The BogHaunter the newsletter of the Friends of the Cedarburg Volume 9, Number 2 SPRING 2014

MEET THE flowers bloom first and then become Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema One of the Bog’s earliest-blooming unreceptive when its male flowers triphyllum) is said to smell like fungi, , the skunk cabbage, is a start releasing pollen. and its chief pollinator is a small fly member of the family, called a fungus gnat. The color of . There are more than 3700 the spathe is variable, from pale Arum species worldwide (mostly green to burgundy-striped. In fall, tropical), and the four members of the only sign of the is a tight the family that grow within the Bog – cluster of bright red and orange skunk cabbage, Jack-in-the-pulpit, lying on the ground – food for wild , and arrow arum – are Wild Turkey and Wood Thrushes. some of our oddest-looking Jack-in-the-pulpit plants can change wildflowers. genders during their lifetimes, and Arums are famous for their the gender for the next year is decadent odor, for containing Skunk Cabbage determined by late summer based on calcium oxalate crystals that make starches stored in the . In eating them painful and even Heat is generated when the plant general, a young plant, or an older dangerous, and for the ability of uses oxygen and an aspirin-like plant that is stressed or diseased, many species to produce heat. They substance to break down stored will have a single stalk topped by are not poisonous to touch, but both starches. That heat broadcasts the three and will bear male the odor and the crystals discourage plant’s pungent odor, and it also flowers. Older plants with a good grazers. Native Americans used the attracts insects that climb inside the food supply will grow two leaf stalks , or leaves of all four spathe to warm up and thus become and bear female flowers. Why? It unintentional pollinators. takes more energy to produce seeds. Bog species as food or medicine – only after disarming the calcium Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus oxalate by long cooking or drying. foetidus) blooms right at ground

Many arums grow from thick, level, so the heat it produces can underground stems called rhizomes melt the spring snow around it. The or rootstalks that have roots temperature inside its rust-colored sprouting from them. They can live spathe may be more than thirty for a long time, and their root degrees higher than that of the systems may get so extensive that ambient air, and that protects the they’re almost impossible to dig up. plant on frosty nights. The shape of Wild calla, skunk cabbage, and arrow the spathe produces a vortex of air arum like to grow with their feet in within, pulling cool air in near the or near the water, while Jack-in-the- warm spadix at the base and pulpit grows in the slightly dryer circulating it upwards. It blooms ground of rich, damp woods, shady when few insects are out, and its wetland edges, and hummocks. Like flowers are pollinated by heat- the habitat that surrounds them, the seeking bees and stoneflies and by tissues of their leaves and flowers fungus gnats, carrion-loving flies, Jack-in-the-Pulpit beetles, and other insects are very watery, and they decay Its name in the Algonquin language accustomed to following the scent of quickly. means “bulbous plant used for food,” decomposition. Opportunistic but some tribes called it “memory Although the structures that spiders spin webs across a spathe plant,” a testament to the after- surround their flowers may be opening. showy, you must look closely to see effects of eating it raw. Early the flowers themselves. Tiny male Skunk cabbage may grow for settlers extracted starch from the and female flowers are borne on a decades, and the rhizome of an older plant for laundry purposes, as they fleshy structure called a spadix, and plant can be a foot thick. Its roots had from a European arum called the spadix is hooded by a modified are “contractile” – after the plant cuckoopint, and undoubtedly with leaf called a spathe - “Jack” is the blooms, the roots contract slightly the same results. The starch was spadix, and his “pulpit” is the spathe. and snug the plant down into the very caustic to the hands of the Most Arums have female flowers at soil. Conspicuous, cabbage-like laundress, and slightly less so to the the base of the spadix and male leaves appear and unfurl only after garment’s wearer. the flowers have been fertilized. By flowers above them. They are not Water arum or wild calla (Calla August, these leaves are decaying. self-pollinating; a plant’s female palustris) resembles but is not in the same genus as the calla in the used the spadix and the cocoa- ears and tails freeze and crack. They florist’s shop, though that calla is flavored seeds. are not equipped physiologically to also an arum. Calla palustris means hibernate, though they do sleep in “beauty of the swamp.” Most wild winter dens for several days at a have a single, white spathe, time without the true hibernator’s but some produce two or even three. drop in body temperature. Then It’s a circumboreal species, found in they must forage for food. northern zones of America, Fortunately for them, food is every- and . where. As “opportunistic omnivores,” Its flowers and heart-shaped leaves they’ll eat just about any-thing they are borne on foot-long stalks that find - , insects, frogs, slugs, grow out of standing water from garbage, and road kill. They have rhizomes submerged in the muck. the efficient immune systems of Flower flies (family Syrphidae) are Arrow Arum carrion eaters, are relatively frequent visitors to the flowers, but unaffected by the bites of rattle- its odor also attracts pond snails, GOT GAB? snakes, and rarely transmit rabies. surprising pollinators of wild calla. The majority of Friends events are led by just a few guides. We are Historically, people in Scandinavian looking for a few people who can countries harvested the rhizomes of help us to introduce the public to the wild calla, dried them, and ground Bog. Potential leaders do not have them into flour that was used to to be knowledgeable about all things make a bread called “famine bread.” animal, mineral, and vegetable in the

