Research and Community Science

Menomonee Valley

2017 A MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM

The ’s branch opened in 2012 in collaboration with the Menomonee Valley Partners, Inc. working towards greater ecological, environmental, and community revitalization. These restored greenspaces (and bluespaces) now support populations of wildlife that add value to the community by providing lifelong learning opportunities, inspiration, and ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, pollination, and natural pest control. The Urban Ecology Center’s Research and Community Science program serves to connect the community to this transformation and return of biodiversity. As a meaningful between academic research and the community-at-large, we use collaborative science The Research and Community Science team was joined by interns to engage the community in ongoing restoration, Xeng Xiong, Danielle Mellin, Spencer Hofschulte-Beck, and Mioni Samo during June - August 2017. Their passion for community, increase understanding of local ecology, and adapt land urban wildlife, and learning fueled the summer field season, the management strategies. time of year when research efforts quadruple!

Research as a foundation Greater understanding of for understanding how we heal the land

We invite the community to join each and every one of Twenty-four acres of abandoned industrial development our field research projects. And we couldn’t do our work have been transformed into the diversifying ecosystems without them. Community members contribute integral and trails of Three Bridges Park thanks to community knowledge and life experiences to ask new questions, restoration efforts, collaborations with local and state hypothesize answers, and share results in creative governments and organizations, neighborhood groups, ways. The program encourages collaborative spaces and local businesses. Restored prairie, wetland, and for research between professional and community forest habitats interconnect with the , scientists and creates a more engaged, knowledgeable, Stormwater Park, and Hank Aaron State Trail to create and ecologically literate community. positive, community-led change. These diverse habitats are now occupied by resident What’s on the cover? and migratory birds, snakes, turtles, amphibians, fish, dragonflies and damselflies, monarchs, native bees, bats, terrestrial mammals, and more! Thank you to all of the How wildlife are community scientists who volunteered their time to using the restored research the transformation of the Menomonee Valley! aquatic habitats of the Menomonee Valley informs —Jennifer, Jessica, Tim, and Tony us about the water quality and Research and Community quantity of the Science team (left to right): ecosystem. This Community Assistance painted turtle was Fellow Tony Garcia (in partnership with the spotted during a National Park Service), GIS turtle basking survey in the upland rain gardens that and Field Data Coordinator were designed and purposefully built into Three Bridges Jessica Orlando, Research Park. The presence of native turtle species indicates and Community Science healthy aquatic vegetation and upland habitats used Coordinator Jennifer Callaghan, and Manager of for breeding. Research and Community Photo by Research and Community Science intern Mioni Samo. Science Tim Vargo. LAND STEWARDSHIP

The Urban Ecology Center’s Land Stewardship and •640 volunteers Community Science teams collaborate to implement contributed 1,970 adaptive management. Regular monitoring of biotic service hours and abiotic components of urban landscapes informs during the 2016 the efficiency and effectiveness of restoration strategies – 2017 fiscal year and when to adjust strategies and goals. (a 10% increase compared to the Land Stewardship & Community previous year) Science collaborate to implement •5,000 herbaceous plants were planted in management areas along with 200 trees ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT: adaptiveGOALS (AND REALITY) management ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT •6 acres of invasive garlic

• The Integration of Design, Management, and Monitoring to Systematically mustard were removed along Test Assumptions in• orderBudget/Funding to adapt and learn. • Adaptive Management: A Tool for Conservation Practitioners by Nick the Hank Aaron State Trail Salafsky, Richard Margoluis• Turnover, and Kent H. Redford. • Theory and Application • Test Assumptions: systematically• Social environment try different actions to achieve a desired •15 additional plant species outcome. Which actions work and don’t work and why? were documented for the first • Adaptation: Improve project based on monitoring, especially if expected results not achieved time ever in Three Bridges Park

• Learning: Documenting process and results. Allows you and others to learn from mistakes. The 640 volunteers included weekly ROOT opportunities and The Land Stewardship and Research and Community Science corporate and school groups teams presented their adaptive management collaboration at the such as Escuela Verde, Fratney, Southeastern Wisconsin Conservation Summit in November 2017. Rexnord, BMO Harris, , Alverno University, and Cardinal Stritch.

