panorama | spring 2015

Spring EphemeralsPage 4

Nesting SeasonPage 6

First Year BirdingPage 7

panoramaSpring 2015

BOARD OF DIRECTORSOfficers

Tim GerendPresident

Margarete HarveyPast President

Sanderson ‘Andy’ S. ReadTreasurer

Nick PabstSecretary

Jane B. BellVP-Development

John GrunauVP-Governance

Cynthia PalmersheimHuman Resources

BoardShane Delsman

John E. ‘Jack’ GebhardtChad D. Johnson

Kevin J. KaneMeg Kinney

Amy KocourekJustin K. PatrickLena M. Patton

Arthur T. PhillipsBenjamin F. Rikkers

Jeff ThurstonCarol Wolcott

Past PresidentsJohn H. Kopmeier, Jr.

Philip R. SmithDennis L. Fisher

Terrence K. KnudsenThomas J. McCutcheonThomas B. Fitzgerald

Randolph H. DeanStephen F. GeimerThomas J. Drought

David K. HooverJohn S. McGregor

Honorary DirectorsEdwin P. Wiley

Director EmeritusDorothy K. Vallier

(1910-2013)

NATHAN SMALLWOOD Executive DirectorSpring is the time for ephemerals as highlighted in a few pages by our Director of Conservation, Don Quintenz. The word ephemeral is used in everyday speech for a feeling or experience that is fleeting or short lived, or ephemera describing the stuff of lives past.

While seasons, fauna, and the migratory nature of our winged residents are ephem-eral, memory and experiences here are not. Since the founding of Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, visitors have had the opportunity to experience ephemeral seasons while developing a permanent, unwavering connection with nature.

As you will see in this issue, most of the connections made or conversations about the Center re-volve around our ecosystem. That could be our Thursday morning birders taking notice of which birds are visiting during their travels along the migratory path. Perhaps it’s our preschoolers out snapping photos of nature along the trails. Or maybe it’s the surprise of a father who’s seen it all, but never heard a spring chorus of frogs.

Enjoying the delights of our natural ecosystem is the reason we are here, however, it can be easy to forget the basis which sustains Schlitz Audubon–our fiscal ecosystem. I’d like to let you know about some updates to our fiscal ecosystem, and ways you can plant seed money for the future of the Center.

We’re once again partnering with Northwestern Mutual Foundation. Their generous grant sup-ports our initiative to increase awareness of the Center as a key destination for natural science learning and recreation. Our focus will be growing and sharing our seasonal events with families and youth groups throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

We are excited to announce that Outpost Natural Foods has selected us as their community part-ner throughout the summer. During this program Outpost creates a partnership strategy tailored to the organization’s individual needs, and includes donations from multiple sources throughout the partnership. We are further engaging other businesses throughout the area and we invite you to help us find businesses and organizations interested in investing in the future of our ecosystem.

Owls are some of our most regal native residents of Schlitz Audubon. With this in mind we’ve cre-ated an expanded membership group, the Parliament of Owls. These members have reinforced their commitment to Schlitz Audubon by donating amounts which exceed the general member-ship rate, further investing in our ecosystem.

On a recent morning, while taking off my coat, I watched a doe with her fawns gradually stepping along the ridge overlooking Lake Michigan. The small puffs of condensation rising briefly and vanishing from their noses. Lake Michigan breathing back and forth against the shore, slowed by ice floes tumbling against one another. That doe will never understand the definition of a nature center, only that this is a bountiful ecosystem to visit. With your continued support, she’ll never know any different.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Schlitz Audubon is an independent, locally supported partner of the

National Audubon Society.

Embrace the Ephemeral

SEASONAL SIGHTINGS

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Seasonal Sightings appears in each quarterly so you can learn about seasonal highlights at Schlitz Audubon and then visit and see for yourself!

CASSIE RINCON NaturalistAs spring arrives at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, we welcome back our amphibious friends that were brumating, a form of hiber-nation for reptiles and amphibians, during the cold winter months. This is the season when frogs begin their staggered symphony of calls to find their mates.

We begin in March with the Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) and his high pitched version of quacking. Following him is the Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) chirping continuous “creeek” calls. The final entrant is the Northern Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) with high-pitched peeps that seem too boastful for his size.

In April, the Wood Frog begins to quiet down and we start to hear from the Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) with his snores and occasional chuckles and the American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) with his lengthy trill. During May, the Chorus Frog and the Spring Peeper have found their mates. Listen for the Eastern Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor) with a trill similar to the American Toad, though with a lower pitch. In May, also listen for the Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans), who sounds like pebbles clicking to-gether. Once June rolls around, we hear the one-note twang of the Green Frog (Rana clamitans) and the foghorn call of the American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus).

When visiting the Center, the best locations to hear these loud am-phibians are at our ponds and other wet areas; the most popular being Mystery Lake, Boardwalk Pond, and Teal Pond. It is also rec-ommended to take a long stroll to visit the North Pond. Whichever pond you choose, stop by and experience the symphony for yourself!

TOP American Bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus at Mystery Lake.MIDDLE Northern Spring Peeper Pseudacris crucifer.

BOTTOM American Toad Anaxyrus americanus.

Virginia Bluebells

EphemeralsSpring

DON QUINTENZ Director of Conservation & Adult Education

EDUCATION

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EDUCATION

When one asks people what is their favorite thing in nature, the two most popular responses are birds and wildflowers. If you ask the plant people which wildflowers, the answer is often spring ephemerals.

