Refuges to the Rescue 2014 Patuxent NWR Brad Knudsen, Refuge Manager Waterbird Census Dec

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

Vol. 26 • No. 2 www.friendsofpatuxent.org April-June 2015

Refuges to the Rescue 2014 Patuxent NWR Brad Knudsen, Refuge Manager Waterbird Census Dec. 2013 to Dec. 2014 he National Wildlife Refuge TSystem (NWRS) continues urveys of waterbird species coming to the rescue of wildlife. Suse of the Patuxent Re- That is really no surprise. That is what search Refuge have been refuges have done for the past 112 conducted weekly since 1997. Sur- years, since President Theodore Roo- veys cover about 50 wetland areas sevelt had the foresight to establish the encompassing approximately 560 first NWR in 1903 - at Pelican Island in acres, plus approximately 3/4 mile Florida to protect large water birds segments each of the Patuxent from being slaughtered for women’s and Little Patuxent Rivers. Water fashions. We now have over 560 levels vary considerably from year NWRs nationwide, encompassing over to year due to drought, modifica- 150 million acres. Our mission over the tions from beaver activity and arti- years has always focused on wildlife ficial drawdowns. conservation, clarified and institution- alized in 1997, with the passing of the Weather National Wildlife Refuge System Im- Photo by Ross Feldner The Winter quarter was the provement Act, which states: being purchased with Duck Stamp eleventh coldest on record, after a “The mission of the National Wildlife funds to protect the important water- very mild 2013. We had 40 inches Refuge System is to administer a na- fowl breeding grounds of the prairie of snow, versus one inch in 2013. tional network of lands and waters for wetland complexes known as the Spring was cold; April was the the conservation, management, and “Prairie Pothole” region. However, it is fourth coldest and third wettest on where appropriate, restoration of the interesting to note the variety of pur- record. Summer precipitation was poses for which refuges have been es- fish, wildlife, and plant resources and Continued on page 3 their habitats within the United States Continued on page 2 for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.” Inside... Current data reveals that the NWRS Congratulations - Frank McGilvrey In Memorium ...... 11 provides habitat for more than 700 2014 Patuxent Research Refuge USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center . . . . .11 species of birds, 220 species of mam- Volunteer of the Year ...... 3 mals, 250 reptile and amphibian Say Hello to New Members of the Duvall Bridge Restoration ...... 4 Friends Board of Directors ...... 12 species and more than 1,000 species Spring Artists for 2015 in the Blast from the Past ...... 13 of fish. The backbone of the NWRS Hollingsworth Gallery ...... 6 Advance Notice! Nature’s Images certainly remains conservation of mi- Wildlife Images Can Help You Get Ready Photography Workshop ...... 13 gratory birds - dozens of refuges have for Spring Birdwatching ...... 7 May - Magnificent Whooping Crane Month . . .15 a mandated purpose to serve as a Volunteers Honored at the 2014 sanctuary for migratory birds. North Appreciation/Awards Dinner ...... 8 President Announces “Every Kid to a Park” . . .15 Dakota has more refuges than any Monarch Conservation ...... 11 Membership Application ...... 15 other state in the country, with most April-June 2015 Vol. 26 | No. 2

Refuges to the Rescue Gray bats, including Sauta Cave and endangered prehistoric snail species in Fern Cave NWRs. As bat populations Iowa (Driftless Area NWR) and to con- Continued from page 1 continue to succumb to diseases such serve the only known population of as white-nose syndrome, refuges have Mortensen’s Toad in Wyoming (Mort- tablished, and how many refuges have been asked to look at protection and ensen Lake NWR). The monarch but- been established to support the latest restoration of potential hibernacula terfly, another species recently species and/or habitat in peril. sites to help these species recover. becoming imperiled, and perhaps soon The examples are as varied as the Patuxent has even been investigating to be listed as an endangered species, NWRS itself. I worked at Great Dismal the potential for an old Department of is now receiving urgent attention from Swamp NWR in southern Virginia in Defense storage bunker on the North refuges throughout its range. Region 5 the early 1990’s. It was established in Tract to serve as a roosting site. has plans to preserve/restore 10,000 1980 - thanks in large part to a dona- acres of monarch habitat over the next In 2008, Cherry Valley National tion from the Nature Conservancy - “to two years, with much of this Wildlife Refuge was established preserve the unique ecosystem of the acreage occurring on - what in eastern Pennsylvania for Great Dismal Swamp”. This is recog- else - national wildlife refuges. the conservation of migratory nized as one of the NWRS’ first efforts birds and other federal trust The list of species and habi- to preserve a piece of the landscape species, but is of particular tats being protected on based on its ecological significance. importance for the preserva- refuge lands goes on and on. A more recent example comes from Al- tion of habitat for the endan- From majestic condors to slow- abama, where the Mountain Longleaf gered bog turtle. The refuge has moving bog turtles to tiny snail National Wildlife Refuge was estab- some of the densest populations of this species that have survived for lished on the former Fort McClellan endangered species in the mid-Atlantic. 400,000 years, the NWRS beckons to military installation in 2003, for the pro- them all.It serves as their home - their In 1982, the Service acquired 897 tection and management of remnant permanently protected home!! It has acres in southern California, securing old-growth and second-growth longleaf been at the forefront of such conser- most of the core roosting area for the pine forests. This 9,000 acre refuge vation efforts for 112 years, since that endangered California condor. This is holds a special place in the landscape, long ago birth of Pelican Island NWR. a key part of the Hopper Mountain conserving several plant species char- With dedicated staff and continual NWR complex, which protects habitat acteristic of the Southern Appalachian gains in scientific information, it is well not just for the condor, but for other en- Mountains where they reach the south- poised to remain at the forefront for dangered species as well, such as the ern limits of their range. that next species, or group of species, Western snowy plover and at least or that rare and unique habitat that Several recent additions to the NWRS nine species of endangered plants. may become imperiled. It is what the in Alabama were established to support Within the last twenty years, the NWRS does - it always has and it al- populations of endangered Indiana and NWRS has acquired lands to protect ways will!