Land stewardship volunteers built a greenhouse near the community gardens for raising native plant seedlings in Three Bridges Park

Restoration of stormwater rain gardens will bring more community access to aquatic life in the pond

Three Bridges Park is managed as multiple unique habitats representative of southeastern Wisconsin. In 2017 the management plan for the park was completed by Menomonee Valley Land Steward Jeff Veglahn which included 3-year, 10-year, and 100-year goals for each targeted native plant community. WATER QUALITY

Community scientists Emerging Contaminants monitor the health of the restored aquatic The Urban Ecology Center in partnership with habitats of the Riverkeeper, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School Menomonee Valley. of Freshwater Sciences, and Carroll University works By documenting the with community scientists to measure emerging presence of wildlife contaminants through the in the river, ponds, Citizens of the Rivers and and rain gardens Lake Monitoring Program. we can determine Contaminants include the quality of water pharmaceuticals such as resources in this area and how it is changing as ecological aspirin and antibacterial soap, restoration continues. common cooking products such as spices, and lawn and garden products. Once inside home plumbing and sewage systems, they can enter local waterways due to leaks, overflows, and incomplete wastewater treatment. Benthic Macroinvertebrates We depend on freshwater resources for food, air, water, climate control, waste assimilation and more. While physical and Wildlife depend on aquatic and chemical assessments can indicate the terrestrial habitat connections potential for water Many wildlife species depend on both aquatic and to support life, it can terrestrial habitats during their life cycles. Aquatic often be as effective to rely on the organisms living in turtles breed in more protected uplands. Waterfowl and the water to “tell us” the water quality by their presence shorebirds nest in adjacent riparian habitat. Terrestrial (or absence). insects like dragonflies and damselflies lay eggs in rivers and ponds and their young are actually aquatic. benthic: in or on the bottom of a body of water Restoring connections between land and water is also important, as wildlife depend on corridors to move safely macro: big enough to be seen with the naked eye between habitats. Throughout this report, community science discoveries reveal a functioning and rebuilding invertebrates: animals without backbones ecosystem in the Menomonee Valley! Pollution-sensitive organisms such as mayflies, stoneflies Snapping turtles travel and caddisflies are more susceptible to the effects of through restored upland habitats to find sheltered physical and chemical changes compared to pollution- ponds built into the tolerant organisms such as midges and worms. Polluted Menomonee Valley. These water will have fewer individuals and less variety of juveniles are evidence of pollution-sensitive organisms and greater numbers and breeding—and the success of more variety of pollution-tolerant organisms. restoring diverse habitats in Three Bridges Park. Photo by —Benthic Macroinvertebrates section by Research and Community Menomonee Valley Educator Science intern Yue Pheng Lee. Since his internship ended, he has gone Carlos Manriquez on October on to work with the American Conservation Experience in southern 11, 2017. California and is currently serving in Peace Corps Nepal! ODONATES

Odonate (dragonfly and damselfly) monitoring began at the request of the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society to increase survey efforts in underrepresented southeastern Wisconsin and to engage urban communities. The Urban Ecology Center’s Research and Community Science program is complemented by the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society’s mission to study and protect the dragonflies and damselflies in Wisconsin and foster appreciation, study, and enjoyment of these species and the aquatic habitats on which they depend. Dragonflies? More like dragon-swims! Urban Ecology Center outdoor leader and Escuela Verde student Gustav Kramer couldn’t have said it better when he proclaimed them dragon- A rainbow bluet damselfly documented July 5, 2017 at Menomonee swims during a wetland monitoring survey. Valley. This was a new species occurrence for any of the three Urban Ecology Center branches and a relatively rare find for Milwaukee County. Photo by Research and Community Science Most non-migratory dragonfliesCoordinator Jennifer Callaghan. and damselflies actually spend the majority of their life cycles as eggs and larval nymphs (1 – 4 Eight additional dragonfly and years) within aquatic habitats such as rivers, lakes, and ponds. It isn’t damselfly species added in 2017 until the very end of their lives that they metamorphose into adults Eight odonate species and emerge from aquatic nurseries. were documented for Adults live only a short time during the first time in the their flight season (about 1 month), Menomonee Valley, which is long enough to reproduce increasing our life list to 35 species! This is the Larval exoskeleton and continue the next generation. (exuvia) found in a Because the aquatic larvae of many highest species richness Three Bridges Park dragonfly and damselfly species are of any of the three pond. sensitive to pollution, their presence branches (30 species can indicate good or improving water quality in aquatic documented at Riverside habitats. Park and 28 species at Washington Park). One reason for this is the diversity of aquatic habitats including intermittent rain gardens, ponds, and running water of the Menomonee River to attract and support a variety of dragonfly and damselfly life histories. Menomonee Valley dragonfly additions included red saddlebags, eastern amberwing, four-spotted skimmer, and dot-tailed whiteface. Damselfly additions were the marsh bluet along with three species that were new to any of the three Urban Ecology Center branches— rainbow bluet, citrine forktail, and sweetflag spreadwing! This page was adapted from a presentation by Research and Community Science Coordinator Jennifer Callaghan and A clubtail dragonfly emerging from its exuvia—the exoskeleton community scientist Ann Graf. Presented at The Southeastern shed by larval nymphs during metamorphosis. Photo taken by Wisconsin Conservation Summit in November 2017 and Wisconsin Environmental Educator Tory Bahe on the . Summit for Natural Resources Volunteers in March 2018. TERRESTRIAL MAMMALS

Terrestrial mammal monitoring at the Urban Ecology Early each morning traps are checked and collected. Center includes live-trapping small mammals to Trap condition is recorded and if small mammals are determine population trends through mark-recapture present, they are identified, sexed, assessed for health research, documenting larger mammals with wildlife (pregnancy, presence of parasites, etc.), and weighed. cameras, and incidental reports by students and visitors. Mark-Recapture Methods

Sherman live traps are set in early evening with bait (peanut butter, oats, or seed mix) and bedding (to keep warm overnight). Two parallel transects are set every 10 meters, totaling 40 traps per night.

