Panorama | Spring 2019

panorama

Spring 2019

Beaks and Talons Page 4

Spring Migration Page 7

Conservation Page 10

WELCOME HELEN BOOMSMA Executive Director

Growth and change abound this spring season at Schlitz Audubon. The transformations are evident in the scent of warm spring air, along with the sight of vibrantly colored bird species visiting the now awakened landscape. The view of blooming ephemeral flowers on this landscape almost matches the splendor of our spring bird visitor’s colored plumage.

In this issue of Panorama, learn about some of the details surrounding spring bird migration. Meet some of our feathered friends in their visual splendor while reading about the benefits and challenges of this yearly event for the birds making the trip. You can see these birds at the Center, so consider taking a morning hike to identify them and join in our many upcoming birding programs.

Birds have preferred environments to find food, and have adapted because of how they eat it. Their beaks and feet are a large part of this. Learn about the unique ways birds like raptors, cardinals, or woodpeckers use their extremities to feast on their favorite foods.

Another type of spring visitor, the ephemeral ponds, have arrived, hosting many life forms within.

Walking at the Center you will hear the resonant sounds of frogs and toads who make their livelihood in our ponds. Read about the Center’s wetlands and pond life while learning how volunteers monitor them through citizen science. You will see how important amphibians are for healthy water and why we keep track of them.

In this issue, you will learn about the history of our ravines and its importance to our upcoming Stormwater Wetland & Ravine Restoration Project. After the land was developed by farmers in the early 1800s, a ravine formed, and it now needs stabilization through wetland creation and soil restoration to prevent erosion. You’ll be amazed by the complexity of this issue.

While you’re taking in the spring views, be sure to visit our calendar for expanded programming and events. If you’re interested in bird-related activities, come to The Art of Field Guide Illustration with Tom Schultz, join us for Bird Club as we look for the American Woodcock, and participate in three Saturday Migration Bird Hikes, as well as the John James Audubon Birthday Celebration.

You’ll also find Flight Night as well as new options like the Schlitz Audubon Art Fair, our Native Plant Sale, a nature poetry reading, Kids with Cameras!, and much more.

Welcome to new Board member Matt Haas Pegasus Partners Ltd. We are open early for birding!

Grounds open at 7am April 22- May 3

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers Aliah Berman President John Grunau Past President Benjamin T. Pavlik Treasurer Meg Kinney Secretary Jane B. Bell VP-Development Mark Siler VP-Governance Board Shane Delsman Heidi Dondlinger John E. 'Jack' Gebhardt Timothy J. Gerend Amy Giuffre Matt Haas Margarete R. Harvey Kevin J. Kane Debra Katz Diane O'Connor Sanderson S. ‘Andy’ Read Benjamin F. Rikkers John Schaub Terence Siau Carol Wolcott Past Presidents John H. Kopmeier, Jr. Philip R. Smith Dennis L. Fisher Terrence K. Knudsen Thomas J. McCutcheon Thomas B. Fitzgerald Randolph H. Dean Stephen F. Geimer Thomas J. Drought David K. Hoover John S. McGregor Margarete R. Harvey Honorary Directors Edwin P. Wiley Director Emeritus Dorothy K. Vallier (1910-2013)

Schlitz Audubon is an independent, locally supported partner of the National Audubon Society.

Spring 2019 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

SEASONAL SIGHTINGS

Marsh Marigold near a vernal pond at the Center.

Visit the Center and discover the beauty of spring!

AUBREY ELLICKSON Naturalist

Spring is a time of revitalization and rebirth – the season when nature awakens after a long, chilled slumber. Melted snow and sunny skies rejuvenate the earth, leading to the sights and sounds that illustrate the springtime landscape at Schlitz Audubon.

Hike through the forest to experience beautiful ephemeral flowers, which bloom in spring and disappear by summer. In April, yellow Marsh Marigold blossoms sprinkle the moist ground near the woodland ponds, while delicate white and pink Wood Anemones bloom along the woodland edge. Mayapples carpet the shady forest floor with large umbrella-like leaves. These plant colonies produce singular large white flowers in early May and small green fruits in June.

Stop by one of the many ponds and listen for frog calls resonating over the water. The first to start calling are Spring Peepers with soprano whistles in Teal Pond, followed by the trilling and drilling sounds of American Toads and Eastern Gray Treefrogs in Mystery Lake. The Green Frog

and

American

Bullfrog

begin

their

songs

in

mid-

May and call throughout the summer, adding lower “plucks” and “jug-o-rums” to the chorus. Our FrogWatch USA Citizen Science project goes out in the thralls of the frog symphony after sunset. Join them on Wednesday evenings once the ice thaws to hear this amphibious concert.

In May, Canada goslings can be spotted following their parents around the ponds and wetlands. Canada Goose nests can be found on the ground near the edge of the island in Mystery Lake. The mother goose appears camouflaged as a grey lump hidden by brush.

