Fermilab Natural Areas

February Desktop Calendar

2012-02-01T01:54:00.008-06:00

Enjoy scenes of Fermilab's natural areas on your computer desktop! Here are instructions for downloading & installing the February 2012 calendar pictured below onto your computer:

1. Click the image above to open in a new browser window (or tab).

2. Right-click (or ctrl-click for some Mac users) on the image, and chose the option that says, "Set Picture as", (or similar words; the exact wording will depend on your internet browser) and save to your desktop. On your desktop, right click “Properties” and select the “Desktop” tab. Click “Browse” and navigate to the saved image on your desktop. Select it & click “Open.” On the “Display Properties” dialogue box, click “OK.”

3. If the image does not fit your desktop background neatly, you may have to go to your preference screen (on a Mac: System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Desktop; or on Windows: Control Panel > Display > Desktop) and choose "Fit to screen" as the display mode of your background image.

Many thanks to our photo contributors for their efforts!

Osprey Nest available at Nepese Marsh

2012-01-27T05:32:00.000-06:00

from Fermilab Today, January 26, 2012:

Fermi Natural Areas and Thorne Electric of Carol Stream situated a bird nesting platform at Nepese Marsh on the eastern side of the Fermilab site. Volunteering their services, FNA and Thorne Electric personnel hope that the structure will attract a pair of large birds of prey to nest.

Data suggest that osprey fledglings tend to stay within a couple miles of where they were born. Presently, there is a nesting pair of osprey on the western side of Fermilab's site. They have produced young, one of which may be the future tenant of the Nepese Marsh platform.

There are also bald eagles nesting on Randall Road in Batavia, which is a short flight. Perhaps, if the nesting platform does not interest an osprey, an eagle will take up residence in the coming months.

The platform was a joint effort by laboratory employees volunteering their time to complete various stages of the project, and Tom Eggleston, of the Housing Office, built the nest structure from scrap wood. Hopefully, a feathered friend will move in by spring.

—Dave Shemanske, FESS

See more photos of the nest installation online:

Nepese Osprey Nest

Heather Williams: A Volunteer's Perspective

2012-01-26T11:21:00.000-06:00

Fermilab Natural Areas' volunteer & member Heather Williams' article, "Why I Volunteer with Fermilab Natural Areas," was published in Batavia's TribLocal online edition earlier this week!

Many thanks to Heather for all of her grant-writing and restoration workday efforts.

Read the article online.

January / February FNA Newsletter available

2012-01-13T10:54:00.000-06:00

The latest news from Fermilab Natural Areas highlights the receipt of a grant from the DuPage Community Foundation, a tool donation from Corona Tools, and an Eagle Scout project to repair footbridges in the Big Woods.

Thanks to all of you for your support in 2011 and we look forward to many good things in 2012! As always, a high-resolution of the newsletter is available online.

January Desktop Calendar

2012-01-10T15:01:00.003-06:00

Enjoy scenes of Fermilab's natural areas on your computer desktop! Here are instructions for downloading & installing the January 2012 calendar pictured below onto your computer:

Happy Holidays & Thank You!

2011-12-29T14:46:00.001-06:00

Many thanks to everyone for your support all year long! From those who've provided financially to those who've come out to lend a helping hand to the natural areas - THANK YOU!

Best wishes for a wonderful 2012!

Many thanks also to Gordon Koizumi for providing beautiful photographs all year long, including these two beauties. Gordon writes:

I hope you have been able to get out and go for a walk. Today was a cold day but there are still very interesting things to observe. I thought I would include something a bit different from my usual photos as well. The second photo was taken with my point and shoot at the pond near the Science Education Center. What you are looking at are just some bubbles trapped in the clear ice that has formed over the pond. I thought they were interesting so I took some amateur photos of them. Although you can't see it in this photo, these bubbles look like they were left above a route taken underwater by some fairly large animal such as a muskrat or a fisher. You can see a clear "trail" where there's no underwater vegitation that leads from one bank toward the other. I have seen some weasel like creature near by very briefly not too long ago but not well enough to be able to identify it with any certainty. I've been told that a fisher has been observed. Has anyone seen him/her?