The word ephemeral is defined as “the concept of things being tran-sitory, existing only briefly” and came from the Greek word ephem-eros, “lasting only one day.” While there is an extensive list of plants that people call ephemeral, botanists reserve the term for plants with a very specific, but peculiar behavior. After the normal appearance in spring they die back before the prime growing season of summer, when most plants take advantage of the warmest, sunniest, and lon-gest days of the year.

If you have ever witnessed an unspoiled prairie or woodland in May you will always remember it. The ground is literally carpeted with color. Most of the flowers of the forest at this time belong to this dis-tinguished group. Dominated by the queen of shade producers, the sugar maple, the forest has two brief periods when light is available at the ground level during the growing season. These ephemerals pour all their growth energy into these periods, before the trees bud out or after they drop their leaves. In so doing, they gain an advantage over plants that create deficits during the shady months. Thus they bear testimony of their intimate connection to the dominant plants that has developed over many millennia.

Our Center is blessed with some high quality sites where both the soil and the vegetational cover have maintained their integrity through the many decades of human disturbance. Closest to our building are the bluff edges to the south between the building and the tower and also alongside the road down to the terrace. Here you can find Virginia Bluebells, Dutchman’s Breeches, Spring Beauty, Cut-leaved Tooth-wort, Wild Leek, False Rue Anemone, White Trout-lily, Yellow Trout-lily, and Annual Bedstraw. Surprisingly these nine species are not re-lated and belong to seven different plant families. This illustrates the strong advantage for all plants to evolve anatomically and physiolog-ically to become better at doing what plants do best – to grow. If they do this better than other plants in the area they can survive there. This type of change is called “convergent evolution,” the name suggesting that unlike species become more alike over time.

Mark your calendar now for a family hike in early May. You will nev-er regret building a closer relationship with nature. To quote Word-sworth, “Nature never did betray the heart that loved her.”


“The ground is literally carpeted with color.”

Spring Beauty

Yellow Trout-lily

Dutchman’s Breeches

DIANE VISTY Raptor Manager Warmer weather indicates that nesting season is upon us. Whether year round residents or migrants, male birds are first to stake claims on the best territories and nest sites. When females arrive, site selec-tion begins in earnest. Nests can take sev-eral different forms. The woven cup shape is common, and others use a scrape on the side of a rock cliff. Otherwise a knot-hole in a tree or even an excavation into a mud wall provide safety for the pair’s nestlings. The smallest nest belongs to the Hummingbird, which is just three-quarters of an inch wide and 1 inch tall. By contrast, the Bald Eagle’s nest can be 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep.

Most diurnal raptors (with the exception of the Falcon family) make nests out of sticks and twigs, not out of leaves like a squirrel’s nest. The birds make a depres-sion called a nest cup in the center for the eggs. This is lined with feathers to help their eggs stay warm along with bark strips and fresh green twigs to cushion the eggs and keep away insects. Red-tailed Hawks make sturdy nests, 3 feet wide by 2 feet deep, high up in trees with commanding views. Cooper’s Hawks, which are common in our neighborhoods, make nests 27 inches wide and 10 inches deep. Unlike Red-tailed Hawks, their nests are not found much higher than 20 feet and in a mix of trees.

Owls, on the other hand, do not make their own nests. Smaller owls like the Screech and Saw-whet depend on woodpeckers to make the perfect home for them. These cav-ities have easily defended entrance holes no wider than 3 inches and can be 9 inch-es deep. Larger owls like Barred and Great Gray take advantage of large holes in trees which are about 10 inches wide and 20 inch-es deep. They lay their eggs at the bottom of the cavity without adding other nesting material to it. Great-horned and Long-eared owls take advantage of nests pre-built by Red-tailed’s and American Crows.

Enjoy watching our frugal bird friends, as they teach us all how they reuse and recycle each other’s homes and roost sites.

RAPTOR SPOTLIGHTWe have a Barred Owl in our care named Orion! Orion’s nest tree was blown down in a storm. Along with four sib-lings, Orion was taken to a re-

habilitation facility. As the youngest, Orion and his sister stayed longer at the facility and when they were released, neither want-ed to go. Orion will always look to people for his next meal and is therefore unable to be released to the wild. Orion is one of our most vocal birds, calling “who cooks for you!”

RAPTOR EDUCATION

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Actual size of a hummingbird nest

Eagles & Hawks use sticks & feathers for their large nests.

Northern Saw-whet Owl or EasternScreech Owl tree cavity.

Great Gray or Barred Owl tree cavity

FEATURE

ZOE FINNEY Graphic Designer

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A Birder’s First Year

American Goldfinch on a bare April day in 2014.

Spring 2015 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

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FEATURE


How it came to be that I would choose to drive across the state at the rumor of a Northern Hawk Owl sighting, or stand in complete awe of thirty-five American Robins in the woods near my home on a

cold January day, is still a bit of a mystery to me. Birds have cap-tivated me, and because of this, I now spend my days looking up.

My rapid immersion was aided by the fact I work here, at Schlitz Audubon. It’s nearly impossible to work at such a beautiful place and not have your curiosity awakened daily. Besides being at Schlitz Audubon, I’ve always felt connected to nature. While at school, I spent Saturdays at Strouds Run, an Ohio State Park in the foothills of the Appalachians. This became my natural sanc-tuary away from the commotion of college.

