The Stick

Being the season of giving of all sorts, I have been bombarded with media information/suggestions for the "perfect gift" to give.  Fabulously, I stumbled upon the 2008 inductee to the Toy Hall of Fame:  The Stick.

 

 

This stick is a fine example of what our family would look for when searching out the best marshmallow sticks.  Or if they wanted to play chase with a giant claw.  Sticks are amazing, so versatile, so useful.  Whenever I send the family out to play, sticks always become involved, even with the plethora of other "made" toys they already have.  So many colors, shapes...

 

I guarantee this stick would become either an Olympic torch, or a flame thrower, depending on the carrier.

 

I recently came across a BBC account of a current study reported in the Environmental Science and Technology Journal about the benefits of being outside. 

 

"Just five minutes of exercise in a "green space" such as a park can boost mental health, researchers claim."

 

So while it may be very enjoyable for many of us to spend countless hours diving into nature, there are benefits for everyone, even strolling for a few minutes along a tree-lined sidewalk.  Looking for the perfect stick -

 





A fan?  A shingle for a fort?  A piece of a wreath?

Timber for a fort.  Definitely.

The stick was chosen for the Hall of Fame for its versatility and longevity.  There are no boundaries, instructions, or guidelines with sticks.  Anything can happen.  No batteries needed, or sunlight, or extra people, or extension cords.  Often they are free.

 

 

 While admiring Headwaters Park's collection of sticks, I was struck by the glowing green area that jumped out at me.  Can you see it?  Perhaps the angle of the sun, or the gentle transition of fall colors abruptly stopping at the shock of spring-like hues.  Moss.  It was stunning.

Here's my favorite stick-find of the day. 

 

What can you imagine it to be?

New Park Blazes

The good news is, the park is not on fire.  The better news is, now there are a few new blue blazes throughout the park to help folks find the path when it may be leaf strewn or covered in a few feet of snow.  Perhaps those times are the best ones to go for a hike!

 

 

The blazes to follow are the vertical ones, about eye-level and approximately 8 inches long.  When working with our forester on this project, he suggested blue for the simple reason that this shade of blue is the least common one to find in nature year-round.  Any oranges or reds would blend in in the fall, white in the winter, and greens would be camoflauged in the spring and summer.  So blue it is. 

I love this tree - watch out for the roots.

 

Even in the distance, the blazes show up pretty well.  It was a beautiful day in the park, so quiet.  Everything was closing up for the oncoming winter season.  These photos are taken along the vernal pond trail - a shorter hike but worth the time.  The majority of the trail parallels Mill Creek and visitors get to enjoy the sound of the water throughout the walk.  If you are a frequent hiker, this is a great spot to watch the changes through the seasons and years caused by the movement of the water.  The creek is never the same; it's always changing and moving over time...

Straw Bale Garden Results

I was probably a little too excited to pull apart the straw bales to see how the plants found a way to survive and even thrive the summer.  Our experiment, to plant vegetable starters in bales of straw as a garden bed, raised a lot of eyebrows.  The most common question was, "Did you use soil?" followed by, "Did you have to water it a lot?"  The answers, in order, are "A little; we threw in a handful when we planted the starter plant"  and "Only in the drought part of the summer".  Here are some photos of the garden as it grew.  Somethings were perfect, some not so much.  Due to the number of variables, it is hard to tell at this point if some plants didn't survive because of the straw bales, heat, critters, or other uncontrolled variable.  Worth studying again next year!


New plants, including squash, zucchini, eggplant, peppers, cauliflower and broccoli

Straw bales in August

Despite the drought conditions throughout most of the summer, we had success with the squash, zucchini, and eggplant. In fact, we had trouble keeping up with the squash and zucchini. Plus we had to continue moving the quickly-creeping vines to trim around the bales:) 

 

 

The radishes were our first experiment.  They survived, but I wouldn't say they were a success. 

 

Squash root system

I think these are the to best pictures.  When I finally allowed myself to go out and tear the straw bales apart and photograph what was happening, I was amazed at what I saw.  The straw bales, at least 2 feet in height, had roots going throughout them and one strong tap root reaching into the soil under the straw!

