotlight of his Children & Nature Network for more ideas, resources, and information. Q- What do you see is the biggest challenge to overcome when it comes to people connecting with nature?
whole bioregion. The “purposeful place” is one in which the building of regional and personal identity and meaning in communities comes as much from natural history as human history. New organizations are emerging that introduce people to their own bioregions.” Q- Do you think that technology, such as smartphone applications, would be an aide or a hindrance to reconnecting with the natural world?
―I do write about that question in "The Nature Principle." And Orion magazine also recently A- “A survey by the Outdoors Foundation (of the asked me that question. Here's the outdoor industry) shows the trends moving in link: http://www.orionmagazine.org/ contradictory directions. First, it shows that chilindex.php/newsfrom187/entry/6395 Also, dren to age 17 show an 11 percent drop in just a here's a link to a blog I wrote about that, and Richard Louv single year (girls falling fastest). It also shows motielaborated on in "The Nature Principle"" http:// vations for not going outside: at the top, is "just not interested," then www.childrenandnature.org/blog/2010/05/20/technocome "no time second, too much school work third, parents don't naturalists/ take them fourth." Near the bottom is "it's scary" -- the parents are The ultimate multitasking is to live simultaneously in both the digithe ones who are scared, and I believe that this parental fear -- of tal and the physical world, using computers to maximize our powstrangers and also, increasingly, of nature -- is the number one reason that so many parents resist letting their kids play outdoors inde- ers to process intellectual data, and natural environments to ignite all of our senses and accelerate our ability to learn and to feel; in pendently. There's a second finding in the Outdoor Industry study this way, we would combine the resurfaced “primitive” powers of that I find interesting: apparently young adults 18 and up are showour ancestors with the digital speed of our teenagers. We can acing a surprising increase in outdoor activities. If true, one possibility is that nature may be becoming more cool in that age group. In fact, cept and celebrate our technological skills, but at the same time realize that the gifts of nature are mandatory for the realization of the Children & Nature Network, which I chair is launching a Natural our full intellectual and spiritual potential. What I call the highLeaders Network, led by young people, to encourage young people performance human will incorporate the (mainly in their 20s) to become leaders in the best qualities of a high-tech world and children and nature movement. (See http:// the health and intellectual advantages www.childrenandnature.org/blog/?p=55 and that come from the natural world. http://www.childrenandnature.org/ (Please also see: http:// movement/naturalleaders/ ) We believe that www.outsideonline.com/outdooryoung people will be the most effective leadadventure/media/books/Get-Your-Minders in the children and nature movement. “ Dirty.html )” Q- What three things would you suggest to Q-What are some things that you particuthe average homeowner or citizen that would improve or increase their nature experienclarly enjoy doing to connect with nature? es? ―I grew up fishing. My family fished. It was part of the culture. So I still fish. I A- “People who want to maximize the restoraprefer catch-and-release. ( I wrote a retive powers of nature in their homes are developing fascinating approaches to daily life. One is the use of natu- cent blog about this:http://richardlouv.com/blog/reality-naturedifficult-times/ ) But increasingly I leave the fishing rod behind ral elements and indoor within their homes. The home natureand hike with a digital camera. (And here's a blog about restoration market is growing. A Canadian company called Nedlaw that.) http://richardlouv.com/blog/The-Eye-of-the-Tree/ But my Living Walls, Inc., produces indoor “living walls” of ficus, hibiscus, daily fix of nature comes often as I write. From my home office, I orchids and other plants. A second way is to transform the yard, replanting with native species, creating healing gardens and wildlife look out at an overgrown yard filled with birds, rabbits, a very occasanctuaries in the yard. A “backyard revolution” is brewing, based on sional raccoon, and lizards. Lots of lizards. They lead quite a social life; there's more posturing out there than in the U.S. Congress. I the belief that the last best hope for biodiversity is in our own yards consider this connection to be what I call, in "The Nature Principle," and home garden, which if transformed using native species could human-nature social capital. It makes my family happier, and bring back bird and butterfly migrations – and at the same time be restorative to human health and well-being. Doug Tallamy is a lead- therefore healthier.” er in that arena. A third way is not home specific, but home in context: A natural sense of place that starts at home can extend to a An appreciative thank you again to Richard Louv for contributing!
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I N VA S I V E S -
CANADA THISTLE Cirsium arvense– a.k.a the Canada Thistle seems to be very abundant this year. While many children enjoy catching the single seed achenes (the white fluffies floating around right now) and making wishes with them as they blow them on their way, perhaps we should encourage them to hold on to those wishes…
These highly bristled plants grow to be from 1 to 4 feet tall. Spreading both by seeds and rhizomes, it often creates solid stands. This creates shading of other plants, competition for vital soil and water needs, and they also possibly release chemical toxins to reduce other plant competition.
This plant was first believed to be introduced in the 1600s. By 1954, it was identified as a noxious weed in forty three states. The map at right shows the current states that label this plant as invasive. It is considered to be one of the most tenacious and economically important agricultural weeds and has become more problematic in natural areas recently.
Red= Labeled Invasive
While elimination of this plant is essential in areas where it exists, caution in correctly identifying it should be used. There are several species of native thistle, some of which are rare. This is a perennial plant, so careful use of systemic herbicides like Roundup or Rodeo is a common and effective control method.
