ZHURAVL Friends of Muraviovka Park An Affiliate of the International Crane Foundation

February 2007 Workshops, training aim to boost Park tourism By Barb Thompson From June 4 to July 16, 2006, I performed an assignment for Land O’Lakes International Development, focusing on the establishment of training projects for eco-friendly tourism at Muraviovka Park for Sustainable Land Use. Two flocks of Siberian cranes made a visit to Muraviovka Park in May. Their Training was initiated for two-day stopover marked the first time these critically endangered birds have management and infrastructure issues that would lead to a been observed at the Park since 2001. About 3,000 Sibes are believed to survive profitable tourism business, based in the eastern population, accounting for almost the entire worldwide on environmental respect and population. species protection. One of the first projects was a Muraviovka Park 2006 Update three-day Russian seminar for English-speaking teachers on ecological tourism and New staff, wealth of volunteers environmental protection. Participants were very enthusiastic and promised to send more teachers spur recovery efforts from their schools to future Due to the wild grass fires of workshops. By Sergei Smirenski October, 2005, a large part of the Later, two ten-day workshops Activity at Muraviovka Park for wetland area was burned and cranes for local high school students Sustainable Land Use in 2006 was could not use it for nesting in 2006. focused on environmental very positive, with a growing Additionally, areas where cranes had information specific to the Park and awareness of its importance from nested for years were not used by on developing written materials for the Russian community. In addition cranes because of a lack of surface the eco-tourism business. Fifty-four to an expanded staff, the Park water in the spring. students and three teachers continues to depend on the wide- During the spring migrations, attended each of these seminars. ranging volunteer efforts of the two flocks of Siberian cranes (26 They developed templates for the Russian, American, and new South birds) stopped in the Park for two Passport to Muraviovka Park and Korean Friends of Muraviovka Park days. Up to 400 White-naped Tree and Shrub Field Guide to groups. cranes, 500 Hooded, and 14 Red- Muraviovka Park along with an crowned cranes stayed at the Park informational brochure that can be Monitoring of Rare and for one and one-half months. continued on page 4 Endangered Species continued on page 7 Park Muraviovskiy etlana Obidion Russian history shows that Words and music by Sv when a beautiful song is written Authorized translation by Elena Smirenski about something or someone in , it quickly becomes Many world wonders a soul can embrace, popular, and then it creates a But on there’s a special place stronger shield around this Providence gave it to people and cranes, place or person than the highest Park Muraviovski it’s lovingly named. fences with barbed wire and all Chorus the weaponry in the world. Park Muraviovskiy, Park Muraviovskiy This place or person has a place Quietly whisper and rustle beriozki*, in history, forever. That’s how Glowing faces of friends everywhere, great the power of song is And the magnificent birds in the air! in Russia. Year after year keep this precious sight, May it be sealed in your heart and your mind – Over the vastness of wetlands and plains Calls of majestic and beautiful cranes. Chorus

Don’t forget, with these birds and this land Tightly we’re knit by invisible band. Only gets thinner and weaker that thread, Please don’t break – make it stronger instead! Chorus

River Amur is in light of new dawn, Park Muraviovskiy is calling us home, Filling our hearts with deep meaning and love, When we see cranes in the blue skies above. Chorus Park Muraviovskiy, Park Muraviovskiy Quietly whisper and rustle beriozki*, Svetlana Ovidion is a poet, musician Glowing faces of friends everywhere, and singer from . She is also a member of the Russian Folk Choir And the magnificent birds in the air! “Istoki” (“Source Springs”), and became an avid promoter and volunteer for the *Beriozki (plural; singular – beriozka) – tender Russian word for birch trees, which Park in 2005. also is applied to young birch trees... In June 2006, the Park organized a Russian Folk Song Festival called “The Crane Dawns,” to mark the opening of that year’s the Park for the International Red-Crowned crane first summer camp session. Svetlana and her group meeting on September 2. The text was presented came to the Park and performed her new song with a dedication to “ Sergei and Elena Smirenski.” “Park Muraviovskiy” for the first time. It was very At this meeting, the “Park Muraviovskiy” was sung well-received at the Park, and later, in and by the participants in Russian and English, in the United States. simultaneously. It was a touching and inspirational In late August, Svetlana wrote another song. experience for all involved, but especially for This one, titled “The Crane Dawns,” was sung at Svetlana.