What’s the nail polish for? Mammals are marked with nail polish on the ear or tail. Different colors signify different survey nights so we know when a mammal was caught in case it is captured again later.

Trap setting and checking are repeated for a total For three consecutive days each week, Menomonee Valley community scientists help prepare bait and set traps each evening of three trap nights per week. This gives multiple and check traps and record capture data each morning. chances for recapture so we can better estimate wildlife populations in a particular habitat (small mammals have relatively small home ranges).

Five raccoons caught on camera in Three Bridges Park! Wildlife cameras document nocturnal animals and other illusive species that are too big for our traps and not otherwise accounted for. BATS AND OTHER CREATURES OF THE NIGHT

Bats We conducted five acoustic bat surveys in 2017 in spring migration (when bats are either migrating from southern wintering habitats or regional hibernation caves), summer breeding season, and again during fall migration. Bat monitoring is especially urgent since cave-hibernating bats are threatened by white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that depletes Community scientists entering Three Bridges Park to survey energy reserves. Cave- bats, fireflies, and singing insects. Evening surveys start with a hibernating and tree bats short indoor workshop to play insect calls and talk about the are also threatened by importance of monitoring these species, many of which are in habitat loss, pesticides, decline nationally. and wind turbines. Fireflies Learn more about Wisconsin’s bat When anecdotal evidence species in The Bats of Wisconsin, a narrated presentation created began to suggest a by Milwaukee County Zoo decline, Firefly Watch Zookeeper and Urban Ecology mobilized community Center partner Kara DeLanty. scientists to collect data Presentation excerpts by Kara nationally to better DeLanty. understand populations The monitoring equipment used during acoustic of these beetles through surveys translates bats’ high-frequency echolocation backyard observations. calls used to search for prey and avoid obstacles Each species emits a into visual sonograms. Each species’ unique sound different color and/or waves help document their presence in our parks and pattern of light which can contribute to the state-wide monitoring efforts of the be used to identify them Wisconsin Bat Program. in the field.

Eastern red bat: Big brown bat: Singing Insects Since 2015, community scientists have listened for the songs of insects in the Menomonee Valley under the instruction of UW-Parkside Assistant Professor Dr. Jessica Orlofske. Singing insects include many groups that often go unnoticed due to their small size and •High frequency •Low frequency echolocation group cryptic coloration, but instead advertise their presence echolocation group with sound. The singers most frequently encountered •Tree bat (migrates south for •Cave bat (hibernates in caves winter) over winter) were field crickets, short-winged meadow katydids, and snowy tree crickets. Additional orthropterans observed •State Species of Special •State Threatened Species Concern during the surveys included larger katydids, specifically the coneheads and angle-wings. Finally, community Side-by-side echolocation recordings for two different bat species scientists noted the ubiquitous song of the dog-day observed in Menomonee Valley on September 4, 2017. cicada, the loudest insect observed during the surveys! INTERESTING INVERTEBRATES:

Monarchs continue to be the focus of butterfly Monarch Tagging research at the Urban Ecology Center because of Community scientists their decline over recent decades and a sense of tag the last generation urgency to better understand and conserve their of monarchs in unique international, multigenerational migration September. Each route. In the Menomonee Valley community butterfly’s tag has a scientists contribute to the monitoring of monarch unique identification eggs and larval caterpillars as well as the “super number and how to generation” of adult monarch butterflies as they record the data if it begin their migration to Mexico each fall. is seen again, either during migration or while overwintering in Mexico. Tag purchases help fund efforts by Monarch Larval Monitoring local community members in Mexico A year in the life of a monarch to collect monarch data and includes multiple generations contribute to international sequentially completing a monarch conservation. single migration journey, and it all starts with an egg. So much more Monarchs arrive in Milwaukee in late spring and begin a than milkweed summer-long breeding season Larval monarch where each new generation caterpillars rely is born, metamorphoses, solely on milkweed reproduces, and dies. In for food, habitat, fall the final generation will and protection return to Mexico—the same from predators mountains their great-great- (they absorb toxic grandparents overwintered in compounds from the year before. the plant that It all starts with an egg. In this case, multiple eggs laid on a single makes them common milkweed leaf. Photo taken July 25, 2017 by Research unpalatable and Community Science intern Xeng Xiong. to predators throughout their Three generations of monarchs lives). However monarch are born in Milwaukee populations require diverse native plants Generation 4 will migrate staggered Generation 3 to Mexico! throughout the is born in Generation 2 mid- to late- summer breeding is born in summer. Their season and along Milwaukee. offspring will These are the complete the their entire grandchildren of migration the overwintering 2,000+ mile generation migration route as a nectar source for adult monarch butterflies. These same blooms also support a variety of other native insect pollinators such as bumble bees. BUTTERFLIES, BEETLES, & BEES