The male goose is likely nearby, defending the territory with loud honking. On warm, sunny days, snapping and painted turtles will bask on logs emerging from the water’s surface. Search for turtles stacked on top of each other, sharing the space to soak in the sun.

Take a hike through the diverse habitats at Schlitz Audubon and observe the re-awakening occurring within flora and fauna during the springtime season.

Spring 2019 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

3

RAPTOR EDUCATION

beaks, feet, and talons Northern Cardinal Beak

Bald Eagle Foot

Bald Eagle Beak Foot of a perching bird

SARA SLOAN Raptor Educator

At Schlitz Audubon, we are host to hundreds of different species of birds throughout the year. Just as these birds vary greatly with size, shape and color, they also vary in beak and feet size, shape and structure. The different kinds of beaks and feet dictate how a bird moves around their environment and how they get their food of choice. This diversity allows species to fill different niches in their habitats, which minimizes direct competition.

Our raptor programs often begin by describing what sets raptors apart from other birds, and that is their specialized beaks and feet.

These two adaptations are critical to their success as predators.

The term raptor is derived from the Latin word rapere, which means “to seize,” and that is a fitting name for the group of birds that use their strong feet to seize their prey. At the end of each toe, raptors have sharp claws, called talons. These talons allow the bird to not only get a secure grip, but also dispatch the prey. Once they catch their prey, they use their sharp hooked beaks to tear the meat. We sometimes even compare raptor beaks and feet to our eating utensils: raptors use their feet and talons like a fork to hold their meat in place, and then they use their sharp beak like a knife to slice the food into bite size pieces.

While all raptors have strong feet with talons and a sharp hooked beak, we can see further specializations within the group. Peregrine Falcons live in downtown Milwaukee where they have a never-ending supply of their favorite food, small birds such as sparrows and pigeons. To make sure falcons get a good grip and are not just grasping at feathers, they have long toes to surround the body of their prey. Falcon beaks are equipped with a tomial tooth, which is a triangular shaped downward pointing projection on the upper mandible, and they can use it to snip the spinal cord of their prey.

They then use the sharp point of their beak to tear the food into pieces that they can swallow.

Northern Cardinals are commonly seen at Schlitz Audubon and at backyard feeders, as they love to eat seeds. Like most perching birds, they have three toes pointed forwards and one pointed backwards. This composition, as well as a specialized tendon on the backside of their ankle, allow them to grasp branches as they move from tree to tree. Cardinals have cone shaped beaks, which are strong, short and great for cracking open seeds. Often cardinals rotate the shell in their beak until they are able to crack it open and enjoy the seed on the inside.

When watching a woodpecker search for its food in the woods, you’ll notice that they spend most of their time on the side of the tree trunk instead of perched on branches. Woodpeckers are zygodactyls, which means they have two toes pointed forwards and two pointed backwards. This arrangement helps them move up, down and across tree bark easily. These birds like to eat insects and larvae that live underneath the tree bark, and they use their long beak, which is tapered at the end, to drill through the wood.

In springtime, you might be lucky enough to see a Green Heron stalking through Mystery Lake. Herons have long legs that allow them to wade into shallow water, and they have long toes to avoid sinking into the mud. Herons stand still or move very slowly through the water as they wait for a fish to approach. When the moment is right, they dart quickly, grasping the fish, or even spearing it with their long beak. The heron will then toss the fish up in the air before catching again it with its beak and swallowing it whole.

Feet and beaks are critical to the success of every bird species as they navigate their environments to find their food of choice. Just as we can identify raptors based on their hooked beaks and sharp talons, we can learn a lot about the lifestyles of other birds by studying their feet and beaks.

Right Photo of Cutright, Peregrine Falcon taken by John Wiley.

You can see Cutright's tomial tooth in the picture.

4

Spring 2019 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

RAPTOR EDUCATION

5

CITIZEN SCIENCE

The Importance of Ephemeral Wetland Monitoring Eastern Gray Treefrog Tadpole.

TESS CARR Naturalist

The value of wetlands is often overlooked or dismissed, but they provide us with vital ecosystem services. They filter pollutants out of water before it reaches our rivers and lakes, and capture storm water to help reduce erosion. In addition, an astounding 75% of Wisconsin wildlife depends on wetlands for at least some part of their lifecycle. Almost all animals in Wisconsin are linked to wetlands at least by their food source. Scientists estimate that before the 1800s, Wisconsin was covered by 10 million acres of wetland.

Since then, about 50% of those wetlands have been filled in or drained in order to build cities, houses, and roads. Once we understand the importance of wetlands and the threats they face, we can begin gathering data to help defend and protect them.

For the last three years Schlitz Audubon has been conducting an Ephemeral Wetland Monitoring project. Ephemeral wetlands are ponds that fill in the spring with rain water and snowmelt, then dry up at least partially by the end of the year. This makes them perfect breeding habitat for salamanders and small frogs, whose larvae will be safe from predators like fish. Many invertebrates, like crayfish and aquatic insects, also depend on these habitats.

