A quarterly newsletter for Volunteers and Friends of the FRIENDSPatuxent Wildlife Research OF Center PATUXENT and Patuxent Research Refuge

Vol. 28 • No. 2 www.friendsofpatuxent.org April-May-June 2017 CHAIR’S COMMENTS- Volunteers Help with Changing Lives Jeanne Latham, Chair of the Savannah Restoration Friends of Patuxent Brad Knudsen, Refuge Manager

was reminded recently that the Ione of the key reasons people support an organization or en- tity of any kind is because the or- ganization either saves lives or changes lives. That’s pretty pro- found. And that probably is the over-riding factor for us as volun- n February 26, 15 volunteers nearby scout camps. The leader of the teers and Friends and staff too, Ofrom nearby Fort George G. volunteer group said they hope to come don’t you agree? Meade assisted with our sa- back to help with additional projects in Continued on page 18 vannah restoration project on the North the coming months! Tract of the refuge, supervised by Refuge Biologist John Bourne and Vol- unteer Coordinator Diana Ogilvie. They Inside... helped cut and remove Virginia pine Ceremony Designates Refuge’s South Spring Exhibits in the saplings that are invading where the Tract as the Daniel M. Ashe Division Hollingsworth Gallery ...... 7 refuge is reestablishing 130 acres of of Patuxent Research Refuge ...... 2 oak pine savannah to support rare Trails & Tracks at Wildlife Images ...... 8 Do You Feed Birds? ...... 3 darkling and tiger beetles, upland cho- Spotlight on Volunteers Helping Friends . .9 rus frogs, and a variety of pollinators. Jim Fowler - Friend of Patuxent ...... 4 Large sweet gum trees, previously cut 2016 Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Dinner Pictorial Essay ...... 10 down, were also hauled away to reduce Random Hearts at Patuxent ...... 5 the fuel for periodic prescribed burns Another Night on the Wild Side ...... 16 through the habitat. Three large dump Amphibian Research on the Patuxent truck loads of trunks and limbs will now Research Refuge ...... 6 Membership Application ...... 19 serve as firewood at the refuge’s two Spring 2017 Vol. 28 | No. 2 Ceremony Designates Refuge’s South Tract as the Daniel M.Ashe Division of Patuxent Research Refuge Jennifer Chin, Recreation Assistant, Conference & Outreach Coordinator n January 9, Patuxent Re- Osearch Refuge hosted a cere- mony officially designating the refuge’s South Tract as the Daniel M. Ashe Division of Patuxent Research Refuge. There were 85 attendees, in- cluding Dan and his family, NWRS Chief Cynthia Martinez, FWS Deputy Director Jim Kurth, several other mem- bers of the Directorate, USGS Director Suzette Kimball, and Senator Ben Cardin.The Friends of Patuxent hosted a reception afterwards where we had a chance to mingle with Dan one last time before he departs his office on January 20. Patuxent was highly hon- (l-r)Wendi Weber, Northeast Regional Director of USFWS; Daniel M. Ashe and ored to be chosen in this way to me- Brad Knudsen, Refuge Manager morialize Dan’s contributions to the FWS and the world’s natural re- pose to support wildlife research, there was instrumental in getting passed and sources. But why Patuxent and why was a very strong link to Dan’s efforts 3) Dan was also an ardent supporter of specifically the South Tract? There to promote using the best science the Urban Refuge Initiative, which were multiple reasons: 1) Dan’s com- available to make conservation deci- Patuxent participates in on a daily mitment to sound science and wildlife sions, 2) The South Tract is engaged in basis. Dan has been a strong leader for research was a cornerstone of his time all of the “Big Six” wildlife dependent our agency for more than 20 years, in FWS. With Patuxent being the na- recreation activities from the Refuge and a mentor to many of our Service tion’s only refuge with a specific pur- Improvement Act of 1997, which Dan staff. He will be greatly missed!

Friends of Patuxent is published quarterly and can be read online or mailed to our Friends upon request. Start Your Many of the newsletter contributors and other assistants are volunteers. There are regular contributors, however, we welcome and encourage all volunteers and Friends Engines to submit items for the newsletter by sending or bringing them to: e John Editor, Friends of Patuxent Newsletter ATTN: Ross Feldner Hollingsworth Gallery 11811 Ivanhoe Street Wheaton, MD 20902 Will Host A Or email to [email protected] Volunteer Art Exhibit All articles submitted to the Friends of Patuxent Newsletter will be reviewed by newsletter staff prior to their publication. We reserve the right to not publish December 2017 submissions based on length, content or suitability. More information in Article submission deadlines: Issue Issue next newsletter No. Months Deadline No. Months Deadline 1 Jan-Mar December 1 2 Apr-Jun March 1 3 Jul-Sept June 1 4 Oct-Dec September 1 To become a member of the Friends of Patuxent or send a donation, please see “Membership Application” on page 19.

2 Spring 2017 Vol. 28 | No. 2 Do You Feed Birds? Lowell Adams, Board Member, Friends of Patuxent

o you feed birds in your back- Dyard? Millions of people do and the birdseed industry is thriving. If you are a bird feeder, what kinds of seed do you feed? These days the small oil sunflower seed is widely used either along or in combination with other seeds. Until the 1970s, the small oil sunflower seed was grown as an agricultural crop to process into sun- flower oil. It was not packaged and marketed as birdseed. A Patuxent Wildlife Research Center researcher was instrumental in changing that. In the 1970s, Dr. Aelred Geis, an urban wildlife specialist at Patuxent, focused research efforts on the seeds birds liked to eat and, thus, the most efficient way for people to feed birds.

