FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 NORTHWEST ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

A chapter of the National Audubon Society Sharp-shinned Hawk striatus www.nwilaudubon.org A tiny hawk that appears in a blur of motion—and often disappears in a flurry of . That’s the Sharp-shinned Hawk, the smallest hawk in Canada and the United States and a daring, acrobatic flier. These raptors have distinctive proportions: long legs, short wings, and very long tails, which they use for navigating their deep-woods homes at top speed in pursuit of NIAS songbirds and mice. They’re easiest to spot in fall on their southward migration, or occasionally at winter feeders. MONTHLY THE FEBRUARY AND MARCH PROGRAMS WILL BE VIRTUAL PROGRAMS, PRESENTED VIA ZOOM. For all individuals who want to join the program, please email [email protected] to receive the link to join this Zoom program. PROGRAMS These programs will begin at 7:00 pm, first with any chapter announcements from the president and board members, followed by our presenter. There will be time for questions and discussions at the end. These programs are open to the public! Join us the first Tuesday of every month, September through May. All of our programs are open to the public. BOBCAT: ILLINOIS’S NATIVE CAT Tuesday, February 2nd, 7:00pm | Zoom Program Please note: schedule and location of programs are Bobcats, named for their short, bobbed tail, are about twice the subject to change due to size of a common house cat. They use their keen sight and hearing COVID-19 restrictions; please see newsletter and website for to hunt rabbits, squirrels, small and some . They up-to-date information. are mostly nocturnal, reclusive that prefer forested or • Photo provided by David Olson wooded areas. Once hunted almost to extinction in the Midwest, Most programs are held at the bobcats have been making a comeback over the past 40 years. St John United Church of Christ, 1010 Park Blvd., in Freeport. In this talk, Jennifer Kuroda will cover every facet of the elusive cats, including history, biology, predator Most programs begin at 7 PM perception, management and information about the ongoing bobcat population studies in Illinois. with announcements, followed by the program at 7:30 and then Jennifer Kuroda is the founder of the Illinois Bobcat Foundation. She received her bachelor’s degree refreshments. from Rockford University and is a lifelong Rockford resident. She serves as the board president of the Check the current newsletter or Sinnissippi Audubon Society and Audubon Council of Illinois. She has been a nature lover since she our website nwilaudubon.org for was a young girl. specific monthly details, special events or any changes to the Photo provided by USFWS usual time and place. Genoa Fish Hatchery Please join us! MUSSELS, LAKE STURGEON, AND HINE’S EMERALD DRAGONFLIES, OH MY! INSIDE THIS Tuesday, March 2nd, 7:00pm | Zoom Program NEWSLETTER: Our presenter for this evening will be Orey Eckes who is employed by the USFWS at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery 2. Calendar Considerations (Genoa, WI) as the lead fish biologist. Orey will take us on a virtual tour of the hatchery that is located in 3. Field Trips Southwestern Wisconsin. Its ability to create different rearing environments, makes it one of the most 4. CBC Results diverse hatcheries in the nation. The Genoa National Fish Hatchery (NFH) has played a major role in New at our preserves 5. Building Relationships the conservation of aquatic species since its founding in 1932. Over the last 75 years, the mission of the 6. Getting Started hatchery has changed from providing sport-fish for area waters to a conservation hatchery concerned with Native Plants with the recovery of endangered aquatic species. 8. Presidents Tweet 10. NIAS 50th Anniversary The station rears more than 26 aquatic species of varying life stages equating to more than 40 million 11. Thank You! fish, , and mussels to support management, restoration, and research objectives all across the country, from New Mexico to Georgia. We will take learn more about their important projects working • ID text: allaboutbirds.org with endangered species such as the Higgins eye pearly mussel, lake sturgeon, coaster brook trout, • Bird ID photo: Alan Schmierer Hine’s Emerald dragonfly and others. • 2/2 Program photo provided by David Olson Orey Eckes’ experience and dedication to the preservation and enhancement of fisheries resources • 3/2 Program photo provided by has led him to pursue a career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He has a Master Degree from USFWS Genoa Fish Hatchery University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in Biology Aquatic Science. His interests include research for • Illustrations by Carol Litus depleted fish species (specifically lake sturgeon) to develop fish management techniques that aid in species recovery. We appreciate him sharing his knowledge, experience and time with us. CALENDAR CONSIDERATIONS Due to the uncertainty of future cancellations associated with COVID-19, please check our website calendar before any scheduled event or call any leader on the event. If you would like to be notified by ELKHORN email, please send a message to [email protected] to be placed on an email contact list. CREEK WOODCOCK M Tuesday, February 2, 7:00 p.m. Monthly Program (virtual via Zoom: Bobcat: Illinois’s Native Cat (cover) WATCHES M Tuesday, March 2, 7:00 p.m. Monthly Program (virtual via Zoom: Mussels, Lake Sturgeon, and Hine’s Emerald Dragonflies, Oh My!(cover)

E Tuesday, March 9, 7:00 p.m. Elkhorn Creek Woodcock Watch

F Thursday, March 11, 1:30 p.m. Field Trip: Skunk Cabbage Walk at Franklin Creek (see page 3) Tuesday, March 9, 7:00 p.m. F Saturday March 13, 10:00 a.m. Leader: Anne Straight, 815-938-3263 Field Trip: Spring Awakening Scavenger Hunt at Oakdale Nature Preserve (see Saturday, March 20, 7:00 p.m. (Happy Equinox!) page 3) Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204