This citizen science project is meant to determine which amphibian species are present at Schlitz Audubon and which of our wetlands are supporting breeding populations.

The project also aims to discover which crayfish species are on the property, as some species dig burrows that provide crucial overwintering habitat for other animals, like snakes. Aquatic insect species are also recorded in the surveys – they can be a food source for amphibians and turtles. Some aquatic invertebrates 6

are indicator species for different types of wetlands and provide helpful clues about water quality.

Last year Ephemeral Wetland Monitoring spanned from late March to the end of May. In those two months, 15 volunteers monitored four of Schlitz Audubon’s ephemeral ponds. The wetland monitoring projects include three different survey types that citizen scientists can choose from: funnel trap, visual encounter, and scoop sample surveys. During funnel trap surveys, volunteers wear hip waders and set traps in the ponds to catch, record, and release breeding adult amphibians and crayfish. Visual encounter surveys also allow volunteers to enter the ponds in search of salamander and frog egg masses. Scoop sample surveys are a little more casual, but equally as important — volunteers take scoops of water from the pond and record the creatures they find.

The data collected in 2018 showed that all four ponds in the survey area contained breeding Blue-spotted Salamanders. Some other species found to be breeding in our ponds at the Center included Green Frogs, Spring Peepers, and Eastern Gray Tree frogs.

Our conservation team uses information from wetland monitoring projects to inform them on how to proceed with pond development for our ravine stabilization project. We use the correlation between pond hydrology and biotic diversity to determine how deep we want to make the two new ponds. Understanding the needs of living things is our best hope to conserve them for the future.

Spring 2019 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

FEATURE

FEATURE

B

irders are excitedly donning their binoculars to take in the spectacular views. It’s time for spring bird migration, and avian aficionados have been anticipating this event all year! Many birds stop in Wisconsin to nest or on their way further northward, with male birds distinguished by their bold coloration designed to attract females.

Of the world’s total species of birds, 40 percent, or 4,000 species, are migrants. In North America, which has more than 650 species of breeding birds, more than half are migratory. The species visiting Wisconsin will pass through in a colorful wave that transfixes bird watchers. Between March and June, close to 300 species of birds stop within the state in a given year.

Red-winged Blackbird

A harbinger of the season is the male Red-winged Blackbird. A dashing glossy black creature, it sports signature red epaulets bordered with patches of yellow on its wings, which they puff up when defending their territory. Listen for the male’s song “conk-la-ree!” And, while drinking in the sights and sounds of the beginning wave of bird visitors, take a moment to consider how intricate migration is.

THE GREAT YEARLY FLIGHT NORTH

The word migration means to pass periodically from one region or climate to another. Birds stop in Wisconsin every spring while flying northward to establish a nesting territory. It’s the continuation of a great yearly cycle for birds that winter in South America, Central America, the Caribbean, or the southern United States.

Food is ample in the warmer weather and nesting sites abound.

Often, the first birds to make it to a nesting site will have the best chances of obtaining good territory, finding mates, and hatching healthy young able to survive the trip back south.

8

Flying long distances is difficult and filled with risks. Baltimore Orioles arrive in Wisconsin in May. The males are easy to spot with flaming orange plumage on their chest, and they fly from as far away as Ecuador and Colombia, as well as the northern Lesser Antilles. That is as far as 3,000 miles! By the time they reach Wisconsin to feast on fruit and nectar, they have used a lot of energy.

Baltimore Oriole

Nevertheless, the trip is well worth it. Birds wouldn’t migrate if it wasn’t worth the energy expenditure and physical risk; the food that becomes available, as well as access to good breeding grounds, make the migratory trip worthwhile for their survival as a species. When breeding in the north, birds have more food and daylight and can raise an average of 4-6 young. Relatives who remain in the tropics raise an average of 2-3 young.

MAPS, REST STOPS, AND TRIPTYCHS

Birds follow migration routes to get to their destinations. There are four migration routes in the US called flyways: the Pacific Flyway, Central Flyway, Mississippi Flyway, and Atlantic Flyway. Geological features determine flyways, and all of them have qualities that help birds navigate on their trips.

In general, birds visiting Wisconsin fly up the Mississippi Flyway. In North America, the route‘s western border roughly follows the Mississippi River, and is about as wide as four to five states eastward. There are no mountains on this route, which make flying through it manageable.

Birds stop at various locations along the entire route where they rest and find food. They’re called stopover sites. Some sites are like gas stations, spots to stop for a quick refueling. Others are like bed and breakfasts, with quality food and amenities for staying from two days to a week. Many sites along the Mississippi Flyway are maintained well, so birds have a great location to rest, with access to food and shelter.