One of Dr. Geis’s bird-feeding stations where birdseed was tested, Howard County, Maryland, 1980.

used sunflower seed for feeding birds, as birdseed. So now, when you see the also was reported to be preferred. small oil sunflower seed packaged as birdseed in grocery stores, garden Many seeds in wild bird mixes sold on supply stores, and other outlets, you the market, including wheat, milo, can say “a Patuxent researcher helped peanut hearts, hulled oats, and rice, to bring that about.” however, were generally unattractive to birds. Feeding preferences differed by You can learn more about Dr. Geis’s species. Nevertheless, on the basis of work and that of other Patuxent biolo- Dr. Geis’s work, oil sunflower and white gists from The History of Patuxent: proso millet became widely popular America’s Wildlife Research Story. The seeds for feeding birds. Dr. Geis’s work report was published by the U.S. Geo- created public demand, and he played logical Survey as Circular 1422 and is a role in convincing the seed industry available online at https://pubs.er.usgs. to make oil sunflower seeds available gov/publication/cir1422. Dr. Aelred D. Geis was an urban wildlife specialist at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.

From 1977 to 1979, volunteers recorded Visit us on more than 179,000 bird visits to experi- mental feeders near their homes and Facebook and Twitter kept track of the kind of seed taken by birds. Dr. Geis found that the small, oil https://www.facebook.com/PatuxentResearchRefuge sunflower seed and white proso millet were preferred by birds under Maryland https://twitter.com/USFWSNortheast/status/78546358377783296 conditions.The large, black-striped sun- flower seed, at the time the traditionally 3 Spring 2017 Vol. 28 | No. 2 Jim Fowler-Friend of Patuxent by Matthew C. Perry, USGS Emeritus Scientist and Friends of Patuxent Board Member

uring the 1960s, nature shows assistant biologist and self-made nat- best way to display them in a wild en- Don television were not as nu- uralist, Lennie Jones. Lennie remem- vironment, unlike a zoo. Unfortunately, merous and available as they bers that “Fowler was a fun person to we did not get approval to have live an- are now. For those of us that love na- be around. He was a genuine wildlife imals at the Visitor Center, although ture, the program “Wild Kingdom” was a guy, and one who had done credible we temporarily had some young wolf must see on a weekly basis every Sun- research on raptors in the Beltsville, pups we were raising for the purpose. day night from 1963 to 1971. The show Maryland, area.” Fowler was born in We invited Fowler to join us for our Fifti- was sponsored by Mutual of Omaha Atlanta, Georgia, in 1932, but grew up eth Anniversary Celebration and he and starred Dr. Marlin Perkins, Director in the Falls Church Virginia area. and Lennie Jones conducted a short of the Saint Louis (Missouri) nature walk for the young folks Zoological Park, and his affa- and their parents. Lennie had ble sidekick, Jim Fowler. Dr. a collection of captive reptiles Perkins usually had a suit on and strategically placed some as he narrated the show, but of them under logs and other Fowler looked like he had just natural materials so that she returned from an African safari and Jim could find them for the with very stylish field clothes. If kid’s. These were unexpected there was a large snake or an and exciting finds. alligator to capture Jim was quick to go into action, while That night we had a large ban- Dr. Perkins stayed out of the quet and of course Jim Fowler fray, but with confidence that was our after-dinner speaker. Jim would be successful in any Lennie’s fondest funny memory capture of any critter. It be- of Fowler was at the dinner came a common joke of the presentation when they shared show with Dr. Perkins stating, the podium during Lennie’s in- “I’ll wait here....” troduction of Jim. Lennie had a little surprise that Jim and My first involvement with Jim Lennie had not rehearsed or Fowler was in 1981, when he totally discussed. Jim had agreed to give some biolo- asked Lennie to bring an at- gists from Patuxent a per- tractive “herp” (reptile or am- sonal tour of the wildlife areas phibian) as a prop for of Wild World on Central Av- discussion. Lennie stated later, enue (now Six Flags). We “being Marlins’ critter-catchin’ loaded into a hay wagon guy all over the globe, I as- pulled by a tractor with Jim sumed he was real familiar with having a good time as guide. Jim Fowler leading tour at Wild World for wildlife snake species. Wrong. With no At that time Wild World had biologists in 1981. prior prep, I removed a gentle many large animals including Sinaloan milk snake from a bag and African lions, African elephants, and When we were planning the Fiftieth placed it in his hand. It immediately other exciting exotic wildlife for the vis- Anniversary of Patuxent in 1989, we headed up the long trek of his sport coat itors. These animals were moved from also were in the midst of planning for sleeve. He absolutely panicked! He hid the park when new management put the National Wildlife Visitor Center.We his fear from the crowd, but bent down more emphasis on amusement rides had plans to feature three species of and whispered in my ear, “Lennie, are and water slides, with less emphasis mega fauna (bald eagle, whooping you kidding!!?? A tame coral snake?!!” I unfortunately on wildlife viewing and crane, and gray wolf) on the grounds quickly and quietly identified the beauti- conservation. of the Visitor Center property on the ful critter as the very similar but harm- Jim Fowler had a close connection South Tract of the refuge. Fowler had a less milk snake, and we resumed the with Patuxent Research Refuge and personal pack of wolves in Georgia discussion with the excited audience. was especially friendly with Patuxent and was willing to advise us on the Continued on page 17