December Desktop Calendar

2011-12-01T08:21:00.002-06:00

Enjoy scenes of Fermilab's natural areas on your computer desktop! Here are instructions for downloading & installing the December 2011 calendar pictured below onto your computer:

1. Click the image above to open in a new browser window (or tab).

2. Right-click (or ctrl-click for some Mac users) on the image, and chose the option that says, "Set Picture as", (or similar words; the exact wording will depend on your internet browser) and save to your desktop. On your desktop, right click “Properties” and select the “Desktop” tab. Click “Browse” and navigate to the saved image on your desktop. Select it & click “Open.” On the “Display Properties” dialogue box, click “OK.”

3. If the image does not fit your desktop background neatly, you may have to go to your preference screen (on a Mac: System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Desktop; or on Windows: Control Panel > Display > Desktop) and choose "Fit to screen" as the display mode of your background image.

Brush Cutting Workdays

2011-11-28T12:24:00.000-06:00

We need your help. Come out and directly improve habitat for wildlife. We are hosting weekly bush-cutting workdays on Mondays from 1-3 PM. Training, tools, ecology tips, and safety gear will be provided. Meet us on the west side of Fermilab in the parking lot of the Lederman Science Center.

Many thanks to Corona tools for their donation of hand saws and loppers to FNA to help with this effort.

Read more about this effort and the tool donation at Shawna Coronado's The Casual Gardener blog.

November / December 2011 Newsletter Published

2011-11-16T15:18:00.000-06:00

The latest FNA newsletter includes a review of the October volunteer prairie harvests, including what happens AFTER the seed is collected. You can also read about some research efforts behind a grant application that is currently in progress and Julie Allen bids farewell to Fermilab and Fermilab Natural Areas.

Thanks for all of your efforts, Julie - we will miss you!

Read the latest news online.

November Desktop Calendar

2011-11-01T08:20:00.006-05:00

Enjoy scenes of Fermilab's natural areas on your computer desktop! Here are instructions for downloading & installing the November 2011 calendar pictured below onto your computer:

1. Click the image above to open in a new browser window (or tab).

2. Right-click (or ctrl-click for some Mac users) on the image, and chose the option that says, "Set Picture as", (or similar words; the exact wording will depend on your internet browser) and save to your desktop. On your desktop, right click “Properties” and select the “Desktop” tab. Click “Browse” and navigate to the saved image on your desktop. Select it & click “Open.” On the “Display Properties” dialogue box, click “OK.”

3. If the image does not fit your desktop background neatly, you may have to go to your preference screen (on a Mac: System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Desktop; or on Windows: Control Panel > Display > Desktop) and choose "Fit to screen" as the display mode of your background image.

FNA will make a new desktop calendar available each month. If you'd like to share photographs for future calendars or the FNA newsletter, send us a note at fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.

Trying something new

2011-10-03T10:05:00.000-05:00

Establishing uncommon trees and shrubs in restored areas can be difficult. We often collect the seed of species such as hazelnut (Corylus americana), wild plums (Prunus americanus) or kingnut hickory (Carya laciniosa), and either spread the seed in new places hoping nature will take its course, or give the seed to organizations who have greenhouse facilities. This fall we are assembling a small cold frame to start tree and shrub seedlings to see if we have better luck with them. Other species we are going to plant include wafer ash (Ptelea trifoliata) and blue-fruited dogwood (Cornus obliqua).

Pictured: Jessica Meyers building the cold frame.

October Desktop Calendar

2011-10-01T08:19:00.001-05:00

Enjoy scenes of Fermilab's natural areas on your computer desktop! Here are instructions for downloading & installing the October 2011 calendar pictured below onto your computer:

1. Click the image above to open in a new browser window (or tab).

2. Right-click (or ctrl-click for some Mac users) on the image, and chose the option that says, "Set Picture as", (or similar words; the exact wording will depend on your internet browser) and save to your desktop. On your desktop, right click “Properties” and select the “Desktop” tab. Click “Browse” and navigate to the saved image on your desktop. Select it & click “Open.” On the “Display Properties” dialogue box, click “OK.”