Friends of Patuxent is published quarterly and can be read online or We invite you to join! mailed to our Friends upon request. Many of the newsletter contributors and other assistants are volunteers. There are Your membership/ regular contributors, however, we welcome and encourage all volunteers and Friends to submit items for the newsletter by sending or bringing them to: contribution helps Editor, Friends of Patuxent Newsletter support the mission and ATTN: Ross Feldner 11811 Ivanhoe Street programs at Patuxent Wheaton, MD 20902

Or email to [email protected]

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 submissions based on length, content or suitability.

To become a member of the Friends of Patuxent or send a donation, please see “Membership Application” on page 15.

2 April-June 2015 Vol. 26 | No. 2

Congratulations-Frank McGilvrey 2014 Patuxent NWR Waterbird Census 2014 Patuxent Research Refuge Continued from page 1 Volunteer of the Year near normal. Fall started out dry in September, and was normal the By Diana Ogilvie, Volunteer Coordinator rest of the quarter. The Fall Quar- ter had normal precipitation with rank McGilvrey has been se- 2014, he single-handedly removed widely fluctuating temperatures. lected as Patuxent Research more than 10,000 Bradford pear and FRefuge’s 2014 Volunteer of the 8,000 autumn olive trees growing on 2014 Highlights Year. Frank started volunteering at the Refuge. Frank also sprayed the Patuxent in 1996, has volunteered cut-stump surface with approved her- Canada goose numbers in- more than 21,000 hours since that bicide so that the cut trees would not creased substantially over the last date, and is still going strong. re-sprout later from the stump. two years and were above the 15 year average (1997-2011).The 15 A former Fish and Wildlife Service re- One of Frank’s greatest pleasures as a year average is 1997-2011. Wood search biologist, one of Frank’s more volunteer has been working with and ducks were well below the 15 year time-consuming activities is collecting mentoring young people, including average, and only slightly above data that is helpful in determining wet- staff, interns and volunteers, who ac- the record low in 1999. Mallards land wildlife populations. He spends company him on biological surveys were at a record low and one/half many hours a week monitoring water- and invasive plant patrols at Patuxent. of the 15 year average. Black birds on all impoundments and parts of Over the years, nearly 100 interns ducks also reached a record low. the rivers flowing though the refuge. have benefited from his vast experi- Hooded mergansers were well Every week from early March to mid- ence as a wildlife biologist. In his above the last two years, but still June, he checks approximately 140 words, “Their enthusiasm and hard well below the 15 year average. wood duck nest boxes and 65 islands work have kept me going!” Ring-neck ducks had a very high for nesting wood ducks, hooded mer- spring count but a low fall count. gansers, Canada geese, mallards and Frank’s contributions don’t end there. They were still well above the 15 black ducks. He also monitors the He promotes the refuge and its mis- year average. Pied-bill grebes and breeding success of cavity-nesting sion during refuge special events. He belted kingfishers showed sub- songbirds by assisting with the song- staffs the popular display of live wood stantial declines. Killdeer were bird nest box surveys throughout the ducks, interacting with the hundreds of right at the 15 year average. The spring and summer. He prepares re- visitors who come to the refuge seek- summer drawdowns on Central ports and articles on many of his sur- ing knowledge about the plants and Tract attracted an unusual variety vey activities for the Friends/Volunteer animals native to our area. of shorebirds in late summer and newsletter. Data collected are taken This human dynamo has removed early fall including pectoral sand- into consideration when developing beaver debris from water control struc- piper and semi-palmated sand- sound wildlife management practices tures. He has helped clear and main- piper. Among the wading birds, on the refuge. tain trails by removing trash in order to great blue herons were well below Frank assists with summer drawdowns provide a safe and enjoyable outdoor average, green herons above av- of impoundments to encourage growth experience for visitors and wildlife. erage, great egrets were twice the of annual wetland plants attractive to average and little blue herons ap- In summary, Frank McGilvrey has waterfowl, and monitors waterfowl har- proached the 1998 record, after shown true dedication and commitment vested on the Refuge at the Hunting many years of very few records. as a volunteer throughout the years. He Control Station during hunting season. Egrets and little blue herons were has been actively involved with refuge He has also helped with the Division of attracted by the Central Tract surveys, outdoor maintenance, special Migratory Bird Management Waterfowl drawdowns. Bald eagle numbers events, and public outreach. He has Harvest Survey Wing Bee in past were almost three times the long provided valuable mentoring to staff, in- years. This year, he expects to “speci- term average, primarily due to the terns and volunteers while helping the ate” 8,000 wings to help determine the nesting pair. Some unusual refuge staff in countless ways. His serv- statistics on the composition of har- species included sandhill crane, ice is longstanding and far-reaching. vested migratory waterfowl. red-headed grebe, common mer- Patuxent Research Refuge is fortunate ganser, Virginia rail, and black- Frank has recently become active in to count Frank McGilvrey among its crowned night heron. the war against invasive plants. In dedicated volunteers. 3 April-June 2015 Vol. 26 | No. 2 Duvall Bridge Restoration Re-opens Link Between North and Central Tract Time to haul equipment reduced by 30 minutes Teresa Walter, Photos by Oscar Gregory