E Saturday, March 20, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 25, 7:00 p.m. Elkhorn Creek Woodcock Watch Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204 E Thursday, March 25, 7:00 p.m. Elkhorn Creek Woodcock Watch COVID-19 precautions: Bring your mask through primary flight feathers during the F Saturday, March 27, 9 a.m. for when you may be closer than 6 feet to bird’s flight. On a quiet evening, it is pure Field Trip: Spring Mississippi River another person. Any additional COVID- audio magic. Waterfowl (see page 3) 19-related information will be given to you when you call a leader to register. In the past we have had 3-6 woodocks performing their twilight display for about Join us for any or all of these evening 3-4 weeks. When and if this begins is an M Meeting outings to watch and listen for American educated guess, so be sure to call the F Field Trip Woodcocks performing their amazing listed leader to register in advance and to courtship display. It will be especially receive confirmation that the birds have E Event gratifying to witness the return of these returned and the weather is suitable. O Other birds after what may be a long hard winter. The preserve is located about 3 miles The woodcock’s “Sky Dance” itself is part southwest of Forreston in the southeast ground-strutting and part zig-zagging corner of West Grove and Freeport Roads. flight, barely visible in the early evening The parking lot is off of West Grove Rd. Questions About Your Membership? sky. More fascinating perhaps are the Make time to experience this unique avian Contact Teresa Smith at 815-238-3963 sounds that go with it, the repetitious vocal harbinger of spring. The joy will be all or [email protected] “peent!” followed by the twittering and chirping sounds made when air rushes yours. 2 FIELD TRIPS COVID-19 Precautions: Be sure to bring your face covering for when you are unable to social distance. Additionally, optical equipment, including spotting scopes, cannot be shared.

SKUNK CABBAGE WALK AT SPRING AWAKENING SPRING MISSISSIPPI FRANKLIN CREEK SCAVENGER HUNT AT RIVER WATERFOWL Thursday, March 11 OAKDALE NATURE Saturday, March 27 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. PRESERVE 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204 Saturday, March 13 Leader: Mary Blackmore, 815-938-3204 (call to register) 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. (call to register) Join us as we stroll the hard-surfaced Leader: Richard Benning, 815-865-5279 Join us as we look for migrating waterfowl paths at the Franklin Creek State Natural (call to register) on the Mississippi River south of Savanna. Area in northern Lee County looking for Usually a wide variety of both diving and Getting out in the natural world can be a that wetland harbinger of spring, Skunk dabbling can be observed, with great way to relieve the sense of isolation Cabbage. If the weather conditions are males in their colorful breeding . caused by the pandemic. This activity, right we may see the interesting patterns We also should see grebes, pelicans, eagles, taking place one week before the equinox, that are made when heat from the growing geese and some songbirds. Hopefully we’ll will encourage family units to get out and Skunk Cabbage melts a circle of snow or spot some cranes and swans as well. ice around the emerging plant. about at Oakdale searching for certain tangible and intangible things. Meet at the Meet at the river overlook across from Predicting plant emergence is an educated parking lot near the Mogle Center anytime the FWS Ingersoll Wetlands Learning guess. After you have called to register, within the above stated time parameters Center, 7071 Riverview Rd., Thomson, as Mary will call you if cancellation is to get your scavenger hunt list. Wearing Spring Lake will likely be closed. Other necessary. masks and physical distancing will be downstream sites that we’ll visit include requested when getting your list and Big Slough, Thomson Causeway and Lock We will car-caravan from the Forreston should you find yourself in close proximity municipal lot (adjacent to the library) at and Dam #13. Bring a sack lunch if you to other family units. Participants are plan to stay past noon. 1:30. Each driver will be given a map in asked to call Richard Benning (815-865- case we get separated. 5279) to register for this activity in case it becomes necessary to limit participation.

Seed Sowing at Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve WHAT IS ? Photo by Pam Richards Yes, zoom is a feature on your binoculars to see a bird more clearly, but lately, Zoom is also an online platform that allows online meetings and audio/ video conferencing.

Although most people use a computer to use Zoom to watch and participate in programs, you are also able to use a phone to listen to the program and still participate. Awesome Auduboners still at it, December 10th, 2020

Now that NIAS is using Zoom Mary Blackmore, Bernard Lischwe, Molly Doolittle, Kara Gallup, Paul Brown, for special events and programs, Harlan and Judy Corrie, and Pam Richards please contact Juliet Moderow at [email protected] It is hard to tell with the masks, hats, and sunglasses; but eight of us gathered at Elkhorn or 815-599-3578 if you need to disperse seed collected this fall. Some were from conservative species such as Lead instructions on how to use Zoom. plant (Amorpha canescens).

