April 2008

In this issue . . . . . 
 
1. Going to bat for bats
2. Whaddya mean there’s nothing to do around here?
3. A walk on the wild side
4. Early Bird Summer Camp 
5. An audience with The Queen
6. Don Miller Classic: The Teacher, Grumman
7. Attention Logli Shoppers . . .
8. Your mama needs a magic brick
9. Oh, and one more thing about gifts . . .
 

Going to bat for bats

It’s been a perilous winter for bats in New England. A mysterious illness has decimated populations in 15 caves and mines in New York, Massachusetts and Vermont.

That’s sure to be among the topics discussed Saturday, April 19 when Severson Dells Nature Center welcomes Rob Mies, director of the Organization for Bat Conservation, for a Live Bat Encounter. The program begins at 3:30 p.m.
 
The New England bats were found outside their hibernation haunts this winter, frozen in the snow. Dots of white fungus have been found on their snouts. Up to 90 percent of bats in affected colonies have died, and should the illness spread it could have ramifications on the balance of nature, and the economy. 
 
Bats eat harmful insects. Some species eat their body weight in bugs each night. The New York Times says a Texas study found that Brazilian Free-tailed bats saved cotton farmers between 12 to 16 percent of the cash value of their crop by consuming pests.
 
Mies is both a conservationist and a TV star, who has helped Oprah and Martha Stewart overcome their bat willies.

The cool thing: Rob is bringing live bats from North America, Africa and Asia.

 
Mies’ grand finale: Can’t say, but it has a six-foot wingspan.
 
Critter day is sponsored in the name of Dr. Carl Hartman.
 
Please Come. The program is free. You’ve got no excuses not to call and reserve a seat (815) 335-2915.
 
P.S. We’re selling bat houses in the gift shop. 
 

Whaddya mean there’s nothing to do around here?

 

10: Volunteer Host/Hostesses Training
12: Stateline Paddle-O-Rama at Pecatonica River Forest Preserve
16: Wildflower Walkabouts Begin (click here for schedule)
19: Live Bat Encounter - Critter Day
26: FREC Earth Day Celebration, at Boone County Conservation District
27: Slowing Down To Be With Nature

A walk on the wild side

Spring in northern Illinois means it’s time for Wildflower Walkabouts, guided hikes through the prettiest landscapes you never knew existed in Winnebago County.
 
You need to witness these places so click on the link above and see what you’ve been missing. Walks begin April 11. Severson Dells Nature Center and The Natural Land Institute are sponsors.
http://seversondells.com/blog/2008/04/02/wildflower-walkabout-2008-schedule/
 
 
Did you know Severson Dells is a non-profit?
Did you know non-profits survive on donations from people like you who love their mission?
Did you know that you are now online?

Did you know you can now donate to Severson Dells online? 
Please Click.
Please Donate!
 
Come find her, if you can.
 
Every queen has a king and ours is beekeeper Phillip Raines of Raines Honey Farm in Davis.  We thank King Phillip for filling the hive with these most important and fascinating pollinators.
 

Don Miller Classic: The Teacher, Grumman 

Don Miller loves to canoe and in this 2003 piece he writes of lessons learned during a lifetime of paddling.

The Teacher, Grumman

©By Don Miller

 
Artwork by Kaitlin Zaumzeil

On July 12, 2003 the Miller family Grumman canoe turned 41 years old. If treated with the proper respect and care, a Grumman can be passed on through generations far into the future. At 41, is a Grumman canoe approaching middle age? I don’t think so. It shows no signs of being close to mid-life. I see no mid-thwart expansion taking place, no receding keel line can be seen and the canoe is always eager to leave the rack for the next canoe adventure.

In 1962 it was pounded, shaped and riveted into the form of a canoe. Subtract a Chicago Cubbies decal on the stern, (faded, like the Cubs team did in ‘69), take away two roadrunner stickers, put on for the simple reason that my dad liked them, and rub out a few scrapes on the bottom side and the canoe is just like new. Given the choice in the early ‘60’s of an existence as a floating means of transportation or that of a Sabre jet flying missions over Vietnam, I’m sure the canoe is satisfied with its path. There are few things that can transport one through portals back into their childhood, or holds ones attention in the present, or can carry one into future dreams. The canoe is such a vehicle. I start every canoe trip seeking just a few answers to life’s many questions, but the journey usually only creates more to inquire about. I do know this however; everything important in life I did not learn in kindergarten, most of the real good stuff I learned while canoeing. What follows are just a few of the many lessons learned.

Read more: http://seversondells.com/don-miller-classics/the-teacher-grumman/

Attention Logli Shoppers . . .

So this is one of those ways you can raise money for Severson Dells by doing what your doing right now.

No behavior modification necessary.
 
Go to the service desk at any Logli Supermarkets and tell them to give you a Schnuck’s e-Scrip card.

There’s an 800 number on it. Call it. The fine person you reach will ask what group you want to support and, of course, the only right answer is Severson Dells Nature Center. When they ask for a Group ID, tell them 500018078.

Then visit a fine Logli foodmart and buy $100,000 worth of groceries.

Your mama needs a magic brick 

Winter was long, harsh and unkind to the patio at the Nature Center.

But it’s springtime in the woods, and the flowers signal hope for a crumbling deck, and your gift of a magic brick to your mum.

And just in time for Mother’s Day. (Teachers, dads, grandmas, kids, dogs, and those who, like Elvis, are no longer with us want magic bricks, too.)

But right now, focus on your mom. She wants for an itty bitty brick (or a monstrous one). And not just any brick. She wants a magic brick, the kind of brick where her name, or whatever else within reason that you request, is magically engraved on the brick. 

And just as magically, you’ll be supporting nature education with your gift brick.  Details: http://seversondells.org and click the brick!

It’s a green run: The Hall Creek Scamper        

The second annual Hall Creek Scamper will be July 26.  The Hall Creek Scamper is a “green” run that minimizes impact on the environment by reducing energy inputs and waste associated with many races.

 
You can register for the race online at
http://seversondells.com/2008-hall-creek-scamper/register-online-for-the-hall-creek-scamper/

Oh, and one more thing about gifts . . .

Just in case your mom doesn’t like magic bricks (doubtful, but possible) get her something from the Severson Dells Gift Shop.


Great selection of field guides and some pretty nifty gifty stuff like Peace Frogs clothing, Naked Bee lotions and jewelry from Robin Goodfellow. There’s always something new in the gift shop. 
But please, come take in the sights and sounds of spring before you browse the goodies.
 

About Severson Dells Nature Center

What: Your link to the Natural World in Northern Illinois
Where: 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, IL 61102
When: Open Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1-4:30 p.m.
Call: (815) 335-2915
Write: info@seversondells.org
© Severson Dells Nature Center