2 Poaching: Where’s the answer? by Marina Kolodina of the Park’s influence and programs. The Amur In December 2006, the Park received a phone call chapter of Friends of Muraviovka Park helped to from a local newspaper. They were writing an article organize a press conference and published different about pheasants and wondered if we had a picture of articles in regional newspapers about spring poaching. these colorful birds. The only pictures we could find Visitors and volunteers have come to the Park to plant were of dead birds, which promoted hunting, and in a trees, clean-up wildfire damage, clean the Nature practical sense, the act of poaching. Center and other Park facilities, birdwatch, walk the Originally, man was a hunter and needed these nature trails, attend environmental education instincts to survive. He knew the habitats and life-style activities, and participate in festivals. of his prey and respected the laws of nature. But some Poachers cannot conduct their “sport” within of today’s local hunters disregard the basic rules of sight or sound of all these people, who are concerned hunting and take their activity as sport, any time of the about the environment and the variety of species year and for any available species. The result is surviving there. As a result, people are able to enjoy poaching, and the best places are protected areas, the presence of wildlife, while the objects of their because they have much more game. We are aware and attention are able to continue to breed, raise their concerned about this problem, as we periodically hear young, and flourish. shooting around the Central Headquarters of the Park. However, the sounds of shooting have become less Marina Kolodina is the director in the Park and surrounding area. This is a direct result of Muraviovka Park. Local, national media feature Park by Marina Kolodina Journalist Tatyana Kholkina made this year. This newspaper also This year’s “Swan Geese” art traveled to the United States and established three prizes for the contest proved to be enormously visited Wisconsin under the participants of the “Swan Geese” popular and stimulated great auspices of the Open World Program contest (division of Stories, Essays, interest about Muraviovka Park in in 2005. Upon her return to Russia, and Poems). It is certainly fun to the mass media. she published seven articles about get a prize from the newspaper! The Amur Branch of National life in Wisconsin. She also Articles and stories about the Russian TV and the largest regional published information about the Park also ran in the ICF Bugle, in the newspaper Amurskaya Pravada Park in the National newspaper Russian national magazine Science agreed to provide informational help Rossiyskaya Gazeta. and Life, and even in Germany. to the contest. Another Amur TV In December, Tatyana published Nikolai Zemlyanski, president of channel Guberniya ran a live two articles written by Natalia Amur chapter of FOMP, finished 10- program about the Park’s summer Gromova in the Post Office Carriage and 30-minute promotional videos programs and later announced the about the progress Muraviovka Park about the Park. Region’s deputy governor’s intention to develop an educational program at Muraviovka Park, because the infrastructure is so good there. In Muraviovka charms judges, total, there were about 20 shots on TV about Muraviovka Park including inspires pledge wetland soil studies, spring reforestation, education, Crane There was one meeting this year that was most astonishing. At mid- Fest, and international programs. autumn, the Park hosted a group of judges from the Amur Region. It is a In August, a journalist from yearly tradition for them to bring their families out to a natural area for the newspaper My Fine Lady visited picnics and relaxation. Why would they choose Muraviovka Park? Yes, the Park and stayed to help the Amur because of the cranes, but probably just as important is the opportunity to chapter of Friends of Muraviovka have a guide explaining about the natural world around them. There are Park paint Kim Sooil’s cabin. She not many places in the Amur Region where you can get such an excursion, was so impressed by what the Park especially if your tour guide is Dr. Sergei Smirenski. This group was charmed has done that she wrote an by his passion for the Park, its birds, and the wetlands. The judges said inspirational article encouraging that it was the best treat of the year. They decided to provide support for people to do something positive in the lure crop field for next years birds. their life and move forward like —Marina Kolodina Muraviovka Park is doing. 3 Tourism from page 1 Park; lComplete displayed in local businesses. English Park Director Marina Kolodina translation of and I met with teachers from the three different local Agriculture Institute to discuss self-guided possible student participation in the nature tours; Park’s agriculture program and its lPrepare incorporation into the eco-tourism informational program. Teachers were very materials about interested in their students working the captive crane with the Park. and Swan Goose We also met with Deputy Head programs, of Social Issues Raisa Serga and including Lena Petrovna, director of the information Museum of History of Agriculture of specific to these Far-Eastern Russia, to discuss local birds for use in interest in producing handicrafts for local schools; sale at the Park. They were both lContinue very enthusiastic about the project networking with and promised to help. countries that A training session was share the Park’s conducted with Park staff to review cranes. This can my observations from a recent visit be an important by Japanese and Korean guests and source of to offer my suggestions as information for preparations were being made for crane biology and an upcoming visit by Americans. cultural Educator Kirill Kolodin was hired education; during the summer and his duties lMap out include an active involvement in and build a development of the Park’s eco- boardwalk into Volunteer Natalia Gromova conducts a tour of the Park in tourism initiative. the wetlands for for reporters and other visitors. In summary, a lot of good ideas visitor use; were developed during this lHold workshops for local tour tourism; assignment that will allow the Park guides to introduce them to lCreate a set of guidelines so to continue progress towards its Muraviovka Park and its variety of Park staff understands what is goal of self-sufficiency with eco- programs; expected of them; tourism as a basic enterprise. lPlant agricultural lAs facility improvements are These include: demonstration plots using university made, keep the Park’s “image” in lComplete Passport to students. Offer tours and mind and make sure everything has Muraviovka Park; educational materials to local a finished look; lDevelop informational farmers; lHave high expectations and brochure and ask local businesses lWork with local craftsmen stay positive. It’s easy to dwell on and tour agencies to display; and villagers to provide the difficulties, but focus on the lComplete Field Guide to recommendations on developing achievements and highlights to keep Trees and Shrubs of Muraviovka businesses supported by eco- staff morale high. The initial premise for Kirill Kolodin, a establishment of Muraviovka Park summer camp for Sustainable Land Use was to volunteer in 2004 demonstrate that wildlife and 2006, was conservation can go hand-in-hand hired as the Park’s with an increased standard of living education program and higher level of education in local coordinator in late communities. The Park can realize summer. this goal by promoting a significant increase in visitors for the benefit of both people and wildlife.