– Pam Richards 3 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT RESULTS This year marked the 121st time that One of the constants of the CBC is European Starling (2102), Canada Goose the Christmas Bird Count was held on a that all observations must be within a (1145), House Sparrow (1100), Dark-eyed national basis. The very first CBC was defined territory, ours being a fifteen mile Junco (559), Rock Pigeon (450), American held December 25, 1900, with a limited diameter circle centered at Read Park in Tree Sparrow (292), Mourning Dove (212), number of local counts taking place across Freeport. We tallied a grand total of 7114 American Crow (196), Blue Jay (145) and the United States. Over the years it has birds, representing 44 species on the day Mallard (124). grown to approximately 2500 individual of the count. Two more “count week” counts and takes place in most of the species were also observed, meaning Thank you to the following individuals countries in the Western Hemisphere. This they were observed up to three days for helping with this year’s count. Field year was the 45th time that the Northwest before count day or up to three days observers were Richard Benning, Mary Illinois Audubon Society has participated after count day, but not on count day. A Blackmore, Jeremy Dixon, Leah Dixon, in the CBC. complete list of species observed, and the Wyatt Dixon, Laura Dufford, Doug Dufford, number of individuals representing each Gary Gordon, Mary Pat Gordon, Mark The COVID-19 pandemic has not affected species, can be accessed online at www. Keister, Sheryl Pitts Wolff, Teresa Smith, the birds, but it did change the protocol christmasbirdcount.org. However it will Tim Smith and Anne Straight. Feeder in the way counts were held. All field take a while for results to be entered into observers were Harlan Corrie, Judy Corrie, counters were required to socially the database. Bob Curtis, Carol Curtis, Somer Elgin, distance themselves from everyone except Richard Luthin, Juliet Moderow, Rebecca members of their immediate family while Here are a few notables from this year’s Shriver, Lurane Slaght and John Walt. participating in the count. Our typical count. A record number (42) of Bald Special thanks to Tim Smith for storing count day organizational breakfast, Eagles was observed for our count circle. our CBC data in digital format. mid-day lunch, post-count supper and This was the seventeenth year in a row carpooling were canceled. However, that we have seen this species. The – Richard Benning alternate strategies were utilized and our number of Dark-eyed Juncos was more Freeport Circle count, which was held on December 19, than double that of last year. American Christmas Bird Count Compiler proceeded smoothly. Some field counters Tree Sparrow observations rebounded had members of their immediate family from a very low total last year. Despite with them as they perused their territory. a light snow cover, which makes them Other field counters had to go it alone. easier to see, open country ground birds Several feeder counters also participated were again down in numbers. However with the changes due to the pandemic not we did tally one Snow Bunting and 44 affecting them very much. Horned Larks, but no Lapland Longspurs. This year’s top ten list is as follows;

NEW SPECIES AT OUR PRESERVES We continue to find new species at our preserves, celebrating each new find. Contributing to these numbers was our ability to visit the sites more often, especially during the spring. Many thanks to everyone who helped locate and identify these additions. For a complete species list of each preserve, consult our website or call Mary at 815-938-3204.

Elkhorn Creek (9) Silver Creek (17) Insects Mourning Cloak Forbs Forbs Bald-faced Hornet Pussy Toes Early Buttercup Jack-in-the-Pulpit Jack-in-the-Pulpit Birds Early Buttercup Curly Dock Hooked Buttercup Yellow-throated Vireo Ranunculus fascicularis White Snakeroot Bloodroot Blackpoll Warbler White Snakeroot Canada Warbler Trees Pale Purple Coneflower Ageratina altissima Northern Bobwhite Choke Cherry Prairie Dock Compass Plant Amphibians Insects Birds Tall Coreopsis American Toad American Painted Lady Ovenbird Western Chorus Frog Hackberry Butterfly Trees Black Oak Halloween Pennant Bald-faced Hornet Photos by Dan Barron Dolichovespula maculata 4 BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH COLLECTIVE ACTION considerable trail maintenance work was Our relationships to the sites and the done involving mowing, chainsawing and various living things also strengthened. moving wood. There were 64 scheduled Many new species were recorded, stewardship sessions plus considerable fascinating behaviors noted, stunning non-scheduled work that totaled well over colors and light observed, great photos 1000 volunteer hours. During the year taken, cyclical changes appreciated, and 34 people volunteered at the preserves. “favorites” declared. Whether someone volunteered one time or dozens of times, every person was The writer Robin Wall Kimmerer captures deeply appreciated. the importance of all of those relationships beautifully in these lines from her book During the year many volunteers Braiding Sweetgrass: remarked on how grateful they felt to have Photo by Mary Blackmore these opportunities, enabling them to be “Species composition may change, but relationship endures. It is the most While COVID-19 precautions did not allow around people safely and to join together authentic facet of the restoration. Here for chapter indoor events this year, it was to do good work. The unity of our efforts is where our most challenging and safe to conduct our many activities at was especially appreciated in a year of most rewarding work lies, in restoring both our Elkhorn Creek and Silver Creek pervasive divisiveness. Our collective a relationship of respect, responsibility, Biodiversity Preserves. These collective action and commonality of purpose was and reciprocity. And love.” actions made a big difference not only in very gratifying. While our stewardship routine was different – with masks, social the woodlands, wetlands and prairies that Though I am writing this on the Winter distancing and the absence of an official we care for, but also in the lives of many of Solstice, it will be only a couple of months break time with homemade treats (the our volunteers. before the stewardship cycle begins again. latter sorely missed!) – volunteers were I invite you to join us once or as many Beginning with prescribed burns in March able to talk with each other, albeit more times as you’d like in 2021 for what you and ending with overseeding various loudly due to distance and/or masks (there may discover to be some of your most prairie forbs in December, volunteers were lots of jokes about our eventual rewarding relationships. donated many hours to stewardship efforts collective challenge of lowering our in 2020. After the burns, the seasonal voices). We also were able to strengthen our – Mary Blackmore cycle continued with removing Garlic relationships by sharing books, articles, Mustard, then cutting parsnip and clover, garden produce, flowers, photographs and on to seed collecting, and concluding with much more as we greeted one another in lopping and/or uprooting honeysuckle the parking lot. and Multiflora Rose. In addition,

Jim and Keith’s hill at Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve Photo by Kara Gallup

5 species that have endured the extremes GETTING of summer and winter for thousands of generations are best able to thrive in, or at STARTED WITH least endure increasingly adverse growing conditions. For example, many shortgrass prairie species have evolved to conserve NATIVE PLANTS water. You’ll see this most often in plants with a dense covering of hairs and/or deep Sarah and Dan Barron tap roots.