Before the spring of 2014, I could name (but not even correct-ly identify) seven birds: Cardinals, Robins, Crows, Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, Sparrows, and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. I began to take more hikes with camera in tow, and because it was April, there weren’t too many birds around. I would return with photos of “the regulars” to post to our social media, with no idea what they were. Thank goodness I have patient teachers for co-workers! Don Quintenz and Jean Strelka fielded all of my ear-ly birding questions, helping me learn the basics of identification.

Last spring I realized I had never really looked at a Black-capped Chickadee or noticed the bold color of a male American Gold-finch. Walking through the bare April woods and spotting glimps-es of color evoked emotions in me I cannot adequately explain. I was enthralled and my curiosity could not be quenched! I chose to become an active observer, and this is possible for you as well. I didn’t have steps on how to begin birding, so here are some of the things I’ve learned in the last year to help you get started.

I never intended to become a birder.

ABOVE Common Yellowthroat Warbler, May 2014.

BELOW Blue Jay, October 2014 .

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FEATURE

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START IN YOUR OWN BACKYARDBecome an active observer in your world. You don’t have to book a trip to Costa Rica—although that DOES sound lovely—to be-come a birder. You don’t even have to find a wooded area! Start with your own backyard and your neighborhood. Now I can’t even walk to the grocery store or post office without wondering what birds are around. It’s amazing what you see when you begin to pay attention.

ACQUIRE BINOCULARSMy first pair of binoculars were a $3 garage sale score. I’ve since upgraded to a pair of Nikon Monarchs, but there’s no need to start with a big investment. Before purchasing, visit a store and try several pairs to discover your preferences.

GET A NOTEBOOKI carry my little orange notebook at all times. My first bird ob-servations were messily scrawled across pages. Since I had no clue what I was observing, I recorded as much detail as possible. There are still a lot of birds I do not know, but my notebook is now filled with tallied lists of 4-letter short-hand abbreviations. If you found my notebook and were not a birder, it would look very cryptic. Wood Thrush is abbreviated as WOTH, or the Black-burnian Warbler (one of my favorites) is BLBW. This system is extremely helpful when you’re out in the field. In the time spent writing out an entire name you could miss seeing a warbler!

BUY A FIELD GUIDEPeterson’s Field Guide to Birds of Eastern & Central NorthAmerica is my go-to reference. The illustrations and descrip-tions are extremely helpful, especially for new birders. Some-times just reading the description will help me realize I’m on the wrong path in determining what bird I’m looking at.

FIND AN EXPERIENCED GROUP OF BIRDERSI would not know nearly as much about birds as I do now if I hadn’t found a special community of birders to learn from. During spring migration there is a group that meets weekly at Schlitz Audubon on Thursdays at 7:00am. They field my con-stant questions, point out the songs of birds, and gently tell me when I’m actually looking at an American Robin and not a Bal-timore Oriole. The wealth of knowledge I’ve absorbed from my new birding friends is unparalleled.

LEARN THE SONGS (OR AT LEAST TRY)This is the main part of birding that I am working on—learning the songs, calls, and chips of birds. Knowing what sounds birds

make is a very useful, but difficult to learn, tool to identify them. I use Merlin Bird ID to practice bird songs. The best practice, however, happens out in the field, with an expert birder who can point out songs and quiz you while you’re walking along. (Thanks, Marilyn!)

Birds may not be how you connect with nature, but I’m sure there is something out there for you. Open your eyes and become an active observer wherever you are, because there is new, endless beauty every day—even on a short walk, down a busy street to the post office.


BIRDING RESOURCES Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Eastern & Central North AmericaRoger Tory PetersonIllustrations, succint descriptions, and range maps. Also offers a beginner’s “how -to-ID birds” in the opening chapter.

The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & BehaviorDavid Allen SibleyExtensive information for hundreds of species, including: typical move-ments & habitats, breed-ing & nesting behavior, description of eggs, and vocalizations.

Merlin Bird IDThe Cornell Lab of OrinthologyOn-the-go field guide. This is an app for iOS & Android. 400 North American Birds, includes photos, range maps & audio of multi-ple songs, calls & chips for each species.

eBirdThe Cornell Lab of Orinthology & AudubonRecord & submit your birding observations. View interactive range & species maps that are updated daily, birding hotspots, and sign up for rarity notifications.

ABOVE Belted Kingfisher, September 2014.BELOW Green Heron spearing a frog, September 2014.

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SCHLITZ AUDUBON


ELISE HANSEN Preschool DirectorPATTI DARBY Preschool TeacherIt started with a gift. We received four simple and sturdy bright orange cameras. The goal was to invite our preschool-ers to document their outdoor observations and provide a glimpse into their experience at Schlitz Audubon.

We explained the camera’s basic functions and told the chil-dren to snap anything that caught their eye. At first many of the children were fascinated by the camera itself, pressing buttons and exploring mechanisms. Initially their pictures centered on classmates. As hikes went on, they began to focus on the landscape. Each day gradually took on a quiet thoughtfulness as they slowed their pace to look carefully, stopping their feet to capture an image. These pictures are a record of what they observed, and what they felt was important to document. As viewers we are allowed access to something wonderful—Schlitz Audubon as children see it.

Photographs evolved into records of natural events. There were photos of woodpecker holes on trees, pinecones partially nibbled by red squirrels, a log where a beetle hibernated in-

side hidden cracks. They photographed the familiar from new perspectives; acorns left in the bottom of a basket, thin blades of grass growing between the cracks of the sidewalk, a Blue Jay feather that happened to perfectly match a scarf. Their appreciation and love for these events is evident through their photographs. Children captured fleeting moments created by, and constantly evolving at, nature’s whim.