3. If the image does not fit your desktop background neatly, you may have to go to your preference screen (on a Mac: System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Desktop; or on Windows: Control Panel > Display > Desktop) and choose "Fit to screen" as the display mode of your background image.

FNA will make a new desktop calendar available each month. If you'd like to share photographs for future calendars or the FNA newsletter, send us a note at fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.

Photo of the Day: Red Hawk (& Talons!)

2011-09-23T15:29:00.004-05:00

Fermilab employee Gordon Koizumi writes, "It isn't hard to imagine that a red tail hawk has some of the genes that a distant relative such as the velociraptor had when I look at raptor talons. Attached is an amateur photo taken on the 9th [of September] when the red tail hawk was perched on the ledge on WH13W [Wilson Hall's 13th floor, west side]. If I was a rodent I would have nightmares about those talons. . . ."

Photo of the Day: Herons

2011-09-22T15:26:00.001-05:00

Fermilab employee Gordon Koizumi photographed a green hero (above) & a night heron (below), though he says the green heron isn't green, but is a bit shy.

Coming Soon: Prairie Harvests

2011-09-20T15:06:00.003-05:00

The annual volunteer prairie harvests are scheduled for Saturday, October 1 and Saturday, October 29, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Both harvests will take place in Fermilab's Main Ring prairie, with a hot dog lunch for all participants!

Photo of the Day: Early Fall Colors

2011-09-19T15:24:00.001-05:00

from Fermilab employee Gordon Koizumi:

Thank you to our 3rd Thursday Volunteers!

2011-09-08T15:36:00.002-05:00

Many thanks to our Third Thursday Volunteers who helped clean-up the Fermilab site throughout the summer! We appreciate your efforts - and your enthusiasm. See you next summer!

Fermilab employee Gordon Koizumi captured this image during the August clean-up. Thanks Gordon!

September / October Newsletter

2011-09-08T09:33:00.000-05:00

The Fermilab Natural Areas' September/October newsletter is now available online! Read all about summer activities, our upcoming fall prairie harvests, FNA's new relationship with Northeast Illinois Invasive Plant Partnership and the Chicago area STEW map.

New Trail adds mileage/diversity to Fermilab Natural Areas

2011-09-01T09:10:00.001-05:00

Please enjoy the newest trail through restored oak-hickory savanna. This trail will be available year round for birdwatching, cross-country skiing, hiking, etc. Please enjoy and bring a friend!

September Desktop Calendar

2011-09-01T08:18:00.001-05:00

Enjoy scenes of Fermilab's natural areas on your computer desktop! Here are instructions for downloading & installing the September 2011 calendar pictured below onto your computer:

1. Click the image above to open in a new browser window (or tab).
2. Right-click (or ctrl-click for some Mac users) on the image, and chose the option that says, "Set Picture as", (or similar words; the exact wording will depend on your internet browser) and save to your desktop. On your desktop, right click “Properties” and select the “Desktop” tab. Click “Browse” and navigate to the saved image on your desktop. Select it & click “Open.” On the “Display Properties” dialogue box, click “OK.”

3. If the image does not fit your desktop background neatly, you may have to go to your preference screen (on a Mac: System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Desktop; or on Windows: Control Panel > Display > Desktop) and choose "Fit to screen" as the display mode of your background image.

FNA will make a new desktop calendar available each month. If you'd like to share photographs for future calendars or the FNA newsletter, send us a note at fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.

Photo of the Day: Monkey Flower

2011-08-15T14:26:00.002-05:00

Gordon Koizumi, with some help from Julie Allen, found this monkey flower in one of Fermilab's ponds:

Photo of the Day: Cardinal Flower

2011-08-08T14:23:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Gordon Koizumi, Fermilab employee & FNA supporter for this photo of cardinal flower:

August Desktop Calendar

2011-08-01T08:17:00.004-05:00

Enjoy scenes of Fermilab's natural areas on your computer desktop! Here are instructions for downloading & installing the August 2011 calendar pictured below onto your computer:

1. Click the image above to open in a new browser window (or tab).

2. Right-click (or ctrl-click for some Mac users) on the image, and chose the option that says, "Set Picture as", (or similar words; the exact wording will depend on your internet browser) and save to your desktop. On your desktop, right click “Properties” and select the “Desktop” tab. Click “Browse” and navigate to the saved image on your desktop. Select it & click “Open.” On the “Display Properties” dialogue box, click “OK.”