Barb Thompson is president of the U.S. chapter of Friends of Muraviovka Park. 4 No boundaries in nature protection

By Natalia Gromova ‘Sooil believed Science and knowledge do not belong to a definite in the power of country, its politics or anything else. We all share truth in both nature. First of all we share birds, which never science and in recognize any human-established boundaries. Bird personal researchers and scientists travel from country to country, relationships.’ from continent to continent, crossing a lot of borders in -George Archibald, their efforts to understand the different species. Kim Sooil was one such world-renowned ornithologist. ICF Co-Founder This Korean researcher was also a teacher and activist for sustainable land use. He understood the biological interactions between birds and their habitat. In 2002, Kim Sooil brought a group of post- graduate students from South Korea to Muraviovka Park was supported by KFEM and on August 13, 2006, the Park to study strategies for nature conservation. The Korean hosted a group of 24 Koreans for the dedication and scientists, along with Russian children and their opening ceremony of the Kim Sooil Cabin. More than teachers, were very excited to participate in the 100 visitors participated in the ceremonies, which environmental school together. They went on morning included a video about Kim Sooil and his work. Irina hikes, did bird banding, and shared relaxing times Kosareva, a student at Amur State University, had around the evening campfire. They learned about each painted a mural in the cabin with the image of Sooil's other’s cultures, traditions, and customs. Such Bird of Happiness—the Oriental White Stork. This environmental camps make people kin and promote species stopped nesting in Korea during the 1970s and friendship. Kim Sooil’s efforts in ornithology, research, Kim Sooil was instrumental in developing a captive teaching, and nature conservation helped to establish breeding program and reintroducing the stork back into good connections between nature protection Korea. organizations in many countries. Dedication ceremonies included Russian singing Summer of 2005 saw the passing of Kim Sooil from groups from Serishevo, Ivanovka, Muraviovka, and a heart attack. Dr. Sergei Smirenski visited Korea in the Chigiri. The Korean guests presented a crane dance and fall of that year and became acquainted with Kim’s traditional Korean music. For five days there were disciples - the Korean Federation of Environmental environmental activities, campfires, and cultural Movement (KFEM), which includes teachers, researchers, exchange. The Koreans had brought several boxes filled staff of protected areas, and volunteers willing to save with traditional foods and treated everyone to the nature. unusual dishes. It is unlikely that you can find Sergei suggested building a cabin at Muraviovka traditional Korean food elsewhere in Russia! During Park in honor of Kim Sooil’s lifelong work. This initiative breaks in classroom activity, the Russian students tried to learn how to play Korean musical instruments, without much success. It was not important that they could play the instruments. It was important that we learned from each other. We realized that although we were different, we were the same, and joined together in the important work of bird conservation. We had been brought together by the vision of Kim Sooil, who wanted to demonstrate the biodiversity of wildlife in the world to his students. Let the science win. It, together with friendship, knows no boundaries.