 

Zucchini root system

Plants will put forth strong efforts in their search for water and nutrients.  Through the root systems you see here, a very healthy zucchini plant lived throughout our hot and dry summer and produced a nice yield.  Next year I would like to try different plant, perhaps more heat-loving, and also take the temperature of the inside of the straw bales on a regular basis.  If anyone is familiar with growing in strawbales, please feel free to leave comments, suggestions, or ideas.  I'm already planning for next year!

 

 

Pre-Hurricane Sandy

It's all over the news here - it's unavoidable and fascinating.  Hurricane Sandy.  We are in awe and sometimes fear of the unknown, and that is what nature is, unknown.  While nature certainly deserves respect, it also at times commands it.  I'm looking forward to what we can learn from this event and hoping to document what I can from our corner of the world.

Our Park is located on the fringe of where Sandy is predicted to touch.  What has been interesting to me this weekend is watching various events, sporting and otherwise, across the U.S. that are not affected at all by this weather pattern.  In your own bubble, it's easy to forget other things are happening in the world around you that might not be even close to what you are experiencing.  I usually check out Chicago's weather to see what's coming in the next 24 hours.  For now, that won't work!  However, here is more background on our Park and how this hurricane may affect us. 

Our name, Headwaters Park, comes from the fact that we are at the headwaters, or beginning, of Mill Creek.  This creek, approximately 20 miles long, travels and winds through the city of Erie and surrounding suburbs before it ends at Presque Isle Bay.  Almost 100 years ago, on this very site, the Flood of 1915 occured, tragically taking 36 lives and devastating the city.


Aftermath of 1915 Flood - courtesy of Erie County Historical Society

During a 3-hour period in early August, 1915, between 7 and 9 inches of rain fell from constant pounding bands of rain and storms.  At the headwaters, which was farmland at the time, the rain had no where to go but downstream, carrying with it much of what was in its path.  As the water built up, its strength grew.  Finally, the water and debris found an obstacle - the 26th street bridge.  After many attempts, using dynamite and other means to clear the path, the dam broke under sheer pressure.  Reportedly, a wall of water 200 feet wide and 30/40 feet tall rushed through the city, causing intense damage and numerous deaths.

Devastation from the 1915 Flood - Courtesy of Erie County Historical Society

 

Dam break at 26th street - Courtesy of Erie County Historical Society

 

Various preventions methods have been implemented since that event, including the Drift Catcher, the Millcreek Tube, and other Best Management Practices along the Creek.  So...

What might happen in the next few days here at Headwaters Park?  I will try to document the progression and post it here.  At this point, we have had 3 days of steady rain.  It is soggy outside, the water is up a little and running quickly, but we are yet awaiting affects of the storm.  These photos are actually taken with a night shot program, as it is quite dark outside, even in mid-morning.
 


 

Rock weir with elevated water levels



This is our concrete ford, used for accessing the park with our all-terrain maintenance vehicle.  The purpose is to permit water to pass unobstructed along its natural path, yet allow access across the stream while decreasing sedimentation and erosion.  Water is up here also, as I can usually walk across without getting my feet wet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The levels in our vernal ponds are up, also.  However, the contrast with the colorful fallen leaves and the dark, soft hemlocks is stunning!

Check back in the next few days to view updates to the park and find out the effects of Hurricane Sandy on Headwaters Park!

 

Pumpkin Walk

After a few weeks of programs, hikes, and events, I hope to have the blog back on track; thank you to those that have been asking "What's going on?  Where are the updates?"  Thankfully, we are just that busy!

 Although I have many items I want to focus on, today's the day that the Pumpkin Walk will be showcased.  What an exciting event we hosted!  Planned to the tiniest detail and well-run by the Erie County Master Gardeners, the First Annual Pumpkin Walk was held on Saturday, October 6th from 5pm - 9pm.  The goal was pure fun - a 1/2 mile walk through our trails, lined with over 500 carved jack O'lanterns.  Setup the week prior was a intricately designed schedule of pumpkin drop-offs, pick-ups, and groupings.