3. If the image does not fit your desktop background neatly, you may have to go to your preference screen (on a Mac: System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Desktop; or on Windows: Control Panel > Display > Desktop) and choose "Fit to screen" as the display mode of your background image.

FNA will make a new desktop calendar available each month. If you'd like to share photographs for future calendars or the FNA newsletter, send us a note at fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.

Photo of the Day: St. John's Wort

2011-07-29T14:04:00.003-05:00

Gordon Koizumi captured this photo of St. John's Wort in bloom:

July / August Newsletter

2011-07-28T15:32:00.001-05:00

Catch up on the latest news from FNA, including updates from our interns and a full report from the picnic in June!

Photo: Tom Peterson & butterfly walk participants, July 7, 2011

Photo of the Day: Starry Campion

2011-07-27T13:07:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Fermilab employee & FNA member Gordon Koizumi for this photo of starry campion (July 22):

Photo of the Day: Red Milkweed Beetle

2011-07-08T14:20:00.002-05:00

From the prairie, Gordon Koizumi's photo of a red milkweed beetle:

July Desktop Calendar

2011-07-01T08:15:00.001-05:00

Enjoy scenes of Fermilab's natural areas on your computer desktop! Here are instructions for downloading & installing the July 2011 calendar pictured below onto your computer:

1. Click the image above to open in a new browser window (or tab).

2. Right-click (or ctrl-click for some Mac users) on the image, and chose the option that says, "Set Picture as", (or similar words; the exact wording will depend on your internet browser) and save to your desktop. On your desktop, right click “Properties” and select the “Desktop” tab. Click “Browse” and navigate to the saved image on your desktop. Select it & click “Open.” On the “Display Properties” dialogue box, click “OK.”

3. If the image does not fit your desktop background neatly, you may have to go to your preference screen (on a Mac: System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Desktop; or on Windows: Control Panel > Display > Desktop) and choose "Fit to screen" as the display mode of your background image.

FNA will make a new desktop calendar available each month. If you'd like to share photographs for future calendars or the FNA newsletter, send us a note at fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.

Picnic Fun

2011-06-28T09:39:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, June 26, more than 50 FNA members gathered under the oaks in the center of the Betz Prairie to enjoy extraordinary sunshine, beautiful breezes, a tasty lunch and each other's company.

In addition to historical musings by Bob Lootens, attendees enjoyed a prairie walk & talk by FNA Board Member Mitch Adamus, a guided bird walk with Peter Kasper and Dave Spleha and a butterfly walk with Tom Peterson. In the village, Martin Valenzuela offered a presentation about processing prairie seed.

Many thanks to Bob Lootens, Marlene Rosecrans & Evalyn Campbell for their planning efforts!

More photos from the event are available online:

FNA Picnic, June 26, 2011

Photo of the Day: Cow Parsnip

2011-06-17T14:06:00.000-05:00

Fermilab employee Gordon Koizumi snapped this photo of an unidentified insect on cow parsnip back on May 31st.

Photo of the Day: Red Crayfish

2011-06-15T14:05:00.001-05:00

After the rain last Thursday, Fermilab employee Gordon Koizumi found this red crayfish!

Photo of the Day: Wild Hyacinth

2011-06-13T13:56:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Fermilab employee Gordon Koizumi for sharing this photo of Wild Hyacinth taken in late May!

Get Outside this Sunday: Fermilab Family Outdoor Fair

2011-06-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

Bring your family to Fermilab this Sunday, June 12, from 1 til 4 p.m.to explore the outdoor world at the Lederman Science Center through hands-on exploration with nature. Sweep for insects. Visit a real bison herd, net for pond critters. Compare yourself to a bison.Go on a nature scavenger hunt. See how raptors see and much more! Open to all ages, rain or shine, this event is free. No registration needed.