Natalia Gromova is a member Korean visitor Cha, In Hwan tries his hand at a traditional Russian dance during of the Amur chapter of Friends of dedication ceremonies for the Kim Sooil cabin at Muraviovka Park. Muraviovka Park. 5 ‘Swan Geese’contest inspires youth

Muraviovka Park, in cooperation with Amur Region in a booklet being written about Swan Geese. Administration’s Education Department, organized and The Amur Post Carriage, a regional newspaper, operated an art contest titled “Swan Geese” from published more than five stories from the contest and February through April, 2006. Financial support was also established their own three prizes to the children provided by the Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Sanctuary whose stories they liked most. (Litchfield, CT), the Rotary Club of Blagoveshchensk city, Winners in each category received an opportunity Tembr-bank, and Super Bank (Amur Region). to participate free of charge in summer camps at the There are 21 municipal divisions (districts and Park, among other prizes. All participants were cities) in the Amur Region. Students from every one of rewarded with a certificate of appreciation and special them submitted entries for the contest, which consisted Swan Goose stickers. of three divisions: It turned out that many winners were children from 1. Art works, including wood carving, birch bark remote northern parts of Amur Region. One girl, Tatyana creations, knitting, and painting (302 entries); Garbuz, couldn't attend the summer camp, because she 2. Stories, Essays, and Poems (110 entries); and lives on the Zeya river, which was flooding at the time. 3. Reports (54 entries). Since she could not get out of her village, she received a The best pieces were exhibited at Muraviovka scholarship for a future visit to the Park. Park, at regional children’s libraries, and will be included —Marina Kolodina

Svetlana Tolkueva, a ‘Swan Geese’ ninth-grade student from contest winners Magdagachi district, shows Art works: her prize- First: Svetlana Tolkueva, winning age 15, Magdagachi district. creation in the Straw, stones. art works Second: Liza Budakova, age division, a 12, Bamovski town, Skovorodnski portrait of swan District. Paper. geese composed of straw and Third (tie): Leila Djhandar, stones. age 13, Raichihinsk town. Painted dough. Third (tie): Julia Evtyushkina, age 16. Seeds. Stories: First: Tatiana Garbuz, grade 9, Ivanovka village, Zeya District. Second: Alexei Larin, grade 7, Blagoveshchensk. Third: Olga Silko, grade 8, Mikhailovka village.

Muraviovka goes digital! If you’re not able to travel Muraviovka Park in website at http://muraviovkapark.org. person, you can visit virtually! A website can now be viewed at www.mpark.amur.ru. To learn about the International Crane Foundation or view FOMP sale items, visit www.savingcranes.org. You can also stay apprised of Park activities and A profile of Muraviovka Park can be found under the updates by visiting the Friends of Muraviovka Park “Conservation and Research” tab.