Thankfully, the weather was cooperative for the preparation!

However, to keep all participants and volunteers on their toes, Saturday dawned cold and cloudy.  By cold I mean the low 40's.  Farenheit.  And windy.  The volunteers were not deterred (perhaps the temperature kept them moving at a quick clip?) and their enthusiasm did not wane.  As the trails came together and the carved faces were placed just-so, everyone could see their hard work come to fruition.  By 5pm, the trails were ready, Jack (and Jill) O' lanterns were grinning and lit, tables were decorated and ready in the pavilion, and even the Fire Department was in attendance for safety and to educate the public about Fire Prevention (October is Fire Prevention Month).

All carvers, from the youngest Kindergartener to the Art Club at Edinboro University, had a great time preparing their carvings for the event.  These displays were creativity and imagination at their best.

 

I mean, how fun is this?  So many ideas for carving our own pumpkins at home!

 

 

The leaves are quite green in this photo, belying the actual colors that are rainbow-ing our area at this time.  The weather that evening turned out to be spectacular, cool and dry, perfect for a hike and family fun.

 

Many may wonder "What do you DO with over 500 pumpkins when you don't need them any longer?"  To begin with, the pumpkins came from many locations.  Some were cultivated and donated by the Master Gardeners.  A majority were purchased from local farmers in an effort to support our friends and neighbors.  This collaborative effort produced a fantastic event that was attended by over 1,600 people!  All funds collected benefited the educational outreach efforts of the Master Gardeners.  But, what happened to the pumpkins?

 

 



Wonderfully, all of these gourds were relocated the next morning to a deer farm in New York, just over the state line from Headwaters Park.  We did compost a few on site for demonstration, but the rest made a great number of deer quite happy.  So, no landfill for these goulish gourds!  We had a spectacular time coordinating this event and hope to see everyone in 2013!

 

Rock Weir

In season, which is April through October, weather permitting, we do a lot of maintenance throughout Headwaters Park.  Much of it is routine, such as keeping trails free of obstacles, making sure trails are clearly marked, managing poison ivy, and the like.  Occasionally we get the opportunity to use information about conservation and preservation to create cool educational demonstrations for the public.  It also gives us an opportunity to play in the stream and woods:)

Recently, on a routine check of our bridges, we discovered our main bridge over Mill Creek needed attention.  A supporting post had begun to sink into the streambed and needed to be readjusted and given additional support.  Using a handyman's jack, we were able to raise the bridge several inches to a level height.  After we finished the steps for the undersupport, we began creating outer support with limestone rocks. 

They are heavy.  Very heavy.

Through use of a wheelbarrow, sledge, and old-fashioned arm strength, we maneuvered the rocks to appropriate spots on the streambank, which were then positioned along the bridge support according to size.  The biggest rocks were placed first, followed by medium sizes, and the final rocks, the smallest, were used for filling in the small holes and niches.  The difference in the bridge is noticeable, and we were thankful for a beautiful work day to complete the project. 

We had been watching the banks of Mill Creek near the bridge for a time, checking on the level of erosion.  When the water is lower, as in the summer, the amount of soil from the banks washing away is very low.  However, when we have a significant rain storm, or a snowmelt in the spring, one can almost watch the soil and sediment being washed from the banks, eroding quickly.  In the area by the bridge, one can see the exposed roots from the nearby Eastern Hemlock tree, uncovered by soil erosion.

In an effort to conserve our land resources, we built a rock weir in the stream.  A rock weir is one of many BMPs, or Best Management Practices.  These BMPs are used to help keep our waterways and land as clean and healthy as possible.  The rock weir is used to guide water flowing downstream to the middle of the stream, rather than having water rocket off the side of the stream bank and creating erosion.

Although the rock weir may resemble a pile of rocks for kids to play with in the water, they are actually placed very carefully to guide the stream flow to the middle.  The weir is lowest in the middle, to allow for easier passage of water.  The sides are built up out of the water, guiding the water toward the middle.  The sides are also rounded to point downstream. 