Beetles Beetles are among the newest taxa monitored in the Menomonee Valley—and it is entirely community Bees led and driven. Community scientists Jon Bales and Like monarchs, bees are also in Heidi Meier look in the vegetation, decomposing decline and are gaining national wood, and even scat. After finding beetles in the attention as conservation field, they bring them back to the lab to begin becomes vital for their survival— identifying representatives of the largest group of and ours. The pollination that animals on earth! bees provide for both native flowering plants, forests, and “Beetles are amazing. My favorite aspect of learning human crops are unparalleled. about beetles is identifying them, discovering their And there is good news. Urban life story, and communicating with entomologists on areas are emerging as hotspots expanding local data. Beetles are strong, survivalists, for pollinators because of the and unbelievably, breathtakingly beautiful animals. diversity of native plants in home I welcome you to explore the order of Coleoptera.” gardens and public greenspaces –Community scientist and project leader Heidi Meier thanks to efforts like those in the Menomonee Valley. Native bees are “I collected beetles as a youngster, and the Urban the most effective Ecology Center has me reliving my youth...There are 115 pollinators in the families and thousands of different species of beetles ecosystem— right here in Milwaukee....Under the microscope, including our each individual is stunningly gorgeous, colorful and home vegetable unique...I would recommend that anyone with an gardens. Unlike interest in insects, be they butterflies, bugs, spiders or the introduced dragonflies, join a team and aid the Urban Ecology honey bees, bumble Center in its survey of animals without backbones.” bees can buzz –Community scientist and project leader Jon Bales pollinate using high frequency vibrations to release pollen like a secret password. With furry bodies adapted to cooler temperatures, they depend on a continuum of flowering plants from early spring through late fall along with ground cover habitat to nest and overwinter in.

Taxonomy Community scientists contribute the beetle data they collect to BugGuide.net, a collaborative database for community and professional scientists. And many of their observations are first- time records of beetle species in the region, and even the state! REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

Snakes Frogs & Toads Amphibians such Community scientists as frogs and search for snakes toads are tied to under coverboards aquatic habitats set throughout the for their breeding, Menomonee Valley egg, and larval during the summer. (tadpole) life The most commonly stages. Clean, occurring species is the oxygenated water Butler’s gartersnake, a with food sources State Species of Special and protection from predators Butler’s gartersnake Northern leopard frog found in a Three found under a is key to their Bridges Park pond. High quality aquatic Menomonee Valley survival. In the habitats were designed and built into the coverboard on August Menomonee park for wildlife like these frogs. 2, 2017. Community Valley we continue to observe the presence and scientists assist in the breeding activity of green frogs, bullfrogs, northern handling, recording, and processing of leopard frogs, and American toads. Frogs and toads are individuals that are documented during visual surveys of aquatic habitats marked so we can during the day and listening surveys for breeding males identify them in who have unique calls to attract mates in the evenings. the future to assess Incidental sightings or callings are also an important population trends. tool for research, as the first official American toad DeKay’s brownsnake spotted along the documentation was a photograph during an evening Concern native Menomonee River by a school group walk through the park! to southeastern and photographed by Educator Miguel Wisconsin. Butler’s Santos September 8, 2017. A Toad in the Hand is gartersnakes prefer Worth Two open to semi-open habitats in wetlands and adjacent in the Bush, uplands, including prairies such as the restored habitats American of Three Bridges Park. Community scientists have also toad documented DeKay’s brownsnake, which is common photograph (and first throughout Wisconsin. official Menomonee Turtles Valley record!) by Adam Carr Turtles, such as snapping on June 3, turtles and spiny softshell 2017. turtles, are found using the aquatic and terrestrial It’s not a coincidence habitats of Menomonee that almost every photo Valley. While adapted for on this page is wildlife in swimming and feeding hand. The Urban Ecology in rivers, lakes, or ponds, Center’s research program connections to upland is centered on community habitats are important engagement and up-close for reproduction—and experiences with science in breeding is certainly neighborhood greenspaces. evident from the size of Research and Community Science credit intern Mioni Samo. this juvenile! The snapping Holding a Butler’s gartersnake turtle is Wisconsin’s largest Photo by Menomonee Valley is a fear she, like many others, Educator Carlos Manriquez on turtle and is a top predator overcame while working in the October 11, 2017. in aquatic ecosystems. Menomonee Valley! FISH