4 Spring 2017 Vol. 28 | No. 2 Random Hearts at Patuxent by Matthew C. Perry, USGS Emeritus Scientist and Friends of Patuxent Board Member

n the spring of 1998, the Patuxent the chance of a grass fire. Refuge biol- IResearch Refuge received a ogist, Mr. Holliday (Holly) Obrecht, se- unique telephone call. The call was lected the site, which once had been from the movie pro- part of a meadow management study. duction company that wanted to film Holly stated that several eye witness part of a movie at Patuxent. After more accounts from staff members de- details were discussed, Refuge Man- scribed ’s landings as “a ager Ms. Susan McMahon invited them bit rocky,” as he was new to flying heli- to visit Patuxent. The movie producers copters at that time. made it clear that their interest was in Holly remembers that some of the staff renting the log cabin, an historic refuge Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott members were invited to visit the stage building prominently located on a hill Thomas at the cabin along the Little set after hours or during lunch time along route #197. After viewing the Patuxent River breaks. He visited the movie set one site, they decided it was not appropri- day at lunch and met Harrison Ford ate, but they were still interested in lo- and director . Holly cating the filming at the refuge. They mentioned that he was a pilot and they then began an exhaustive tour of the both, Ford and Pollack, stopped what 13,000-acre refuge until they came they were doing and traded flying sto- upon the area on the North Tract used ries with Holly for about a half an hour. by the boy scouts as a camp site that Sydney Pollock was also a pilot, and overlooks the Little Patuxent River.The they talked about other Hollywood pi- producers thought it was perfect.There lots such as Tom Cruise, who had just was one problem, however, as there acquired a World War II P-51 Mustang. was no log cabin. This was no problem Holly cherishes the memories and re- for Hollywood. They would just build a members that Harrison was very soft log cabin and remove it after filming. spoken and low keyed. Thus began the negotiation for filming on Patuxent property the movie “Ran- Sue McMahon also remembers that dom Hearts” directed by Sydney Pol- Harrison Ford on borrowed motorcy- Harrison was very friendly, and signed lack and starring Harrison Ford and cle with borrowed Fish and Wildlife autographs and took pictures with the Kristin Scott Thomas. hat for picture with John Sauer. staff. His costar Kristin Scott Thomas was more reserved, but Sue was able Ms. McMahon made it clear that ap- curity and other bureaucratic details, to give her a pamphlet about Patuxent proval for filming would need to be au- the producer received permission to and talk about the mission of the thorized by the regional office in film. The producer said all of the refuge. Harrison also prepared a Public Massachusetts. The administrators for scenes proposed to be at the log cabin Service Announcement (PSA) about the region were not supportive of doing would be filmed at Patuxent with the Patuxent and the National Wildlife the film on a refuge. After all, the pro- exception of the inside love scenes! Refuge System. Public Affairs Officer, posed movie was not about wildlife, but These scenes were allegedly filmed Nell Baldacchino, and Sue worked on an “R-Rated” love story with a unique elsewhere, but the recreated setting the script. Nell recalls one problem with mystery plot. However, they agreed to was clearly the log cabin. The scene the PSA was that Harrison was used to let Patuxent refuge staff make the final with the stars walking in the woods was a teleprompter. Nell had to write the text decision.The refuge staff thought there actually filmed 10 miles south of the on paper or cardboard and hold it in might be some benefits, like a possible cabin at Patuxent River Park, where front of him. He was very nice about donation to the Friends of Patuxent the river is much wider. doing it, but they had to work it in be- and a Public Service Announcement tween filming scenes and it resulted in about Patuxent by Harrison Ford. The Harrison flew his personal helicopter to a rushed job. Unfortunately, the PSA refuge also thought they might end up the refuge each day from Washington, was never finalized and is marked with a new building along the river for DC, and landed near the North Tract “Draft Copy Only - Not For Release.” environmental education purposes. Contact Station at a meadow site that After more negotiation concerning se- had been mowed very low to reduce Continued on page 17

5 Spring 2017 Vol. 28 | No. 1 Amphibian Research on the Patuxent Research Refuge By Andrew Dietrich, Biological Science Technician, Amphibian Research & Monitoring Initiative (ARMI)

he Northeast Amphibian Re- Tsearch and Monitoring Initiative (NEARMI) is part of a national program which provides research on amphibian ecology and threats to am- phibian populations ranging from Vir- ginia north to Maine. NEARMI is based at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Cen- ter, and a number of our projects in- volve field studies here on the refuge. Our work at Patuxent comprises re- search on wetland-breeding amphib- ians and terrestrial salamanders. Our research here at the Patuxent Re- search Refuge is part of a larger effort Wood Frog to survey lentic (or wetland-associ- of a nationwide effort by the ARMI pro- ated) amphibians throughout the re- gram, we surveyed eastern newts Checking cover boards gion. Patuxent is one of 17 National here on the refuge for Bsal, an emerg- Parks and Wildlife Refuges throughout ing disease threat that has impacted times each spring and three times each the northeast included in a long-term salamander populations in Europe. fall. During each visit, all red-backed research program to understand the Thankfully, we have not detected Bsal salamanders found under cover-boards dynamics of amphibian populations here or on any of the 1700 newts sam- are collected, counted, measured, breeding in temporary wetlands. Here pled elsewhere in the northeast. sexed and given a unique code with vi- at Patuxent, we catalogue all amphib- sual implant elastomer (VIE) so that in- In addition to our wetland surveys, we ians encountered at 79 wetlands dividuals may be identified and tracked also conduct surveys on the red- spread amongst the north, central and from season to season. Captured sala- backed salamander (Plethodon south tracts. Our surveys involve three manders are returned to the cover- cinereus) at 6 cover-board plots located Visual Encounter Surveys (VES) from board they were originally found under. March to early May to detect breeding on the central tract of Patuxent. First es- Our cover-board plots are part of a amphibians and two Dipnet surveys tablished in 2010, and then modified in larger network of red-backed salaman- from late May through July to detect 2013 for our current project, each plot der plots and surveys within the newly successful recruitment. We are also in- consists of 50 cover-boards arranged in established SPARCnet (Salamander terested in studying the dynamics of a 5x10 grid. Plots are surveyed three amphibian diseases here at the refuge and collect dermal swabs and tail clip- pings to non-lethally test for diseases such as Ranavirus and Bd (chytrid fungus: Batrachochytrium dendroba- tidis), and more recently to conduct surveillance for the newly emerging salamander chytrid fungus, Bsal (Ba- trachochytrium salamandrivorans). We have surveyed wood frogs (Lithobates sylvatica) and spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) for diseases at 30 randomly selected wetlands in Patuxent since 2004.This year, as part Spotted Salamander Spotted Salamander larva

