 |
Early Morning
Discovery Hike Report
June 8, 2011
This week’s Early Morning Discovery Hike was a bit more productive than
last weeks with a few more species and overall more bird
activity. In addition, we also had many insects to keep our
attention (not just mosquitoes too!)
The birds were more active this week, although they still paid little
attention to us. This worked to our benefit in one case as we
were able to get some stunning looks at a male Indigo Bunting.
Sadly, it also worked against us. More often than not, although
they were singing in the trees, they could have cared less that we were
trying to get a look at them through our binoculars and were very
content to stay hidden at the tops of the branches! We did hear a
few notable species, including a very active Red-eyed Vireo.
In addition, we had several Common Whitetail dragonflies, Ebony
Jewel-winged Damselflies and many species of butterflies accompanying
us along our walk. Still working on getting those dragon/damselflies to
be trained to sit on our shoulders to grab the mosquitoes... but we’re
trying!
The prairie gardens in front of the Nature Center are progressing
nicely with nearly 6” of growth from last week! Soon, there will
be reds, yellows, blues and whites dotting the greenery as you enter
the Center. Currently, the Ohio Spiderwort and Foxglove
beard-tongue are in full bloom.
Program Reminders:
Butterfly Monitoring
Fridays @ 2pm / Shawnee Prairie Preserve
Join a Darke County Parks’ Naturalist each and every Friday as we hike
a pre-set trail and record the butterfly species we encounter.
Some will be netted for up close views and field guides will be
provided. Please note: These hikes will not take place in
weather under 60° and on exceptionally windy days. Call the
Nature Center with questions.
Hike to Health
Saturday, June 11: 10am / Shawnee Prairie Preserve
Join a Naturalist and others for a brisk walk around the trails of
Shawnee Prairie. You can hike at your own pace and burn away
those calories. Bring plenty of water as much of this hike will
be in the sun. Bug repellent may be advisable as well. Meet
at the Nature Center.
SQM Training
Saturday, June 11: 8:30am / Shawnee Prairie Preserve
Closed-toe shoes for creek wading / long pants suggested
Join Friends of the Darke County Parks member, Bob Welch, and learn how
an official StreamQualityMonitoring works. You will meet at the
Nature Center and head out to up to four different creek sites to check
for what Macro-invertebrates can be found there. This is the
perfect excuse to go for a creek walk and learn about the many critters
that call it home, all while you help discover just how clean the creek
is! This will be a hands-on and muddy/wet event, please dress
accordingly. Access is limited, call with any
questions/concerns. Call Bob Welch for more info or questions at
937-423-1596. *if there is a heavy rain fall near this date, call
to confirm*
Summer Day Camps!
Ages 6-15
Hey Kids! Check out our upcoming summer camps and find out how
you can spend a week at Darke County Parks! For more info, go to
http://www.darkecountyparks.org/programs.php and look under “children’s
programs”.
See you on the Trails!
:Robb & DCP Staff:
Read it with links here
|