Spring 2019 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

FEATURE

Sandhill Crane

Locally, Schlitz Audubon is a great stopover site, where birds typically stay from two days to a week. We have concentrated green spaces, an abundance of food, and access to the Lake Michigan shoreline. There are four main habitats: woodland, prairie, wetland, and Lake Michigan.

Each habitat attracts different species.

In the woodland habitat, look for woodpeckers and warblers. Prairies are a favorite for sparrows, American Woodcocks, Sandhill Cranes, Red-tailed Hawks, and Kestrels.

The Sora, Green Heron, and American Bittern will visit wetland habitats, while Lake Michigan will attract Solitary Sandpipers and Spotted Sandpipers, as well as gulls and terns. The presence of the lake drives birds to the shoreline, helping them find foliage and food.

MARVEL AT THE AVIAN ARRIVALS

In March, look for the Wood Duck, a water bird that has complex, ornate patterns on its feathers touched with iridescent green, one of the few species of ducks that perch on branches.

Another early migrant, the Killdeer sounds like its name. See the light brownish coloration with darker stripe around its neck as it darts emphatically to turn up prey insects. You’re likely to see the Golden-crowned Kinglet in March as well. It has a distinctive yellow crest on top of its head just above a big brownish-black eyebrow stripe. Likely, it will be high up in spruce or fir foliage.

Barely larger than a hummingbird, it sings an ascending series of high-intensity “tsee” notes.

A TORRENT OF EXOTIC COLORS

One wondrous spectacle in April is the arrival of Sandhill Cranes, notable for their tall gray bodies and crimson caps. During spring migration, they often fill the sky by the thousands at locations like Horicon Marsh. Also in April, begin the foray into a world of exotic color with the Yellow-rumped Warbler. Streaky bluegray and yellow, these warblers molt in spring

and fall, displaying a yellow patch on their rump and head, with charcoal black and gray contrasted with bright white. Watch them perch on outer limbs and dart out to catch insects. The Savannah Sparrow is a slightly less dramatic white and contrasting brown, often with a telltale yellow eyebrow line. It is one of the most numerous songbirds in North America.

Birding season hits a crescendo in May when up to 30-plus species of the most vibrant migrants, the warblers, arrive in full force. The male Black-throated Green Warbler is a canopy dweller with a black throat and chest, a bright lemon cheek, and white-striped black wings.

Also, look for an amazingly bright, distinctive buttery yellow bird with chestnut streaks on its chest and belly, the male Yellow Warbler. The Wilson’s Warbler is a splash of sunlight, whose black cap and yellow plumage will be seen perching on low branches. Warblers are long-distance travelers, making the springtime journey from Central America and the tip of South America.

In vivid contrast to the bold yellow colors of warblers, the all-blue male Indigo Bunting is a bursting patch of deep-colored sky singing from the highest perch. Indigo Buntings migrate at night by following the stars using an internal clock for guidance. Another radiant dash of color is the male Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a bright, tropical green and red-throated bird that darts rapidly about while feeding on nectar.

The wonders of illuminating color and delightful song will roll through Schlitz Audubon, where birders come every year to take part in witnessing the spectacular migration journey. The Center is a top ranked hot spot for birders, so bring your binoculars and enjoy our programs, designed to help you make the most of spring bird migration!

Written with contributions from: Marilyn Bontly, Zoe Finney, Don Quintenz, and Jean Strelka

Black-throated Green

Spring 2019 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

9

CONSERVATION

ABOVE North Ravine showing a failing check dam.

RIGHT Endangered Rusty Patch Bumblebee, an example of species that will benefit from habitat restoration.

The History and Future of Schlitz Audubon's Ravines Craig Mattson Communications Specialist

One of the major goals of our 15-year Conservation Plan is in the process of being realized. We’re working with engineers and consultants on plans to stabilize Schlitz Audubon’s North Ravine as part of the Stormwater Wetland & Ravine Restoration Project.

The primary goal of the effort is to stabilize the North Ravine lobe and conserve biotic diversity in some of the highest quality forested habitat remaining in Milwaukee County. This will slow erosion and keep sediments and pollution out of Lake Michigan. In order to accomplish this, it’s important to understand the roots of the ravine’s challenges.

All of the land that is now known as the state of Wisconsin was surveyed between 1833 and 1866. During this time, William Austin Burt, who incidentally also invented the typewriter, led a three man crew to survey a swath of forested coastline including what is now Schlitz Audubon. Once surveyed and mapped, the land was posted for sale by the federal government. Settlers began buying the newly-available parcels for family farms and small settlements, and within decades the virgin forest that had blanketed the area was nearly gone. The most recent Ice Age glaciers had left a ninety-foot layer of silty clay, and clearing the land had left it vulnerable. The clay is nearly devoid of stone, which makes this land susceptible to erosion.

Before being developed and farmed, the wetlands and forests in this area had functioned as a sponge for storing water. Though common practice at the time, the subsequent, systematic deforestation had unforeseen consequences on the health of the land.