atuxent Research Refuge has Pmany historic landmarks, with Duvall Bridge being one of the more endearing. The structure is an 87’ single span, steel, Pratt truss bridge with a timber deck, supported by steel floor beams and stringer fram- ing. It’s one of three surviving steel truss bridges in the County. Originally constructed c. 1907 by Anne Arundel County to replace an existing wooden bridge, the Duvall Bridge provides passage over the Patuxent River for, what was then, Telegraph Road. At one time, it is reported that this road was the main thoroughfare between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, with the first long-distance telegraph system, constructed in 1844 by Samuel Morse, running along its route. The namesake of the bridge was taken from the original wooden bridge, which Duvall Bridge before restoration connected the 450 acre plantation of within the refuge boundary between for design in 2011, and the work was Dr. Charles Duvall on the south side of the north tract and the rest of the completed in 2013. Due to the severe the river (Prince George’s County), to refuge. Without the bridge, Patuxent’s corrosion and section loss of the truss his saw and grist mill on the north side response time to the north tract for law bottom chords, the five original (Anne Arundel County). The Duvall’s enforcement officers increases from 15 stringers and the steel floor beams, all farm was sold out of the family in 1906, minutes to 45 minutes. Also, all main- these members were replaced, which and in the next year, Anne Arundel tenance equipment had to be trailered amounted to a full replacement of the County replaced the wooden bridge to the north tract over the Baltimore- entire bridge superstructure. with the existing structure. The Duvall Washington Parkway, which required a The restoration design (Burgess and plantation passed on to different plan- contracted hauler. However, even with Niple, Inc.) was sensitive to the need tation owners until 1936, when the tract this level of importance, funding main- to maintain the historic appearance of was sold to the U.S. Department of the tenance for the structure proved diffi- the bridge and included elements such Interior for the creation of The Patuxent cult at best, and the condition of the as using bolted connections designed Research Refuge. In 1941, the title to bridge was allowed to deteriorate al- to look like the original riveted connec- Duvall Bridge was officially given to the most unchecked. It was condemned tions as well as the use of carriage U.S. Government. and closed to all access as a result of bolts to tie down the wooden deck, a structural inspection in 2009 which The importance of the bridge to the similar to the original construction. reduced the load rating to 3 tons. Full general operations of Patuxent Re- Also, with the realization of the difficulty restoration of the bridge was proposed search Refuge cannot be overstated. to obtain funding for ongoing mainte- and submitted as a deferred mainte- Although this road is not open to the nance of government facilities, one in- public, it provides the only access nance project. The project was funded

4 April-June 2015 Vol. 26 | No. 2 tent of the design was to seek the best protective coating or paint for the new and existing members of the bridge to inhibit corrosion as much as possible. The refuge decided to use a coating frequently used by the National Park Service on historic bridges, Termarust 2200, a high ratio co-polymerized cal- cium sulfonate penetrant/sealer (which is just a fancy way of saying that it bonds to steel at the molecular level...just don’t try to say it 5 times fast or you might hurt yourself!). The Contractor awarded the project was Kovilic Construction Company, Inc., out of Franklin Park, Illinois. This company is very experienced in bridge work, even major interstate bridges, and did an excellent job restoring the Duvall Bridge during restoration little 87 foot, two-track bridge in the middle of the forest. With the completion and opening of Duvall Bridge, operations have now become a little more manageable here at Patuxent Research Refuge. The government staff here at Patuxent also en- joys the bridge for its aesthetic qualities. It is even rumored that the bridge has become a popular lunch spot for groups of researchers from USGS, which are co-located here. So, whether it’s for hauling the backhoe to the north tract or it’s for someone to find a quiet spot to enjoy their roast beef sandwich, here’s to what we hope will be another 100 years of service for Patuxent’s historic Duvall Bridge. Duvall Bridge after restoration

Calling for Your Articles and Photos Please e’re looking for articles—your articles—and cool photos for future WFriends newsletters. You don’t have to be a professional writer. Just jot down a paragraph or two about a nature topic dear to your heart.Or send us a photo or two of a beautiful plant, cute wild critter, or people at a Refuge or Friends event.And if you will, please include a caption for your photos. Please consider sending us your article and/or your photos for your next newsletter. Make sure to title your article and include your name and volunteer position. When you send it, put Newsletter Article in the Subject Line of your email. We’d like to hear from YOU. Here’s where to send them: ross.feld- [email protected] or [email protected] Thank you so much! Duvall Bridge after restoration