Carbon Sequestration: Complex or No matter your garden, or gardening deeply rooted native perennials sequester experience, planting native species can be A lighting bug rests under the massive amounts of carbon from our aesthetically pleasing while contributing flower of Anemone virginiana (Tall Thimbleweed). atmosphere. The resulting richness in to local biodiversity. To some, the “native” Photo by Sarah Barron soil is one reason why nearly all of our gardening journey may seem daunting. tallgrass prairies were plowed under and We’re writing to provide you with valuable Whether it be goldfinches dining on the converted into farmland. resources that we hope will turn hesitation seeds of a mature Silphium perfoliatum or fear into enjoyment and excitement. (Cup Plant), monarch butterflies on Education: Lastly, we’ll note that whether milkweed (Asclepias spp.) or bumblebees you’re a beginner at observing the natural Between the two of us, we have experience on Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot), world, or a seasoned naturalist, you’ll working in the native nursery trade, as a minor inclusion of native plants can find that having native plants so close well as seed collection and bare root have a monumental impact on the local to home provides endless educational propagation. We’ve also had our own environment. Encouraging biodiversity opportunities. Having natives plants a experiences with urban plantings, such as also contributes to your own satisfaction; few steps from our front door helped us converting a fence-to-fence lawn into an the ability to look out your window or learn identifying factors through various urban lot with over 80 native species. stroll around the yard, always with a plant life stages, not to mention the ever- possibility of seeing something new. We’ll walk you through five key areas to interesting insect species that frequent those native plants. get you started on your journey; why you Inputs (or the lack of): We’re struck should consider planting natives over by the supplemental efforts that many Now that you’re familiar with non-natives, what to expect through the conventional ornamental varieties require, process, options for preparing your site, which may include the application of some of the benefits of planting choosing species, and finally, methods of concentrated fertilizers. Generally native natives, let’s discuss what to planting. plants require no input of nutrients – expect. aside from the occasional inclusion of Let’s start with the most compost or mulch (don’t rake those leaves As gardeners of native plants, you’re overarching question: to the curb!). The application of highly creating small habitats. And with that, why plant native species? concentrated fertilizers will often only comes the unpredictability of nature. benefit fast-growing annual weeds. We’ve planted, dare we say, hundreds In truth, this article would be never-ending of roots and seeds that never sprang up. if we addressed this question solely, but Many non-native ornamental varieties are Or, they did, only years after expected to here are a few solid reasons to begin with. prone to insect damage and pathogens. do so, which then had to compete with This is primarily due to the fact that these hastily chosen (back-up) species over the Biodiversity: No matter how much land (non-native) ornamental species evolved same area. If your plan is to maintain order you’re working with, planting native in a different part of the world, with a of the natural world, you may achieve that species is an assured way to bring different array of insect herbivores. When goal partially, but never fully. The natural biodiversity to your area, which, in turn, growing species native to your region, world is not a well ordered English garden. helps the greater environment. When you you can be assured that most of those Having said that, planting natives doesn’t put a native plant in the soil, even if it’s plants have had thousands of years to have to mean you’ll have a “wild” looking just one, you’re bringing more than just “work out” many of the insect and fungal yard. As with all gardening, the visual plant diversity. issues that cause some gardeners to turn aesthetic is ultimately dependent on the to pesticides and fungicides. While natives work of the gardener. Even our small yard in the middle of La are not exempt from insect predation and Crosse, Wisconsin, has attracted foxes, the adverse affects of pathogens, you will Being seed collectors and growers of 1,000’s opossums, warblers and on occasion a find that occurrences are less problematic. of plants per year, we are frequently faced Wood Thrush. We’ve also witnessed steady In fact, predation from native insects with an abundance of “seed cleanings” and increases in the diversity of solitary bees, might be part of your goal all along (host roots that are too small to sell. In our case, beetles and butterflies. There are countless species!). the result was a series of “experimental” insect species reliant on native plants beds that have been affectionately referred and many more bird species dependent Resiliency: Being a resident of the to as our “urban chaos prairie”. In reality, on those insects, especially when raising midwest, you can understand how variable the “chaos” is diverse and ever-changing, their young. and harsh seasonal weather can be. Plant more resembling a reconstructed prairie 6 than an intentional planting. Species that the flower looks. A few shining examples worked well in this situation were typically include Geum triflorum (Prairie Smoke) similar in habit, or at least complimentary with its billowing pink seed head and in regarding to growing season – seemingly evergreen basal leaves, or Dalea purpurea (Purple Prairie Clover), the lush foliage of Polemonium reptans Sisyrinchium campestre (Prairie Blue-eyed (Spreading Jacob’s Ladder). Sometimes Grass), Asclepias verticillata (Whorled dormant foliage is the showiest, such as Milkweed) and annual Chamaecrista Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) fasciculata (Partridge Pea) provided full and Lespedeza capitata (Round-headed season interest and forage for insects in a Bush Clover), both providing long-lasting Once areas were desodded we dry, sunny corner of the yard. winter interest. laid out half gallon pots, which had been planted two months Conversely, we’ve had wonderful success earlier with bare roots. Now we’ll cover a few options Photo by Dan Barron with native plants in areas that needed for preparing your site. We to appear “landscaped”, such as the front should note that we’ve decided water permeable but light-blocking of our house. In these situations it’s really landscape cloth can be rolled out and important to understand the habits of the to abstain from the use of secured with 6” sod staples. This method plants you choose. These habits can be herbicide, so all of these options is highly effective and the plastic is re- exploited to support a particular aesthetic are “mechanical”. usable for many years. Still, the plastic or need. can be expensive – and will eventually In well established lawn, where annual contribute to the waste stream. For instance, clump-forming grasses, such weeds have been mostly controlled via as Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem) and mowing, the physical act of “de-sodding” Solarizing has been promoted by some Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Dropseed), can be very effective. While mainly organizations, such as the Xerces Society. and sedges, such as Carex radiata (Eastern practical for smaller areas, de-sodding This method is similar to smothering, as Star Sedge) and Carex sprengelii (Sprengel’s removes short-rooted sod below the root the method covers an area with a plastic Sedge), make excellent borders – with (generally around 2”) along with many substrate, but in this case the plastic is shorter species in the front and taller weed seeds that rest dormant in the top clear, allowing light to permeate. The goal bringing up the back. Taprooted species like layer of soil. There are a variety of de- is to encourage heating of the top soil layer Silphium laciniatum (Compass Plant) will sodding methods available, including – which in theory kills vegetative growth tend to stay in place, while its rhizomatous manual and gas powered sod cutters that and existing weed seeds within that cousin Silphium perfoliatum (Cup Plant) is can be rented from many hardware stores. stratum. This method is more expensive eager to form colonies (it also makes a great The most simple (and cheap) way is to than smothering because a high-grade seasonal privacy fence). Baptisias such as vertically “slice” a contour of your future (UV stable) transparent plastic, such as