TLC's Blog (170)
I've been watching the little dark-eyed juncos at the bird feeder today. They keep hopping onto the tube feeder and then quickly off. I did some reading, and found that they are ground feeding birds, so would really rather peck some seed from the ground. I'll have to remember to spill some seed for them.
Some people call them snow birds since they seem to appear at the first snow. Their summer home is in Canada and far northern US, so when we see them in the winter, they are actually just visiting for the better weather!
February is National Bird-Feeding Month in the United States. Congressman John Porter from Illinois introduced a formal resolution to Congress on February 23, 1994 to help raise awareness of the fact that February is the toughest month of the year for birds in most parts of the country. Their natural food supplies - berries and seeds - are often running low and insects have not yet started to emerge.
The winter has been odd this year - feeling more like late spring than winter most days - but it has still been winter for the birds. Their natural food sources have dwindled, and, other than the occasional confused fly or beetle, there are not insects for them to eat.
Rep. Porter's resolution also suggested that bird-feeding was a worthwhile family activity that does not take a lot of time or expense yet provides many hours of pleasure and opportunities for young and old alike to learn about birds. So, if you already have a bird feeder, remember to keep it full. If you don't yet have one, this would be a great time to take up a new hobby!
So, Happy Anniversary to National Bird-Feeding month!
For more information, visit www.birdfeeding.org
When we say that we found an oak that is at least 400 years old, what do we base that conclusion on? Obviously, we would have to cut the tree down to count the rings, and unless it is already dead, we aren’t going to do that!
The short answer is that we look the size up on a table that Marlin Bowles at the Morton Arboretum created to help people estimate the age of various trees based on the tree’s diameter at breast height (dbh):
|
Inches dbh |
Bur/Swamp white oak |
Red oak |
Shagbark Hickory |
White Oak |
|
10 |
66 |
76 |
102 |
84 |
|
12 |
79 |
89 |
116 |
100 |
|
14 |
91 |
102 |
129 |
115 |
|
16 |
104 |
115 |
142 |
129 |
|
18 |
117 |
128 |
155 |
144 |
|
20 |
129 |
141 |
167 |
159 |
|
22 |
142 |
154 |
179 |
173 |
|
24 |
154 |
161 |
190 |
187 |
|
26 |
167 |
179 |
202 |
201 |
|
28 |
179 |
191 |
212 |
215 |
|
30 |
192 |
203 |
223 |
229 |
|
31 |
204 |
215 |
234 |
243 |
|
34 |
219 |
230 |
246 |
260 |
|
35 |
229 |
239 |
254 |
271 |
|
37 |
242 |
251 |
264 |
285 |
|
39 |
254 |
263 |
274 |
298 |
The table was created using actual data from a large number of trees that were “aged” either after death or by using a coring tool that allows one to take a small core from the tree so that the rings can be counted without cutting the tree down. The various ages for the various diameters of the various species of trees were analyzed and a table showing the approximate age for different diameters of different species was created.
One important thing to notice, however, is that the table stops at 39” dbh. So, for the really large trees – like the 54 ½” white oak at Gateway Park or the 48” bur oak at Hennen Conservation Area, one has to extrapolate.
In the case of the 54½” white oak, we look at the table that tells us a 39” white oak is about 298 years old. Our specimen is 40% larger than that, which would mean 417 years old if it grew in diameter at the same rate when it was 300 as it did when it was much younger. To be a little conservative, we say the tree could be 400 years old.
In the case of the 48” bur oak, again, we know that a 39” specimen is about 254 years old. A 48” tree is about 23% larger than that, so we would calculate it to be 312 years old, and say the tree could be 300 years old!
We won’t be able to say for sure until the tree is dead. In the meantime, let’s not argue over a few years one way or the other!
In December 2010, I wrote an article about the coming of winter - "Slow down and take a cue from nature"
In it, I discussed the fact that in this part of the world, nature takes a break in the winter, and so should we.