5 April-June 2015 Vol. 26 | No. 2 Spring Artists for 2015 in the Hollingsworth Gallery

Faith Leahy-Thielke, Patuxent Research Refuge Volunteer

ome on Spring! It’s a season in cation into a business as well as a but “reveals a reverence for ecology Cwhich we not only look forward source of personal enjoyment. In “prior and a call to rebalance our relationship to milder weather, but also to lives” he writes, a PhD in chemistry led with nature”. Twelve sculptures repre- three prior exhibitors. April marks the to a position as a chemist at IBM. That senting endangered or at-risk species return of watercolorist, Becky Bogdan, job was a segue into college teaching will be displayed here in May. from which he has only recently retired whose work graced the gallery in De- Jean Phillips has recently traded after several years on the faculty at NC cember of 2011. May offers a double 575 acres in Germantown for 225 near State. Sol is primarily self-taught al- delight: another “returnee”, Sol Levine, Frederick. The family dairy farm where though he received some training and local sculptor Charles Bergen (the she grew up was part of the Mont- through the NY Institute of Photogra- only “firstie” this month). June climaxes gomery County “master plan”. Jean phy and participated in some work- with Jean Phillips whose multi-career had run it for years - adapting the land shops and seminars. These days, he story amazes and delights. from dairy to grain to hay and straw himself is the presenter of classes and Becky Bogdan grew up in rural New and vegetables then to “entertainment workshops in many North Carolina lo- York State just south of the Finger farming”, but finally succumbed to cations - and at our Visitors’ Center this Lakes among the fields and woods at “progress”. With a science degree from coming May 2nd. Sol writes that these the headwaters of the Susquehanna the University of Maryland, Jean taught classes have “developed some friendly River. In this lovely setting, she experi- school for a year, and then worked as competition” with former students who mented with photography in middle and an immunologist at NIH before farming now display their own work at wildlife high school. Bogdan says that she has became her third professional career. shows. His own work has been pre- always been attracted to vivid visual im- Here she raised her children. One sented at “various venues in several ages - in the outdoors and from illus- Christmas, her sons gave her a cam- states”, and hang in collections in trators like Maurice Sendak. Her era. She recognized immediately that Korea, Japan, Israel and England as college degree from Rochester Institute she needed a more sophisticated lens. well as North America. They also ap- of Technology is in imaging science, Phillips’ fourth career has all but writ- pear in books, calendars, magazines, and she has worked as a systems en- ten itself. She has captured images of tourism guides and telephone directo- gineer for Northrop Grumman. When wild animals on the farm, grizzlies in ries! His note cards and photographs she first moved to Maryland in 1997, Yellowstone and the Tetons and polar are sold in many locations - book- Bogdan’s first address was a post of- bears in Alaska. (She reports that she stores, gift shops and galleries. fice box in Columbia - serendipitously was in a cage waiting for them be- next door to the Artists’ Gallery, a small Local sculptor, Charles Bergen, a cause polar bears just don’t distinguish glass-walled building converted to an D.C. native, is also featured in May. between baby seals and human artists’ cooperative. When Bogdan vis- Bergen attended Yale where he stud- grannies when seeking lunch.) Her ited and admired the hanging artwork, ied architecture, a career which al- photos include a few historic sites, as the woman on duty was their painter lowed him “to exercise a degree of well as bears, owls, and roosters, but who referred her to local art classes. artistry” - within his daily work. Part- mothers and baby pairs are her fa- Since then she has taken many classes time study at the Corcoran and Rock- vorites. Her images have received nu- and studied with Howard County artist, port Maine’s Center for Furniture merous awards in Alice Webb. Bogdan has shown her Craftsmanship fed his “percolating” in- competitive exhibits, and work in numerous exhibits. She works terest in fine art. Today Bergen is two are reproduced in cards primarily in watercolor and occasionally years into his “new” career. His studio and notes available for acrylics. Her favorite subject matter is at Monroe Street Market’s Artwalk in sale in many outlets. Pi- floral, and she is planning a series on Brookland holds a variety of building casso software and a native plants. materials and “found objects” as well Canon 5D Mark 2 are her professional tools. Sol Levine is an award-winning pho- as finished pieces - mostly animal tographer based in Wake Forest, North sculptures - often “whimsical”. Bergen We’re all ready Carolina, who has expanded an avo- feels no need to be “literal” about form, for Spring.