6 building. Over 1,000 seedlings of 12 types of trees and bushes were planted with the help of volunteers. A colony of restored Euriala ferax, a tropical plant, continued to survive despite unfavorable weather conditions and depredation by muskrats. The work of studying soils in the Park, as the first stage of steppe restoration, continued. Research in the Amur flood land was carried out in March and May. Currently, 70 soil samples from the Park, including some from the ancient lake bottom, are being analyzed at the Dokuchaev’s Soil Institute in Moscow for chemical composition, spores, and pollen. The test results will be published and will lead to recommendations as to the type of vegetation that should be planted for restoration of the original steppe. The soils Marina Kolodina, left, and Svetlana Andreeva were promoted in 2006 to of the Park have been recommended by RAN the positions of Park director and deputy director for management, for inclusion in Russia’s first Red Data Book respectively. of Soils of Russia. In addition, analyses were made of the pH, nitrogen, and other Update from page 1 be possible to raise genetically nutrient levels in the Park’s arable land. pure individuals to restore a Two pairs of Red-crowned, wild population of Swan Geese four pairs of White-naped, and Staff in the Amur Region. ten pairs of Oriental White Spring of 2006 featured several staff The Park is completing Storks made their nests in the changes. The Board of Directors promoted construction of a pen for year- Park. One stork nest was Marina Kolodina to the position of Park round care of a family of Red- destroyed by a wind storm in Director. Marina graduated from the Foreign crowned cranes. May, but the rest of the storks Languages Department of Blagoveshchensk A 60-acre lure crop of corn successfully raised their young. Teacher University, and has been working at was planted for the feeding of Although the number of the Park since 2000. She started as the cranes and other birds. In breeding pairs was small, flocks education program coordinator, before September, almost 500 of up to 30 White-naped and promotion to head of the Education kilograms of corn and wheat Hooded cranes and some small Department. was spread for the birds in a groups of Red-crowned cranes field near the headquarters continued on page 8 periodically visited the Park over the summer. The fall migratory concentrations began to gather in the second half of August and reached its height with 650 Hooded and 400 White-naped cranes at the end of September.

Restoration of Species and Ecosystems Under a joint Swan Goose restoration project carried out by Muraviovka Park, the Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Sanctuary (Litchfield, CT), and the Russian Academy of Sciences Genetics Institute in Moscow (RAN), genomes of wild and captive birds have been studied. No principal differences were found between the birds of the lower Amur Basin and Eastern Buying traditional Russian pottery from the local ceramics master was a big treat for Mongolia. Therefore, it should some of the 300 guests during Crane Fest. 7 Update from page 1 V. Starykh was hired as mechanic and Alexandr Lyukyanov was hired to work in the Agriculture Program. In late summer, Kirill Kolodin, a graduate of Blagoveshchensk University’s Department of English and Information Technologies, was hired as education program coordinator. Kirill had been a summer camp volunteer in 2004 and 2006. Svetlana Andreeva was appointed the deputy director for management. This is the second year Svetlana has worked for the Park. She is a graduate of the Commercial Academy, Department of Economics, and has accounting and database experience.