For more information, call (630)840-5588 or email edreg@fnal.gov

June Desktop Calendar

2011-06-01T08:14:00.001-05:00

Enjoy scenes of Fermilab's natural areas on your computer desktop! Here are instructions for downloading & installing the June 2011 calendar pictured below onto your computer:

1. Click the image above to open in a new browser window (or tab).

2. Right-click (or ctrl-click for some Mac users) on the image, and chose the option that says, "Set Picture as", (or similar words; the exact wording will depend on your internet browser) and save to your desktop. On your desktop, right click “Properties” and select the “Desktop” tab. Click “Browse” and navigate to the saved image on your desktop. Select it & click “Open.” On the “Display Properties” dialogue box, click “OK.”

3. If the image does not fit your desktop background neatly, you may have to go to your preference screen (on a Mac: System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Desktop; or on Windows: Control Panel > Display > Desktop) and choose "Fit to screen" as the display mode of your background image.

FNA will make a new desktop calendar available each month. If you'd like to share photographs for future calendars or the FNA newsletter, send us a note at fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.

Birds, Butterflies, and Blooms: A walk through Fermilab’s Big Woods

2011-05-23T15:21:00.000-05:00

A group of 7 had an exciting mid-day walk. It was an adventure going along the south path of the Big Woods heading east and looping through the woods back to the Margaret Pearson Trail. Experts and friends abounded. Patches of twinleaf and Jacob’s ladder greeted us first, the latter with petals of lavender and soft blue. Neon red quickly turned our attention to the tree canopy as a Scarlet Tanager was seen, a first for many. An angle-wing butterfly took off from its resting place. Two large Red-bellied Woodpeckers courted. Sunlight dappled through the newly emerging leaves of red oak and sugar maple and we saw a Tiger Swallowtail franticly fly south. The air was humid like summer. The group next came upon literally hundreds of large white trilliums, red trilliums, and even a few nodding white trilliums. The deer had not nibbled them away. A bridge crossing the creek held an empty chrysalis from an unknown species of butterfly, perhaps a Grey Comma (rare to the Chicago region but common in Fermilab’s restored woodlands). As ground squirrels hid, we continued down the path and saw a blue-headed vireo, Dutchmen’s breeches, and broad-leaved puccoon (the latter rated a 10 of 10 on the conservative scale). We looped back to see the hepatica and heard, then saw a Baltimore Oriole. At the edge of the woods was a nice treat. Several Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were feeding on the newly emerged catkins of a red oak tree. Marsh marigold blossomed in the nearby wetland. What a nice way to spend our lunch break, witnessing the ecology of Fermilab’s natural areas. Hope to see you next time!

FNA May/June Newsletter Published

2011-05-18T14:55:00.000-05:00

The online version of the May/June 2011 Fermilab Natural Areas newsletter is available and includes a recap of Earth Week activities and spring burns as well as details about our upcoming FNA five-year celebration picnic planned for Sunday, June 26!

Photo of the Day: Bellwort

2011-05-16T07:21:00.000-05:00

Gordon Koizumi photographed Bellwort in the Big Woods at Fermilab, back in April:

Photo of the Day: Goldenseal

2011-05-13T12:20:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Gordon Koizumi for the photo of Big Woods Goldenseal:

Photo of the Day: White Trillium

2011-05-12T12:18:00.001-05:00

Last week Gordon Koizumi photographed white trillium in Fermilab's Big Woods:

Photo of the Day: Red Trillium

2011-05-10T12:16:00.000-05:00

FNA supporter & friend Gordon Koizumi captured this photo of red trillium last week:

Volunteer Workday: Garlic Mustard Pull

2011-05-09T13:15:00.000-05:00

FNA will be hosting a garlic mustard pulling event at Fermilab on Wednesday May 11th from 4-6 pm.

Please meet at the Lederman Science Center parking lot at 4:00PM (Across from the guard shack at the Pine Street Entrance). Wear mud boots or shoes and long sleeves. Bring gloves if you have any as poison ivy is starting to leaf out.

We will be focusing on Morgan's woods at the corner of Kirk and Pine St.

