Displaying items by tag: Nature camp
AND THE WINNER of the 2011 T-Shirt IS...
Pasted Graphic
Thanx to all that voted it was a close race with 3 of
the t-shirts almost winning.
Greetings Environmental Educator!
I'm writing with great news for the environmental education community!
Representative Taylor (Monona) and Senator Larson (Milwaukee) have secured over 32 co-sponsors from both legislative houses for the Wisconsin Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights.
Next steps and how you can help:
On January 5th, Representatives Taylor and Larson will publicly announce the bill and ask for the joint assembly to schedule a vote. With a great show of support from the EE community, we can ensure this bill's success. Here's what you can do:
1. Sign on to support! - show your support of the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights and keep up to date on the bill's progress.
2. Get out your art smocks - encourage children's groups to create artwork that expresses how and why spending time outdoors is of value.
3. Come to the January 5th press conference at the state capitol - registration details to be announced.
To find out more about this initiative, including the official language in the bill, if your legislator is a co-sponsor, or who fellow supporters are, visit the EEinWisconsin.org website.
Please pass along this exciting news to colleagues!
For questions or comments, please contact:
Betsy Parker
Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education - Networking & Advocacy Chair
(608) 209-2909This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Jennifer Giegerich
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters - Legislative Director
(608) 661-0845This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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We All know how wonderful summer camp is. But have you ever thought about what Swift Nature Camp looks like in February? A few days ago we were at a MN summer camp show and after that made our way up to camp. It was great....
As you know the Midwest has been very dry this year with almost no snow. When we first arrived it seemed more like April with many bare spots around the bottoms of the trees. But, snow was covering most of the land and the lake. Giving us a chance to play.
One day we walked out to Picnic Island just to see what was going on. It is a different place in the winter with no low plants so you can see almost across the island. We particularly wanted to go look at the Eagles nest. It seems that the winds from one of the storms destroyed the nest. However, we still saw eagles flying around so they are still nearby but we did not see where their new nest might be.
As you can see from the movie I tried a new sport. I got out the water skis and put them on over my socks...it was very tight and then I hooked up to Super Toms 4 wheeler and off I went for a little skiing on the frozen lake. Look at my Hitch Hiker! It was much harder to turn than when you are in the water. Yet, it was fun to try something new. Much of the time we were in sleds being pulled. We tipped so many times yet it was very fun and seemed like winter even though it was near 40 degrees.
One of the most exciting time we had was when we woke up one morning and looked out the window to see two dog like creatures run from Picnic Island across to Sawtooth Isle. They looked like Wolves to me. Later that day we went for a hike to see if we could find the tracks and we did. That was so cool.
After a few days we left and that very night, the snows came and came and came. Tom reported that Swift Nature Camp was covered with over 15 inches of snow. Sadly we missed the real winter that finally came to camp. If you are ever up in the Northwoods in winter be sure to stop by camp and take a look, it is beautiful but kind of depressing with out all he campers there having fun.
See Ya next Summer
Lonnie, Jeff & Forrest
Mass rearing of milfoil weevils (Euhrychiopsis lecontei)
by volunteers: Pilot Study
Phase I
AMY THORSTENSON
FEBRUARY 2012
Stevens Point, WI
715/343-6215
www.goldensandsrcd.org
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Introduction
Biological control studies are currently underway in Wisconsin to improve the
science of applied biological control of Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM). Many lake groups
are eagerly awaiting the results of those studies and are interested in applying biological
control in their lake. However, for many cash-strapped lake groups, purchasing their
weevils outright would be cost-prohibitive. As we move forward in our understanding of
the biological control of EWM, this mass rearing pilot study aims to move us forward in
making milfoil weevils a more practical option for lake groups with more sweat equity
than cash. The mass rearing method (Thorstenson 2011) is labor intensive and must
be followed to the letter in order to maximize success. Phase I of this pilot study was
the first year of evaluating the capability of volunteer groups to successfully produce
weevils on a mass scale.
Methods
Study area —Lake Holcombe (Chippewa/Rusk Co) is a 2,881-acre impoundment
of the Chippewa River, with a maximum depth of 61 ft. Large parcels of the riparian
properties belong to the State of Wisconsin or paper company holdings and remain in
natural/wooded condition. The Minong Flowage (Douglas/Washburn Co) is a 1,587-
acre impoundment of the Totagatic River, with a maximum depth of 21 feet and
surrounding natural/wooded shoreline. Goose Lake (Adams Co) is an 84-acre seepage
lake with a maximum depth of 22 ft and surrounding natural/wooded shoreline.