Fire Prevention Activities In April, Intourist Travel Agency organized a group of 20 students, adults, and Pumps were obtained for the retirees from Blago who brought their own trees and planted them in the Park in fire-suppressant backpack units and an effort to reforest areas burned in the 2005 fires. water tanks. A film entitled “The Bastak Reserve (Jewish Autonomous from the Amur and Primorsky Engulfing Fire,” commissioned by Region), Okskiy Nature Reserve, the Regions, the United States, and the Park, was shown on regional Regional Wildlife Protection Agency, South Korea took part. The Amur television several times during the the Department of Natural Region Administration for Education peak period of fire danger in the Resources, the Government of provided financial support for these region. Tambovsky District, FOMP, the sessions. International Crane Foundation, the A book on cranes and marshes Other Developments Eurasian Crane Group, and the for elementary and middle school Scientists from the Botanical Korean Federation for the children was published, and editing Garden of the Far-eastern branch of Conservation of Nature. was completed on a curriculum for RAN have begun work on creating a As a result of these meetings, summer camp teachers of middle herbarium of local vascular plants. the Park reached an agreement to school students. Graduate students from the cooperate with Korean ecological The Park also provided local Pedagogical University have organizations on a study of internship opportunities. Five made a collection of typical insects migratory birds and to develop an students from the Department of at the Park and have begun studying international program for the Geography and five from the the mixed colony of Hymenoptera restoration of the Red-crowned Department of English Language at (bees and wasps). crane. A special meeting of Blagoveshchensk Teacher's A researcher from the Moscow researchers and representatives of University; a Tourism Department University Ornithology Laboratory the Russian, Chinese, and Korean student from the Amur State has been studying habitats of the ministries in charge of natural University; and four students from Indian warbler. resources will be organized to the local cooking school all discuss the establishment of an completed their summer practice at Scientific Seminars and action plan for the Red-crowned the Park. Over 15 teachers from Workshops crane. Amur Region schools received This summer, two seminars training at the teaching seminars. took place at the Park. The first Education Program Postgraduate students from was a joint Russian-Korean seminar The summer education the Vertebrate Zoology Department on migratory bird conservation. The program once again was a huge of Moscow State University have second was a meeting of the success. We held the 13th annual studied possibilities of individual International Working Group on the Russian-American camp session on “no-touch” identification of birds by Red-crowned crane. These environmental education (EE), the their vocalizations in a natural workshops were attended by 5th English Language-Ecology setting. They recorded unison calls participants from Moscow State session, and the 2nd Russian-Korean of White-naped and Red-crowned University, the Far-eastern branch of EE session. In all, over 180 cranes. G.V. Nosachenko conducted RAN, Khinganski Nature Reserve, students, teachers, and professors research on the structure and 8 dynamics of the roosting gatherings post-fire cleanup, preparation of the Federation for Environmental of cranes during the fall migration. camp cabins and headquarters Education to conduct joint summer She presented the results of her buildings for the summer season, schools at the Park and send EE work at an international meeting at building of bird pens, and teachers from the Amur Region to Far Eastern Agro State University conducting the children’s “Swan participate in summer EE schools in and they were accepted for Geese” contest. Park staff offered South Korea. Jeong, Jon Young was publication in the collection of lectures and excursions for all the installed as president of the new papers of the Far Eastern University volunteers at the Park. The Park Korean chapter of Friends of and a Japanese research magazine. hosted over 60 orphans from Muraviovka Park. Marina Kolodina was invited to Konstantinovka orphanage for 10 A number of cooperative visit EE centers in the United States days. projects were completed involving and to take part in the meeting of A number of Russian folk the Park and the Amur Institute for Muraviovka Park’s Board of groups performed at the Park this Geology and Land Planning, the Directors in Wisconsin during late summer, coming from Tambovsky, Amur Medical Academy, the Amur October. Konstantinovsky, Ivanovsky, and Hydro-meteorological and Seryshevsky districts of the Amur Environmental Monitoring Center, Local, Regional, and Region. Two professional singers, and the Lisakovsky Museum in International Cooperation Elena Belyaeyva, the director of the Kazakhstan. There has been a noticeable group “Resurrection” and her The Park continued its increase in interest about husband, the Philharmonic soloist cooperative efforts with ICF, the Muraviovka Park from the Amur Albert Khan, as well as local bard A. Ripley Waterfowl Sanctuary, the Region since our 2005 symposium on Boboshko came to perform at the Woodland Park Zoo, the Crane “The Principles and Practices of Eco- Park several times in 2006. In Working Group of Eurasia, and the Tourism.” Tour companies, as well addition, the Park became one of Russian Union for Bird Protection. as universities and colleges have the