Photo of the Day: Shooting Star

2011-05-09T13:01:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Gordon Koizumi for the photo of shooting star, from the Fermilab prairie:

Photo of the Day: Dutchman's Breeches

2011-05-02T10:08:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Gordon Koizumi for the photo of Dutchman's Breeches:

May Desktop Calendar

2011-05-01T08:13:00.001-05:00

Enjoy scenes of Fermilab's natural areas on your computer desktop! Here are instructions for downloading & installing the May 2011 calendar pictured below onto your computer:

1. Click the image above to open in a new browser window (or tab).

2. Right-click (or ctrl-click for some Mac users) on the image, and chose the option that says, "Set Picture as", (or similar words; the exact wording will depend on your internet browser) and save to your desktop. On your desktop, right click “Properties” and select the “Desktop” tab. Click “Browse” and navigate to the saved image on your desktop. Select it & click “Open.” On the “Display Properties” dialogue box, click “OK.”

3. If the image does not fit your desktop background neatly, you may have to go to your preference screen (on a Mac: System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Desktop; or on Windows: Control Panel > Display > Desktop) and choose "Fit to screen" as the display mode of your background image.

FNA will make a new desktop calendar available each month. If you'd like to share photographs for future calendars or the FNA newsletter, send us a note at fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.

Online Viewing: FNA as a Restoring Force?

2011-04-27T10:07:00.000-05:00

Ryan Campbell's Earth Day talk, "FNA as a Restoring Force?" is available for online viewing. Fermilab Today also highlighted Ryan's talk in today's edition.

Photo: Ryan Campbell, Julia Allen & 2009 FNA intern Courtney Gill

in Fermilab's main ring prairie.

Photo of the Day: Trout Lilly & Twin Leaf

2011-04-26T13:12:00.000-05:00

Enjoy these photos from Gordon Koizumi:

Trout Lilly

Twin Leaf

Today's Woodland Walk Cancelled

2011-04-26T08:22:00.000-05:00

The walk in the Big Woods, originally scheduled for today at noon, has been cancelled due to muddy conditions on the trails.

Earth Day Talk: Fermilab Natural Areas as a Restoring Force?

2011-04-22T07:13:00.000-05:00

Fermilab Ecologist Ryan Campbell will present his talk, "Fermilab Natural Areas as a Restoring Force?" today at noon in Fermilab’s Wilson Hall One West conference room. This presentation offers a comprehensive presentation on the goals and efforts of Fermilab and FNA’s ecological efforts.

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T07:06:00.004-05:00

some photos from Gordon Koizumi, taken at Fermilab:

Virginia Bluebell

Spring Beauty

Today's Planting Cancelled

2011-04-19T10:01:00.000-05:00

Due to the unfortunate weather, we will be canceling the native shrub planting. Our official Arbor Day event is scheduled for May 3rd from 11:30 AM - 1 PM.

The seed planting scheduled for tomorrow, April 20th is still on. 11:30 AM at the Interpretive Prairie trail.

April Desktop Calendar

2011-04-01T08:11:00.001-05:00

Enjoy scenes of Fermilab's natural areas on your computer desktop! Here are instructions for downloading & installing the April 2011 calendar pictured below onto your computer:

1. Click the image above to open in a new browser window (or tab).

2. Right-click (or ctrl-click for some Mac users) on the image, and chose the option that says, "Set Picture as", (or similar words; the exact wording will depend on your internet browser) and save to your desktop. On your desktop, right click “Properties” and select the “Desktop” tab. Click “Browse” and navigate to the saved image on your desktop. Select it & click “Open.” On the “Display Properties” dialogue box, click “OK.”

3. If the image does not fit your desktop background neatly, you may have to go to your preference screen (on a Mac: System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Desktop; or on Windows: Control Panel > Display > Desktop) and choose "Fit to screen" as the display mode of your background image.

FNA will make a new desktop calendar available each month. If you'd like to share photographs for future calendars or the FNA newsletter, send us a note at fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.

Volunteer Workday

2011-03-31T11:03:00.002-05:00

It's almost spring and Fermilab Natural Areas is preparing to sell rain barrels! We are planning to host a rain barrel building workday next Thursday afternoon, April 7, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m, at Fermilab's Site 37 Roads & Grounds shop. If you are able to help out, please send us a note & let us know!