Baptisia lactea (White Wild Indigo) make bed with a sharp spade. The contour line greenhouse covering is needed (though excellent specimen plants. A combination will permit sliding the spade horizontally recycled options may be available for of mulching around smaller areas with beneath the root layer, severing the roots free). Also, all of the edges must be buried “well behaved” species, like Echinacea and resulting in “mats” of sod that can be in soil to form a tight seal that “captures” pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower), while rolled up and moved off of your garden heat. promoting more aggressive species like site. This method is low-cost, but labor Monarda punctata (Spotted Horsemint) in heavy. In our case, we ran out of uses for Mulching can be an excellent method larger areas can provide different textures, the de-sodded layer (there are only so to control existing vegetation. Mulching while minimizing long-term cost and labor. many low spots in a yard to fill), so we is essentially “smothering” with organic, piled it up in a long row (upside down) and biodegradable materials. We’ve found It’s also important to recognize that natives covered it with repurposed permeable that raking our fall leaves into simple have aesthetic interest often before and landscape cloth. This eventually became enclosures of chicken wire (which prevent after bloom times. So, when choosing a nice “mound” for gardening cucumbers, the leaves from blowing away) provide an species, cast a wider net than just how squash and watermelon. ideal area for planting seed or plugs. By spring the leaves (even 20”+) will compress Smothering is an excellent solution into a thin layer, often resembling rich for reducing competition on small and compost. We’ve had success with covering medium-sized areas. It can also be the this “leaf layer” with growing medium least labor intensive method, but that will and directly sowing seeds. Some have mean waiting a full season or more to also experimented with piling sand or ensure that smothering has done the trick wood chips on top of cardboard “mulch”. in reducing or eliminating the pressure The resulting barrier between existing of existing vegetation. There are different vegetation provides at least a season of takes on this method, but almost any coverage and may promote direct sowing Monarda punctata (Spotted Horsemint) spreads by rhizomes and large object that blocks light can be used of seed mixes. This has been proven qucikly dominated areas of our “urban chaos prairie”. The annual to smother an area (plywood, large tarps, effective when layers of sand are coupled Chamaecrista fasciculata (Partridge Pea) is seen in the background. cardboard). For large areas (frequently with the planting of seed mixes containing Photo by Dan Barron used by commercial growers), rolls of shortgrass prairie species. (Cont. page 8) 7 Getting Started with Native Plants... THE PRESIDENT’S TWEET If planting into a larger areas, say 1,000 We are certainly living through some We are looking forward to being a positive square/feet or more, you may want to look interesting times, to say the least. In force in the community as we will be at the process a bit differently. While not reflection over the past year, 2020 has been reaching out in some interesting ways in the scope of this article, we will note that a tremendous challenge, a difficult year the coming months. We are approaching many large areas have been successfully filled with loss, uncertainty and a whole 2021 with some guarded optimism. There over-seeded with native plants without new way of doing things like school and will be a number of special community the use of herbicides. This method, which meetings and even family gatherings. I did events we will be a part of including a mostly pertains to prairie reconstructions, not think that ending 2020 and moving into Bird and Art Exhibition along with special relies on periodical mowing to suppress 2021 would suddenly be without issues or activities we have planned for Earth Fest fast-growing weedy competition. As the events, and it has not disappointed. While (formerly Earth Day). In addition 2021 is characteristics of a garden or planting are we are still in lockdown, the substantial the 50th anniversary of the creation of this variable, so too are the methods required snow storm with ice before and after the Audubon chapter and we hope to have to propagate and manage native plantings. snow, followed by several beautiful days of some celebrations around that important rime ice, left the area looking picturesque milestone. We also look forward to outdoor Now let’s dive deeper into the and at the same time drove an abundance activities including the spring bird walks fun part – choosing species! of birds to our feeders. We gladly watched to see the spring migratory birds, the bird- these beautiful creatures while recovering a-thon, woodcock walks, campfires, and We’ve covered some potential options from all the shoveling we ended up doing. stewardship activities. throughout this article, but there is a lot to consider when starting out. How do And then there is the election (I really can’t For the immediate future we still have you ensure the plant is actually native? believe this is the 3rd Newsletter where the some excellent programs lined up over Or maybe the plant is native to the North election has been included as part of my the next several months as part of our America, but not to your region – or subject matter….) What would normally Zoom events. Please continue to mark perhaps there are species that are “native” be a simple process, the certification of the you calendars and also check out the but may not work well for your site? One 2020 election, promised to be a bit more NWILAudubon.org website as we move obvious method is to visit a local native difficult this year with some expected ahead. remnant that mirrors your site, to see objections to the electoral votes, but to what is growing. Still, seasonal variability see the views of the Capitol of the U.S. Of course, we are looking forward to and experience may prove daunting. being stormed by rioters was an image further distribution in the area of the Also, many state and federal natural we won’t soon forget. We are very hopeful COVID-19 Vaccines, which will certainly areas provide species lists, which can that once January 20th has come and mean we will continue to be safer and be be used to guide your site plan. Finally, gone, the dust will settle and the Nation able to move out of our isolation bubbles most reputable native plant nurseries may can get moving on to the healing that is back to some level of normalcy. provide this information online, or via so badly needed. (Hoping for some rolling consultation. The important factor is to Enjoy the newsletter this month and back of the destructive changes wrought ask questions (is this species a cultivar, is continue to stay safe. during the previous administration—We it native to my areas, etc). will continue to keep you posted via text – Gary G Gordon If ordering from a nursery, double check and email about advocacy opportunities NWIL Audubon President and if you would like to be added to our the botanical name on the species. Word contact list, please contact me via email at of warning – never buy plants or seed [email protected]) that don’t list the botanical name. Some species, like Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot), are often found in catalogues, but may actually be cultivars of a native Sadly, Alice Akins passed If you would like to send a sympathy species (nativars). Be wary of “nativars” away on Monday, January 4. card to Alice’s family: which are typically plants bred for human appeal, while ignoring ecological impacts. Jesse Akins (Alice’s son) Alice’s history with the Elkhorn These commercial hybrids usually have 15355 W. Lanark Rd. Preserve goes back to the beginning. names like “Rudbeckia Cherry Brandy” Forreston, IL 61030 Alice’s husband Jim saw the “For Sale” or “Sombrero® Salsa Red Echinacea” sign on the Elkhorn property and The family has established a memorial (notice the “®”). As with all plants, you’ll alerted Keith. in Alice’s name to Faith Lutheran in also want to pay attention to necessary growing conditions, like sun exposure and For those of us who volunteer at Forreston. soil moisture. Elkhorn, we will remember Alice’s – Nancy Ocken good cooking. Once a summer she When planning small garden areas, some invited us to her home for breakfast sources suggest avoiding native plants following a work session. It was We will have information to honor deemed as “aggressive”. We’d like to something we all looked forward to. Alice in our next newsletter. present a case for planting those exact