Bog; we’ll train you. They do have to be interested in learning and be comfortable talking to a small group.

Sound like fun? Drop a snail mail to Kate Redmond, c/o the Friends mailing address on the newsletter.

THE BOG’S MARSUPIAL Opossums (Didelphus virginianus) are listed as common mammals on Possum the UWM Field Station mammal list;

Wild Calla that’s not surprising, because the Alarmed possums may show all 50 Bog represents the habitat teeth, hiss, growl or run away, but Arrow arum () “crossroads” it prefers. Remarkably they are famous for “playing has a limited distribution in adaptable, generalist omnivores, possum,” an involuntary response to Wisconsin and is a relative newcomer nomadic, and mainly nocturnal, great stress. The “dead” animal to the Bog, where a specimen was possums are at home everywhere. curls up with eyes half-closed, collected in 1991. At present it is They are increasingly successful stiffens, bares its teeth, salivates, found only near Long Lake. A plant urban and suburban dwellers, but and releases a bad-smelling musk. of eastern , it is their preferred habitats are This “catatonic” state may last for creeping west, aided by migrating woodlands and farmlands with water minutes or hours, until twitching ears birds that eat and spread its seeds nearby, and although they are good signal that the opossum is reviving and by people who introduce it swimmers, they are one of many enough to monitor its surroundings. intentionally. It’s considered species that takes advantage of the invasive in part of its range. As marsupials, the honeybee-sized boardwalks in the Bog. opossum young still look embryonic Unlike the other arums, arrow No story about opossums would be at birth and must find their way to arum’s large rhizome produces a complete without an account of their the female’s pouch, where they stay thicket of stalks and leaves that can remarkable spread throughout North for the next two months until they be than three feet tall or taller. America. They originated in Central are mouse-sized. The usual litter is These thickets shelter a variety of America, and by 1492, their range about seven, and they ride on their wildlife, from dragonflies to fish to included the southeastern US. They mother’s back after they leave the snakes to deer. It’s able to survive moved north and west as the settlers pouch. Cars, dogs, coyotes, Great- in wetland soils where oxygen is cleared the great forests and made horned Owls, hawks and winter scarce. roads; they probably reached weather take their toll, and possums The flower resembles a slim, pale Wisconsin before statehood, and seldom live more than two years. cattail encased in a sheath and is their populations increased Opossums do not hang by their pollinated by several species of small dramatically in the 1900’s. Today, prehensile tails, except briefly, as flies. Its fruits are too heavy for opossums live in much of the country youngsters, but they do use the tail their pulpy stalk, which bends toward east of the Rockies, and they are for balance while running, as a fifth the water, submerging the berries, also found along the Pacific coast, hand while climbing, and for carrying planting some and allowing others to where they were introduced. leaves and grass back to their dens. float away. Arrow arum berries are They shouldn’t be here. These are What’s in a name? The Algonquin eaten by muskrats and several kinds southern animals whose coats are of ducks, and possibly by snapping name for the animal was “aposoum,” not well insulated and whose hairless and painted turtles. Humans have meaning “white animal.” That word