If you can't help out on Thursday, but are interested in purchasing a rain barrel, let us know that, too!

March/April Newsletter

2011-03-10T06:45:00.002-06:00

The FNA March/April newsletter is now available online and includes details on a full calendar for March, April and May. We've also included a feature on the Arbor Day strategy, history on the Habitat Restoration efforts, an introduction to a prairie seed rate planting study as well as butterfly and bird updates. As always, if you have any questions, topic ideas or other random notions, let us know at fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.

2010 Year in Review

2011-03-04T14:43:00.012-06:00

At the annual general membership meeting in February, Rod Walton presented the following "Year in Review" for FNA activities in 2010:

Fermilab Natural Areas made admirable progress during 2010, even though it may not have been as much or as fast as we’d like! During the year we took a significant step in communicating with the members by publishing a bi-monthly newsletter. Most of the credit for that accomplishment goes to Paula Lambertz, the volunteer editor. Many thanks to

Paula! If you are not receiving the newsletter and would like to, please let us know, and we will make sure that your email address is added to the list. And if you have ideas about the content of the newsletter or would like to become a contributor, be sure to tell us that as well.

Jolie Macier put together a paper calendar for 2011, featuring photographs of various natural areas at Fermilab and also made month by month computer desktop calendars available. Many thanks to our photographer friends who provided the photos for these calendars.

During 2010 we were joined by Heather Williams, who has enthusiastically taken on the daunting challenge of grant-writing for FNA. So far, Heather has put together an impressive list of proposals, all of which are pending as this is written. Grant proposals for website upgrades, improvements and expansion of the Margaret Pearson Interpretive Trail, and restoration of the oak savanna in the main ring are being considered. During the year, we also received a grant of $6,000 from the Boeing Community Fund to finance the invasive weed control program during 2011. The Boeing grant was written by Ryan Campbell earlier in 2010.

We also supported the Robert F. Betz internship during the summer for the second year. Jessica Meyers spent the summer in the field assisting in seed collection, wildlife studies and invasive control among other things.

A committee of the Board of Directors, composed of Dick Untch, Mitch Adamus and Shawna Coronado continue to make progress on a brochure and self-guided tour of the natural areas at the Lab. We are fortunate to have Fermilab partner with us on this project.

Finally, we formalized the legal relationship with Fermi Research Alliance, LLC, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that defines how these two entities will cooperate for the betterment of the Laboratory.

As for the vision for 2011, we intend to make significant progress again; supporting the Betz Intern for the third year, doing a better job of organizing and recognizing volunteers, while expanding volunteer opportunities, seeking corporate sponsors for some of our activities, and continual improvement in communication with our membership.

Any questions? Send us email at fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com. Thanks for your support!

March Desktop Calendar

2011-03-01T08:09:00.002-06:00

Enjoy scenes of Fermilab's natural areas on your computer desktop! Here are instructions for downloading & installing the March 2011 calendar pictured below onto your computer:

1. Click the image above to open in a new browser window (or tab).

2. Right-click (or ctrl-click for some Mac users) on the image, and chose the option that says, "Set Picture as", (or similar words; the exact wording will depend on your internet browser) and save to your desktop. On your desktop, right click “Properties” and select the “Desktop” tab. Click “Browse” and navigate to the saved image on your desktop. Select it & click “Open.” On the “Display Properties” dialogue box, click “OK.”

3. If the image does not fit your desktop background neatly, you may have to go to your preference screen (on a Mac: System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Desktop; or on Windows: Control Panel > Display > Desktop) and choose "Fit to screen" as the display mode of your background image.

FNA will make a new desktop calendar available each month. If you'd like to share photographs for future calendars or the FNA newsletter, send us a note at fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.