10

The arable land had been cleared for agriculture, while the ravine areas were saved. The installation of ditches, drains, roads, and structures on the developed land diminished the function of the natural systems that provide water-holding capacity. These changes caused nutrient- and sediment-filled stormwater to wash directly into Lake Michigan, severely degrading the Center’s high-quality forested Lake Michigan habitat.

In the early 20th Century, erosion control began with the construction of concrete check dams that were installed along the ravine floors to slow stormwater flow into Lake Michigan. Today, the majority of these check dams have failed and instead are serving to exasperate the effects of water washing into the ravines. The ravine stabilization project includes removal of five failing concrete check dams and stabilizing deeply cut ravine lobes, armoring them with stone and sand.

Through the creation of berms and ponds in upland habitats, the Stormwater Wetland & Ravine Restoration Project will dramatically increase stormwater detention capacity and prevent erosion of the ravine and it’s sediment from washing into Lake Michigan.

Today the North Ravine is home to endangered species like the Blue-stemmed Goldenrod, and Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, and 20 birds of greatest conservation need. This project will include intense restoration work throughout the project area to create a higher quality habitat for these important species and other native Wisconsin plants and animals that live within it.

Spring 2019 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

CONSERVATION

Spring 2019 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

11

DEVELOPMENT ANIMAL AMBASSADORS

Animals Ambassadors Habitat Initiative

Support the Center through Planned Giving MELANIE JOHNSON Director of Development

You’re a member of Schlitz Audubon, so you already help support the education we provide and the land we conserve. Maybe you love our Raptor Program, hiking our trails, and learning through our many events and programs, too. We are able to do many important activities because of your support. If you’re interested in helping our mission even further, there’s a way to give to the Center that also makes financial sense to you.

It’s called planned giving, and there are a couple of ways to do it. It involves contributing from your retirement account or will and doesn’t affect your income during your lifetime. This allows you to leave a legacy of caring for nature. Planned gifts can be in the form of a bequest, life insurance, retirement plan, charitable remainder trust, or appreciated assets. Our Evergreen Society recognizes and honors donors who included the Center in their wills, trusts or any other estate plans.

Planned giving from an IRA is the easiest way to donate, and it provides financial incentives as well. At the age of 701/2, it is necessary to take a required minimum dis

12

tribution (RMD) from an IRA plan. When a required minimum distribution is taken, it is counted as income. This means you pay taxes on it. If you don’t need all of the income provided in that distribution, giving some or all of that money to charity will allow you to save on taxes and support Schlitz Audubon.

Planned giving is adjustable according to your financial needs and situation. Discuss your support with your retirement plan manager to decide the best options for you.

Your gift will help us to educate more than 20,000 children each year about the wonders of nature, provide accessible trails for everyone to enjoy the Center, promote environmental sustainability, and provide green, open spaces for people to enjoy a quiet respite or an invigorating hike. Your support also will enable us to preserve and restore our 185-acre living classroom for years to come.

If you have questions or would like more information please contact Melanie Johnson at mjohnson@schlitzaudubon.org or visit our website at www.schlitzaudubon. org/get-involved/planned-giving/

Spring 2019 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

Schlitz Audubon’s beloved Snapping Turtle, Emerson, is getting a new home! Emerson is one of the Center’s most well-known and visited Animal Ambassadors. Found abandoned in an apartment bathtub more than 20 years ago, Emerson was rescued and brought to live at Schlitz Audubon. As his “forever home,” Emerson has gone through many tanks over two decades as he’s grown with us.

Thanks to a generous donor, his new home will be large enough to accommodate him for decades to come!

Emerson’s new tank will hold 540 gallons of water, almost double the size of his current home, and include basking and enrichment accessories.

Emerson is admired by more than 100,000 visitors annually, and two canister filters will keep our snapping turtle healthy, clean, and looking his best.

Our goal is to enrich, enlarge, and better showcase the entire Educational Animal Ambassador Program to significantly increase learning opportunities for our visitors. Each animal will live in the Great Hall in an individual custom-sized habitat on wheeled display carts. In addition, Harley, our soft-shelled turtle, will receive a new 120-gallon tank with plenty of clean sand to bury himself in, and a new filtration system that will keep him clean and free of bacteria.

If you are interested in helping fund new habitats for our Animal Ambassadors please contact Melanie Johnson, Director of Development, at mjohnson@schlitzaudubon.org.

CALENDAR Adult Program Family Program Preschool Program Wheelchair Accessible Member Price Non-Member Price Registration Required

Payment is due at time of registration.

Refunds will only be given to those who cancel 14 or more days before a program. If Schlitz Audubon cancels a program, refunds will be given.