Physics Experiment!:  Create a flow of water with a hose, or find a stream.  Using a log or branch, lay it down in three different positions:

• From the bank to the middle of the stream, with the bank end upstream
• From the bank to the middle of the stream, straight in
• From the bank to the middle of the stream, with the bank end downstream

Watch the flow of water after the log settles.  The water likes to flow 90 degrees, straight down over the log.  So, in creating a weir to guide water to the middle of the stream, the sides of the weir need to point...?  Cool, huh?

We are in the monitoring stage of our weir.  There has not been much rain throughout the region in months, so it is currently difficult to gauge the efficiency of our weir.  However, calibrations will be made as necessary when we do see that big storm or have that spring snow melt!

Answer to the Monarch question:  Female - do you know why?

Monarch Migration

It's incredibly difficult to predict nature, which is perhaps most obvious in our weather forecasts.  Yet we continue to try, and in these efforts, learn vast amounts of amazing information about what we are tracking.  Take, for example, the migration of the Monarch butterfly.

Just this week, while the southern states are being deluged with hurricane winds and rain, here at Headwaters Park it has begun the funny mix of the end of summer and beginning of fall.  The nights and mornings are cool and dew-coated, but the days become hot and more like our summer memories.  This week we have noticed an upswing in our butterfly activity. 

Our Park houses four main habitats; forest, stream, wetland, and meadow.  This time of year, I truly enjoy the meadow habitat.  It's is so active and loud, with swaths of color creating new rainbows in every direction.  Monarchs are on their way and we were able to capture images of a beautiful one on its way to its winter home.

A few basic facts about Monarchs:

• Each year, the monarch population goes through 4-5 generations.
• The migrating generation are not quite at the adult stage when they leave.  
• When monarchs do reproduce, they will only lay their eggs on milkweed.
• Monarchs can tolerate being in the rain to a point, but if their wings become too saturated, they become unable to fly.
• The wings are covered in what are called scales.  Although they are not like reptile scales, Monarch scales are relatively hardy.
• Monarchs use their sense of smell and sight to learn about their environment, find food, and stay safe.
• Monarchs drink nectar from flowers with their proboscis, which is like very long tongue.

For more detailed information about Monarchs, check out the Journey North website at:

http://www.learner.org/jnorth/search/Monarch.html 

 

 

Pop quiz:  Can you tell if our Monarch visitor is a male or female?  See our next blog entry for the answer!

3-Sisters Garden

3-Sisters Garden

During the creation of our Community Learning Garden this past year, we decided one of our goals was to provide many options for growing a garden as possible.  We wanted to explore sizes of gardens, types of raised beds, and experiment with what seemed to grow best in each area.  One garden that was particularly intruiguing was the 3-sisters garden. 

This garden partnership was utilized by several Native American groups to highlight the strong suits of a few plants, and to use these strengths to heighten the yield of their crops.  We couldn't wait to try it!  The three plants in the garden include corn, pole beans, and squash.  These three crops, planted with proper placement, rely on each other for healthy growth.

• Corn is used by the beans as a support for their growth.
• The beans fix nitrogen to their roots, packing away nutrients for the following year's growth.  The beans also serve to help the corn stay secured in the soil during rain and wind events.
• The squash (it could be zucchini, summer squash, gourds, or pumpkins) both block out sunlight to the soil, inhibiting the growth of weeds, and also helping to maintain moisture in the soil by slowing evaporation through shade.

Students are building the 4 x 4 bed the 3-sisters garden will be planted in this year.  The sides are hollow molded plastic, purchased from www.goodideasinc.com, and can be filled with water.  The water gradually seeps into the soil through the cloverleaf hoses underneath the plants, encouraging roots to grow out in search of a water source.  The hoses also provide water slowly so as not to have it absorbed into the earth or runoff the sides of the garden.

This photo is the 3-sisters garden after a few weeks of growth.  The corn is place in the center of each side, the pumpkins in the corners, and the beans in the middle.  We planted the corn first, to give it time to grow and be a solid support for the beans.  We wait a few weeks to plant the pumpkins so they would not shade out the corn and beans. 