6 April-June 2015 Vol. 26 | No. 2 Wildlife Images Can Help You Get Ready For Spring Birdwatching

By Pat Simons

ith spring approaching, we birds. Each page features one bird, Wcan start to think about along with a full-color photograph and spending more time outside simple to read text about where the watching nature begin its annual re- bird lives, what it eats, and more. The newal. And what a wonderful time for book also includes stickers so children birdwatchers-novices, children, and the can track birds they have seen. It is the more experienced to appreciate the perfect starter book for young bird- abundance and diversity of birds here watchers. in the mid-Atlantic region. The Friends bookstore, Wildlife Images, stocks a More Children’s Book wide variety of books and more to help you recognize and learn about the About Birds • Birds of the Mid-Atlantic Coast ($9.95) many birds that you can see on the Footprints of Birds ($1.50) is a small, • Birds of the Eastern Chesapeake, refuge and in the surrounding region- fun coloring book with facts about a Maryland & Delaware ($7.95) from the city, to the shores of the dozen different birds. Also, on our • Birds of the Western Chesapeake, Chesapeake, to the Atlantic coast. shelves, the “Read and Color” series of Washington DC &Maryland ($7.95) coloring books includes title such as Birds, Endangered Birds, State Birds, • Raptors of Eastern North America and Eagles (each $2.95). Both are ($7.95) great, inexpensive ways to get children • Sibley’s Backyard Birds of the Mid- thinking about how to identify birds. Atlantic ($9.95) Good Luck Baby Owls, by Giles and • Sibley’s Raptors of Eastern North Alexandra Milton ($16.95) is a lovely America ($9.95) story about two owls eager to grow up, illustrated with collage paintings. • Sibley’s Ducks, Geese & Swans of Eastern North America ($9.95) Thunderbirds, Nature’s Flying Preda- • Sibley’s Warblers of Eastern North tors by Jim Arnosky ($14.95) is a lav- For the Budding, ishly illustrated book with fold out America ($9.95) pages of life-size birds, including owls, • Sibley’s Owls of North America ($9.95) Junior Naturalist vultures, eagles, pelicans, and more. Just arrived in the store are plastic Olivia Owl Finds a Friend by Maurice Books & Field Guides binoculars perfect as starter binoculars Pledger ($10.95) is a lift-the-flap sturdy The following are just a sampling of the to use on the trails here at the refuge. book for younger children. many other books & field guides on our One pair includes a plastic case and Little Red Bat by Carole Gerber shelves perfect for both beginning and neck strap ($15.95); while the other is ($9.95). A story book with four pages more experienced birdwatchers. a smaller pair of collapsible binoculars of learning activities and fun facts. What’s that Bird? A Beginner’s Guide perfect for tucking into a young per- ($9.95) son’s pocket ($10.95). And to help your young birdwatcher identify what they On the Trail Guides Birding for Beginners, A Comprehen- are seeing, we’ve just received Spot The store stocks a variety of conven- sive Introduction to the Art of Bird- the Bird, by Joseph DiConstanzo. This ient, easy to carry, laminated, water- watching, Sheila Buff ($19.95) guide, written especially for children 7- proof folding guides. The following are The Birder’s Companion, Stephen 12 years of age, covers more than one especially for bird watching in our mid- Moss ($16.95) hundred common North American Atlantic region. Continued on page 10

7 April-June 2015 Vol. 26 | No. 2 Volunteers Honored at the 2014 Appreciation/Awards Dinner

Diana Ogilvie, Visitor Services Staff

he Volunteer Appreciation Din- Tner was held at the Visitor Cen- ter on Sunday, December 7, 2014. Nancy Newman Pape graciously entertained dinner attendees by singing holiday favorites as we arrived. Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious potluck dinner and fellowship with more than one hundred of our closest friends. Below are some highlights from the dinner. • To start things off, USGS researcher Jim Nichols gave a fascinating pres- entation about his tiger research and conservation efforts. • Refuge Manager Brad Knudsen gave an “awe-inspiring?” speech about the new volunteer policy. Premiere Performance of Patuxent Research Refuge Staffettes • Frank McGilvrey received special recognition from the Bio team and North tract team for his work battling invasives at North tract. • Frank McGilvrey was honored again as the volunteer who had contributed the highest number of hours in the current year.For this achievement, he was presented with an exceedingly appropriate mallard duck bobble-head award. • Ann Coren thanked all the Schoolyard Habitat Volunteers who have helped restore the pollinator garden and announced team member Fran Knoll as the winner of the “clean plot” award. • Rod Burley and Jay Pape received special recognition for their contributions to interpretive programs. •Ken Lavish, Anne Vore and Mike Goldberg were recognized for their contributions to the Environmental Education program. Over 20,000 hours: Frank McGilvrey

8 April-June 2015 Vol. 26 | No. 2

7,000 hours: Claudia Papillo, 6,000 hours: Brenda Stone 5,000 hours: Joe DiGiovanni, Sparky Sparks Bob Bailey

4,500 hours: Dennis Green, 4,000 hours: Lewis Jiles, 3,000 hours: Barbara Buck, Anne Vore Bob Hardy Jean Sparks, Jeanne Latham

500 hours: Debbie Phillips, 750 hours: Tom Kirby, Evelyn Kirby, Diane Buckley-Maidt, Ellen Bretz, 1,000 hours: Nell Baldacchino Gary Gebauer Braeden Harpool

300 hours: John McCarthy, Natasha Shangold, Ann Coren, Bob Coren 250 hours: Stephanie Everett 100 hours: Chang-Tzu Lew, Brian Noratel, James Kent, Bob Privette, Devina • Steve Noyes received an apprecia- • Twenty-year service pins were Escamilla, Janice Devine, Ross Feldner tion plaque for his dedication to the awarded to Bob Dennett, Brenda Songbird Nestbox survey as he Stone, and Ted Weidenhoft. nominated, selected Frank McGilvrey turned the reins over to new coordi- The 2014 Volunteer of the Year was as the 2014 Volunteer of the Year. More nator, Eric Grosse. also announced. There were eleven information about Frank’s contributions • Joe DiGiovanni received his 5000 nominations for eight different volun- can be found on page 3. hour “Ron Clements Special” walking teers. The selection committee, made Continued on page 10 stick award. up of volunteers who had not been