8 ensure that they were propagated for sale If you have a large area and a few years, and never wild dug. then a seed mix (or mixes) may be the way to go. To successfully introduce Plugs are typically grown quickly in a a native seed mix, you’ll do best with greenhouse and pushed to a sellable size 1-2 years of “site prep” (suppression with heat and inputs. Most plants sold as of existing vegetation). If you have no plugs are in their first growing season, expectations and a fairly stable area, like making them less likely to bloom that year. a frequently mowed hay field of smooth The somewhat aggressive Anemone Still, plugs are a good way to get plants in canadensis (Canada Anemone) formed a brome, simply overseeding for several large patch around our rain barrel. the ground, especially given their small years and following-up with occasional Photo by Sarah Barron uniform size and lower cost. mowing (and burning) will probably result in the eventual growth and If purchasing live plants, species. Our small gardens had several success of some native plants you should note that many “aggressive” species, and they were some – although this method will native plant nurseries start of our favorite garden areas. Aggressive likely take many years. (rhizomatous) species are particularly marketing their spring handy for gardeners who have tight offerings as early as January. Finally, combining all of the budgets, or have difficult growing So, if you’re hoping to above methods might be an conditions. Sure, our Anemone canadensis purchase live plants, you’ll excellent and appropriate (Canada anemone) found its way between want to finalize those orders Greenhouse at Prairie Moon Nursery, path forward as well. For our brick pathways. But, so did the by mid-February. Winona MN | Photo by Dan Barron example, using plugs or bare quack grass and annual weeds. Our view roots selectively around high Alternatively, you might consider growing is that if an area requires the removal visibility areas, such as walkways or “plugs” or “roots” yourself. Really, this is (management) of “weedy” plants, it would building entrances, will ensure a more the most rewarding and cost-effective be better to cull native species, instead of intentional aesthetic with blooming very method of gardening with natives. Seed non-native varieties. A bonus of culling likely in the first year or two. Meanwhile, packets can be purchased for a few native weedy species, is that they can be you can utilize seed mixes for larger areas dollars, or if done carefully, common transplanted somewhere else or given with less foot traffic and less pressure to species can be collected from roadsides. If away! If in doubt, do a little homework achieve fast results. Many gardeners chose aggressive non- you’re hoping to maintain local genetics, roadside collection is probably going to be your best option. Do your research before wild collecting seed. Never collect from Signs can provide educational value to your garden and are managed wildlife areas or preserves, and a great addition to any urban limit your collection to less than 20% of a planting. Transitional signs, population. like “Prairie in Progress” can help communicate why some The seeds of Aquilegia canadensis (Red Columbine) can easily be Generally speaking, most native plant plantings (especially mixes) shaken into an envelope or paper bag. Sometimes difficult to grow take longer to establish. once dormant, seeds planted immediately after collection tend to seeds will require some period of pre- Photo by Dan Barron germinate quite well. | Photos by Dan Barron treatment before germination can occur. The most common treatment is “cold native plants that we deem much more moist stratification” which breaks a seeds It’s impossible to include everything there of a nuisance. Invasive species such as dormancy by mimicking the effects of is to know about native plant gardening – Japanese barberry, European buckthorn winter conditions on a particular seed. A and we certainly don’t know everything! and multifora rose should be avoided few common examples include Amorpha – but we hope this has left you with an at all cost. Of course, every gardeners canescens (Lead Plant), which requires 10 ambition to integrate more nature in your circumstances are different, but we hope days of cold moist stratification, Asclepias life. And, when you’re challenged, connect to provide some support should you feel incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) which with others who are also engaged with convicted to choose an “aggressive” native. requires 30 days of cold moist stratification this endeavor. We, and other native plant (most Asclepias species require 30 gardeners, are usually happy to share in Finally, we’ll quickly cover a few days), or Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple joys, concerns, or to help pass the time methods of planting. Coneflower) which requires 90 days of until the first buds open. • cold moist stratification. Conversely, some First, if you need “landscaped” results, species don’t require any pretreatment at then transplanting “dormant bare roots” all, such as Pycnanthemum virginianum or live “plugs” will be the way to go. (Virginia Mountain Mint), though these Feel free to contact us with any Bare root plants, which are already 1-2 can be slow to germinate. Plants started questions, including species suggestions, years old, will frequently flower within from seed can usually be dug after 1-2 propagation methods and trusted native the same season of transplanting, though seasons. You’ll want to dig roots while plant nurseries. results will vary by species and growing the plant is dormant, early-fall or early- condition. Commercial bare root plants (Sarah) [email protected] spring, before transplanting them to the are usually grown in beds, without inputs. (Dan) [email protected] preferred location. If purchasing bare roots, be careful to 9 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF NORTHWEST ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY The Northwest Illinois Audubon Society, originally named Stephenson County Audubon Society, was formed on June 10, 1971 and chartered in 1972 as a Chapter of the National Audubon Society. In April 1971, “Ecology-minded” meeting, the first elected officers were We wanted to celebrate our amazing 50 individuals were asked to contact Mrs. Tom Kubitz as president, Mrs. John Clark years as a chapter by showcasing past Grace Mitchell to start a local chapter of as Vice President, Mrs. Carl H. Davis as accomplishments, stories, and photos the National Audubon Society. The first treasurer, Mrs. Erik Sohlberg as secretary, from the beginning in the upcoming requirement for a local chapter was a and Mrs. Roger Dunwell as membership newsletters for this year and honoring minimum of 35 interested individuals. and publicity chairman. The speaker was the many people that were significant in Mrs. Sohlberg, a native of New England, the establishment of this chapter. Many The first organized meeting for the and she spoke about coastal Maine, of the stories you will see will come Stephenson County Audubon Society with special emphasis on Eliot Porter’s from a treasured scrapbook containing took place on June 10, 1971. During this “Summer Island.” newspaper articles from 1971-1981 and from current Audubon members.