6 Spring 2017 Vol. 28 | No. 1 Spring Exhibits in the Hollingsworth Gallery By Faith Leahy-Thielke, Patuxent Volunteer

pring was in the air even enjoy,” he writes, “and help create an Sthough it was only February, urban habitat.” but the next three exhibitors (like William Gilbert’s “flowers that Vernon Sears has been drawing bloom in the spring”) breed promise since early childhood when he copied of merry sunshine indoors as well magazine illustrations and comic strip as outdoors. William Deming of characters. His first “teachers” were “Sunfleck Row” in April; Vernon Jon Gnagy and Dick Mansfield, both of whom had television shows in the Cover board plot Sears of Mount Rainier in May; and David Kepley of “Windflower Lane” forties and fifties, designed to teach Population Adaptation Collaboration in June, whose addresses sound drawing and illustrate stories. When Network) research initiative. This net- perfect for nature enthusiasts, will he does cartooning, he says the in- work is a regional collaborative net- be our artist/photographers. fluence of Mad Magazine’s illustra- work designed for both scientific and tors is obvious. In 1976,Sears went to William Deming was born in Ne- educational objectives related to un- and attended the Na- braska, but lived in Panama during derstanding the effects of climate tional Academy School of Fine Art. “most” of his early years. After a stint change and land use on salamander He writes that he “gleaned” some in the U.S. Army, he returned there to things there, but that visiting parks, populations. There are currently 23 work for the Panama Canal Com- sites with established or soon to be es- playgrounds, museums and theaters pany. In 1977, he and his wife re- with a sketch book in hand was far tablished cover-board arrays, each turned to Howard County, Maryland more profitable. Sears was born in with varying levels of involvement (e.g. and took up residence in Columbia in D.C. and raised in Mt. Rainer where educators teaching small children may 1978. Deming writes that he has al- he lives and works today. His pre- only catch, count and measure sala- ways had a camera, but as with many ferred media include oils, acrylics, manders, while those at Universities of us, was absorbed for years with and oil pastels. He is active in veter- may mark and sex salamanders). At family and career. At a garage sale in ans’ organizations and has done Patuxent, we are part of a subset of 1998, he came across a used Nikon shows for the American Legion’s sites that removes snow cover from camera and began to “actively photo- Women’s Auxiliary.One of his pieces half of our plots to simulate a predicted graph sporting events” - usually ones exhibited at a creative arts show at loss of insulating snow cover under fu- in which his son was involved. After the VA Hospital was selected for a ture climate change. By marking and retirement in 2012, Deming was free national competition. For his last ex- tracking individual salamanders, we to pursue his interest in nature and - hibit at Hollingsworth Sears promised hope to understand the effect of in- most especially, “urban wildlife.” oil pastels of birds and wildlife. Hope- creased soil freezing events on over- Deming describes himself as self- fully we’ll see them again. wintering salamander populations, and taught, and his photographs as the The child of a military family, David along with our network of collaborators, reward of “patience, perseverance Kepley grew up in many different to effectively communicate this re- and determination.” He has traveled places in the United States - as he search to students at all levels. to state and national parks, and vis- put it, from Arizona to Aberdeen! ited the Everglades when able, If you have any questions or are High school was on the North Jersey though capturing our wild neighbors shore, and college in Gettysburg. His interested in learning more about has been a focus. Deming has had graduate degrees, also in history, NEARMI, amphibian ecology, sala- month-long exhibits at the Howard are from the University of Maryland. mander chytrid or other diseases, or County Conservancy and the His first summer jobs were with the the red-backed salamander network county’s library system. He has par- parks and forest service, but his “day (SPARCnet), please visit our site ticipated in Howard’s Greenfest and job” was a fascinating stint at the Na- (http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/nearmi/) or photo events on Google Plus. View tional Archives. However, Kepley’s feel free to contact me (Andrew Diet- his images on line as well as in the inspiration to take up photography rich - [email protected] or Evan gallery. The close-ups of butterflies, Continued on page 18 Grant - [email protected]). for example, are fabulous. “Please