Now that we have reached February 2012 with barely a week's worth of winter days thus far (not that I'm complaining, just observing), I find myself wondering what impact an unusually warm "winter" might have on nature & humans.
From what I've read, one warm winter may not have much impact, but several in a row will. And while those impacts may not be evident for many years, given that this warming during winter is a well established trend, the impacts are very real, and may be irreversible.
When first married, my husband and I moved to Vermont from Chicago, motivated by our image of that state as a beautiful, rural paradise – the antithesis of gritty Chicago where our car got broken into every few weeks. We thought Vermont would be a great adventure. Turns out “adventure” wasn’t quite the right word.
Our moving date was in early November, and after we arrived, it was at least 30 days until we saw the sun. Our trusty VW Rabbit had a stick-shift – which had not been a problem in Chicago where the landscape is fairly level. But, in Vermont, we couldn’t even get in or out of our neighborhood without going up and down a couple of hills. On streets covered in snow and ice.
We expected that having grown up with Chicago winters would prepare us for anything, but we were wrong. The sheer volume of snow that fell in and around Burlington, and the absence of sunshine for weeks at a time, made that first winter pretty tough.
Add to the mix the fact that we were newlyweds in a new place without friends and without jobs (we each found something by January), and that meant we spent a lot of time in our apartment that winter – reading, playing cards, questioning the wisdom of our cross-country move…
That first winter was also when we heard about “Snowflake” Bentley – the man who first observed that no two snowflakes are alike. In 1885, Wilson A. “Snowflake” Bentley, a farmer and resident of Jericho, Vermont,
Prepare to be filled with wonder and delight on Sunday January 29th at TLC's 21st Annual Meeting and Brunch! The event will be held at D'Andrea's Banquets on Route 14 in Crystal Lake starting at 11am.
The featured guest is Dr. Roger Kuhns, known across the globe as a geologist, environmental scientist and performer who has entertained audiences from South Africa to Wisconsin! His Monologue will begin at 1pm, and will feature a unique performance that weaves together his travels, natural history and music.
As a fan described a recent performance in Minneapolis: "Charming monologue. Funny, different, thought provoking. Good entertainment without being "naughty". I found myself thinking about it days later." And "His stories are good for art lovers, bureaucrats, travelers .. well, most of us!"
Roger's performance will begin at 1pm. Brunch buffet will be open from 11 am - 12:30 pm, as will a silent auction featuring green, natural, handmade, local & organic items donated by local businesses and craftspeople!
TLC will be presenting our "2011 Living with Trees" awards to the City of Woodstock and the Fleming Road Alliance. The award program was started in 2006 to recognize those in the community who go "above & beyond" to ensure that oaks are an important part of the local landscape today & in the future.
Additionally, we will recognize several of the landowners who worked with TLC in 2011 to permanently preserve their properties! Over 100 acres were preserved last year using permanent conservation agreements with private landowners, accepting land donations and actually purchasing an acre of land!
Tickets are $35 for TLC members, and $50 for non-members. The $50 non-member price includes a complimentary year memership to TLC, which will entitle you to discounts at training and events as well as invitations to member-only events!
Make your reservations today, and prepare to be entertained! Click here to buy your tickets now!
As I write this, it is December 30, 2011, 11am, and I am in Woodstock, Illinois. And it is about 40 degrees and raining.
Okay, that looks as strange in writing as it sounds in my head.
I remember a New Year's Party when I was in college. A group of us got together at a friend's house and stayed over night just doing girl stuff. The next morning (or early afternoon) after we had breakfast (or maybe brunch), and went to go home, it was well below zero outside and all of our cars were dead. I had driven my dad's Buick Riviera (canary yellow with a black half-roof - we called it the bumblebee), and it didn't even try to turn over. That's the coldest New Year's Day I remember.
In contrast, this one sure seems warmer than usual. But it isn't. This weather is actually normal for the Chicago area. Over the last 140 years, the high temperature on New Year's Day is most likely to fall between 30 and 39 degrees (nearly 60% of the time). Yep, this is normal.