If you have any memories or stories that you would like to share, please contact Juliet at 201-233-0946 or by email at [email protected] to be presented in future newsletters this year. Original headlines from the NIAS scrapbook | Photos by Juliet Moderow The first newsletter, “News Bulletin #1” was distributed in September of 1971. The new group held their first fall chapter COMMENTS FROM OUR MEMBERS program with a picnic supper at “Oakdale Park” with 49 people in attendance. The Why did you become program featured a Freeport Park Board involved in the Northwest member, Michael Cassidy, who spoke about newly acquired 26-acre grounds at Illinois Audubon Society? Oakdale Park followed with a tour led by then-superintendent James Quayle. Juliet Moderow (board member 2014 – present) Other programs that year included a presentation about the Lorado Taft campus I moved to Freeport in 2006 as a brand-new in Oregon by Lincoln School Principal faculty member at Highland Community Miss Evelyn Dameier, a presentation College. During my interview, I mentioned on the development of the Koch Farm my love of birds and the committee Juliet Moderow with “” Birder Sandy Komito school property by David Lathrop of Carl remarked about how the recently retired bird-geek out and meet Sandy (and then Sandburg School, and “Trees and Plants biology instructor, Keith Blackmore, was get my photo taken with him!). Though of the Bible” presented by Mrs. Edith a bird enthusiast. The connection to birds they might not remember, but somewhere McKinley. might have secured me that job! I signed up that night I was introduced to Lynn Feaver, for the National Audubon Society and was Teresa Smith, and Eve Wilczewski, for the not aware that I would ultimately receive a first time. local newsletter as well. Unfortunately, I did not get involved immediately. I recall a few Little did I know that the following year Welcome times when Keith would come to Highland, would start my streak of board membership he would mention “we need to get you to from At-Large, to Publicity, to Education New Members! attend our Audubon meetings!” Similarly, chair, and finally to President. Steve Simpson also nagged me as well! I Cheryl Schneider finally attended my first program, which I appreciate ALL of the relationships that Freeport was the April 2013 banquet featuring I have made along the way and here’s to Sandy Komito, otherwise known as the another 50 years! Darcy Martin “Big Year” Birder. I skipped the potluck (I Scales Mound teach microbiology!), but was excited to 10 Would you like to join Audubon as a NEW Member BOARD MEMBERS or give a GIFT membership? Two types of membership are available: President | Gary Gordon Vice-President | Linda Black 1. Northwest Illinois Audubon Society and National Membership Secretary | Pam Richards includes this local newsletter, local mailings and the national “Audubon” magazine. Treasurer | Tim Smith

