At the close of our pioneer season in stream monitoring, I whole-heartedly thank each and everyone for their interest (in putting on rubber boots and head nets), and dedication (to retrieving data, while some days in the rain it was a challenge)!
We are so pleased with how things panned out! So, we are looking for some feedback on how you feel things went. Just check out our data (Search by County = Door and click on “Select all parameters”)! I feel that everyone’s strong interest is something that will make this program soar in the years to come. It is strong organizations like The Ridges Sanctuary that develop the community leadership around our most vital resources. For instance, it was RiverEdge Nature Center that helped develop the monitoring model that we now use in the WAV program around the state.
I feel that we are definitely on the right track with knowing the waterways of our neighborhood. Although it may not seem like much, this first set of data will be very significant in years to come. As we grow accustomed to consistent procedure next year, I want to make sure that you are enjoying your experience as well. I suggest if you have a particular curiosity, act on it and take notes on that particular thing, whether it be bird migrations, phenological change at your site, a peculiar clump of wildflowers, etc.
Many thanks to everyone for your time, energy, and interest! You might not guess it now, but in years to come this first set of baseline data will be incredibly valuable! I found all of your inquiries and curiosity incredibly wonderful. Watching how each of you discovered the system you were monitoring was so exciting for me. I was glad to have been a part of making scientists out of each of you! (And for those of you that are already, I thoroughly enjoyed your conversations and applications to our monitoring model.) Thank you all for all of the valuable things you taught me this season.
You did a wonderful job!
Marne Kaeske
Volunteer Stream Monitoring Coordinator
The Ridges Sanctuary
The spread of invasive species is now the second greatest threat, behind habitat destruction, to endangered plants and animals. Because they can out-compete native plants for water, nutrients and sunlight, increasing populations of non-native plants could have long-term effects on the biological integrity of the Sanctuary. For many years, volunteers have worked to control species such as Spotted Knapweed and European Helleborine Orchid by pulling individual plants. Recent research projects have focused on Phragmites (a tall, tough-stemmed grass) and its control using various herbicides.
The best way to control the spread of these invaders is to locate and control them early, before they can get a “roothold” in an area. Visitors to the Ridges are encouraged to watch for non-native plants, especially Garlic Mustard, Black Swallow-wort, Japanese Barberry, Common Teasel, Japanese Knotweed, and Glossy and Common Buckthorn. If you believe you have seen any of these plants during a visit to the Sanctuary, please contact the Ridges staff as soon as possible. Include a description of when and where the plants were found, and describe characteristics of the plant (leaf shape, flowers, fruit or seed pods, etc.) that will help in making a positive identification. Photos documenting the plants are also very helpful.
Begin with a group of enthusiastic adults from all over Door County. Place in an outdoor setting and add some field guides, hand lenses and notebooks. Blend in several presentations on local geology, plant communities, wildlife and watersheds. Mix together well, and allow to interact for eight weeks. This recipe yields a group of dedicated volunteers who are engaged in conservation and preservation efforts throughout the county.
This odd recipe describes a new program in Door County called the Wisconsin Naturalist Program. Wisconsin Naturalists are individuals who have a love for the outdoors, are interested in learning more about our natural resources, and are willing to serve as volunteer land stewards. These students attend 25 hours of classroom and outdoor learning focused on our local ecosystems. During the program, students “adopt” a natural area in which to study and apply what they have learned in the classroom. After completing their training, Wisconsin Naturalists are required to attend 8 hours of additional training and volunteer 25 hours to a local conservation organization or program.
One of the most exciting aspects of this program is seeing how volunteers become environmental stewards, demonstrating ways that we can all help protect and preserve Door County’s natural legacy and encouraging others to get involved. Some of the projects completed by Wisconsin Naturalists in the past year:
Several Wisconsin Naturalists participated in a Hines Emerald Dragonfly survey this summer. Members assisted researchers from the University of South Dakota, checking for road-killed dragonflies along a section of County Highway Q in Baileys Harbor. The road goes through critical habitat for the federally-endangered dragonfly, and this research is helpful in determining population trends from year to year.
Led by two Wisconsin Naturalists, third grade students at Gibraltar School explored and learned more about the outdoor classroom adjacent to their school. The students then took a field trip to compare that environment with the diverse habitats of The Ridges Sanctuary.
Woodside Park in Sturgeon Bay is closer to being weed-free, thanks to the efforts of a Wisconsin Naturalist and the second grade classes at Sawyer School. The students learned about Garlic Mustard and how it was crowding out the wildflowers in the park which lies behind their school. Students then assisted with removing the Garlic Mustard.
Another Wisconsin Naturalist volunteer monitors bluebird houses in Newport State Park, and leads walks to teach people about bluebirds and the conservation efforts on their behalf.
So far two classes have completed their training as Wisconsin Naturalists. The next session will begin in September 2010. Please call or email for more information.
The Ridges Research Committee worked with researchers and students at UW-Green Bay on a study of water quality in the Sanctuary. The study’s primary goal was to gather baseline data on concentrations of heavy metals, nutrients, and minerals in the surface- and groundwater in the Sanctuary. This is especially important because several plant and animal species here are closely dependent upon good water quality for their survival. Water samples were taken periodically from small groundwater wells, and from springs and swales.
Results indicate that water quality of both the surface and groundwater at The Ridges is very good. Future studies will enable us to compare and assess any changes in our water quality.
From 2005-06, the Clark Lake Advancement Association and the UW-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education conducted a comprehensive study of Clark Lake, Logan Creek, and their watersheds. The study included water quality sampling of both the lake and creek, as well as stream flow measurements, macroinvertebrate sampling, and a fisheries study. Data collected during the study was used to develop a long-range plan for land use and water quality protection in the watershed, as well as protection of the lake and stream habitats. The Ridges Sanctuary’s Logan Creek Property includes over 2,500 feet of shoreline on Clark Lake and Logan Creek, so protection of the lake and its surrounding habitats is a high priority for us.
Funding for the study was provided through a Lake Management Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