7 Spring 2017 Vol. 28 | No. 2 Trails & Tracks at Wildlife Images By Pat Simons, Bookstore volunteer

s winter recedes and the Chapters in the book discuss everything Aweather turns warmer my from where and how to hike to hiking es- thoughts eagerly turn to revisit- sentials and navigation. The Appendix ing some of my favorite trails in DC, provides a list of what the author calls MD and VA while looking for new ones “Great American Hikes,” a number of to explore. Yes, I’ll continue my walks which are in Maryland, Virginia, and around both the North and South Pennsylvania, and would make a great Tracts of Patuxent where I never fail to checklist for a hiker’s Bucket List. find something new or different, but I’ll also look for other nearby hiking possi- Tracks on the Trail bilities. And, we are fortunate here in Maryland that our region offers myriad While hiking, it’s almost guaranteed trails that traverse a variety of terrains- that you will see animal or bird tracks from the wetlands of Blackwater along the way. Here are just a few Wildlife Refuge to the unique rocky guides to help you identify just about meadows of Soldier’s Delight and the include Chincoteague, Eastern Neck, any animal sign you encounter. sandy shoreline of Calvert Cliffs. Bombay Hook, Prime Hook, and Animal Tracks, A Pocket Naturalist Blackwater. The book also includes Guide is a waterproof folding guide to Where to Hike national seashores at Assateague and the tracks, scat, and signs of familiar Chincoteague as well as a number of The Wildlife Images Bookstore, in the North American species.These guides state parks, nature preserves, river are always among my favorites be- Refuge Visitor Center, stocks a number landings, and islands such as Wye, of books by the well-known trail guide cause they are easy to carry, and so Tangier, Tilghman, Deal, Hooper, and this one joins the bird, flower and tree writer, Alan Fisher. Two of my favorites Smith. for this area are Country Walks Near guides I carry in my pack. Washington which includes details Peterson’s Field Guide to Animal about 38 hikes in the area and Country How & Why to Hike Tracks, by Olaus J. Murie and Mark El- Walks Near , which covers If you or someone you know is new to broch, like all Peterson Guides is a com- another 24 hiking areas (including both hiking or perhaps thinking about ex- prehensive guide to the subject. The Patuxent’s North and South Tracts). panding from short walks to more ambi- book includes color photos and draw- The books follow the same format with tious hikes, The Hiking ings along with measure- an introduction to the area that includes Companion by Michael W. ments and other information historical as well as topographical infor- Robbins (with a forward by for finding and identifying mation; driving directions to the trail- the writer and conservation- wildlife and their tracks. head, notes about public transportation, ist, Rick Bass) is a useful Two other helpful guides a trail map, and then detailed walking in- guide with a variety of tips are Identifying Animal structions. These books are usually the on how to get the most from Tracks, Mammals, Birds & first I reach for when I want to find a trail any walking experience. Other Animals of the East- within a short driving distance from my The author starts with a home, and they have led me to any ern United States, by short introduction on “why” Richard Headstrom, which number of parks and trails that I might we hike, and what it can not have otherwise found. includes mammals, birds, mean to shift your thinking reptiles and amphibians; from “walking” to “hiking.” A third book by Alan Fisher, Day Trips and The Companion Guide Citing experiences from New Mexico to in Delmarva, visits 20 locations in to Trackards for North American Mam- Maryland, the author shares some of his southern Delaware and the eastern mals, by David Brown. shore of Maryland and Virginia with experiences and thoughts about how excursions that include hiking trails, hiking can open one to a world of possi- For Young Explorers historical town walks, bicycling tips, bilities and new experiences with nature; and canoe or kayaking opportunities. as well as opening the door to other in- And for younger adventurers, as al- National Wildlife Refuges in this book terests such as birding or archeology. ways, the bookstore has a number of

8 Spring 2017 Vol. 28 | No. 2

Spotlight on Volunteers Helping Friends By Jeanne Latham, Chair of the Friends of Patuxent

Spotlight on Newer Volunteers ship database and ability to process memberships. This will make our he Friends spotlight shines work much more efficient and eas- well written and wonderfully illustrated brightly on several newer vol- T ier. Thank you Cathy! books in our children’s collection. unteers, who have stepped up to help the Friends Spotlight on Wild Tracks, is another beautifully il- and offer their expert- the “Regulars” lustrated book with fold-out pages and ise. Tim Hudspeth, life size prints, by Jim Arnosky.Various Did you realize that the volunteer, full-time sections in the book show the tracks for bookstore volunteers employee with a fam- bears, deer, canines, felines, reptiles, give their time on a reg- ily and part time job, and birds. In previous articles I’ve men- ular basis by coming in recently agreed to tioned other books by Jim Arnosky and just about every week? videotape me as I in- this is just one more inviting and in- The following Wildlife troduced the Friends formative book from this well-known Images Bookstore vol- organization to a new author of nature literature for children. unteers deserve our group of Refuge vol- gratitude for their dedication: Noah Tracks, Scats and Signs by Leslie unteers. Tim’s side-line business is Bowman, Teri Day, Jan Hardy, Eve- Dendy with illustrations by Linda Gar- photography and videography. He lyn Kirby, Charlotte Melichar, Pat row, is a charmingly illustrated “Take- coached me during my presentation Simons, and Pam Waterworth, plus Along” Guide for children, that divides and made me feel very comfortable one other person. Under the leader- animals by their habit-forest, field, and during the videotaping. (I was a bit ship of Linda Shive, Wildlife Images pond. Each section includes a drawing nervous being captured on tape, as Bookstore manager, these folks staff of the animal, its track, and its scat as you can imagine.) Now this video- the bookstore 6 days a week, day in well as fun activities such a “Visit a tape can be utilized at future Volun- and day out. Their work includes op- Rotten Log Hotel” and “Walk Like the teer Orientations. Thank you Tim! Animals.” erating the register to complete sales, Stephanie Kolar is a former con- tagging merchandise, stocking Been There, Done That. Reading Ani- tractor for the Fish and Wildlife Serv- shelves, refreshing the front of store mal Signs by Jen Funk Weber, illus- ice in Hawaii, and analyzed the use display to interest shoppers, keeping trated by Andrea Gabriel follows two of social media for them. When I track of what products are popular, as children as they take a hike through the found out that Stephanie was a vol- well as other tasks. From volunteers, woods, discovering animal tracks and unteer and had this background, I staff, and visitors, we often get com- signs along the way. Additional infor- called upon her to meet with the pliments on the wonderful items to mation about the animals and signs Friends and Jen Chin, Park Ranger buy, and which will remind them of they encounter is included in the back and Refuge Outreach Coordinator, their experience at Patuxent. Thanks of the book along with activities such to discuss improving the Friends to all of you for keeping our terrific as a track-matching game and instruc- use of social media. After some bookstore open and inviting. tions on how to make a cast of a track. great discussion, Stephanie pro- Another group of “regulars” are the vided some suggestions and inno- folks on the Friends Newsletter What to Take With You vative ideas to increase the Friends Team, including Ross Feldner, edi- reach to folks through Facebook. And to round out your preparations for tor; the proofers - Diana Ogilvie, Thanks, Stephanie! hiking, the store also stocks children’s Evelyn Kirby, Mary Ann Harnett binoculars, magnifying glasses and Cathy Kuehne, retired person and and Jeanne Latham. Ross, who compasses just right for young explor- volunteer, likes to work with Excel owns a graphic design company, do- ers, beautifully carved walking sticks and databases as well as problem nates his time and talent to lay out (for adults and children), caps, all nat- solve and trouble-shoot. Cathy of- the articles, artwork and other com- ural bug-repelling salve and soap, fered to help the Membership Com- ponents of the newsletter. Thanks to water bottles, and lip balm. mittee, specifically Ken Lavish, all of you who make our newsletter So take a hike...but first drop by update and improve our member- Continued on page 18 Wildlife Images!