EXPANDED SPORTS COVERAGE In 2017 fish monitoring was SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE added to the Menomonee Valley community science repertoire. Collaborating with Shedd Aquarium, the Questions? Call 1-800-Tribune Friday, May 12, 2017 Breaking news at chicagotribune.com Feds open Menomonee River became part of probe of a network of Great Lakes monitoring schools’ tech buys stations where community Focus is on Thornton District 205’s dealings Come join us and help improve the health of Great Lakes fisheries! scientists observed sucker fish— with computer store Did you know that there are over 50 species of migratory fishes in the Great Lakes? We need your By Gregory Pratt help in an exciting citizen science project documenting these mighty migrations! native fish species that migrate Chicago Tribune About the Project Federal authorities have opened a criminal investiga- Researchers from Shedd Aquarium, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Lake Superior from the Great Lakes into inland tion into south suburban National Estuarine Research Reserve are launching a Citizen Science Project aimed at documenting Thornton Township High long-term shifts in the timing of fish migrations into Great Lakes streams. Fish migrations are School District 205 and pos- important for maintaining fishery species, but also carry in nutrients that fertilize the stream rivers and streams to spawn. sible kickbacks tied to technol- ogy purchases, the Tribune has ecosystem. Suckers will be used as the focal species because they migrate into virtually every stream learned. in large numbers, and are large enough to see easily. Results of the study will be communicated to The investigation focuses on the volunteers at the end of the monitoring period. Our goal is to launch a successful monitoring the relationship between the program in 2017, and then expand on it in subsequent years to take the program Great Lakes basin- district and a suburban-based wide! Your participation can help us to improve the health of Great Lakes fisheries. technology company that sold it $4.5 million in technology equipment since 2009, includ- Who: Volunteers who live near a stream mouth on the coast of Western or ing hundreds of computers, the south shore of Lake Superior where suckers are known to spawn MICHAEL REYNOLDS/EPA Menomonee River migrations monitors and printers, attor- Deputy AttorneyWhen: General Spring, Rod Rosenstein, 2017 – daily center, for up and toother 4 weeks aides (exact scrambled dates Thursdaywill be determined to keep up by with winter/spring the president’s changing accounts. neys involved with the probe said. weather) In addition to probing po- What: Monitor a station each day for about 10 minutes, recording information on time, weather, tential kickbacks on those pur- water level, and presence/absence of fish. Training by Shedd’s lead investigator Dr. Karen coincided with higher-than- chases, federal officials are also TrumpMurchie and allshifts supplies will be provided. narrative on investigating whether the dis- Why: Project data will be used to test whether fish are responding to water temperature or trict received all the equipment it purchased from Comcapital stream flow as cues to initiate their spawning migrations, and to pinpoint when peak Inc., the company’s attorney migrations occur. Data will also be used to understand the local impacts of global climate average spring temperatures said. The business, based in Comey,change. cites ‘Russia thing’ Alsip, recently announced it is How: If you know of tributaries with good water clarity that have sucker spawning runs near you, closing. ated with Russian intelligence A federal grand jury sub- President saysand he you’d like to volunteer to monitor, please contact Karen Murchie at (312) 692-2783agents or during the presidential poena, served on the school planned to [email protected]. campaign last year. district in January and ob- In a bipartisan move that tained by the Tribune through ‘showboat’ FBI highlighted the mounting con- the Freedom of Information cern on Capitol Hill, Senate Act, requested all records re- chief ‘regardless’ Majority Leader Mitch McCon- lated to Comcapital, including nell and Senate Minority Leader 35 contracts, invoices, payment By Joseph Tanfani, David Chuck Schumer invited Deputy records and correspondence. It S. Cloud and Brian Attorney General Rod Rosenstein also requested similar informa- Bennett to brief all senators early next tion from any other company Washington Bureau week on Comey’s dismissal. 30 used by the district for technol- Similarly, the top Republican ogy purchases or support, and WASHINGTON — Adding yet and Democrat on the House records related to the school another twist to a shifting White Intelligence Committee, Rep. 25 board’s authorization of such House narrative, President Don- Mike Conaway, R-Texas, and Rep. purchases and an inventory of ald Trump saidMenomonee Thursday that he ValleyAdam Schiff, D-Calif., warned in had decided to fire FBI Director ALEX WONG/GETTY a statement that their committee Turn to School, Page 12 James Comey regardless of Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe told a Senate panel that ousted “will be conducting rigorous 20 whether the Justice Department FBI chief James Comey “enjoyed broad support within the FBI.” oversight to ensure that the FBI’s recommended it, calling the own investigation is not impeded ousted directorCommunity “a showboat” and his decision. emonious science sacking of Comey, who or interfered with in any way.” 15 “a grandstander.” Trump’s comments further fu- was leading an expanding FBI The tumult overshadowed the Ex-Rush In an NBC interview, he also eled the political and legal furor investigation seeking to deter- cited “this Russia thing” as part of in Washington over his uncer- mine if Trump’s advisers cooper- Turn to Comey, Page 15 10 owner’s making waves!