Sometimes the roles of teacher and student fluctuate. Their photographs teach us to stop our feet, look carefully, and ob-serve the story nature shows us.

PRESCHOOL AT SCHLITZ AUDUBON NATURE CENTER

Through the Preschool Lens

Photo by Haris from the Monday, Wednesday Cardinal Class.

Photo by Iva from the Monday, Wednesday, Friday Cardinal Class.

Photo by Landon from the Monday, Wednesday Cardinal Class.

Photo by Oliver from the Monday, Wednesday, Friday Cardinal Class.

SCHLITZ AUDUBON


DEBBY FULTON Director of DevelopmentWe are pleased to announce that we have received a $30,000 grant from Northwestern Mutual Foundation. Their generous grant supports our initiative to increase awareness of the Center as a key destination for natural science learning and recreation. Growing and sharing our seasonal events with families and youth groups throughout southeast-ern Wisconsin will be our focus. Emphasis will be placed on strengthening partnerships within three underserved neighborhoods that Northwestern Mutual Foundation sup-ports. Residents of these neighborhoods will have the opportunity to attend our events free of charge and this fits nicely with Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s emphasis on child wellness and overall education for children and families.

DEVELOPMENT

Thank You Northwestern Mutual Foundation

Please join us Friday, June 5 for our annual gala and celebrate the wonders of Schlitz Audubon. Our raptors will be on display and our Naturalists will take guests on a hike before dinner. Ticket and auction pro-ceeds go directly to support the Center’s environmental education programs, in-cluding student scholarships. Please visit our website for more information and view photos from past Galas.

To reserve your spot, contact Debby Fulton: [email protected] x152

2015 ANNUAL GALA

Save the Date for our 2015 Gala

We’re excited to intro-duce Marissa Lundin, the new Volunteer Coordina-tor at Schlitz Audubon.Marissa spent her child-hood exploring the wilds

of northern Wisconsin near Crandon. After a foray into printmaking in Min-neapolis, she decided to pursue a de-gree at UW-Milwaukee in Community Education and Engagement. During college she volunteered throughout Milwaukee, leading to a previous po-sition with our friends at Urban Ecol-ogy Center. Marissa is excited to find and engage new individuals and help volunteers create lasting relationships with the Center.

Here are some of our current volunteer opportunities:

FRONT DESK AMBASSADORSAs a front desk ambassador you will be the first to engage with visitors. Our ideal ambassador is outgoing and ex-cited to tell visitors about the wonders of Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. This person should be able to make suggestions for first time guests, ex-plain the uniqueness and history of our property.

LAND STEWARDSOur land steward team has dozens of projects going all the time. These vol-unteers like to be outside and work-ing with their hands. This can include heavy lifting, working in all weather conditions, and use of hand tools.

THE “RAY“ TEAMAffectionately named after long time volunteer Ray Jensen. Are you handy? Do you love getting involved with woodworking projects, performing maintenance, and working on some-thing new every day? Perhaps this de-scription fits someone in your life. If so, our Ray Team meets every Tuesday. All skill levels welcome!

To become a volunteer, just visit our website and fill out the Volunteer Ap-plication, or contact Marissa Lundin at 414-352-2880 x144.

VOLUNTEER UPDATE

Thank you to our 2015 Gala Sponsors

as of February 27

BDOGodfrey& Kahn, S.C.Inbusch Foundation

Northwestern Mutual FoundationRobert W. Baird

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CALENDAR


Spring Break Matinee: Big Hero 6*Thursday, April 2 | 2:00pm - 4:00pmBefore we turn off the lights, we’ll handle snakes, frogs, and turtles. Then we’ll show Big Hero 6 on the big screen in the auditorium. Bring whatever you need to be comfortable (blanket, popcorn, stuffed animal). M: Youth $5 | Adult $10 NM: Youth $10 | Adult $15

Spiritual World of Nature: Giverny-Through the Seasons*Thursday, April 2 | 2:00pm–3:00pmDottie Diggs returns with a new slide show, which now comprises images from five visits to Claude Monet’s Gardens in Giverny, France. Dottie will share contemporary and modern impressions of Monet and his work. Her pictures are set to beautiful music. Nature photography has become Dottie’s new love after being a violinist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for 37 years. M: $10 NM: $15

Raptor SaturdaySaturday, April 4 | 1:00 - 2:00pmSaturday, May 2 | 1:00 - 2:00pmSaturday, June 6 | 1:00 - 2:00pmApril Learn about birds doing what they do best: fly, hunt, build nests and defend their territory! Who flies fastest? Who has the most wing beats per second? Which bird is the heavyweight champ? Our amazing raptors will be on hand to help demonstrate.May We’ll discuss birding basics during spring migration and use our excellent raptor team as live models. You’ll learn identification basics and some handy tools every birder should have. After the program head outside and put your skills to use!June Everyone is dependent on our natural systems working together. We’ll explore why seemingly unlikely pairs of birds and buffalos, ravens and eagles, woodpeckers and owls, make good teams for survival. A few of our raptor friends model some behaviors.Free with membership or Center admission

Sponsored by:

Bird Club*April 8 | 6:30pm - 8:30pmMay 13 | 6:30pm - 8:30pmJune 10 | 6:30pm - 8:30pmCo-presented with Milwaukee Audubon Soci-ety. Spring brings the possibility of seeing the male American Woodcock’s “sky dance,” and the opportunity to observe spring migrants and residents. Please check our online calen-dar for specific topics. Young adults welcome.Free to all