9 Spring 2017 Vol. 28 | No. 2 2016 Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Dinner Pictorial Essay Diana Ogilvie, Volunteer Coordinator

ver 80 volunteers and family Omembers overcame their trep- idation and joined us for the spooky-themed Volunteer Apprecia- tion and Awards dinner. Only the most Nell Baldacchino daring accepted the challenge to come in costume. Ed Grimes

Nancy Newman Pape pacified raven- Nell Baldacchino ous volunteers with pre-dinner music. Nell Baldacchino

Brave new wildlife faces at Patuxent - recreation assistant Jen Chin, interns Kyra New volunteer Shannah Cumberbatch Neal, Chelsea Miller and Jan-Michael Archer and recreation assistant Kaitlyn won the weird M&M challenge. Baligush.

10 Spring 2017 Vol. 28 | No. 2 Ed Grimes Nell Baldacchino

Two generations of the Shoop family swooped in for a visit. Volunteer Mike McCarthy helped the mysterious whooping Adorable! crane select the first door-prize winner. Ed Grimes Ed Grimes

Friends of Patuxent Chair Jeanne Latham cast a friendly Brad’s presentation about FWS initiatives and valuable spell over the audience. partnerships was spellbinding. Ed Grimes Nell Baldacchino

Anne Sittauer, Refuge Supervisor - South Zone and Scott Dennis recognized and thanked Environmental Education Kahan, Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System volunteers. dropped in to observe the fun. Seen seated with Lewis Continued on page 12 Jiles, Hunter Safety Education Training Coordinator

11 Spring 2017 Vol. 28 | No. 2

2016 Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Dinner Continued from page 11 Finally! Time to present well-deserved Volunteer Awards. Ed Grimes Nell Baldacchino

25 hours - Gail Melson, Alicia Durand 50 hours - Matt Beziat, Rosa Kirk-Davidoff, Mark Cheater Ed Grimes Ed Grimes

100 hours - Cathy Kuehne, Sue Priftis, Nancy Newman 250 hours - Janice Devine, Chang-Tzu Lew Pape Ed Grimes Ed Grimes

300 hours - Alen Mosley 400 hours - Chelsea Miller and John McCarthy

12 Spring 2017 Vol. 28 | No. 2 Ed Grimes Ed Grimes

500 hours - Frances Kent, Jeannine Dorothy, Sue Muller 750 hours - Debbie Phillips, Tom Mikell, Pat Simons, Ellen Bretz Ed Grimes Nell Baldacchino

1000 hours - Ann Coren, Stephanie Everett 1500 hours - Nell Baldacchino, Cheryl Sedlak-Seaver Ed Grimes Ed Grimes

2080 hours -Penny Wolkow 2500 hours - Pam Waterworth, MaryAnn Hartnett Continued on page 14

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2016 Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Dinner Continued from page 13 Ed Grimes Ed Grimes

3500 hours - Ann Vore, Barbara Buck 4000 hours - Gwen Robinette Ed Grimes Ed Grimes

5000 hours - Jay Pape, Jeanne Latham 7000 hours - Ken Lavish, Joe DiGiovanni Ed Grimes Nell Baldacchino

9000 hours - Claudia Papillo 10,000 hours - Lucy Grimes

14 Spring 2017 Vol. 28 | No. 2 Ed Grimes Nell Baldacchino

Stephanie Everett received the Innovation Award for Family Unsung Hero South Tract - Claudia Papillo Fun programs. Nell Baldacchino Nell Baldacchino

Unsung Hero Award North Tract and Over 1,000 volunteer Nancy Newman Pape’s latest song, written in collaboration hours in one year, Joe DiGiovanni. with the Beatles, was a crowd favorite! Ed Grimes Bridgehunters

The Volunteer of the Year 2016 is Ann Coren. Baldy pre- For his outstanding efforts to promote both North and sented the plaque. South tracts and “bridge the gap,” the new Duvall Bridge award was given to Mike Goldberg.