The forecasters have been predicting a wetter and colder than normal winter in the US this year, and I guess some areas of the country are seeing that already, but not here!
Weather forecasts are made by collecting quantitative data about the current conditions in the atmosphere and using scientific understanding of atmospheric processes to predict how the atmosphere will change over some period of time. (paraphrased from Wikipedia's page on Meteorology - which has nothing to do with meteors...).
In today's world there are so many data available from every corner of the planet at any given moment, that meteorologists have been able to develop sophisticated computer models to help them make predictions for the future. But they are still just predictions (which is another word for "educated guess"). And, let's face it, it is a standard joke in most parts of the world that weather "forecasters"might have a better success rate if they looked up at the sky instead of relying on their computer models.
We all know what no computer will admit: Mother Nature will have the final say.
The end of the year is always a surprise of sorts at TLC. There are usually several land preservation projects brewing that may or may not come together... It can be hard to predict.
After 10 year-ends, it doesn't stress me out anymore. I've learned that everything happens in its own time, and if a project isn't meant to be this year, it may come back around in another three or seven years! Or never. It will happen if it is meant to be.
This year, 2011, we started off with what seemed like a rush of easements on Fleming Road. We finished 8 or 9 by the end of 2010, and are now up to 18 permanent easements along that road. We don't know for sure what the easements will mean for the roadway, but they have most certainly sent the message that not only do the residents want to see the road stay in its same footprint, but they are willing to give up certain rights to their own property to help make sure that happens.
I think of it as an "Occupy Fleming Road" thing...very grassroots in nature! (Or should I say "oak-roots" in nature?)
TLC actually "purchased" some land this year too. Two parcels that comprise an acre on Barnard Mill Road came up for tax delinquent sale in September. We placed a bid on both parcels ($1300 total), and won! After clearing up a lien, and buying title insurance, our total costs were still less than $5,000. And did I mention that the land is adjacent to 26 acres of conservation easement? And that the easements are adjacent to Glacial Park? How cool is that?!
2012 will be known as the year of two acre land donations. Two acres donated in Nunda Township, 2.5 acres donated in Hebron Township (adjacent to the Dick York Memorial Arboretum easement), and 2 acres donated in Dorr Township adjacent to our 7 acre easement in the Country Ridge subdivision.
I like to say that if we keep up this pace, TLC will have preserved all of the County through land donations in about 500 years!
Our "bread & butter" work - accepting donated permanent conservation easements on private land - is still going strong. We closed on a 38.5 acre easement last week that adjoins the Yonder Prairie/Westwod Park complex just west of Woodstock. And we are set to close on a 56 acre easement that preserves prairie, wetland and oak natural areas by the end of the year. The attorneys have agreed on the details, so now it is just a matter of making a few edits and getting some signatures so the document can be recorded!
Finally, I am pleased to report that we now have a signed agreement to purchase the Gateway property in Harvard! Nearly 18 acres that will become a City Park. We'll finish the acquisition sometime in 2012. No surprises, please.
Saturday December 10th was the inaugural Oak Rescue at the future Gateway Park on the south side of Harvard near the intersection of Routes 14 & 23.
Thirty volunteers from throughout McHenry County donated over 90 hours on a cold morning to release about a dozen ancient oaks from the grips of invasive brush that had grown up around them in the last 20-30 years.
The 18 acre property is home to dozens of oaks that were growing on the property before the area was settled. These trees would have welcomed early settlers to town 165 or more years ago, and now will continue to welcome residents and visitors to Harvard forever.
Through a partnership between the City of Harvard and The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, Gateway Park will be preserved as a public nature park for hiking, relaxation and education.
The property includes several oak groves, with dozens of trees that were already large when the City was founded in 1856. Additionally, one of the only portions of Rush Creek that was never ditched runs through the center of the property, providing important habitat for a diversity of fish, including three that are listed as "species in greatest need of conservation" by the State of Illinois.
Future Oak Rescues are being planned. Contact The Land Conservancy for more information: 815-337-9502.