Discovery Nature Hiking*Wednesday, April 8 | 1:00pm - 2:00pmTuesday, June 2 | 1:00pm - 2:00pmWe’ll hike along the meadows, woods, and wetlands of the Center on the upper level of the land. Don Quintenz will lead you to the seasonal events that stir our sense of beauty and imagination, and help answer the questions that nature evokes in us. The entire program is taught on the trail. M: $7 NM: $12

Audubon Babies*Wednesday, April 8 | 10:00am - 11:15amWednesday, April 22 | 10:00am - 11:15amWednesday, May 6 | 10:00am - 11:15amChildren are never too young to enjoy fresh air and the wonders of nature. Come enjoy a hike on the trails and some good fellowship. We will meet inside and venture out when ready. Dress for the weather, we explore outdoors rain or shine. We recommend waterproof shoes or boots. This program is for children 6 months to 24 months and their adult. M: $12 per pair per program NM: $17 per pair per program

Milwaukee River Clean Up*Saturday April 11 | 9:00am - 12:00pmJoin Director of Education Tom Finley at our Cleaver Property to remove debris left behind by winter weather and river flows. The 40-acre property is located on the south side of Brown Deer Road, just east of the Green Bay Avenue bridge. Wear old clothes, boots and gloves. We’ll provide garbage bags and several pairs of hip waders. The adventurous can bring your own canoe or kayak for river access. See website for directions. Free to all

All About Eggs!*Saturday, April 11 | 9:30am – 11:00amJoin Education Specialist Shelly Rollins to learn all about eggs and the animals that come from them through stories and indoor activi-ties. Then we’ll hike outside to look for these animals. This program is for families with children up to age 7. An adult must accompany children. Adults are free. M: $5 per youth NM: $10 per youth

Tunes for the Birds*Sunday, April 12 | 2:30pm - 4:00pmCeltic Harpist Kim Robertson returns for a special acoustic concert that benefits the Center’s education programs. An acclaimed musician in the Celtic music scene, Kim has been featured at concerts and festivals in Scotland, the USA and Nova Scotia. She will be accompanied by guest vocalist Stephanie Pyfer. Youth $10 Adult $15

Spiritual World of Nature: Native American Energy Healing*Tuesday, April 14 | 1:30pm – 2:30pmExperience a powerful group healing session through Dennis King, carrier of the Bear Medicine. Bear Medicine is rarely seen off the reservation. Feel and hear the Bear breathing and growing as true healing power surrounds you. Dennis comes from a lineage of healers from the Oneida Nation. M: $10 NM: $15

American Indian Experience: The Shore of Lake Michigan*Thursday, April 16 | 6:30pm - 8:00pmThroughout history, natural bodies of water shaped the lives of the American Indians, whether for cooking, cleaning, or as a method of transportation. Join UW-Milwaukee Tribal Liaison Officer Michael Zimmerman Jr. as we hike to the beach and discuss water using the Anishinaabe language. M: Youth $5 | Adult $7 NM: Youth $10 | Adult $12

Family Discovery Hike*Thursday, April 16 | 4:00pm - 5:30pmThursday, May 21 | 4:00pm - 5:30pmLearn to appreciate the science and beauty of seasonal changes. Dress for the weather, including waterproof shoes or boots. April We’ll hike with binoculars in search of birds that have returned for spring.May We’ll explore the ponds at the Center. We’ll bring nets and look for frogs, turtles, and other aquatic life. All children must be accom-panied by an adult. Adults are free. M: $5 per youth NM: $10 per youth

Adult ProgramFamily ProgramPreschool ProgramHandicap AccessibleMember PriceNon-Member PricePre-Registration

Pre-registration helps us prepare for our programs. There will be an additional $2.00 charge for walk-in participants attending a program that requires pre-registration.

Youth price is for those ages 3–17. 18 and up are charged the adult price.

Refunds will only be given to those who cancel 14 or more days before a program. If Schlitz Audubon cancels a pro-gram, refunds will be given.

Call 414-352-2880 x0 to register.

Hand in Hand*Thursdays: April 16, May 7Session 1 | 9:00am - 10:15amSession 2 | 10:30am - 11:45amExplore nature with your little ones! We will hike, play, do art activities, and listen to a sto-ry. Dress for the weather; we explore outdoors rain or shine. We recommend waterproof shoes or boots. This program is for 2-4 year olds and their adult.April: Wake Up PondMay: Springtime Pond M: $12 per pair per program NM: $17 per pair per program

Environmental Voices: Birding for Science*Tuesday, April 21 & 28 | 7:00am - 9:00amTuesday, May 5 & 12 | 7:00am - 9:00amWe’re looking for some budding citizen scien-tists who would like to learn more about birds, birding, and making your bird observations count. We will meet for four weeks during the peak of the spring bird migration. Each program includes an early morning bird walk, followed by time for discussion and questions. Topics covered will include binocular use and selection, bird identification by sight and sound, as well as data collection and record keeping. M: $40 NM: $48

Environmental Voices: Tour of Great Lakes WATER Institute*Wednesday, April 22 | 12:30pm - 3:00pmJ. Val Klump, JD, PhD, professor & Associate Dean of Research will be our guide of the nation’s first graduate School of Freshwater Sciences. The tour will include a look at the state-of-the-art research laboratories con-structed in 2014 as part of a $53M addition, as well as the extensive aquaculture, marine operations and the state’s flagship Research Vessel Neeskay. M: $22 NM: $28