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2016 Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Dinner Continued from page 15 Ed Grimes Ed Grimes Nell Baldacchino

Newly discovered endangered species He sang “Where Patuxent Is!” and Feelin’ blue? Go where wildlife lives. Gigantopithecus canadensis, Big Foot, danced to the tune of Puttin’ On the Ritz. It’s Where Patuxent Is! appeared at the dinner and was persuaded pendent recreation, maintenance, cultural that are used to determine budget re- to participate in the entertainment. resources and other activities. Altogether, quests to DOI and Congress, docu- One final note about our awesome volun- our volunteers donated more than 24,700 ment progress over time, provide teers: In fiscal year 2016, 155 individuals hours to the refuge. information to the public and partner volunteered many hours at Patuxent and Remember, always record your volun- NGOs, answer data calls, and much 188 additional volunteers worked on teer hours in the front desk log or by more. group projects. Project categories in- sending to [email protected]. Many Thanks to Our cluded wildlife and habitat, wildlife-de- Your hours contribute to the statistics Dedicated Volunteers! Another Night on the Wild Side By Bobbie Deegan, Member of Friends

emember last year’s A Night on our guests a fun and interactive Rthe Wild Side at the National evening, including experiences such as Wildlife Visitor Center at Patux- conservation tram rides; a live “wild bird” ent Research Refuge? The Friends of exhibit; an informative overview of the Patuxent Board of Directors had rec- Refuge and highlights of major research ognized that many of our original sup- of the Research Center; an excursion to the wolf and Whooping Crane exhibits; porters had drifted away from the As last year’s event proved, pulling this a chance to talk with a master gardener; Center, while new folks in leadership off takes a lot of hands! We need volun- and much more. positions were only vaguely aware of teers to help address invitations, main- the refuge and all that it offers the com- Through these efforts, the Friends tain the guest list, coordinate logistics, munity. So the Board of Directors “went Board hopes to raise awareness of the and stuff goodie bags before the event. out on a limb” and planned a major out- refuge among those who may not real- We need volunteers to help welcome reach effort to engage the business ize what a local treasure and unique our guests, staff the exhibits and tables, community, other civic and community national resource we have in our own and serve refreshments during the leaders, and area politicians. “back yard.” We want to show local event. Would you be willing to pitch in It worked! The excitement and enthusi- leaders what the Refuge has to offer, and make the Friends of Patuxent’s 2nd asm that was generated that night so they will be inspired not only to take Annual Night on the Wild Side an- made all the hard work worthwhile. So advantage of the opportunities it offers, other grand success? If so, please con- much so that the Board is planning our but to invite their associates, friends tact Friends Chairman Jeanne Latham, 2nd Annual Night on the Wild Side, and families to experience the Refuge. by email ([email protected]) or to be held at the Visitor Center on We also hope to attract new members phone (410-798-1601), and let her know Thursday, April 20, 2017, 5 pm - 8 pm. in the Friends of Patuxent and generate you are interested and want to help. Along with refreshments, we will offer local good will and support. Many hands make light work!

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Jim Fowler-Friend of Patuxent Random Hearts at Patuxent Continued from page 4 Continued from page 5

In 1998, Patuxent received a beautiful The staging area according to Nell was bronze sculpture of a life-sized wolf kind of like a “circus.” Nell, Sue, and I pack that prominently was displayed at once visited the site under the BGE the entrance of the Visitor Center. .Jim electric powerlines, which was just a Fowler arranged through a friend in short distance from the cabin. There Florida to have live wolves at the Visi- were several house trailers parked there tor Center for the dedication event. that were used for dressing and rest Fowler conducted three shows with the areas for the stars. I also remember that wolves that day and the event was so Harrison Ford obtained a motorcycle on Jim Fowler at podium with Lennie popular that the staff closed the gates loan from a local motorcycle company, Jones and milk snake, Fiftieth An- to cars and many people walked in niversary, 1989 but then had a spill with it and got it from Powder Mill Road. It remains the scratched from the gravel.The motorcy- most popular one-day event for the Vis- members still have tee shirts with a cle is seen parked itor Center thanks to live wolves and wolf design that was signed by Fowler. near the cabin in the presence of Jim Fowler. Some staff the movie. The Repeats of the Wild Kingdom show movie crew was were aired in the 1970-80s and a few amazing with the new ones were produced. When Mar- detail they put into lin Perkins died in 1985, Jim Fowler the temporary became the host. Jim also was regu- cabin and land- larly seen on the Johnny Carson Show scaping. They re- and the NBC Today Show. He invari- moved all traces ably had an animal with him or his as- of the cabin as it sistant would rapidly appear with one. was not built to Cover of DVD of There were many unexpected mo- code, but left the movie Random Hearts ments that Jim Fowler endured on tel- native vegetation evision just like he did for our Fiftieth they had planted, which improved the Anniversary celebration with a harm- appearance of the site and reduced soil Lynda Garrett and Lennie Jones hold- less milk snake. He is a great world- erosion to the river. ing snake, Fiftieth Anniversary, 1989. wide asset to wildlife. A large group of refuge employees went to a theater in Bowie to view the film when it first came out in late 1999. One minor flaw according to biologist Holly Obrecht was that the production staff sound-tracked spring peepers singing near the cabin by the river, but the scene was actually filmed in the fall!! I recently tried to view the film from several rental online outlets, but failed. I finally purchased a copy from Ama- zon and enjoyed watching it as the memories of almost 20 years ago came back. If you like romance mixed with a mystery plot you might like this film. The film is 133 minutes long, but only about 15 minutes are filmed at Patuxent. Unfortunately, a copy of the film is hard to find, so why don’t we arrange a film night at the Visitor Cen- ter. I’ll provide the movie DVD, the PSA Naturalist, Lennie Jones, with TV Celebrity, Jim Fowler, at Patuxent Research tape, and also the popcorn. Refuge 50th anniversary in 1989.