Study Design — Weevil rearing methods were modeled after Hanson, et al.
1995, with modifications based graduate work conducted by Amy Thorstenson at UW-
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Stevens Point (Thorstenson2011). Hanson, et al. reported that an outdoor stock tank
performed just as well their indoor, controlled 20-gal aquariums, with less management
time invested. Thorstenson’s studies found similar results, and developed a simplified
method for outdoor, mass rearing.
Each lake group set-up and maintained 10, 370-L “Freeland poly-tuf‟ stock tanks
(79cm W x 132cm L x 63cm H), stationed in an outdoor area where full sun and access
to a clean water supply was available. The sunniest location available was selected to
keep the milfoil stems (food stems) healthy, but water temperatures were monitored to
ensure they did not approach lethal temperatures (34 C / 93 F). Water temperatures
were monitored with aquarium thermometers and recorded regularly. Fresh water was
added as needed to top off the tanks. NoSeeUm (0.033 cm mesh) light duty fiberglass
screening was used to cover the tanks and pools. While the primary use of the
screening was to exclude predator/competitor insects and birds, it also functioned as
light shade to reduce peak temperatures in the tanks during sunlight hours.
EWM stems to be used for food were collected from the same lake that would be
the recipient of the weevils reared. Stems were collected from the deepest milfoil beds
available, farthest from shore, where naturally occurring weevils were less likely to be
present, in order to avoid the inadvertent introduction of unaccounted for weevils. To
minimize the introduction of predator or competitor insects, the collected food stems
were laid thinly over a mesh screen and sprayed with a hose and nozzle at a pressure
sufficient to clean the milfoil but not damage it. Cleaned stems were then be floated in a
wading pool of clean water, sorted and untangled. Because weevils lay their eggs on
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apical meristems, only stems with apical meristems were retained for use; stems that
had gone to flower or had broken tips were be discarded. Stems were trimmed to a
length sufficient to reach from the base of the rearing chamber to the surface of the
chamber’s water (62 cm). Stems were then bundled together in groups of fifteen stems,
and attached at the base to a rock with a rubber-band to weight the stems down and
achieve vertical orientation in the rearing chamber. All chambers received an initial
stocking of milfoil food bundles, with stockings repeated every 21 days to keep the
weevils supplied with actively growing milfoil (Table 1).
Table 1
Weevil feeding schedule.
# of EWM
stems to feed
per tank
Day 0
Day 21
Day 42
105
165
225
The “starter batch” of weevils were purchased from EnviroScience, Inc., Ohio.
EnviroScience Inc. provided weevil stock from northern Wisconsin, in order to ensure
weevils with winter-hardy genetics. Each tank was stocked with 0.19 weevils/L (72
weevils per 100-gal tank). The purchased weevils arrived as eggs and early instar
larvae attached to bundles of milfoil stems in sealed plastic bags. The estimated
number of weevils in each bag was written on the outside of each bag, however the
number of weevils inside were assumed to be unevenly distributed amongst the milfoil
stems within. Therefore, the stems were placed into a large tub of water and counted to
derive an estimated average of weevils per stem. Stems were then selected randomly
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to accumulate the number of weevils needed to stock each rearing chamber. Thus, the
number of weevils initially stocked to each rearing chamber was an estimated average.
Chambers were maintained for approximately 55 days, allowing enough time for
producing two generations. Prior to releasing the weevils to their recipient lake,
subsamples were extracted to estimate total production. A 10% subsample of the
weevil-containing food stems were extracted from four of the ten tanks (selected at
random), preserved in 80% isopropyl alcohol, and refrigerated until laboratory
examination. The preserved subsample stems was examined by Thorstenson by
floating stems in water in a glass pan over a light table, with 3x magnification goggles.
Each stem was carefully examined for weevil eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults and the
total number of weevils recorded. The assistance of a higher power (30x) Carson
MagniscopeTM was used for identification of specimens when needed. Specimen
vouchers were preserved in sample vials in 80% isopropyl alcohol.