was corrupted by Captain John kiosk in the Highway 33 parking lot, The 5th Annual Treasures of Oz Smith, who called them “opossums.” and checklists for birds, butterflies, celebration. A great opportunity for In 1608, Smith wrote that, “An and dragonflies that are available on- the family to see the unsung Natural Opassum hath a head like a Swine, a line and that will be in brochure areas of Ozaukee County! taile like a rat and is of the bignes of boxes at the start of the north trail. a Cat. Under her belly she hath a A PowerPoint about the Bog has also bagge wherein she lodgeth, carrieth, been completed. and sucketh her young.” TREASURES OF OZ Grab your “passport” and spend June 14 exploring unique Ozaukee County natural areas. This year’s Treasures include the Cedarburg Environmental Study Area, the new mountain bike park at Pleasant Valley Nature Park, the Ravine and Beach Natural Area at Lion’s Den Leatherleaf

Gorge Nature Preserve, the hiking the trails at Mee-Kwon Park, the US WELCOME KATIE The Friends organization recently Trail Sign Fish and Wildlife Service Belgium hired an Administrative Assistant for Waterfowl Production Area, and the Trinity Creek Wetland Area. about twenty hours a month to BOG EDUCATION handle tasks such as data entry, When the Friends of the Cedarburg As always, all trails lead to Forest membership drive, newsletter Bog organization incorporated in Beach Migratory Preserve where you formatting, and meeting minutes. 2005, education was recognized as can enjoy the 5-Star Bird Hotel, an important part of our mission. along with food, music, displays, live Katie Sparks currently works as a The Education Committee, chaired by animals, raffles, and a silent auction. fundraising professional at Froedtert Mary Holleback, takes on a variety of 9 AM to 3 PM - Guides will be & the Medical College of Wisconsin, outreach and education-related available at all sites. Noon to 6 PM - and has worked in this role at UWM activities and also supports the Celebration at Forest Beach. (her alma mater). She is married to projects of the Events and nature photographer Paul Sparks, Sample each of them or just a few. Stewardship Committees. who frequents the Bog. They have Get your passport stamped – stamps two sons and live in Glendale. Katie Some of the more visible projects of can be traded for free raffle tickets. recognizes the critical role the Bog the committee have been developing Check Treasuresofoz.org for maps plays in our local community and the trail signs for the north end of the and site details; passports will be larger environment and is thrilled to Bog, seasonal information for the available by the end of May. join the FOCB as the first employee.

FRIENDS’ EVENTS

Join us for these Friends-sponsored events. Unless otherwise stated, walks meet at the UWM Field Station on Blue Goose Rd. Wading boots not

needed; sandals not recommended. Space is limited. Registration requested. For directions or to register, visit Bogfriends.org (click on Events

tab). Walks are free and open to the public. $5 donation appreciated. Questions? 262-675-6844 or [email protected]. PLEASE - NO PETS ALLOWED

Woodcocks and Frogs April 24, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM The early spring frog chorus at the Field Station can be a religious experience. Witness the night sounds of frogs, woodcocks, cranes, other wetland noise-makers. Bring a flashlight.

Frogs (and maybe Woodcocks) May 8, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM The calls of mid-season species of frogs join early spring species as other wetland noise-makers add their voices. Bring a flashlight. Painted Turtle

At the North End of the Bog Spring Bird Walk May 11, 9 AM to Noon June 1, 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM Explore plant life at the north end of the Bog and learn why Watts Lake Search for migrants and breeding birds of the Bog. is different from the other lakes in the Bog. Trip will meet at the Bring binoculars, dress for the weather. Hwy 33 parking lot; no bathrooms. The Bog in Bloom The Bog Wakes Up June 29, 9 AM to Noon May 25, 9 AM to Noon Enjoy sights and sounds of summer in the Bog. Late spring? Early spring? Hike the boardwalk and experience the sights and sounds as the Bog wakes up. Friends of the Cedarburg Bog Supporting stewardship and appreciation of the The Cedarburg Bog: designated an Important Cedarburg Bog through land management, preservation, Bird Area and a Wetland Gem research and education.