Art of the Land Photo Contest - sign up for 2012
Written by Lisa Haderlein
TLC's 4th Annual Art of the Land Amateur Photography Contest is now taking applications!
The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) invites amateur photographers to participate in a unique photo contest meant to highlight the inspiring nature of TLC’s land preservation work. The contest goal is to showcase photographs that reveal the beautiful and immense natural and cultural diversity found throughout McHenry County.
The photo at left was the People's Choice winner in the 2011 contest. The picture was taken by Margie Bjorkman at TLC's Pensinger Conservation Easement on Fleming Road. The 3 acre oak woodland that can be seen behind the gate was preserved by Ray & Lynn Pensinger in 2009.
The photo below was the first place juried winner in 2011, and was taken by Kacie Butler at the Sobczak Conservation Easement in Greenwood. Lynne and Marty Sobczak also preserved three acres of their property in 2009. The property preserves a stretch of the Nippersink Creek as well as half of the only remaining lily pond along the creek.
TLC has preserved over 1900 acres of land in McHenry County by working with more than 70 landowners. The properties protected range in size from 250 acres to less than one acre. All lands are protected from development forever through permanent conservation restrictions.
The photo contest gives amateur photographers a chance to visit many of these privately-owned conservation properties, and through their photographs to share their experiences with the public when the photos are shown at TLC's Art of the Land Art Show & Benefit in September.
Amateur photographers can download an application here and send it back to Cheryl Perrone by email or snail mail to PO Box 352, Woodstock IL 60098.
A gallery of all 2011's photos can be seen here.
When was the last time you saw the Milky Way? What, you say you’ve never seen it? Well, you’re hardly alone.
We live in a time when millions of people are growing up in urban areas where they are lucky to see a few stars now and then.
The night sky is being obscured by an over-abundance of light. What most folks don’t realize, and some refuse to believe, is that more light doesn’t make us safer.
Lots of light at night disrupts our sleep patterns, disorients plants, birds and other animals, and obscures the night sky, but it does not keep us safe. Research proves this fact – Google it. I heard this explained in a really great way once: criminals need light to see just like we do. What is going to attract more attention – a light switching on in an otherwise dark place, or a shadow in a lit place?
People aren’t content to light their homes or properties for safety anymore – some use lighting for dramatic effect. Some use lighting to scream “Hey, world, I don’t give a bleep how much I pay the electric company each month! I’m RICH!!” Lights shine upward through the branches of trees and spotlights illuminate the home’s façade.
(And don’t get me started on Holiday Lights – we have a neighbor who makes Clark Griswold look like a piker.)
It’s hard for me to imagine NOT knowing the Big & Little Dippers, Orion, Cassiopeia and Gemini’s twins. Or never to have seen the Milky Way – that view into the densest part of our galaxy that appears as a pale smudge across the sky. When I was first aware of the night sky, I thought it was just some thin, high clouds until I had the chance to view it through a telescope. Wow, seeing those billions of stars for the first time, I remember thinking to myself – “surely, we aren’t alone.”
More...
In our work at TLC, we are often reminded of the power of the individual to make a profound difference in the world. An acre at a time, and after twenty years, nearly 3 square miles of land have been permanently preserved in one of the fastest developing counties in the US (until the recession, that is).
But TLC & McHenry County are not the only groups and places that are experiencing a groundswell of private land conservation.
The first census of conservation land trusts in five years found 10 million new acres conserved across the US since 2005, including over 90,000 acres in Illinois and 1,360 acres by TLC here in McHenry County.
The National Land Trust Census, released by the Land Trust Alliance, shows that voluntarily protected land increased 27 percent between 2005 and 2010. In the same time period, the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, a major federal conservation program, added just over 500,000 acres and saw a 38% funding cut. You can find the census is online at www.lta.org/census.