Data Analysis
For the each rearing site, average return rate and total estimated
production was estimated based on the 10% subsamples. Total estimated release (total
production – subsamples) was also calculated. Temperature records were analysed to
calculate min, max, mean, and 90% confidence intervals, to evaluate whether volunteers were
maintaining optimal water temperatures.
Results
Goose Lake – Expected return rate was 9.6 weevils out per weevil stocked, and
Goose Lake’s return rate was 0.6. (Table 2) 720 weevils were initially stocked to the10
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rearing tanks, and total production was estimated at 400 weevils. Lab examinations
observed: low occurrence of miscellaneous insects; substantial mixing of hybrid milfoil,
M. sibiricum, and M. verticillatum stems; dead or bacteria-engulfed pupa; low
occurrence of pupation sites; and low evidence of weevil damage on non-M. spicatum
stems. Due to an acute lack of available M. spicatum in Goose Lake, M. sibiricum and
hybrid milfoil were also collected as an optional food choice when it became necessary.
Water temperatures were monitored but not recorded. Tank temperatures were
moderated by adding fresh groundwater as needed.
Minong Flowage - Expected return rate was 9.6 weevils out per weevil stocked,
and Minong Flowage’s return rate was 1.8. (Table 3) 720 weevils were initially stocked
to the10 rearing tanks, and total production was estimated at 1,300 weevils. Lab
examinations observed: low occurrence of miscellaneous insects; no non-M. spicatum
mixed in; heavy weevil damage to stems in some tanks; and fused, deformed milfoil
leaflets and hardened, opaque stems (indicative of exposure to herbicides) in some
tanks. Tank temperatures were moderated by adding fresh groundwater as needed.
Water temperature ranged from 60 - 80 F, with a mean of 71 F. (Table 4) These
temperatures were similar to temperatures expected (per Thorstenson 2011), but lower
than the temperatures optimal for weevil production. (Figure 1)
Lake Holcombe - Expected return rate was 9.6 weevils out per weevil stocked,
and Lake Holcombe’s return rate was 3.1. (Table 5) 720 weevils were initially stocked
to the10 rearing tanks, and total production was estimated at 2,090 weevils. Lab
examinations observed: low occurrence of miscellaneous insects; no non-M. spicatum
species mixed in; poor stem health; heavy weevil damage to stems in some tanks;
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limited available oviposition sites; and fewer eggs than expected. Tank temperatures
were moderated by adding fresh groundwater as needed. Water temperature ranged
from 70 - 90 F, with a mean of 82 F. (Table 6) These temperatures were higher than
temperatures expected (per Thorstenson 2011), and similar to temperatures optimal for
weevil production. (Figure 1)
Discussion
Goose Lake production was substantially lower than expected, and the optional
feeding on non-M. spicatum species was likely the key problem. Temperatures were
closely monitored (although not recorded), and not believed to be a problem.
Subsample observations noted few miscellaneous insects, ruling out a predation
problem. Subsample examinations confirmed several species of milfoil were used in
feeding, including: M. sibiricum, hybrid milfoil (northern x M. spicatum), M. verticillatum.
M. heterophyllum is also present in Goose Lake and may also have been fed, although
subsample examinations did not confirm this. Subsample examinations noted problems
with pupation (bacteria-laden pupa, dead pupa, few pupal chambers observed), and
weevil damage observed on M. spicatum but not the other species that were mixed in.
Weevil developmental time is longer, and developmental performance is poorer, on M.
sibiricum than on their exotic host, M. spicatum (Newman et al. 1997). Research in the
Midwest has found that weevil performance on hybrid milfoils was intermediate between
the native hose (M. sibiricum) and the exotic host (M. spicatum) (Roley & Newman
2006). Weevil developmental time is significantly longer when reared on M.
verticillatum than on M. spicatum (37 days versus 21 days) (Solarz & Newman 2001).
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Additionally, oviposition (where they choose to lay their eggs) preference was
significantly less for M. sibiricum and nearly absent for M. verticillatum in females that
were reared on M spicatum (Solarz & Newman 2001). Weevil development on or
preference for M. heterophyllum is unknown. Therefore, the optional feeding of other
milfoils, although unpreventable due to an acute lack of M. spicatum in 2011, was likely
the main factor in low production.