9 April-June 2015 Vol. 26 | No. 2

Volunteers Honored at the 500 hours - Ellen Bretz, Debbie Wildlife Images Can Help You Phillips, Diane Buckley-Maidt, 2014 Appreciation/Awards Dinner Braeden Harpool Get Ready for Spring Birdwatching Continued from page 9 Continued from page 7 400 hours - Jeannette, Grotke The following volunteers attending the Birds of North American, Tom Wood, 300 hours - Ann Coren, dinner received milestone awards: Sheri Williamson, Jeffrey Glassberg John McCarthy, Bob Coren, ($12.95) Over 20,000 hours - Frank McGilvrey Natasha Shangold Smithsonian Nature Guide: Birds 7,000 hours - Claudia Papillo, 250 hours - Stephanie Everett ($14.95) Sparky Sparks 100 hours - Bob Privette, Devina, Audubon Pocket Backyard Birdwatch 6,000 hours - Brenda Stone Escamilla, Janice Devine, James ($9.95) Kent, Chank-Tzu Lew, Brian Noratel, 5,000 hours -Joe DiGiovanni Ross Feldner The Birder’s Handbook, A Field Guide to the Natural History of North 4500 hours - Bob Hardy, 50 hours - Mary Rosa, Levi Lundell, American Birds ($22.99) Dennis Green Ted Pennington Birds & Marshes of the Chesapeake 4,000 hours - Lewis Jiles, 25 hours - Nadja George, Bay Country, Brooke Meanley ($12.99) Jean Sparks, Jeanne Latham Nancy Newman Pape, Wally Stone, Dennis George Birds of Lake, Pond and March, Water 3,000 hours - Barbara Buck and Wetland Birds of Eastern North After the awards presentations, the 2,080 hours - Jan Hardy, American, John Eastman ($18.95) amazing Nancy Newman Pape enter- Charlotte Melichar tained us with a song she wrote about National Wildlife Federation, Field 2,000 hours - Jan Hardy the special people who volunteer at Guide to Birds of North America Patuxent. The evening ended with the ($19.95) 1,500 hours - Penny Wolkow, premiere performance of the Patuxent Mike Goldberg And more... Research Refuge Staffettes, a singing Two other popular titles starring birds 1,000 hours - Nell Baldacchino and dancing troupe that performed a (and birdwatchers) are Wesley the selection from the musical Scrooge! 750 hours - Gary Gebauer, Owl, The Remarkable Love Story of an Evelyn Kirby, Tom Kirby Owl and His Girl by Stacey O’Brien Congratulations to all the ($15.00) and The Big Year, by Mark volunteers who reached Obmascik ($15.00). their latest milestones and For bird enthusiasts of all ages, we also thanks to everyone who have a great selection of finger puppets, helped make the Volunteer hand puppets, and Audubon plush birds Appreciation Dinner so with real bird calls. Plus beautiful canvas tote bags, yard signs, and more. So pay enjoyable. It was truly a a visit to the Friends bookstore, and re- special evening. member that all proceeds from the store go directly to support the refuge. 50 hours: Ted Pennington, Levi Lundell’s dad Meet New Intern Rebecca Schulze i, I am Rebecca Schulze. I am a college graduate from Keystone H College, located in La Plume, PA, with a Bachelors’ degree in Wildlife Biology. I am currently doing an internship through Student Conser- vation Associate (SCA) AmeriCorp here at Patuxent Research Refuge. My position here is a Visitors Service intern, which includes duties like conduct- ing education programs, working at the visitor center desk, and other activities around the visitor center. I have a strong interest in bird watching and being outdoors. I am hoping to gain many new skills, interests, and friends 25 hours: Nadja George, Dennis from this experience. After I complete my internship, I hope to find a full time George (not shown), Nancy Newman job in this field of work. Pape, Wally Stone

10 April-June 2015 Vol. 26 | No. 2 Monarch USGS Patuxent Conservation Wildlife Research Update by Rich Dolesh Center he status of the monarch butterfly has been much in the minds of Ameri- Jennifer Chin Tcans in recent months. While there was a bit of good news regarding a very slight increase in the number of monarchs counted at wintering roosts in any of you conservationists Mexico, this was tempered by knowledge that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mmay be aware that the Farm has agreed there is evidence to review a petition to consider listing the monarch Bill is legislation that supports under the Endangered Species Act. agriculture, but also has incentive programs to provide wildlife habitat. The On the conservation front, a new “Conservation Reserve Program,” for partnership on monarchs was example, encourages farmers to set launched between the U.S. Fish aside a small portion of their land for and Wildlife Service (FWS), the Na- wildlife use. tional Wildlife Federation (NWF), and the National Fish and Wildlife In recent work by Patuxent Scientist Photo by Ross Feldner Foundation (NFWF). Noteworthy is Dan Twedt & his colleagues, Dan stud- that FWS and NFWF will target ap- ied whether the clusters of trees and proximately $3 million to fund new shrubs that get set aside (for example) conservation, education, and re- in agricultural fields make a difference search on restoring the monarch. to birds. An announcement on the grant program is expected within a month from NFWF. Look for the announcement at: http://www.nfwf.org/whatwedo/grants/Pages/home.aspx#.VPSErE10ypo. A new resources guide on Monarch Conservation for Parks, Refuges, and Nature Preserves has been developed cooperatively by NRPA in collaboration with Monarch Joint Venture and Monarch Watch. Special thanks to Denise Gibbs of Monarch Watch and Wendy Caldwell of Monarch Joint Venture for these links to resources and information about monarch conservation http://www.nrpa.org/About- NRPA/Impacting-Communities/Conservation/. If you are thinking of planting milkweed plants or seeds this spring, now is the time to order seeds and plant plugs which will be shipped in April or early May. Visit Milkweed Market for information on locally collected seeds and plants suitable for your geographic location, as well as much other good information on how to im- plement best practices for improving monarch habitat: http://monarchwatch.org/ Their results suggest a small change milkweed/market/. in primary land use (less than 7%) pro- duced a disproportionate population response by some grassland-depen- dent and woodland birds during winter. In Memorium Field buffers provide a direct source of winter food, and cover and may be a t is with great sadness that we share the news that Emy Holdridge, pragmatic means to provide critical IChair of the Friends of Patuxent, passed away on Monday, January 5. non-breeding habitat with little alter- ation of existing agricultural systems. Emy had been a dedicated volunteer at Patuxent since 1999. She was involved in many programs and activities at the refuge over the years, Dan and his co-authors were recog- including Friends Board member and Chairperson, special events, bird- nized by the Mississippi Chapter of the ing events, waterfowl surveys, volunteer management and mentoring, Wildlife Society with the “2014 Out- staffing the front desk, office/clerical support, outreach, and much more. standing Peer-Reviewed Journal Article” She will be greatly missed. award for their paper, titled: “Avian response to conservation buffers in agricultural landscapes during winter”.