sites for the regional movie The Amur chapter of FOMP met in established contact with us. forum, “The Amur Autumn,” which April and October to hear reports on The Park had over 1,000 attracted about 40 actors and activities of the Park and adopt visitors during the summer of 2006, moviemakers and about 400 plans of activities for 2006-2007. the majority of them students from visitors. Awards were received from the local schools. Visitors were offered Muraviovka Park and the Russian Ministry of Natural lectures on wild birds and excursions Changlindao Nature Reserve and Resources and the Bruno Schubert on the new environmental trail. State Farm in China extended their Foundation in Germany. Blagoveshchensk School No. 12 agreement on cooperation to hold EE offers nature classes to students camp sessions at the Park and in Dr. Sergei Smirenski is the founder from elementary grades to China. A preliminary agreement has of Muraviovka Park and a member of graduating seniors. Over 300 been reached with the Korean its Board of Directors. people attended the annual Crane Fest. The local travel company, Intourist, won the Amur Region award for the best weekend offering for its tour of Muraviovka Park. Although the number of visitors to the Park grew markedly, they did not cause problems for wild animals or natural settings. Visitors took part in organized excursions guided by Park staff and stayed within designated areas of the Park. The endangered birds were not frightened by human beings and continued to fly close to the Park buildings and sometimes even over the visitors’ heads Support to the Park from local and regional governments, businesses, banks, schools, colleges, and universities grew noticeably during 2006. More than Volunteers continued to play a key role in the success of Muraviovka Park in 300 people from Blagoveshchensk, 2006. Here, students from Amur State University help to clean the Nature Seryshevsky, Ivanovsky, Tambovsky, Center, camp cabins, and the Guest House. Their May visit was initiated by two Konstantinovsky, and Arkharinsky University instructors who participated in the Nature Tourism workshop at the districts took part in tree-planting, Park in May, 2005. 9 Birds, Park benefit when Eggplant Dip you Adopt-A-Nest! from the kitchen of Elena Smirenski You don’t have to travel to Russia, participate in a summer camp, or haul brush to play a vital role in the Ingredients: success of Muraviovka Park. You can help maintain the I medium eggplant Park and its ecosystems as a vital place for cranes and 1 onion other birds through the Adopt-a-Nest Program! 1-1/2 Tbsp. vegetable oil Sponsored by Friends of Muraviovka Park, Adopt-A- 1 tomato Nest is a great way to join the effort to protect nest sites salt for two species of endangered cranes, the Red-crowned and pepper the White-naped. In addition, the wetlands in Muraviovka half of a lemon provides nesting areas for the Oriental White Stork and a half of a head of garlic temporary resting place for thousands of migrating birds vinegar from other parts of the world. Boil or bake eggplant: If boiling, place Those who adopt a nest site (or receive it as a gift) the whole eggplant (without cutting) into will be acknowledged with a certificate, crane photo, and a boiling water for 3 minutes. Or, bake on book about cranes, their habits, and habitats. This package baking sheet for 10-15 minutes at 350 F; the comes complete with postcards from the Park and a one- eggplant skin must turn slightly golden brown, year membership in the Friends of Muraviovka Park. but not burnt. It is a great deal for a minimum “adoption fee” of Remove skin and mince the inside. Mince $50! Why not think of someone on your gift list who would and lightly fry tomato and onion. Add tomato enjoy this unique opportunity? It’s also a popular learning and onion to minced eggplant along with salt, opportunity for school classes or other groups, and one pepper, vegetable oil, and a bit of vinegar. which benefits the environment! For sharp, spicy taste, add half a minced To request an adoption brochure please contact Elena head of garlic. Add lemon and let cool. Serve Smirenski at elena@ savingscranes.org or Carolyn Parrott on bread or as a dip. at [email protected]. Help make “the connection” at Muraviovka Park! If you’re a teacher with some spare time this summer and an interest in advancing environmental issues, there’s a place for you at Muraviovka Park! The Park will feature two seminars linking instructors from Russia and the U.S. with students from throughout the region. The 2007 edition of the International Languages Summer School is scheduled for June 21-30, with a special session for Russian teachers from June 18- 21. The ILSS will focus on the role of art in nature. Environmental Education Summer Camp will take place from July 10-20, and will examine what factors at Muraviovka attract tourists. Educators from Russia are invited to attend from July 7-10. University credit is available through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for teacher participants of either camp. Organizers hope to have the teams assembled soon, and plan to meet one day a month to prepare for the camps and make all travel arrangements. The cell phone service at Muraviovka Park is not ideal. Participants will be signed up on a first come—first Sometimes to get a good connection the staff needs to go onto the served basis, so contact Barb Thompson as soon as roof, also known as the “outside office”! Here, Director Marina possible if you are interested in this trip at (608) Kolodina and Ms. Park Sunyoung try to call Seoul, South Korea. 786-2382 or [email protected]. 10 education efforts in China.