5 lies lead Obama Center opts Community Scientists out of presidential 0 to prison White Sucker Fish Counts library network The break from the National Staral told league he Archives will free up the Oba- had millions; he gets ma Foundation, the nonprofit Making waves! group charged with building 1 3 ⁄2 years for fraud the center, in several ways. Chicagoland, Page 7 By Jason Meisner Chicago Tribune

David Staral Jr. was some- thing of an enigma when he suddenly emerged four years ago to buy the struggling Chi- The Menomonee cago Rush arena football team. Young and flashy, the Porsche-driving McHenry River was checked County native made himself out to be a rich wunderkind financial adviser who would NUCCIO DINUZZO/CHICAGO TRIBUNE daily during save the Arena Football League’s marquee franchise. Ten reasons it’s migration season He talked a big game, promis- ing his ownership would bring OK to panic about a “whole new ballgame” for and the young fans. PHIL VELASQUEZ/CHICAGO TRIBUNE the Cubs’ slow start But in reality, Staral was an Karen Murchie, from left, Liz Ettelson and Rebecca Grill look for white sucker fish at Rosewood Beach. Chicago Sports All-Star fraud whose deception scientists club played a role in the demise of the indoor football team. A played a big role three-time convicted felon, he CITIZEN-SCIENTISTS PLAY was still on probation for em- bezzling from a previous em- in the monitoring. ployer at the time the league ROLE IN THE ECOSYSTEM announced his purchase of the Rush. He’d been dogged by Volunteers track migrating sucker fish as native ing to a spot where the Park Watch them in lawsuits and liens for bilking District of Highland Park and the tens of thousands of dollars species returns to streams feeding Great Lakes local water utility had removed a action on this TMJ4 from investors. And at just 34, steel wall that once blocked the Staral had twice filed for bank- By Michael Hawthorne But on a crisp April afternoon, mouth of the waterway. “As soon TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX ruptcy — yet managed to con- Chicago Tribune Karen Murchie waded into a Lake as that barrier was gone, the fish news segment! Their hard work was rewarded with a trip to vince the league’s commis- Michigan inlet and spotted a sign started coming back.” sioner he was worth millions. Great Lakes fish stories can be that nature still works wonders The Ravine Drive creek is ‘SNATCHED’ 1 In sentencing Staral to 3 ⁄2 downright scary. when humans get out of the way. among more than two dozen ★★ explore the Shedd Aquarium with project leaders. years in prison Thursday, U.S. Pollution dumped by industries Clustered in a shallow pool a few tributaries of Lake Michigan and District Judge Ronald Guzman and cities make some fish unsafe feet from the Highland Park Lake Superior where Murchie is The action comedy starring said he’d never seen anyone in to eat. Invasive species spread by shoreline were a dozen white tracking the annual spawning run Amy Schumer and Goldie his nearly two decades on the cargo ships decimate yellow suckers, native bottom-feeding of white and longnose suckers — Hawn is funny here and bench who’d pulled off such a perch, lake trout and other native fish resting on their way up the fish that play an important, there, but in ways that variety of scams over such a fish. Warmer water in a changing narrow creek to spawn. though largely unheralded, role in make the bulk of the formu- long period of time. climate triggers algae blooms that “You wouldn’t have seen this a the complicated ecosystem of the laic material all the more create oxygen-depleting, fish- few years ago,” said Murchie, a frustrating, writes Michael Turn to Staral, Page 10 harming dead zones. Shedd Aquarium biologist, point- Turn to Fish, Page 10 Phillips. A+E Movies

Chicago Weather Center: Complete $1.99 city and suburbs, $2.50 elsewhere High Low ProjectTom summary Skilling’s forecast by66 National46 forecast onPark back page ofService A+E section 169th year No. 132 © Chicago Tribune Fellow Tony Garcia (right). Trained in water science and engineering, Tony partnered with Urban Ecology Center to expand community science programming, especially in aquatic habitats, and explore partnerships with neighboring Jackson Park, Pulaski Park, 16th Street Community Health Center, and the Kinnickinnic River. WEEKLY BIRD WALKS

C o m m u n i t y In May the Urban Ecology scientists meet Center hosted the first annual at 8:00 a.m. Brew City Birding Festival. every Tuesday Bringing participants across for Weekly Bird the city to birding stopover Walks to record habitats like the Menomonee birds in the Valley, the festival highlighted Menomonee the importance of urban Valley. This year- greenspaces during migration. Highlights included a round research native planting for bird habitat workshop by Menomonee Community scientists identify and count has occurred Valley Land Steward Jeff Veglahn, spring migration bird birds in the Menomonee Valley weekly in since 2012 banding along the Menomonee River, and an afternoon every season of the year. and alternates family bird walk between Three Bridges Park east to Mitchell Park and through the habitats of the Menomonee Valley Passage west to Miller Park. Three Bridges Park. Each 1.5-mile walking route follows the Menomonee Young Scientists Club on River and takes about 2 hours. All experience levels are a family bird walk through welcome—we even have binoculars to borrow! Three Bridges Park during the first-ever Brew City Additions to Menomonee Valley’s Birding Festival. cumulative list of 142 species: • Sandhill crane • Scarlet tanager • Eastern meadowlark • Semipalmated plover** • Brown thrasher • Philadelphia vireo Birds in the Park • Canada warbler • Merlin Pájaros en el Parque • Red-headed woodpecker* • Pine siskin • Black-billed cuckoo • Veery Come and enjoy the sounds of fall. This st * Saturday, October 21 , we will go on a short State Special Concern species early morning nature walk to count and ** First observation at any of the Urban Ecology Center branches observe the birds in the area. We will need your help!