This photo is from about 6 weeks of growth.  Since this photo, the corn has tassled, which means it should produce ears.  The jack-be-little pumpkins we planted have already produced two pumpkins with the promise of many more.

This photo shows the pole beans crawling right up the vine.

There are numerous flowers throughout the vines.  We hope to be harvesting them

in the next few weeks!

There are numerous flowers on each of the pumpkin vines.  Although we have had some weed growth, I have probably pulled less than 10 since the plant was able to shade with its large leaves.  The loose, damper soil made it easier to pull, too.





Happy Growth!

Rain Garden Visitor

Rain Garden Visitor

We had a beautiful visitor yesterday as we were finishing up the signage on the rain garden.  Despite the drought conditions, our rain garden is surviving, thanks to a heavy, consistent downpour this past weekend and irrigation.  Although it seems odd to water a rain garden, the plants do need water despite what Mother Nature delivers or not. 

As we were finishing the sign, a coworker noticed a gorgeous winged visitor in the garden.  A Spicebush Swallowtail spent quite a bit of time in and out of the dianthus, partaking in the flowers' nectar.  When we chose the species to place in the rain garden, it was our hope to attract wildlife and birds/butterflies.  This visit was a great sign!

The dianthus is just brilliant today - no wonder it caught the attention of the swallowtail!

There are a lot of details in this closeup.  Not only has our friend been around a bit (see the missing parts of the wings?) but you can actually see the proboscis, or tongue, reaching into the flower for a meal.  Although butterfly wings feel soft and it may seem as if they are made of feathers, they are actually covered in setae, or scales. 

Both the above photo and the photo to the right show the tell-tale 'swallow's tail' that marks a swallowtail butterfly.  The bright blue and orange markings give away its spicebush name.

Hot Weather Adaptations

Hot Weather Adaptations

As temperatures continued into the 90s this past week (which is a little unusual for our region, especially so early in the summer) I wondered how the flora and fauna in the Park were faring.  Everyone I knew was staying in the air conditioning, hitting the beach and/or pool, or visiting movie theaters to help keep cool.  But these options aren't quite available for our wild friends, so what DO they do on days like this?



This young tuip poplar tree enjoys the shade of the older tree behind it.

Ferns are shade-loving plants; this fern bed was a beautiful sight with dappled sun shining through.

Having a clean water source is key to animals' and plants' survival, especially in the heat.  I found the Park to be relatively quiet, as most animals were simply keeping still in the shade, waiting for the sun to set a bit before they foraged for their meals.  Mill Creek is very low at this point in the summer, although still running cool and clear, which is a great asset to the park.  It was also noted that several species of trees and plants, specifically those with more access to the sun, were curling their leaves.  This curling is due to transpiration, or how leaves "sweat".  Transpiration occurs from the underside of leaves.  The curling of leaves in the heat is how the plants are trying to retain water for survival. Some leaves are even turning yellow and dropping early in an effort to conserve water. 

While I did not see much action from the mammals, I did see very active dace swimming in the stream and the insects seemed ecstatic.  While I was less than enthused about the deerflies, other species, especially the dragonflies and other water-loving insects, were thrilled with their high population.  It was a perfect buffet for them. 

Female Black-winged Damselfly

I was, however, very curious to what the birds were doing at this point in the day.  Normally they are very cheerful and noisy in the Park, and it was relatively silent.  How do birds deal with high humidity and heat?

Mill Creek running low, but cool and clear

It turns out birds have great adaptations just for occasions such as today.  Check out this link for more details - http://birding.about.com/od/birdingbasics/a/howbirdskeepcool.htm.  Birds, like mammals, will sit quietly in the shade, if possible.  They are not capable of sweating, but they will open their beaks and pant to lower their body temperature, along with spreading their wings to allow better air circulation.  Again, a favorite cooling activity is bathing/playing in cool, clean water.  If you enjoy watching birds, or would like to give them a hand in survival during a heat wave, consider installing a bird bath or mister.  Just be sure the water is in a safe place from any predators, household or otherwise:)