Thursday, April 4 | 10:00am - 11:15am Thursday, April 18 | 10:00am - 11:15am Thursday, May 2 | 10:00am - 11:15am Thursday, May 16 |10:00am - 11:15am Friday, June 21 | 10:00am - 11:15am

Children are never too young to enjoy the wonders of nature through guided hikes on the trails filled with sensory explorations (6-24 month olds with adult).

M: $12 per pair | NM: $17 per pair

Spring Hand-in-Hand*

Thursday April 4| Frogs and Toads Thursday May 2 | A Nest Full of Eggs Thursday May 16 | Wake Up Pond Session 1 | 9:00am – 10:15am Session 2 | 10:30am – 11:45am

Explore nature hand in hand with your little one ages 2 – 3 years old.

M: $15 per pair | NM: $20 per pair

Raptor Saturday

Saturday April 6 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm Saturday May 4 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm Saturday June 1 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

The first Saturday of each month the auditorium transforms into an educational aviary.

Come learn about and meet our feathered friends!

Free with membership or admission Sponsored by:

Sunday Morning Bird Hike

Sundays, April 7, April 14, May 5, May 12, June 2, June 9 | 7:30am - 9:00am

Join us for an early morning guided bird hike through our various habitats. We’ll meet in the parking lot.

Free with Membership

SPARK!*

Tuesday, April 9 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm Tuesday, May 14 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm Tuesday, June 11 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm

This program is designed for both people experiencing cognitive changes and their care partners. SPARK! celebrates how the simple beauty found in nature enriches our lives.

Free to participants and caregivers

Wednesdays, April 24 to June 12 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Eight-week series of Tai Chi classes for continuing students, led by Alice Kuramoto.

Register online at www.schlitzaudubon.org Audubon Babies*

Continuing Tai Chi*

Bird Club*

Wednesday April 10th | 6:30pm - 8:30pm Wednesday May 8 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm Wednesday, June 12 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Dan Panetti will guide us on a seasonal guided hike. We begin in the auditorium with a quick welcome and housekeeping notes. Birders age 14 and up and of all skill levels are welcome.

Free to all. Registration required.

The Art of Field Guide Illustration* Thursday April 11 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Tom Schultz, an active birder and National Geographic illustrator, will share personal insights into creating bird illustrations for field guides.

M: $15 | NM: $20

Citizen Science Day

Saturday, April 13 | 9:00am - 4:00pm

Learn how you can become a citizen scientist and why it’s important to monitor conservation efforts at the Center. At this event, you can also participate in some citizen science projects.

Free with membership or admission

Citizen Science: Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey* Tuesday, April 16 | 7:00pm Tuesday, May 21 | 8:00pm

After sunset, we will carpool to ten sites in northern Milwaukee County and survey the frog and toad calls we hear.

Free with membership or admission

Wild in Milwaukee: Fish and Wildlife in the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern* Wednesday, April 17 | 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Gary Casper and Julia Robson will share their four years of research on the biodiversity of the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern.

Free to all. Registration required.

Earth Day Workday

Monday, April 22 | 10:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Spend time with Naturalists improving the land at Schlitz Audubon. Projects range from picking Garlic Mustard, collecting litter from the shoreline, or removing invasive snails from Mystery Lake!

Free with membership or admission Spring 2019 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

M: $80 | NM: $96

Nature Poetry Reading: World-Woods-Words*

Thursday April 25, 2019 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Milwaukee poets will read their work and lead a discussion about the intersection of ecology, eco-justice, and nature poetry.

M: $15 | NM: $20

John James Audubon’s Birthday Celebration with the Gutekunst Flute Choir*

Friday, April 26 | 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Join us in celebrating John James Audubon’s Birthday with a night of hiking and music by the Gutekunst Flute Choir. Hike takes place at 6:00pm; program begins at 7:00pm.

$10 for hike + program | $5 for program

Photo Club*

Saturday, April 27 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm Saturday, June 29 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Join a community of photographers taking hike to explore the season at the Center and photograph the nature we discover.

Free to all.

Squirrel Talk

Saturday, April 27 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm Saturday, June 29 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Meet Amelia, the Center’s Southern Flying Squirrel, one of Wisconsin’s elusive small mammals.

Free with membership or admission.

Spring Astronomy: Telescopes*

Monday, April 29 | 7:30pm - 9:00pm

Discover why the telescope is such a powerful scientific tool. Try out different kinds of telescopes under the stars.

M: $15 | NM: $20

The History of Beavers in the Western Great Lakes Region*

Tuesday April 30 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Bob Boucher, founder of Milwaukee Riverkeeper will share how beavers have influenced the biodiversity of our region, as well as the current management policies regarding these valuable animals.

M: $15 | NM: $20

Saturday Migration Bird Hike

Saturday, May 4 | 7:30am - 9:00am Saturday, May 11 | 7:30am - 9:00am Saturday, May 18 | 7:30am - 9:00am

Expert birder Paul Boyer will lead a guided hike in search of migrating birds. We’ll meet in the parking lot.