Lake Michigan Discovery Hike*Tuesday, April 28 | 1:00pm - 2:00pmThursday, June 25 | 1:00pm - 2:00pmLake Michigan, the largest freshwater lake in the world, is both a treasure and a mystery. Guided by Don Quintenz, we’ll descend to the lower terrace and lakeshore where you’ll learn many of the hidden secrets by the tokens that show themselves through the seasons. The entire program is taught on the trail. M: $7 NM: $12

Environmental Voices: Causes of Shoreline Erosion*Thursday, April 30 | 10:30am – 4:30pmHighest rates of wave erosion are often near shoreline structures, such as rubble piles, revetments, or jetties. Geologist Jim Rosen-baum will illustrate how normal sediment dis-tribution is modified by artificial structures, causing erosion and accretion. We’ll view this with walks down to the beaches of Klode and Atwater Parks. Lunch at the Milwaukee Yacht Club is not included in program fee. M: $20 NM: $26

15th Annual Amphibian Search*Saturday, May 2 | 9:00am - 12:00pmMeet Jim Hyatt at the Southern Kettle Mo-raine and you’ll explore special amphibian breeding ponds. We’ll supply nets and hip waders for you to go deep into these ponds in search of frogs and salamanders. Maybe you’ll even find a turtle or giant water bug. Direc-tions will be sent out upon registration. M: Youth $6 | Adult $10 NM: Youth $11 | Adult $15

Free Bird WalksSaturdays, May 2, 9, 16 | 7:30amPaul Boyer will lead free bird walks for adults in May. Paul has been leading spring bird walks at our Center for many years and has grown quite a following. He is an expert birder and can lead you to those rare birds that always seem to elude us. Meet in the main parking lot. No preregistration required.Free to all

Spiritual World of Nature: Natural Self-Care*Monday, May 4 | 7:00pm - 8:00pm“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sun-shine flows into trees,” stated John Muir. An emerging body of research demonstrates the power of nature interaction to enhance one’s approach to emotional self-care. In this inter-active presentation, Philip Chard, a leader in the field of applied eco-psychology, will illus-trate specific ways to partner with the natural world in finding greater life balance, emotion-al well-being, and personal fulfillment. M: $10 NM: $15

The Unseen Majority*Tuesday, May 5 | 6:30pm – 7:30pmMicroorganisms are the most common life form on planet earth. Many believe that they only cause illness and disease. The truth is that without them plants and animals would not exist. Join professional microbiologist Richard Albert in exploring the fascinating world of microorganisms and how they affect us all. M: $10 NM: $15

Animal Mothers*Saturday, May 9 | 9:30am – 11:00amJoin Education Specialist Shelly Rollins on Mother’s Day Eve to celebrate and learn about animal mothers. We’ll read stories and take part in activities, as well as meet a live animal. We’ll then take a hike to see how many ani-mals we can spot. This program is for families with children up to age 7. An adult must accompany children. Adults are free. M: $5 per youth NM: $10 per youth

International Migratory Bird Day*Saturday, May 9 | 1:00pm - 2:00pmIn observance of International Migratory bird Day we’ll present a special flighted Raptor program in our auditorium. Come and witness the majesty of these beautiful creatures. Free with membership or Center admission

Environmental Voices: Warblers and Milwaukee County Bird Conservation*Wednesday, May 13 | 7:00am – 3:00pmRain date Thursday, May 14 | 7:00am – 3:00pmJoin expert birders Jean Strelka, Mike Wanger, and Don Quintenz for a warbler foray through some of Milwaukee County’s best bird conservation areas. This occurs during peak of migration while obstructive vegeta-tion is minimal. Many people become lifelong “birders” when they witness the amazing diversity and beauty of birds such as warblers. We will learn why these areas are so import-ant to birds. Transportation provided. Bring a bag lunch. M: $39 NM: $46

Raptors in Focus Photo Shoot*Saturday, May 16 | 9:00am – 12:00pm Rain Date: Sunday, May 17 | 9:00am – 12:00pmJoin us for our annual Raptors in Focus photo shoot. Bring your camera and get up close and personal with our amazing birds of prey. Keep photos for yourself or submit them for consid-eration for our annual calendar. M: Youth $15 | Adults $40 NM: Youth $20 | Adults $50

Horicon Marsh Birding Trip*Tuesday, May 19 | 9:30am – 6:30pmTour Horicon Wildlife Refuge, the premier wetland in the Midwest, with skilled natural-ists. Discover this “Wetland of International Importance” by tour van, pontoon boat, and on foot. We will hike trails that extend out into the marsh from the new DNR headquarters. Transportation, interpretation, boat cruise, and fees are all included. Please bring your own lunch and snacks. M: $69 NM: $79

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Door County Getaway*Tuesday, May 26 8:00am - Friday, May 29 8:00pmThis year includes spending a day on Wash-ington Island, touring the grounds and facil-ities of a brand new raptor education facility, visiting a new net zero home, and exploring a brand new Door County Land Trust acquisi-tion containing old growth boreal forest, very large sea caves, lots of rare ferns, and 1000 feet of shoreline on North Bay. We will stay at Lawrence University’s beautiful Bjorklunden lodge on the shore of Lake Michigan. Inter-ested persons can contact Don Quintenz for more information at 414-352-2880, ext. 156. Price includes all costs except for dinner on Friday. Add $111 to the prices below for a single room.