____ National Membership $20 Board members At-Large: All renewals for national memberships need to use the national membership form. Molly Doolittle, Jeremy Dixon, Carol Redmore, Fran Shriver, 2. Northwest Illinois Audubon Society Local only Membership Jeff Shriver, Rebecca Shriver includes this newsletter and other mailings from our local chapter. COMMITTEE CHAIRS ____ Local Only $15 Conservation | Laura Dufford Programs | Don Miller Name of new member or gift recipient ______Education | Richard Benning Publicity | Deborah Lischwe Phone______Email______Membership | Paul Brown Field Trips | Chris Kruger Address ______Sustainable Agriculture City ______State ______Zip Code ______Richard Benning, Mary Blackmore, Laura Dufford and Heidi Thorp If this is a gift membership, please indicate the name of the person providing the gift membership: Newsletter Layout | Dan Barron 1706 Johnson Street | La Crosse WI, 54601 Name ______815-541-3261 | [email protected]

Make check payable to NORTHWEST ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY and mail to: [email protected] Treasurer, Northwest Illinois Audubon Society, P.O. Box 771, Freeport, IL 61032

THANK YOU!

Preserves fall stewardship volunteers Richard Benning for leading a very through December 10 – Maria Gilfillan, interesting field trip at the Pecatonica Judy and Harlan Corrie, Kara Gallup, Don Wetlands Preserve on October 27. Miller, Nancy Ocken, Mary Blackmore, New culvert at SCBP | Photo by Kara Gallup Teresa and Tim Smith, Pam Richards, Teresa Smith, Juliet Moderow and Mary Merry Blake, Bernard Lischwe, Paul Blackmore for serving as the NIAS board Both Brian and Sterling have been Brown, Bob Curtis, Molly Doolittle and nominating committee, and to all of the supporters of our efforts at Silver Creek Bob Remer. people who agreed to take a turn on our from the beginning. Brian built the many board. oak benches we’ve placed along trails, and Richard Benning for creatively Sterling used his tractor and field mower Juliet Moderow, for her thorough coordinating the December 19 Christmas to mow our pollinator strip for a few years proofreading of our newsletters. Bird Count amid COVID-19 precautions, following the initial seeding, as well as and compiling the count data. THANK YOU BRIAN AND STERLING selected areas of Field Thistles. Sterling even joined us once for stewardship when Nancy Ocken and Mary Blackmore Our chapter is extremely grateful to our target was multiple dense stands of for contacting volunteers for preserves Brian Lindquist and Sterling Taylor for Common Burdock. stewardship. installing a culvert structure on a section of badly eroded trail at our Silver Creek We so appreciate the culvert work that Prairie seed processing volunteers who Biodiversity Preserve. The work was done they did which now has restored safe did this task at their respective homes: on December 5, with Brian and Sterling access to the loop trail in the south woods Harlan and Judy Corrie, Kara Gallup and providing all of the equipment, materials of the preserve. Thank you, Brian and Mary Blackmore. and labor at no charge. WOW! Sterling!

www.nwilaudubon.org Northwest Illinois NONPROFIT ORG Audubon Society US POSTAGE PAID P.O. Box 771 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Freeport, IL 61032-0771 FREEPORT, IL PERMIT NO. 97

XX% Total Recycled Fiber

This newsletter was printed on Exact Eco 100 paper. It is made with 100% recycled post-consumer use fiber and is processed chlorine-free. XX% Total Recycled Fiber

ADDRESSES/EMAILS OF YOUR LEGISLATORS Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 • State House Switchboard (217) 782-2000 When using the state switchboard simply ask to be connected to the legislators office. When using the capitol switchboard follow the series of prompts.

FEDERAL STATE

Senator Richard Durbin 45th District Sen. Brian Stewart Kluczynski Building 38th Floor 50 W. Douglas Street, Suite 1001, Freeport, IL 61032 230 S. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60604 [email protected] www.durbin.senate.gov/contact/ 36th District Sen. Neil Anderson Senator Tammy Duckworth 1523 47th Ave, Suite 3, Moline, IL 61265 230 S Dearborn Suite 3900, Chicago, IL 60604 [email protected] 312-886-3506 | www.duckworth.senate.gov 89th District Rep. Andrew Chesney 16th District Rep. Adam Kinzinger 50 W. Douglas Street, Suite 1001, Freeport, IL 61032 628 Columbus Street, Suite 507, Ottawa, IL 61350 [email protected] www.kinzinger.house.gov 90th District Rep. Tom Demmer 17th District Rep. Cheri Bustos 105 E First Street, Suite 110, Dixon IL 61021 2401 4th Ave., Rock Island IL 61201 [email protected] http://bustos.house.gov/contact 71st District Rep. Tony McCombie 9317B IL Route 84, Savanna, IL 61074

[email protected] 5/19 rev