Minong Flowage had lower than expected production, possibly due to a
combination of factors. One factor may have been food stem quality. The Minong site
was the shadiest of the three sites, and subsample examinations noted stems in very
poor condition, some limp, as if they did not get enough sunlight. Additionally, some
tubs had stems that were deformed (fused leaflets, tough, opaque stems) as if exposed
to herbicides. Food stem collection was in an area of the Flowage that had not been
treated with herbicides, but was within the same bay (Serenity Bay). (Appendix B) It
would be possible that residual herbicides were insufficient to kill the milfoil there, but
yet sufficient to cause growth deformities. These deformities may have negatively
affected the plant’s qualities as a host plant for successful weevil development. (Note
the dead pupa recoded in the same tub that had the deformed stems.)
Lake Holcombe had lower than expected production, probably due to weevil
development time being shorter than expected. The rearing site was in open prairie,
with all-day sun, which allowed the tubs to warm more than expected. Volunteers
managed the temperatures frequently, adding fresh, cool groundwater twice a day if
needed to keep tanks from getting too hot during heat waves. Their temperature
records reflect that effort, with tank temperatures hovering around a mean of 81 F, and
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a tight 90% confidence interval of less than 1 degree. We were expecting tub
temperatures to average around 71 F, as in Thorstenson 2011, and for the full life cycle
to take about 21 days. Lake Holcombe’s temperatures were closer to optimal
temperatures for weevil development (84 F, Mazzei et al. 1999). At this temperature,
the full life cycle takes only 17 days (Mazzei et al. 1999), which means the weevils
should have been fed four days sooner, at each feeding cycle. Subsample
examinations found heavy feeding damage, a shortage of healthy growing buds suitable
for egg laying, and a shortage of healthy, fat stems suitable for pupation sites, all
evidence that the weevils were running out of food and habitat, which certainly led to
reduced production rates.
Although the results of this study were well below expected, the problems
encountered can be adjusted for with modifications to the methods. In future studies, it
is recommended to:
select rearing sites that have a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight to maintain
healthy food stems;
collect food stems well away from potential herbicide residue areas;
avoid the optional use of other milfoil species;
and to monitor temperatures regularly and shorten feeding cycle times at very
sunny sites where optimal temperatures are attained.
Acknowledgments
This study was funded by an Aquatic Invasive Species Grant (#AEPP-304-11)
from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This study would not have been
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possible without the dedication of team leaders at each site: David Blumer, SEH, Inc.,
Reesa Evans, Adams County Land Conservation Department, and “Doc” Dougherty,
Lake Holcombe Association; and their dedicated volunteer crews at Goose Lake
Association, Swift Nature Camp, Minong Flowage Lake Association, and Lake
Holcombe Association.
References
Hanson, T., C. Eliopoulos, and A. Walker. 1995. Field Collection, Laboratory Rearing
and In-lake Introductions of the Herbivorous Aquatic Weevil, Euhrychiopsis
lecontei, in Vermont. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation,
Waterbury, VT.
Mazzei, K.C., R.M. Newman, A. Loos, and D.W. Ragsdale. 1999. Developmental rates
of the native milfoil weevil, Euhrychiopsis lecontei, and damage to Eurasian
watermilfoil at constant temperatures. Biological Control. 16:139-143.
Newman, R.M., M.E. Borman, and S.W. Castro. 1997. Developmental performance of
the weevil Euhrychiopsis lecontei on native and exotic watermilfoil host-plants. J.
of the North Amer. Benthological Soc. 16:627-634.
Roley, S.S., and R.M. Newman. 2006. Developmental performant of the milfoil weevil,
Euhrychiopsis lecontei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), on northern watermilfiol,
Eurasian watermilfoil, and hybrid (northern x Eurasian) watermilfoil.
Entomological Soc. of Amer.
Solarz, S.L. and R.M. Newman. 2001. Variation in hostplant preferences and
performance by the milfoil weevil, Euhrychiopsis lecontei Dietz, exposed to native
and exotic watermilfoils. Oecologia 126:66-75.
Thorstenson, A.L. 2011. Biological control of eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum
spicatum) using the native milfoil weevil (Euhrychiopsis lecontei). M.S. Thesis.
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI.
Saturday, September 29, 2012 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
(Please note: You must arrive between 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.)
Forest Preserve District of Cook County Bemis Woods Picnic Grove #7 * 11500 Ogden Avenue Western Springs, IL 60558
*To get to Grove # 7 follow the preserve road north to the most northern grove off of Ogden. Number 7 is where the parking lot loops around and where the hiking trails begin.