A total of 47 million acres—an area over twice the size of all the national parks in the contiguous United States—are now protected by conservation land trusts. A high percentage of the new acreage comes through local land trusts like The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. In Illinois, land trusts conserved over 90,000 acres between 2005 and 2010, a 42% increase in land protected when compared to 2000-2005. Given declining state and federal budgets for land preservation, this news offers some encouragement: individuals are stepping up and working with nonprofits to help guarantee a legacy of land will be passed down to future generations of Americans!
In McHenry County, TLC permanently preserved 1,360 acres of natural, agricultural and scenic land between 2006 and 2010, a five-fold increase from the 257 acres we had protected from 1991-2005. An important factor in that growth has been an enhanced Federal Income Tax deduction for landowners who place a voluntary, permanent conservation restriction on their land.
But, the biggest factor in the growth of local private land preservation is the fact that McHenry County residents value the land and all it provides. And, local people are investing in our future by working with TLC to ensure clean water, local food and places to play for our children and for generations to come.
I was talking with a landowner recently about the restoration he and his wife are doing on their property, a former farm field. He said "It was a farm field forever, as long as I can remember."
That comment got me thinking about the whole concept of forever. What does that word really mean?
Let's think about that farmfield that's being restored today:
It was farmed for maybe 175 years - possibly from the time the area was first settled. That's a long time, for sure.
There's an oak tree on the property that is about 240 years old. That oak was possibly there before there was a United States of America! I wonder how many oaks were there on the property 240 years ago when that one first sprouted? How many 100s of years had oak trees grown on that land? 500? 5,000?
And what about the wet area on the farm that was drained for farming in the 1920s? How many hundreds or thousands of years was it filled with swamp milkweed, sedges, bullrushes and all of the insects, birds and other wildlife that are coming back to the area now. The rich, deep, organic soils indicate that they were formed over thousands of years of plant growth and decay in a wet environment.
Millions of small miracles happen this time of the year, as pollinated flowers transform into seeds. Seeds that will feed birds and wildlife throughout the winter as well as seeds that will lie dormant on the ground until next spring when they emerge as a new generation of plants.
Seeds are being produced – large and small – as part of the lifecycle of the plant world. Plants spend much of the rest of the growing season preparing for reproduction. Flowers bloom to attract insects and birds that are necessary for pollination. Pollination is how plants reproduce – insects, birds or the wind move pollen (male gametes, aka sperm) from one part of a plant to the female part of the plant (female gametes, or eggs), resulting in fertilization and the production of seeds (potential future plants).
Your membership means everything to TLC. When added with all the other memberships, it makes a huge difference. In fact, it means the difference between The Land Conservancy of McHenry County and, well, no TLC at all.
We don't receive any government funding - there is no line on your McHenry County property tax bill for The Land Conservancy. There is no "check off" on your state tax return for TLC, and no federal appropriation to support our work.
No, TLC is able to do what we do because individuals in McHenry County and the surrounding area CHOOSE to support us with their annual membership contributions. We exist because local people purchase tickets to the events we hold - like Art of the Land - or they buy oak trees and rainbarrels.
I was raised in a family where one did not talk about money - it was considered tacky. And now I run an organization where I must think about and ask for money - a lot. It doesn't come naturally to me, especially the times when I have to ask people to make a donation. I don't want to be pushy or seem too needy.
I'll catch myself saying things like "oh, we're doing fine" when a member asks how things are going financially, even though my mind is thinking "I'm worried because our membership renewal rate is down." Or I want to say "we had a couple of grant awards come in lower than expected, which means $2500 I have to raise somewhere," but I don't because I don't want anyone to worry.
Add to all that the fact that this is a sluggish economy. Maybe it's not a recession any more, but this sure has to be one of the slowest recoveries ever. I talked to a member recently who apologized for letting his membership lapse. He explained to me that he lost his job two years ago and only just got a new one, so he hoped to renew soon. He wanted to be sure I knew that he was still thinking about TLC, and that he still supported everything we do and wants to do more as soon as he is able.
The conversation reminded me that TLC means a lot to our members too. And that is why they choose to send us a tax-deductible membership contribution.
You could send us yours today!