Ven y disfruta los sonidos del otoño. Este Cumulative bird species richness sábado, el 21 de Octubre, iremos en una corta caminata de naturaleza para contar y Total number of species documented based on 296 observar los pajaros en la área. checklists (weekly walks and casual observations) ¡Necesitamos su ayuda! 150 Saturday, October 21st | Sábado el 21 de Octubre

Where/Dónde: Pulaski Park Pavilion/ Pabellón del 120 Parque Pulaski Address/Dirección: 2677 S. 16 St. Milwaukee, WI 53215 Time/Hora: 8:00-9:30AM Contact: Tony Garcia (414) 534-5500 90 [email protected] FREE! GRATIS 12 species were recorded in the Menomonee Valley 60 for the rst time in 2017!

Expanding community science! 30 In 2017 National Park Service Fellow Tony Garcia explored expanding Urban Ecology Center’s community science 0 programming in nearby 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Milwaukee neighborhoods. BIRD BANDING

Menomonee Valley’s Three Bridges Park is now home to numerous year-round, summer resident, and migratory birds. Bird banding is a useful tool to help researchers better understand these populations. This up-close encounter with urban wildlife also provides a unique educational opportunity for the community who are Cultivating a community that is participatory, just, sustainable invited to learn, participate, and often get to hold and and peaceful. release a bird! Bird● Graduatingbanding high school studentswas preparedat to live happy, healthy, meaningful lives; ● Collaborating with the community to create a strong sense of place and skills to the flourishheart without of harm;a two-year Banding expands understanding partnership● Providing staff whowith model our visionthe and embrace education as liberation; of Menomonee Valley bird ecology: U.S.● EngagingForest urban youthService by adhering and to an ecopedagogical praxis; Escuela● Developing Verde biliteracy to and create honoring linguistica and cultural identities by engaging in • Dispersal & migration • Population size fieldtranslanguaging research practices; mentorship and • Behavior & social structure • Life span program● Offering immersionfor high opportunities school for those interested in transformative education. • Survival and productivity • Toxicology and disease students. For two years Top Species by Season – MV 2017 students attended Top bird species by season, Menomonee Valley 2017 workshops, participated in bird banding, and learned how to apply #1 #1 research skills to their own projects and careers. In Red Winged Goldfinch #3 + 3 #2 + #3 #2 others Blackbird Robin November, the students presented their research to professionals at the Southeastern Wisconsin Conservation Summit. Northern Rough- Goldfinch Winged Swallow Song Sparrow Indigo Bunting Spring Fall Photo Credits: Bruce Halmo Bird Banding as a Gateway for Mentoring Urban Youth A total of 123 birds were banded in 6 banding sessions in 2017. This was the first year that Three Bridges Park The US Forest Service, trails were established enough to support banding— Urban Ecology Center, previously banding occurred north of the Menomonee and Escuela Verde have River in Stormwater Park. Banding can be highly variable teamed up to create a dueBy to the the weather-relatedNumbers: timing of migration and mentorship program disturbances, but it appears we are off to a good start for high school students monitoringTotal Birds the new Bandedlocation compared to past seasons. and adult community Number of Menomonee Valley birds banded by year scientists. Bird banding 160 is a tool through North bank which students are 140 Menomonee River introduced to field 120 trail construction research concepts 100 and procedures. We are in the second year 80 Peak migration observed of a 2-year pilot in 60 which students learn from professional and community 40 scientists and carry out original research. 20 0 Conference abstract presented at the Southeastern Wisconsin 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Conservation Summit. Students joined professional researchers Bird banding data analysis by community scientist Diane Weaver. and natural resource managers at the Western Great Lakes Bird Diane manages data for the Center’s bird banding research, has and Bat Observatory to share the results of their 2-year research represented the organization in regional bird banding meetings, program. Photos: Escuela Verde students releasing birds after and presented her findings at the 2018 Brew City Birding Festival. participating in bird banding research. Photos by Escuela Verde Photos by community scientist Bruce Halmo. advisor Walter Sams. WHAT IS COMMUNITY SCIENCE?