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Changing Lives Continued from page 1 Spotlight on Volunteers As volunteers and Friends, we give our Helping Friends time, talent, and effort to Patuxent Re- Continued from page 9 search Refuge and Patuxent Wildlife Re- the model product that it is - and search Center, because in essence, we do receive compliments all they save the lives of wildlife, and they the time. change lives - visitors, volunteers (us), partners and others. I can speak to that One more volunteer I’d like to through my experience when I first put in the spotlight is Brenda started as a volunteer. I had retired from Stone, former Friends Board a government agency and decided that about a formerly scary and creepy spi- member and current assistant since I like birds and wildlife art (I had at- der! That’s pretty cool in my opinion. treasurer. Brenda comes in tended a few art shows at the Visitor every week to do the bookkeep- Each of our lives have been touched - Center), I would try volunteering at the ing for the Friends. She receives or changed - by experiencing the refuge. What really hooked me was that the mail, retrieves the phone refuge’s plants, animals, and habitats. as I learned to teach children interpre- messages, records the mem- And I also think our lives have been in- tive programs, I realized that program berships received, keeps track fluenced by the dedicated staff. As a re- leaders (including me) could change a of sales and receives the in- sult, we want to share our knowledge, person’s life. For one program, I had to come for the bookstore, records our enthusiasm and our refuge with vis- learn about spiders and had previously expenses and any income, like itors, our families, friends and everyone! viewed them as yucky, and something to donations, as well as many avoid. Once I found out how incredible We are an inspired workforce - we other tasks. Until I sat down with spiders are I was a changed volunteer. I might be considered the grassroots of Brenda to witness all of the learned how spiders make beautiful our refuge. (You didn’t know you were work she processes routinely, I webs that catch the early morning dew; in integral part of grass, did you?) In- did not fully comprehend the spiders do help people and should be teresting to think about the back- amount of work she does. respected; and spiders have a place in grounds of us volunteers and Friends - Thank you Brenda for your con- nature. So now I could enthusiastically bankers, government workers, tele- sistent and diligent work! talk about spiders, show kids a live spi- phone company employees, astro- Thank you all for giving your der (which I had captured and would physicists, professors, teachers, time, energy and talent. The later release), read a story about a spi- homemakers, and the list goes on. And Friends appreciate this and all der, and do a spider and spider web craft as volunteers for Patuxent, we save that you do! with the children. I saw eyes widened, lives - the wildlife - and we change For the next newsletter, the attitudes changed and kids get excited lives. We are amazing! Friends will put the spotlight on other volunteers, including the Crane Café crew, folks who help Spring Exhibits in the Hollingsworth Gallery out at Friends fundraisers and educational events and others. Continued from page 7 We would like to recognize as was a colleague from the U.S. Forest After retirement, Kepley has taken many volunteers who contribute Service over 40 years ago.Who can be many different classes and workshops their time and effort as we can. awed by the beauty of the great parks to perfect his craft. His photos have Please contact me and share and not wish to keep that sense alive? been both recognized and awarded: your “story.” Or let us know your Kepley writes that visiting many of selected in Nature Visions Photo Expo, special talents that may benefit them in the American West “cemented” the Joseph Miller abstract photography all of us through the Friends and his love of nature photography.Self-de- exhibit, and his own photo club. He is we will connect to talk about scribed as a “passionate devotee of the current vice president of the Vienna that. Please contact me at our national parks,” Kepley and his wife Photographic Society. In June, we can [email protected] visited 10 different ones during the look forward to a virtual tour of those 2016 centennial year. He writes that he parks. He hopes his images will inspire THANK YOU captured literally thousands of images us even as he has been inspired. during that trip. We look forward to all three exhibits. VOLUTEERS!

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We invite you to join! Your membership/ FRIENDS OF PATUXENT contribution helps support BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2016 the mission and programs Jeanne Latham, Chair at Patuxent. Richard Dolesh, Vice-chair You also receive the Clarence "Sparky" Sparks, Secretary following benefits: Robert Schroeder, Secretary I Quarterly newsletter Lowell Adams, Director • Charles Deegan, Director (mailed on request or go to Kenneth Lavish, Director • Dale Mangum, Director www.friendsofpatuxent.org) Matthew Perry, Director • Barbara Richman, Director I 10% discount in our Wildlife Harlan Tucker, Director Images bookstore and other LIAISONS area refuge bookstores Diana Ogilvie, Patuxent Research Refuge Liaison I Attendance at member Shannon Beliew, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Liaison functions Douglas Meister, Esq., General Counsel I Participation in on-site educational programs FRIEND OF PATUXENT BOARD MEETINGS I Sense of accomplishment in Friends Board Meetings will be held at 5 PM at the Visitor Center. The providing many opportunities scheduled meetings remaining for this fiscal year are: Jan. 17; Feb. 21 for wildlife-related recreation, (phone meeting, tentative); Mar. 21; April 18 (phone meeting, tentative); May education and research 16; Jun. 20 (phone meeting, tentative). Rest of the year - to be determined.

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Friends of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and Patuxent Research Friends of Refuge, Inc is a designated Section 501(c)(3) public charity. It is a membership Patuxent organization whose mission is to financially support the research of the PWRC and the environmental education, outreach and recreational missions at the PRR. National Wildlife Visitor Center All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our Maryland 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop Charitable Organization Registration-2348. Laurel MD, 20708-4011 Your membership/contribution helps support the mission and programs Phone: 301-497-5789 at Patuxent. You also receive the following benefits: www.friendsofpatuxent.org I Quarterly newsletter (mailed on request or go to www.friendsofpatuxent.org) I 10% discount in our Wildlife Images bookstore and other area refuge bookstores I Attendance at member functions I Participation in on-site educational programs I Sense of accomplishment in providing many opportunities for wildlife-related recreation, education and research (Application on reverse side)

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