11 April-June 2015 Vol. 26 | No. 2 Say Hello to New Members of the Friends Board of Directors

he Friends of Patuxent is glad to Mike is looking forward to working on His professional experience includes Tannounce that we have two new the Friends Board of Directors and fur- working for Prince George’s County Board Members. Below is a brief thering the work of Patuxent Research Government for more than 33 years. write-up of each, so you can begin to Refuge and Patuxent Wildlife Re- He has served as: Chief of the Equip- get to know them. When you see them search Center. ment Maintenance Division (i.e., heavy in person, feel free to ask questions equipment) in the Department of Pub- and talk with them. Please join us in lic Works and Transportation; adminis- welcoming these outstanding folks. Meet Charlie Deegan trative director of the Fleet Management Division (i.e., motor vehi- Meet Michael Lee cle fleet) in the Office of Central Serv- ices; Director of the Department of Licenses and Permits (zoning, housing and building inspections; building and housing permits; animal control, etc.); Deputy Director of the Landlord - Ten- ant Office; and Zoning Inspector in the Department of Licenses and Permits. In these positions, he had extensive contact with citizens, community and business leaders, elected officials, and the press. Charlie is an active member of the Beltsville Lions Club, the Greater Charlie has lived in Prince George’s Beltsville Business Association, and County most of his life, and as a result, Emmanuel United Methodist Church. Mike is a native Marylander, having has close personal, professional and All of these organizations provide op- been born in Arbutus, Maryland. He is civic ties to the county. He served for a portunities for him to promote Friends married to Sharon, who has worked number of years as a county zoning in- of Patuxent, Patuxent Research with wildlife rehabilitators, and was a spector, which gave him a thorough Refuge and Patuxent Wildlife Re- volunteer at the National Zoo. knowledge of the county’s communi- search Center. Mike is an avid outdoors person and ties and physical resources. He has a You may be interested to know that conservationist at heart. He is aware thorough knowledge of how our state Governor Hogan has recently nomi- of, and interested in the work done by and local government works, and is nated Charlie to chair the Chesapeake Patuxent, e.g., with bald eagles and friendly with many state and county Bay and Atlantic Coastal Waterways Whooping Cranes. elected officials. Critical Areas Commission. He is Charlie is currently a member of the awaiting confirmation by the Maryland Mike’s background includes an educa- Senate before assuming his duties. tion in computer sciences, for which he State Roads Commission and the earned an Associates Degree. He State Transportation Commission. He worked in the computer science field serves on the Board of Directors for for over 40 years. Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union. During his 18 years on WESALUTEAND Mike served on the Board of Directors that Board, he served as both Vice of the Maryland Fly Anglers for 10 Chairman and Chairman. He also APPLAUDOUR years He also served as their Mem- serves on the Board of Directors for bership Chair. He was instrumental in Marlin Cove Condominium in Ocean securing the club’s non-profit status City, Maryland. VOLUNTEERS and Federal 501 C status.