# Friends of Muraviovka Park: Membership Renewal and Board of Directors Ballot Please vote for THREE of the following candidates: ___Ruth Bauer ___George Danner ___Carolyn Parrott ___Write in candidate:______

Membership Renewal (Membership term January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007):

Name ______Membership Levels: ____ student ($10) Address ______individual ($15) ____ family ($25) ______school/youth group ($50) ____ organization/firm ($100) City ______State _____ Zip ______contributing member ($100) ____ additional donation Email ______$_____total donation Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Please make checks payable to the International Crane Foundation and return to:

Friends of Muraviovka Park, International Crane Foundation, P.O. Box 447, Baraboo, WI 53913 # 2007 Board of Directors Election Three considered for re-election Friends of Muraviovka Park members may vote in elected every three years. The candidates listed below the 2007 Board of Directors election by submitting the have agreed to be on the ballot. Additionally, any person ballot above during the annual meeting or returning it by wishing to be on the Board can be a write-in candidate. March 23, 2007 to ICF. Candidates receiving the most votes will be elected as According to the Bylaws, board members are to be members of the Board of Directors.

Ruth Bauer is an art teacher working with kindergarten through 6th grade students at Boscobel Elementary School. She has a bachelor’s degree in Art Education and a Master of Science degree in Environmental Education. Recently, she was elected to the Boards of Directors of the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education and of the Southwest Prairie Enthusiasts. In 1995, Ruth traveled to Muraviovka Park as part of the volunteer teaching staff for the Environmental Summer Camp. She says that even though she went with the idea of teaching Russian children, she acquired more knowledge than she left behind. That experience, along with 26 years of traveling around the world has developed her desire and motivation to work with the people, cranes, and wetlands associated with Muraviovka Park. Currently, she is Vice-President of the FOMP Board of Directors and Co-Chairman of the Fundraising Committee. Ruth wants to continue her efforts on the Friends of Muraviovka Park Board so that she can help the Park remain a vital activity in the Russian Far East.

George Danner is an independent organic farm production and organic food processing inspector. Working for various certifiers, he has the opportunity to travel about the United States. George has been involved with the project at Muraviovka Park since its inception. He made two trips to the Russian Far East and the Park site with Sergei Smirenski, as the original ideas and plans were being developed. He traveled with Sergei to Washington, D.C. for meetings that provided monies to initiate the beginning of the Park. Currently, George is the agricultural consultant for the demonstration farm activity at the Park and the editor of Zhuravl. He wants to continue his participation on the FOMP Board because of the very important support role the “Friends” provide for the survival of the Park.

Carolyn Parrott is an adjunct professor at Milwaukee Area Technical College and recently retired from full- time teaching of biology, AP biology, and bioethics. Carolyn traveled to Muraviovka Park in 1999 as part of the volunteer teaching team for the Environmental Summer Camp and has been a member of the FOMP Board since that time. She made a quilt with the Russian children and continues to express herself with beautiful quilts. Currently, Carolyn is membership Chairman and administers the “Adopt a Nest” Program for FOMP. She wants to continue her involvement as a Board member, because she believes in the mission of Friends of Muraviovka Park and the importance of the work being done in Russia. 11 Friends of Muraviovka Park An Affiliate of the International Crane Foundation P.O. Box 447 Baraboo, WI 53913

Dedicated totoDedicated environmental protection, educational programming, ecological research, and sustainable agricultural development at Muraviovka Park and in the Amur River watershed of the Russian Far East.

ZHURAVL IS EDITED BY GEORGE DANNER AND TYPESET BY ROB NELSON.

March 24 set for Are we FOMP Annual Meeting missing The Friends of Muraviovka Park will hold its Annual Meeting at 1:00 p.m. on March 24 in the library of the International Crane Foundation. you? The afternoon’s activities will include door prizes and a screening of the new The Friends of Muraviovka Muraviovka Park promotional video recently completed by Nikolai Zemlyanski. Park depends on The program will close with a performance of “Park Muraviovskiy” by Elena membership dues and Smirenski and Russian friends from Madison, Wisconsin. other contributions to Visas pending, a program is also planned by Kang Yun, project officer with support its ongoing work the Beijing Brooks Education Center and Maria Vladimirtseva, junior researcher in the Russian Far East. with the Institute for Biological Problems of the Permafrost Zone in Yakutia. Both women are working with schools and children to promote conservation efforts If you’ve allowed your along the eastern crane flyway in China and Russia. During their visit to the U.S., membership to lapse, they plan to observe teaching methods in Milwaukee schools and share their please consider experiences with students and teachers there. renewing your support of The Annual Meeting also includes the election of three members to the FOMP cranes and communities board. For instructions on how to vote and profiles of the candidates, see page with a tax-deductible 11. contribution to FOMP ICF is located at E-11376 Shady Lane Road, just east of U.S. Highway 12 today! You’ll find a between Baraboo and Lake Delton, Wisconsin. For directions or more renewal form on page 11 information, contact Elena Smirenski at 608-356-9462 ext. 130 or of this newsletter. [email protected].