Free to all 13

CALENDAR Spring Wildflowers and Ephemerals Saturday, May 4 | 9:00am – 12:00pm Saturday, May 18 | 9:00am – 12:00pm

Join us in this two-part workshop to discover the beauty of the forest floor in spring and learn about some of the most elegant and treasured flowers found in the woods – spring wildflowers and ephemerals.

M: $30 | NM: $40

Family Naturalist: Pond Expert

Saturday, May 4 | 10:00am – 12:00pm

We’ll head to the ponds in search of creatures we often don’t notice. Families will use strainers to scoop up the miniscule life of the pond and learn how to identify these organisms.

M: $10 | NM: $15

Schlitz Audubon Art Fair

Sunday, May 5 | 10:00am - 4:00pm

The Consciousness of Nature

Art in Nature: Beach Day

Comparing biological evolution, cultural evolution, and spiritual transformation, Dr. Onani shares her research identifying the four phases of the creation process.

Join us for an afternoon of beach art exploration, where we will explore our Lake Michigan shoreline and let it inspire us to create ephemeral art and beach themed crafts.

Tuesday, May 21 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm

M: $15 | NM: $20

Free with membership or admission.

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund and Bird Conservation* Tuesday, May 7 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund was created by the Wisconsin Legislature to preserve natural areas and wildlife habitat. You’ll learn about its history, successes, and future.

Free to all.

Raptors in Focus Photoshoot

Saturday, May 11 | 9:00am - 12:00pm Rain Date: Sunday, May 12

Join us for our annual Raptor Photoshoot featuring our 17 feathered ambassadors. This is a unique opportunity to photograph eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls up close and learn about their species.

M: $60 | NM: $75

Horicon Marsh Birding Trip

Tuesday, May 14 | 1:00pm – 9:00pm

Discover this Wetland of International Importance with Don Quintenz and expert birder Marc Zuelsdorf. We cap off the day with a two-hour sunset excursion of the Marsh by pontoon boat.

M: $75 | NM: $90

Take an hour long guided hike with your child looking through the lens of a camera.

Don Quintenz will lead participants in search of nesting birds.

M: $10 per child | NM: $15 per child

M: $15 | NM: $20

The sun is shining, so it’s time to break out those paddles. Come join Schlitz Audubon staff on the shores of Mystery Lake for some Canoeing fun!

Eight-week series of Tai Chi classes for continuing students, led by Alice Kuramoto.

Learn about the importance of bats in our ecosystem and how you can help Schlitz Audubon monitor bats for the Wisconsin DNR.

M: Free | NM: $10

Wednesdays, June 19 to August 7 4:00pm - 5:00pm

M: $80 | NM: $96

Citizen Science: Butterfly Count

Saturday, June 22 | 9:00am - 12:00pm Saturday, June 22 | 12:30pm - 4:00pm

Put on your hiking boots and hit the trails with a Center naturalist as we spend the day searching for and identifying butterflies for the North American Butterfly Association Butterfly Count project.

Native Plant Sale

Learn about the benefits of gardening with native plants and purchase some for your own yard!

Sunday, June 23 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Sunday, June 9 | 9:00am - 3:00pm

Free with membership or admission

Summer Hand-in-Hand

Friends of the Earth | June 10, 11, 12, 13 9:30am – 11:00am Ducks-a-Waddling | June 24, 25, 26, 27 9:30am – 11:00am

Select the morning that works best for you and explore nature hand in hand with your little one ages 2 – 3 years old.

M: $18 per pair | NM: $23 per pair

Free to all. Registration Required.

Native American Energy Healing

Dennis King, Oneida carrier of the Bear Medicine, will perform his healing ceremony on the shore of Lake Michigan including the sacred Water Ceremony.

M: $15 | NM $20

The Real Story of Lake Michigan’s Water Levels Hike Thursday, June 27 | 9:00am – 10:00am

Join Senior Ecologist Don Quintenz on a hike to our Great Lakes beach to learn where the lake is relative to past levels and what our future likely holds.

Sandhill Cranes: A Conservation Success Story

Sandhill cranes are the most numerous of the world's fifteen crane species. Join us for a talk that will follow this species from tropical forests to arctic tundra, and the places they go in between for survival.

Every Saturday and Sunday 11:00am and 2:00pm

Tuesday, June 11 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Saturday, June 15 | 10:00am - 1:00pm

M: $15 | NM: $20

M: $12 | NM: $17

Weekend Guided Hike

Meet in the Great Hall for a naturalist-led guided hike. Learn more about the plants and animals found out on the trails.

Free with membership or admission

Citizen Science: Tree Inventory

Word with a Bird

Participants will learn about the effects of Emerald Ash Borer on our property and how to help by collecting data about Schlitz Audubon’s trees.