12 April-June 2015 Vol. 26 | No. 2

Advance Notice! Blast om the Past Nature’s Images Reprinted om the May/June 1995 Photography Workshop Presented by the award-winning artist Volunteers and Friends Newsletter Sol Levine National Wildlife Visitor Center Patuxent’s Flora and Fauna 9:00 am – 4:00 pm By Becky Kasten Saturday, May 2nd, Ages 13 + o you want to expand your capa- s spring and summer invite ends and deeply cut, forming 5-9 Dbilities with your digital or film more and more people to the lobes. Each of the lobes is serrated camera? Learn about equipment, A f -stop, shutter speed, metering, compo- Visitor Center, it seemed like a and has many veins. good time to start including a regular sition, and more. Workshop concludes A flowering May apple has two leaves article on the plants and animals you with a short practice session using your and a single blossom which grows from are likely to see at Patuxent. Feel free camera outdoors on refuge grounds. Par- the “y” where the two leaves join the to share what you know with visitors ticipants must bring a bag lunch. For stem. The nodding white flower is com- and to study more on your own. more details on workshop content visit posed of six petals and from the flower’s www.naturesimagesbysol.com. We’ll start by looking at a wildflower center grows the plant’s single fruit. that may be familiar - the May apple Advanced Registration & Payment re- The rest of the plant is poisonous to (Podophyllum peltatum). quired by April 24th, 2015. Workshop eat, however Native Americans and Fee is $60 ($50 for Members, Friends The May apple is in the Barberry fam- early settlers used medicines made of Patuxent.) For more information & to ily (Berberidacae) and its scientific from the root. Today, two pharma- register call 301.497.5887. After regis- name aptly means “foot leaf,” ceutical products made from tering, send checks payable to Friends “shield-shaped”. this plant are still in use. of Patuxent, National Wildlife Visitor It is one of the first Range: New England Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop plants to leaf out in and southern Canada Laurel, MD 20708 – 4027 Attn: Photo Eastern forests in the to Minnesota, south to Class. Include Name, Address, e-mail. spring. As you stroll Florida through Texas. Workshop will be limited to 20 partici- through wet meadows pants. If workshop minimum of 6 par- Other names: Man- or damp, open wood- ticipants is not met the workshop will drake, Indian apple, lands such as those at be canceled/rescheduled. Umbrella-leaf, Wild Patuxent, you are likely lemon, Raccoon berry, to see large colonies of Hog apple, Devil’s apple, these 12” - 18” umbrella-like Do you like to run? Have you Duck’s foot, and others. plants. Each plant is actually participated in 5K runs connected to many others by under- Sources: Peterson Field Guides before? Would you like to ground horizontal stems called rhi- Wildflowers: Northeastern/Northcen- zomes. For this reason, all of the tral North America help support the refuge? connected plants are genetically iden- Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants The Friends of Patuxent are plan- tical. ning to reinstate the Run for the The History and Folklore of North On non-flowering May apples, you will Refuge, a 5K run and 2K walk American Wildflowers find a single shield- or umbrella- fundraiser event on the North Tract shaped leaf attached to the vertical Peterson Field Guides Ecology of on Sunday, September 27, 2015. stem. The leaves are rounded at the Eastern Forests We are looking for former or current runners or run enthusiasts to help plan and stage the event. Please contact Friends of Patuxent Chair Patronize your Wildlife Images Bookstore. Support the Refuge. Harlan Tucker at 301-262-1010 or hwtucker @verizon.net for informa- 100% of net proceeds help fund Refuge Projects. tion or to volunteer to serve on the Run for the Refuge committee.

13 April-June 2015 Vol. 26 | No. 2

Friends of Patuxent Wildlife Holiday Bazaar

Thank you so much to everyone that supported the 2014 Wildlife Holiday Bazaar by donating items and baked goods, and helping with set up on Friday. Special thanks go to the volunteers and staff who helped on the Saturday of the event.You were wonderful, as usual. The Bazaar Committee appreci- ated your efforts, and the vendors loved you. We raised more than $2,500 for Friends of Patuxent to be used in support of the Refuge and Research Center. Let’s do it again in 2015!

The 2015 Holiday Bazaar will be held November 14. The deadline for donations is November 6. It’s not too early to start looking for those forgotten treasures. When you drop them at the Visitor Center, PLEASE remember to fill out a donation form and make a copy for yourself. We will NOT be accepting bed linens, posters, flat art or large frames.

The Holiday Bazaar Committee is always looking for new members. If you are interested, contact Brenda Stone or Jeanne Latham.

For more information contact Brenda Stone at [email protected] or 301-490-0384.

We’re always looking for new and different vendors, preferably folks who have nature or wildlife related merchandise. Contact Jeanne Latham at [email protected] or 410-212-2280 regarding vendors.

14 April-June 2015 Vol. 26 | No. 2 President Announces“Every Kid to a Park” May-Magniﬁcent Encourages All Fourth-Graders and eir Whooping Crane Families to Visit a National Park,Refuge, Month or Forest in 2016 oin us for a very special Jcelebratory month! Patux- By Rich Dolesh ent Research Refuge and resident Obama unveiled an Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Pambitious plan on February 19, have been deeply involved in sav- 2015 to encourage every ing this majestic bird from extinc- fourth-grader in the U.S. to visit a park tion since the mid-1960s. during the 2016 school year. He said Throughout the month of May that the National Park Service(NPS) there will be educational displays, and other federal public lands would whooping crane observatory tours, waive entrance fees for all fourth- and informational talks on Whoop- grade students and their families.The President said, “We want every fourth-grader ing Crane restoration efforts by Dr. to have the experience of getting out and discovering America. We want them to John French, Research Manager at Patuxent Wildlife Research Cen- see the outside of a classroom too; see all the places that make America great.” ter; Dr. Glenn Olsen, Veterinarian As part of his budget proposal, he intends to provide $45 million for youth en- of Patuxent Wildlife Research gagement programs, $20 million of which would go to the National Park Founda- Center; Brooke Pennypacker of tion to provide funds for transportation to national parks for up to 1 million kids. Operation Migration and Ken Lav- NPS and other federal land-managing agencies will provide more than 1000 ac- ish, Volunteer, Crane Technician. tivities and resources to enhance youth and family visits. You can find out more Stay tuned for more details! about the initiative and the National Park Foundation’s campaign at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/02/19/let-s-get-every-kid-park. JOIN TODAY! MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

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15 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LAUREL, MD PERMIT NO. 2408 FRIENDS OF PATUXENT National Wildlife Visitor Center 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop Laurel MD, 20708-4011

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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)