M: $556 NM: $635

Spiritual World of Nature: Poems of Place*Monday, June 8 | 7:00pm – 8:00pmMilwaukee poet Susan Firer, author of Mil-waukee Does Strange Things to People, will lead this program. She’ll read a selection of poems on place, focusing on poems connected to Lake Michigan and other poems that use nature’s imagery. She then will share writing ideas and a poetry mini-workshop, concluding with the opportunity for interested partici-pants to read their poems. M: $10 NM: $15

Camouflage: Can You See Me?*Saturday, June 13 | 9:30am – 1 1:00amAnimals have many ways to escape predators. We’ll start inside with stories and camouflage related activities. Then we’ll hike, looking for camouflaged animals along the trail. This program is for families with children up to age 7. An adult must accompany children. Adults are free. M: $5 per youth NM: $10 per youth

Hangin’ with Hyatt: Leisure Time*Saturday, June 13 | 10:00am - 12:00pmWe’ll start with a live animal and craft. Then we’ll head outside to check out the ponds. The program ends with a family game of disc golf. Bring your Frisbee! Best suited for families with children ages 8 and up. M: Youth $6 | Adult $8 NM: Youth $11 | Adult $13

Repamphibiantile Sunday*Sunday, June 14 | 12:00pm - 1:00pmMeet and touch Schlitz Audubon’s snakes, frogs, turtles, and salamanders! Bring ques-tions, and you’ll learn more about these often misunderstood creatures. Free with membership or Center admission

Spiritual World of Nature: Outdoor Nia*Monday, June 15 I 6:00pm - 7:15 pmCome join as we practice Nia; a holistic, mindful fitness that incorporates dance, martial, and healing arts. Nia’s philosophy is that through movement we find health. Nia empowers all people to connect to body, mind, emotions, and spirit through sensation. Practicing outdoors in nature increases the joy of this experience. Nia is designed to be practiced barefoot, though active shoes are acceptable. M: $10 NM: $15

Teaching in Nature*Wednesday June 24 | 6:00pm - 7:30pmIf you’re a teacher who would like to learn more about the Center and using nature as an educational tool, this program is for you! We’ll discuss how our school programs can help meet the educational needs of your students. Enjoy social time and even a summer evening hike with Director of Education Tom Finley. We’ll listen for birds, observe aquatic life, and discuss how nature can be infused into any curriculum.Free to all

Environmental Voices: Milwaukee River Restoration* Wednesday, June 24 | 9:00am - 12:00pmWe’ll visit River Revitalization Foundation (RRF), Milwaukee’s urban land trust. RRF staff will lead us on a tour of both banks of the Milwaukee River, teaching us about the organization and its efforts in preserving the quality of the Milwaukee River and the sur-rounding land. We’ll also hear about history of the river, the Milwaukee River Greenway Coa-lition, and the land trust’s restoration efforts. M: $22 NM: $25

Summer Canoe Trip*Monday, June 29 | 10:00am - 12:00pmWednesday, July 1 | 10:00am - 12:00pmCanoe on the Milwaukee River with Natural-ists Cassie Rincon and Corinne Palmer. We’ll provide nets and strainers to sift through the water and discover what’s swimming around. Trip starts at a private park in Mequon and finishes at Thiensville Village Park. Details will be emailed upon registration. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. M: Youth $10 | Adult $15 NM: Youth $15 | Adult $20

Froggin’ Fest*Tuesday, June 30 | 6:00pm - 8:00pmJoin the friend of the frogs, Jim Hyatt, as we celebrate all things frog. We’ll start inside, where Jim will show live frogs, play their calls, and kids will participate in amphibian

Froggin’ Fest* continuedcontests. Then we’ll head to Mystery Lake to see what we can catch. Jim’s got nets, but bring your muddin’ shoes. M: Youth $6 | Adult$8 NM: Youth $11 | Adult $13

Hatha Yoga Evening Class*Every Monday | 5:30pm - 6:45pmLisa Lewis, LMT, CYT leads this yoga class-designed for all levels of students. Classes are therapeutic in nature, and will be challenging at times. Students are taught to observe their body and breath and to practice within their capacity. Come enjoy spring! When the weath-er is warm enough class will be held outside. The first class is always free! M: $100 for 10 weeks NM: $110 for 10 weeks

Summer Evening ConcertsTuesday evenings | June 2 - August 25 6:30pm – 7:30pmJoin us on Tuesday evenings for an hour per-formance by local artists. Music covers a vast array of styles including classical, blue grass, folk, and jazz. Some entertainers will involve the audience. Performances will take place at the pavilion, or held in the auditorium in case of inclement weather. Bring your blanket and/or chairs, dinner and/or other refreshments and enjoy the show!Free with membership or Center admission

Summer Twilight HikesThursday evenings | June 4 - August 27 6:30pm – 7:30pmJoin us on Thursday evenings for a Naturalist guided nature hike. We’ll explore this en-chanted time of evening together, looking and listening for who else is out there in the forest, pond, and prairie. Free with membership or Center admission

Word With A BirdEvery Saturday & Sunday | 1:00pm - 2:00pmApril April showers bring roadside puddles and a chance to see feathered predators bath-ing for the first time since fall. Get a closer look than a drive by allows by coming in and meeting some of your raptor neighbors.May The perfect day: A hike at Schlitz Audu-bon and a visit inside the Center to meet a bird of prey. We’ll be featuring one of our high flying hunters and discussing their special adaptations.June Learn about the exceptional birds that keep your garden safe. Better than any rodent or insecticide, these raptors are always pa-trolling for pests looking to eat your harvest.Free with membership or Center admission

