Unsure what to get the environmental enthusiast in your life? We’ve got just the thing! Straight from our staff, here are some favorite gift picks for bird and nature lovers alike.
Bluebirds, Kestrels, and SoWBA thank Jim Hess
Jim Hess was just awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin (BRAW) in recognition of the 25 years he has spent building, installing, and monitoring bluebird houses near his home in rural Blanchardville. For many of those years he has mentored bluebird lovers in Lafayette and Grant Counties to do the same. Please use this link to a story in the Monroe Times with more information on Jim's great accomplishments.
Photo by Arlene Koziol
The Last Hurrah
A few dedicated seed collectors gathered at Goose Pond for the final volunteer effort of the season. We were looking for New England asters (NEAs) and white baptisia. Both are important for pollinators with New England asters being one of my favorites. A late bloomer, it and showy goldenrod are the flowers that give our migrating monarchs the nutritional boost they need before flying south.
Photo by Tom Koerner/USFWS
The Beatles at Goose Pond?
Stiff goldenrod was one of the plant seeds we collected. Collecting goldenrods occasions a goldenrod identification seminar that Graham and Emma conduct for the volunteers — the many species of goldenrod look similar and one species is on the “avoid” list. We certainly want to collect whatever the desired species is but we also have to avoid Canada goldenrod.
Photo by Graham Steinhauer/SoWBA
Legislative Council study committee on Sandhill Cranes: September update
The Wisconsin Legislative Council has created a study committee focused on addressing the agricultural impact of cranes in our state. The study committee has met twice so far, and SoWBA staff have attended both as members of the public.
Photo by Arlene Koziol