UWM Field Station 3095 Blue Goose Road Saukville, WI 53080

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Volume 9, Number 2 SPRING 2014

CALENDAR Bird on your own or join an informal group Earth Day: Work & Learn Day along the trails. Watch bird banding near the More events: treasuresofoz.org/calendar April 26 Visitor Ctr. No registration required. Science for Everyone · 9 AM to Noon - work with staff member Location: RNC, Fee: Donation requested (This Public programs on Natural History · Noon - spaghetti lunch is the Bird Club's only fundraising event.) 7 PM to 8:15 PM · Afternoon - more activities, including an Annual Wildflower Sale 3rd Tuesday of the month at RNC update on Bat Monitoring Program May 10, 9 AM to 1 PM 4th Tuesday of the month at LLC Opportunities for groups, families and indiv- Wildflowers, perennials, herbs, trees, shrubs, For information, topics, or driving directions, iduals of all ages to get involved. Groups are trellises, wood carvings, other garden stuff. call RNC at 800-287-8098 or see requested to pre-register. Call 262-375-2715 Riveredgenaturecenter.org. Location: LLC to register. Location: RNC, Fee: Free Fee: Free ($5 Donation Appreciated) International Migratory Bird Day Become a Water Quality Monitor May 17, 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM May 3, 9 AM to 3 PM This hike is for avid birders of all ages in Learn to assess water quality of a stream or search of the elusive spring migratory bird river. Volunteers learn to ID aquatic inver- species. Bring binoculars. Max: 12 people. tebrates and do 5 tests. Monitors conduct Register at the LLC website under Public monthly tests in summer and submit their Programs or call 262-335-5080. data on a statewide website. Call Mary Location: LLC, Fee: Free Holleback 262-416-1224 to register. Location: RNC, Fee: Free ($5 donation appreciated)

Leopard Frog th 4 Annual Green Birding Challenge Noel J. Cutright Bird Club May 10, 6 AM to 1 PM 1st Tuesday of the month Join the Urban Ecology Center (UEC) for a fun 6 PM hike (Daylight Savings months) day of green birding and support research at 7 PM program the UEC by collecting pledges for your efforts. May 6 “Sky Hunters Birds of Prey”: a visit by All experience levels are welcome. For details birds from the Schlitz Audubon Nature or to register, call 414-964-8505 or visit Center’s Raptor Center. urbanecologycenter.org/greenbirdingchallenge Canada Goose June 3 Centennial Commemoration of the Location: Riverside Park UEC, 1500 E. Park Pl. Treasures of Oz Passenger Pigeon’s Extinction. Milwaukee, Fee: Free June 14, explore Ozaukee County natural Location: RNC, Fee: Free areas. See details on page 3. Noel J. Cutright Bird Club Birdathon

Friends of the Cedarburg Bog Board Meeting Bandathon Butterfly Count April 17, 7 PM May 10, 6 AM to 4 PM June 28, 8:30 AM - butterfly review Location: UWM Field Station Join us for all or part of the day as we try to 9:30 AM to 3 PM - butterfly count Members welcome. see and band as many species as possible. Contribute to more than 25 years of butterfly

Earth Day: Earth is a Solar-Powered Juke Box research at Riveredge. Join us for full or RNC - Riveredge Nature Center, 4458 April 22, 7 PM partial day. Dress to walk. Bring bag lunch if Hawthorne Dr, Saukville, WI 53080, Acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton to speak Riveredgenaturecenter.org staying all day. Adults & kids (ages 12 & up w/ on the importance of listening. His sound LLC - Lac Lawrann Conservancy, 300 Schmidt Rd, parent) are welcome. Location: RNC, Fee: $5 portraits are featured in PBS’s documentary, West Bend, WI 53090, Laclawrann.org donation appreciated

Vanishing Dawn Chorus. For info, (262) 242- MNP - Mequon Nature Preserve, 8200 W County Line Rd, Mequon, WI 53097, 8055 or Mequonnaturepreserve.org. Mequonnaturepreserve.org Location: MNP, Fee: Free