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Honoraria Raptor Sponsorships

THANK YOU

15

MemorialsBarbara BoehmGayle KolpBob & Marjorie Zamorski

John P. BoschekGeri & Marvin Olson

Dorothy FowlerPhilip BlankJackie BruceNancy Peske DarrowAva EvansKaren L. RichardsArleen Temple

Elouise GageWilliam Kummer

Gary T. GageCamille & Jennifer Gage

Todd HoneyagerKevin & Paula CannonKathy Starck

LeNae LedererGeri & Marvin Olson

Tim McCarthyJanice Mahlberg & Michael DiOrio

Lois & Don NelsonLucille NelsonKatie Mason

Marion Chester ReadPatricia & Frank CapozziTruman D. & Barbara L. Schultz

Harold ReifschneiderRose & Bruce CampbellColette DicksonRodney & Linda GehrigDebra C. ServiJoan Wallner

David RuenzelMary Fitzgerald

Gail SeefeldtAbbott ADD R&D Team - Wiesbaden, GermanyAmy, Lisa, Julie, Michelle, Kristi & NickyAnonymous (2)The Annis FamilyRich & Sue BattonMelanie BeasleyCarrie BrockAbigail Williams BudzynskiJeff & Debbie Cherney

Gail Seefeldt (cont)Jeff & Tammy DassowLarry DaughertyTrevor & Dena DurhamRandee ElsingCarrie EngelbrightGary GallDave GasparikSharon GoldbergLinda GraeperBonnie HamptonPam HansonNicole Hardina-WilhelmLinda HavasNicholas HughesTJ JohnsonJeff & Brooke KonopackiThe Kopp FamilySusie Seefelt LesieutreMerz North America, Inc.Marguerite OlorteguiMary Ann Olson & FamilyJenny PezewskiTodd Schroeder FamilyNate SeefeldtRay & Elaine SeefeldtDeb SkardaStacey SmithCarrie Streiff-StuessyMonica TreptowBrenda VelascoKim Weiland

Gail Seefeldt (cont)Shelley Weiler & FamilyDoris Wirth & FamilyDenise & Eric WoodruffMarcia & Tim Zimbauer

Bette Sanderson ShayAnonymous

Dorothy Kagen SingerCatherine Singer

Charles SpaethMark & Tricia Spaeth

Polly Van DykeAnonymousAngel FlandersPollybill FoundationEdward & Harriet PurtellBruce & Shirley SchmidtEleanor Seaman

William D. Van Dyke IIIAnonymousPollybill FoundationEdward & Harriet PurtellBruce & Shirley Schmidt

Robert ZarneAlan Shlimovitz & Susan Marcus

Lorna CadmusRobert & Nancy Cadmus

Mrs. Barbara B. CollingsElaine D. Marshall

Tim GerendGregg Oberland

Frank & Barbara HeilbronnerLisa Adelberg

Sayla TheirlJack & Nancy Beschta

Barley | Barn OwlLibby Barrow & FamilySue B. Holcomb(In honor of Rich & Lorrie Giesen; Sally Smaida; & Jackie Weber)

Cysco | Harris HawkAbbey Smoll Walejko Amanda Schmitt CareyAmi Stevenson WangelineAmy Letcher WasilAmy Tincher DurikAnne Jerina BarberDiana Haden BaranyErin Callies MayrandHeather MenneHeidi Christensen LandmeierJeanette Griffin LobasJodi MissakJulie Mathers HoganKatie Donnelly JableckiKatie Long Wollermann

Kristin Bazzoli PiotrowskiLeanne Stevenson ZirbelLeanne Meidam WincentsenLeilani KupoMarci Bailey MolingMartha DobkeMary Rose Gragido SivikMelissa Ritter WorthingtonMichelle SirinekRebecca Peterson HughesRena Pugh GeibelSamantha Ballou ZielinskiSara Allesee KleppSarah Sica ElvinSara Holbach KlecknerTrisha Schmitt Anderson (In memory of Gail Seefeldt)

Dory | Northern Saw-whet OwlLibby Barrow & Family

Orion | Barred OwlAnonymous

Gwynne Kennedy & John DiClemente(In memory of Gail Seefeldt)Michael & Shelly Tuominen(In memory of Gail Seefeldt)

Tallulah | Turkey VultureJoyce Wolburg

Tskili | Great Horned OwlNicole Hartley’s 2nd Gr. Class(In honor of Nichole Hartley)

Wind Chill McCloud | Snowy OwlAnonymousSandra L. Grung(In honor of the Macek Family)

Our Raptor ProgramDavid & Liza SadoffJoseph Pabst(In honor of Nick Pabst)


Join us on social media!AdmissionFREE admission to MembersAdults: $8 | Youth $5 (ages 3 — 17)1111 East Brown Deer Road | Milwaukee, WI414-352-2880 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

HoursOpen 7 days a week | 9:00am — 5:00pm

Summer HoursJune 1–August 27Monday - Thursday | 9:00am - 8:00pm

New Members & In-kind donations will now be listed in our weekly eNews, once a month.

U.S. PostagePAID

Milwaukee, WIPermit No. 4168

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center1111 East Brown Deer RoadMilwaukee, Wisconsin 53217

Nature Center

Sunday, April 26 | 10:00am - 4:00pm

Flighted Raptor ShowBirding & Nature HikesPonding

CanoeingBird Craftsand more!

Visit www.schlitzaudubon.org for more details!

All Members $5 Non-members Adult $10 | Youth $5

panorama | spring 2015

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