Please Note: Registration fees cannot be transferred and are non-refundable.
Event Updates
AT BASE CAMP
Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab
- Learn about the rehabilitation of injured, sick and orphaned birds of prey during this live wildlife display. You’re sure to create lasting memories as you and your children interact with these amazing creatures!
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
- At Base camp, you will have the opportunity to build “nature sculptures” with the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie of the US Forest Service. During this activity, kids will utilize local, natural materials that surround them to create artistic “habitats”.
Cook County Forest Preserve
- This year, the Cook County Forest Preserve will be joined by their very own snake and turtle for an up-close and personal encounter.
Promotional Partner, REI
- REI will have a presentation on PEAK, a hands-on, interactive program where children are taught to have fun outside while practicing responsible outdoor recreation. Children will also learn the 7 Leave No Trace principles: know before you go; choose the right path; pack your trash; leave what you find; be careful with fire; respect wildlife; and be kind to other visitors. REI will also be handing out some cool goodies as well.
ON THE TRAIL
Plant Station
Insect Station
Bird Station
Reptiles Station
Mammals Station
This year we are so excited that our pottery program will get a blast at camp. Our new Arts & Crafts Director Laura has years of experience in pottery and working with clay. So this year more than ever before we hope to see campers sculpting, and working on the wheel and kiln firing all those projects. All this means that there are going to be wonderful projects coming out of the ARTS & CRAFTS CASTLE this summer. Stuff like sculpted animals, multi-colored tiles, giant coil pots, and delicate wheel-thrown cups and bowls.
Let nature be a part of your clay work by taking a smooth slab of clay and press natural forms into it so that they leave intricate textures. You know, acorns, twigs, leaves, and tree bark, they all leave amazing patterns. then this can be turned in to a vase or some other vessel or just a fired the way it is.
Swift Nature Camp’s summer pottery program is going to be one of our most exciting programs in the summer of 2009. There’s almost an endless variety of pottery projects to make which you can take back to home your family and friends.
One of the best parts of being at Swift Nature Camp is the Animals. Thats why many think of S.N.C. as an animal camp. Animals are every where! First since you are out in Nature, if you take a little quiet time you just might see a some really cool birds like a Loon or a Woodpecker or some of the larger mammals like Bears and Porcupines. But most folks just like the animals in the Nature Center and in the Camp Zoo. There are all sorts of cool critters from Lizards to Hamsters and out in the Zoo are ducks and maybe even a goat or two. But Best of all is that campers can bring their own smaller critters to camp.
Catching frogs from camps own beaver pond is a huge camp sport at Swift Nature Camp. it is a challenge too. The big Bull Frogs put up a big battle to free them selves. We even have a favorite bull from the biggest meanest frog of them all JIMBO. Yes he is our mascot and is pictured on this page.
Catching frogs is one of favorite things to do at this children’s summer camp. One of the best hunting spots is the lamp poles at night. You see the frogs come up from the pond at night looking for food and all the bugs hanging around the light will do just fine.
One might wonder are you eating all these favorite catches. Nope they gan spend on night up at the Nature Center Zoo where they hang with the other animals anc catches then its back to where they were caught at. Next summer, join us for some serious frog catching..
When Swift Campers think of camp they think of playing outdoors in Nature but they automatically think of the animals in our camp zoo and Nature Center. Our campers are crazy for critters and nature and critters. Not only do we have animals at camp we have guest speakers bring in some animals to camp that we all can appreciate. We have lots of animal related activities and offer the opportunity to interact with animals. Plus, you can even bring your own pet from home. How cool is that? An animal camp that lets you bring your own pets!
Swift Nature Camp is known for our eagles. Daily we see eagles in the air, in nests and even swooping down to catch a fish in the lake. But how many knew that once it started to get a little colder and the lake freezes over these eagles migrate south in search of food. They as a pair fly south often along the Mississippi River and finally settle on a winter home in Florida.. Cant say that these birds are dumb! Well after we had a camp show in Minneapolis last week we saw plenty of eagles beginning their flight Northbound. So i can surely tell you we will have American Bald Eagles again this summer at Swift Nature Camp. And that is a wonderful opportunity for all of us at Swift.