Join us in the Great Hall to meet a live bird of prey from our Raptor Program

14

Continuing Tai Chi

Saturday, June 1 | 10:00am – 12:00pm

Join us in celebrating Endangered Species Day by going on a hike and talking about the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, the only federally endangered species in Milwaukee County.

M: Free | NM: $10

Tuesday, June 18 | 9:00am – 10:30am

Family Canoe Day

M: $10 | NM: $15

Discovery Nature Hiking

Saturday, May 25 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Endangered Species Day: Rusty Patched Bumble Bee

Saturday, May 18 | 10:00am – 11:30am

Kids with Cameras!

Imagination and creativity abound at the

M: $30 per canoe | NM: $45 per canoe Schlitz Audubon Art Fair. Meet local artists featuring their nature-themed art, available for Citizen Science: Bat Monitoring purchase.

Tuesday, June 4 | 7:30pm – 8:30pm

Sunday, June 16, 2019 | 12:30pm – 2:00pm

M: Free | NM: $10

Spring 2019 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

Every Saturday & Sunday | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Free with membership or admission

THANK YOU THANK YOU In Memory Of

In Honor Of continued

Raptor Sponsorships

Addie and Cary Bloomquist Geri and Marvin Olson

Charlotte Catalano Samantha King

Aero – American Kestrel

Andrea R. Carroll Jack Carroll

James and Joan DeNaut B&E General Contractors, Inc

Betty Fetherston Jerry and Cathy Harrison

Dorothy Diggs Anonymous

Tony Marek Patricia Marek

Bernie and Carol Dorner Joshua Dorner

Joe Martin Dave Sunderland

Amy Guiffre Jason Gerlach Angela Peardon

Michael John Moran Tuyen Nguyen-Hoye William J. Schinner Lynn Berndt Cindy and David Brown Carl F. and Patricia A. Charles Barbara L. and Thomas W. Girman Michael and Julie Hamlin Richard and Susan Kutalek Robert Lamp Nancy J. Osterman Donald J. and Sally A. Parker Linda Paukner John W. and Rose A. Riege Daniel E. Schinner Kathleen Schinner Gail Sommerfeld Michael W. and Charlene Watry Richard Schulteis Roberta Bruckbauer Gail Seefeldt Deena Shaar Dorothy K. Singer Catherine Singer

In Honor Of

Agie Laev Anonymous JP and Ellen Lafouge Pat and Debra Ready Steve Macek and Mary Sue Kristiansen Ruth Ann Ackeret John and Janet Bollow Ellen K. Burgermeister Marilyn and Michael Dean Michael and Donna Geraci Joseph Geraci and Kate Kennedy Julie and Don Heeg Jeanette Jossi Jasun and Jill Macek Steve Macek and Mary Sue Kristiansen Beth Partleton Milos Pavlovic Jane Peiffer Audrey Potter and Santa Consiglio M. and G. Tempel David Winter and Rene Maersch Winter Joan Mortl Mike and Babs Mortl Noah Rowlett Randall Rowlett and Linda Zetley

Harry B. Banzhaf H. Spencer Banzhaf

Sara Sloan Anonymous

Steve and Susan Bell Tom and Virginia Traub

Susan Strecker Christine and Norman Littig

Helen Boomsma Kevin and Meg Kinney

Jacquelyn Weber Marjorie Sutton

In Honor of Lena Schircely Leeann Kelnhofer

Athena – American Barn Owl Lynda Chevrier

In Honor of Alisha Burkhalter Nick Burkhalter In Honor of Raven Schircely Leeann Kelnhofer In Honor of Xtreme Raptor Day Volunteers Sue Holcomb

Cutright – Peregrine Falcon In Honor of Nathan Amundson Karen M. Amundson

Malary – American Kestrel In Honor of Xtreme Raptor Day Volunteers Sue Holcomb

Orion – Barred Owl

Chad and Krista Pankop In Honor of Mike McCrossin Michelle L. Merrell In Memory of Gail Seefeldt Gwynne Kennedy and John Diclemente

Tallulah – Turkey Vulture In Honor of Deanie Vallone Jared Clarkin

Valkyrie – Bald Eagle In Honor of Andy Amundson Karen M. Amundson

Wind Chill McCloud – Snowy Owl Cathrine and Robert Wagner In Honor of Gary Drescher Michelle L. Merrell

Join us on social media!

Admission

FREE admission to Members Adults: $8 | Youth $5 (ages 3 — 17)

Hours

Open 7 days a week 9:00am - 5:00pm

1111 East Brown Deer Road | Milwaukee, WI 414-352-2880 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

Credits for Panorama | Spring 2019 Director of Marketing & Communications Nancy Quinn Design | Illustration | Photography Zoe Finney Editing | Select Writing Craig Mattson

Spring 2019 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

15

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center 1111 East Brown Deer Road Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217

Spring 2019 PANORAMA

U.S. Postage

PAID

Milwaukee, WI Permit No. 4168