F A N TA S T I C F A U N A : T H E T I G E R S W A L L O W T A I L I have been pleasantly distracted the past couple of weeks by the presence of some swallowtail butterflies. It has been a challenge, but I finally managed to get some decent pictures of what I believe to be a female Papilio glaucus commonly called the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. (see cover) These butterflies have a stable population throughout their range. They cover the area from the Atlantic Ocean west to Colorado and from Ontario south to the Gulf of Mexico. Adult males are yellow with dark tiger stripes. They fly around patrolling for females. There are two forms of female tiger swallowtails. The first is yellow like the male. The second form is black with shadow stripes observable because they are slightly darker than the wings. Both females have many iridescent blue scales on their hindwings and an orange marginal spot. They also have a line of marginal spots on their forewings that form a continuous band. These are often very noticeable butterflies not only because of their color, but also because of their size. Wingspans range from just under four inches to about six and a half inches.
Adults drink nectar from a variety of sources including silphium spp., wild cherry, and lilac. Once a receptive female is found by the male and mating occurs, host plants are sought. Eggs are laid on leaves of various plants including wild cherry (Prunus), sweetbay (Magnolia), basswood (Tilia), tulip tree (Liriodendron), birch (Betula), ash (Fraxinus), cottonwood (Populus), mountain ash (Sorbus), and willow (Salix). I did see one on my tulip tree, so I will keep an eye out for larva! The eggs are put singly onto host leaves. Caterpillars eat leaves and rest on silken mats in shelters of curled leaves. They overwinter in chrysalis form.
“The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.” ~Rabindranath Tagore
Great Natives Of Mid-western Ecotype Primary Business Address 1753 Wick Way Montgomery, IL 60538
E-mail: GNOME.Native@gmail.com
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.
Check out our site!!!
We’re on the Web! http://gnomenative.webs.com/ There’s no place like GNOME!
Articles
Big Picture- http://www.sciencedaily.com/ releases/2011/07/110711151457.htm Name That Native p.4- http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/ purple_mallowx.htm Native News p.5- http://montgomery.patch.com/articles/volunteerproject-for-the-birds-in-montgomery Invasives p.7- http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/ciar1.htm Fantastic Fauna p.7-http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Papilioglaucus Big Picture Photo- http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/ files/2010/04/modis_wonderglobe_lrg.jpg Organization Spotlight p.5- http://connect2nature.org/home/wp-content/ uploads/2011/02/CNN2.jpg Planting with a Purpose p.5– Annie Servin– Iowa City, Iowa Louv Interview p.6- http://blueridgeparkwaysymposium.cnre.vt.edu/ images/louv-m.jpg Louv Interview p.6- http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/46d/ c2d/46dc2d9b-eaad-4b15-9216-ec8b9aa27ed0 Invasives map p.7-http://oklahomainvasivespecies.okstate.edu/species/ canada_thistle/canada_thistle_map.gif Invasives p.7- http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/natres/natrimg/ Canada%20thistle%20early%20emergeddmWEB.jpg Invasives p.7- http://dnr.state.il.us/stewardship/cd/ images/768x512/1929056.jpg Fantastic Fauna p.7– author’s photo Focus on the Future p.8-http:// thefirstmorning.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/sidewalk-flower.jpg
References Pictures
GNOME
Join our facebook group! (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45643568296)
This is our primary forum location. The newsletter as well as open discussions are there and also other links to people and groups that focus on natives.
Got an article? Now accepting member submitted news and photos! Once you have something to share, send it to the email listed at left. Monthly news articles will, of course, give credit to the contributor. Everyone welcome!
Fo c u s o n t h e F u t u re L e s s o n s f ro m P l a n t s Plants can teach us many things if we would only be open to listening to their lessons. Here are some things that I have learned from plants that I hope will help you in the future. Not all of these are my original thoughts, but all are my interpretations of them. Bloom where you’re planted Plants can’t choose where they are put in the ground. But all contain the will to survive– to live on. When you are put in a situation that you don’t necessarily want to be in, you do have a choice on how you handle it. You can bloom positively or you can wither with negativity. Strong roots are essential to living I recently read an article about some trees that had been planted in a biosphere. When they got to a certain height, they fell over though they were all in good health. Scientists discovered that
The same can be said of the “weeds” of doubt, jealousy, anger, or other negative emotions that we all too often cultivate. It is best to try to eliminate the whole root of the cause of negative feelings. If you leave even a small piece, it will slowly grow.
because there was no wind they didn’t develop strong enough roots to support them. There are two lessons here. The first is that you can’t live your life in a bubble. You need experiences to create strength. The other is that sometimes you become stronger because of the forces that push against you. You need to get the whole root to kill the weed We have all pulled weeds and had a part of that weed break off underground. Not surprisingly, the weed comes back…
If you reach too high without support, you will topple The plant that needs to be staked isn’t much different than having high aspirations and no one to help you achieve them. Foundationally, we need each other to lean on. To grow the flower, one must get their hands dirty first Nothing is more satisfying than seeing a task come to fruition because of your hard work. I hope you will share your plant lessons on our facebook page!