Spring Green Preserve July 5th

According to every official source, evidently, Spring Green Nature Preserve is a wonderful place with a unique flora and fauna. Now since no lizard/bug/bird/spider was exhibitionist enough to come out and show itself to us in 105 degrees, here`s a little show of what we could have seen, had we wondered there when it`s a little less like the deepest pocket of hell`s kitchen.

black locust

On our way in we saw black locust trees (Robinia pseudoacacia), a native, but invasive tree that was translocated first by Native Americans for its rot-resistant roots, then later in the 1900`s because its extensive root system discourages soil erosion. It has high fuel value and bees love it. Which is also why it was brought to Europe, and now we can`t get rid of it despite our best efforts, `cause it`s freakin` indestructible! Black locust survives most mechanical control efforts, if you cut it, it just sprouts right back, or spreads clonally, mowing and burning temporarily control spreading, but mowing seems to promote seed germination, and burning stimulates sprouting.The only way to end it is to bulldoze the whole area, or apply some pretty harsh chemicals that might harm the native species as well.

eastern red cedar

Another native, but invasive species we saw was eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), which takes over dry ecosystems if fire is absent for too long. Fortunately, it`s very sensitive to fire, so a good prescribed burn gets rid of it quickly.

poison ivy

We also ran into a plant that (if nothing else) you should really learn to recognize: meet poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans).Poison ivy comes in three forms: as a trailing vine on the ground (3.9-9.8 inches tall), as a shrub (upto 3ft 11 inches), and as a climbing vine that grows on trees or some other support. It always has three leaves (`leaves of three, let it be`), but the leaf margins can be slightly different, so just stay away from any three-leafed plant :). Poison ivy produces a group of chemicals collectively called urushiol, which causes blistering on most people.

prairie fame-flower

prairie racerunner

Now for the awesome things living here. Among the reptiles is prairie racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata viridis). Racerunners are extremely fast, these have been clocked going up to 18 miles per hour. They dig burrows to hide from predators, regulate their body temperature and lay eggs. The flowers of the prairie fame-flower (Phemeranthus rugospermus) open only for one day between July and August in the late afternoon. Some believe the plant got its common name because this bloom period is so fleeting, much like fame. They are ephemeral in nature, and of special concern.

tiger beetle

Eight species of tiger beetles are found here. Likely named after the tiger for their similar predatory habits,these beetles are some of the most aggressive invertebrates at the preserve. Adult tiger beetles are fast runners with great short-distance vision, their larvae wait in their burrows with jaws agape for passing prey, ants and other small insects.

wolf spider

Another small prairie predator who thrives on sand blows are wolf spiders, ten species are present in the preserve. Instead of spinning webs, most wolf spiders are ground hunters that will chase and pounce on their prey. Some dig burrows in the ground or under rocks.

Eastern meadowlark

lark sparrow

As for birds, among the ones of special interest here are Eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna), that are among the first migratory birds to return to southern Wisconsin each year, and lark sparrow (Chondestes grammacus), the largest of our grassland sparrows. Lark sparrows prefer dry, sandy habitats with short, sparse vegetation. They build their nests in a slight depression in the ground, or sometimes on a base of twigs in a shrub or small tree. Largely because their preferred habitat is in decline, they are of special concern in Wisconsin.

pocket gopher

bullsnake

The sand mounds we see at the preserve are created by pocket gophers (Geomys bursarius wisconsinensis), a burrowing mammal that uses its upper incisors to loosen soil and its front feet to dig extensive tunnels. Their name comes from the `fur-lined` external cheek pockets opening on either side of their mouths that they use to carry food. Their tunnels are used by other animals including snakes, like the rare bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer). Bullsnakes are the largest snake species in the Upper Midwest. When threatened, they coil up and make `hissing` sounds. If given no retreat, they attack, but the bite is not serious.

RESPECT to those who made it all the way to the bluff, respect to those who at least attempted the trip, and respect to those who had the foresight to stay in the shade, but nevertheless gave the rest of us dune walkers a big applause upon arrival :).

the glorious ones who made it to the top