Community science is What do community scientists do? more than collecting data for professional Urban Ecology Center scientists. Community community scientists science is science—and contribute to all aspects community members of research and there are part of the entire is a role for everyone. process: advising study Community Science designs, collecting data depends on interested in the field, formulating (and revising) hypotheses, and inquisitive community identifying wildlife, analyzing data, and sharing results members to safely with the community. The Urban Ecology Center’s conduct research for a Research and Community Science program encourages variety of species and collaborative spaces for research between professional better understand how and community scientists and creates a more engaged, wildlife are responding knowledgeable and ecologically literate community. to habitat restoration in The Center maintains a network of urban field stations urban greenspaces. in which all research is accessible to and advised by both community and professional researchers. Community scientists are observers. They spot and Research = Community + Science identify wildlife in the field— with binoculars, sound, nets, Who are community scientists? and even photographs. Community scientists are students, retirees, Community scientists are volunteers. They generously neighborhood families, professionals working in a give their time and talents to variety of fields with diverse skill sets, Young Scientist collect data and communicate Club members, school groups, educators, professional science by analyzing data, scientists, natural resources managers, and biologists writing poems and stories, and from partnering organizations and universities. They sharing results at professional conferences. are curious about wildlife and ecology, value lifelong learning, and want to contribute to science and Community scientists are leaders. They study and conservation efforts. At the Urban Ecology Center train to lead bird banding, Weekly Bird Walks, odonate they also want to work in urban ecosystems to uncover surveys, and insect identification. You will find them biodiversity and monitor greenspaces to understand teaching evening lectures and leading community how we can restore the land and inspire change in the interest groups. They even work behind the scenes to community, neighborhood by neighborhood. update maps, analyze data, and report findings. “The overarching goal of this internship was to become a naturalist—someone who can walk out the door and tell you what time of year it is by the blooming plants or trees or what kind of bird just sang way off in the distance…Although I am years away from this, the internship gave me a terrific head start and added to my education as a hands-on example of science and giving me an appreciation for research. Being outside with nature also gave me great joy and motivated me to be more environmentally conscious. Nature is now my getaway.” —Spencer Hofschulte-Beck, Menomonee Valley Research and Community Science intern and Marquette biology student. Students like Spencer (left, along with UW-Milwaukee graduate Xeng Xiong and Marquette student Danielle Mellin) train community members to conduct research and learn just as much themselves during their community-based internship. THANK YOU TO MENOMONEE VALLEY’S 2017 COMMUNITY SCIENTISTS

Anonymous Jane Cliff Melissa Miller Aaron McGarry Jane Gellman Michelle Les Alexa Hollywood Jean Zachariasen Nicholas Hightdudis Alicia Schultz Jeannette Brickner Nick Hoffman Andrea Humber Jeffrey Taylor Olivia Felix Andrea Kroll Jennifer Lautz Patricia Geiger Ann Graf Jessica Huber Patricia Nelson Anthony Ricks Jessica Orlofske Patti Engbring Ben Olson Jim Moenning Peter Rebholz Billie Harrison Joey Kilmer Rebecca Burton Chris Young Jon Bales Rebecca Nowacek Danial Jibson Joseph Heffron Richard Ruppel Daniel Diliberti Judi Keith Robert Horkheimer Daniel Pirtle Judi Kistler Roberto Rosales David Axtell Julia Robson Robin Squier David Glenn Kara DeLanty Rose Mary Muller David Sikorski Katheryn Sullivan Serena Lor Dean Muller Kathleen Beaver Stephen Baldwin Dennis Casper Kathleen Mahoney Sue Lewis Diana Sullivan Kelly Gibson Susan Blaustein Diane Weaver Kristin Gjerdset Suzy Holstein Elizabeth Dalton Kristine Jaeger Tatianna Rivera Erica Henderson Laurel Heebsh Terry Pavletic Erick Anderson Leakhena Au Victoria Piaskowski Erik Kroll Lee Wagner Zachary Nowacek Fiona Weeks Linda Orlando Gisela Zelenka-Drysdale Lora Loke Community scientists Heidi Miller Maggie Madden volunteered 904 hours in Heidi Meier Maria Terres-Sandgren Menomonee Valley in 2017— Ian Huber Martha Honetschlager an 11% increase from 2016 Jacqueline McGarry Martin Pfeiffer representing 91 different James Orlando Max Jitney wildlife surveys! Riverside Park Washington Park Menomonee Valley 1500 E. Park Place 1859 N. 40th Street 3700 W. Pierce Street Milwaukee, WI 53211 Milwaukee, WI 53208 Milwaukee, WI 53215 P (414) 964-8505 P (414) 344-5460 P (414) 431-2040 F (414) 964-1084 F (414) 344-5462 F (414) 308-1858 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Hours: Hours: Hours: Mon – Thurs | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tues – Thurs | Noon – 7 p.m. Tues – Thurs | Noon – 7 p.m. Fri & Sat | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fri | Noon – 6 p.m. Fri | Noon – 6 p.m. Sun | Noon – 5 p.m. Sat | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

This research was made possible by the generous support of the Menomonee Valley Partners, Inc.