Event Recap: 4th Annual General Membership Meeting

2011-02-28T15:15:00.002-06:00

Fermilab Natural Areas' fourth annual general membership meeting was held on February 17, 2011. In addition to the standard business of electing Directors and reviewing the financials, meeting attendees received an update on the latest FNA activities in President Rod Walton's "year in review" presentation. In addition, Fermilab Ecologist Ryan Campbell posited that the primary goal of restoration ecology is biological diversity in his presentation entitled, "Fermilab Natural Areas as a Restoring Force?" For those who missed this comprehensive presentation on the goals and efforts of Fermilab and FNA’s ecological efforts, Ryan will reprise his talk during Earth Week, on April 22, 2011, at noon in Fermilab’s Wilson Hall One West conference room.

Following the formal meeting, the assembled members and friends lingered over cookies coffee, catching up on off-season activities and sharing ideas for the future of Fermilab Natural Areas.

Thanks to all who came out for the annual meeting and a special thanks to Pam Becker for the yummy refreshments.

Fermilab Family Open House

2011-02-25T13:27:00.000-06:00

Come out to the Fermilab Family Open House this Sunday! Fermilab Natural Areas folks will also be at the Open House to answer questions and talk to people about the work we do. Click here for more information about the Open House.

Ash Borers and Tree Safety

2011-02-22T08:30:00.002-06:00

Rod Walton authored this article which was originally published in Fermilab Today:

The Fermilab Village is home to a diverse community of trees, including exotic ornamental varieties and species native to our area. These trees provide a habitat for insects, birds and mammals as well as provide an appealing appearance and welcome shade in the summer. Unfortunately, approximately 150 ash trees exist among this collection.

This is unfortunate because these trees likely will become infected with emerald ash borers, an invasive, imported beetle that has decimated ash tree populations in the Midwest. Trees infected with this pest invariably die within a few years and can cause hazards when located near buildings or roads.

The beetles were first discovered at Fermilab in 2007 along Kirk Road and since then, the infestation has spread to cover the entire site, including the Village. Many ash trees are now dead or dying as a result. Experts from the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Morton Arboretum predict that virtually all our mature ash trees will die during the next few years.

In order to manage this imminent problem, Fermilab will begin preemptively removing ash trees in the Village, perhaps as early as this winter. As resources allow, the Roads and Grounds Department will continue to replace trees in the Village where it is appropriate to do so. Replacing these trees is something that our volunteers can help do during events such as our annual Arbor Day celebration. In the natural areas of the site, away from human activity, dead trees will be left standing to provide habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife. These trees will be incorporated into the future management of all Fermilab’s remaining natural areas.

Without prohibitively expensive chemical treatment, there is no viable defense against the emerald ash borer. Local municipalities and forest preserve districts are bracing for this problem now, and many neighboring municipalities are removing ash trees before they die or show overt signs of infestation. Preemptive removal of trees spreads out the cost and manpower needed to remove the trees safely and avoids the risks that standing dead trees create in populated areas.

February 17: 4th Annual Membership Meeting

2011-02-08T14:49:00.000-06:00

Please join Fermilab Natural Areas for our 4th annual general membership meeting on Thursday, February 17, 2011, at 7 p.m. in Fermilab's Wilson Hall, One West conference room. We'll be electing five members to our Board of Directors, Board President Rod Walton will recap FNA's 2010 activities and plans for 2011 and Ryan Campbell will present an overview of projects currently underway at Fermilab, highlighting collaborations between FNA and Fermilab.

February Desktop Calendar

2011-02-01T08:07:00.004-06:00

Enjoy scenes of Fermilab's natural areas on your computer desktop! Here are instructions for downloading & installing the February 2011 calendar pictured below onto your computer:

1. Click the image above to open in a new browser window (or tab).

2. Right-click (or ctrl-click for some Mac users) on the image, and chose the option that says, "Set Picture as", (or similar words; the exact wording will depend on your internet browser) and save to your desktop. On your desktop, right click “Properties” and select the “Desktop” tab. Click “Browse” and navigate to the saved image on your desktop. Select it & click “Open.” On the “Display Properties” dialogue box, click “OK.”

3. If the image does not fit your desktop background neatly, you may have to go to your preference screen (on a Mac: System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Desktop; or on Windows: Control Panel > Display > Desktop) and choose "Fit to screen" as the display mode of your background image.

FNA will make a new desktop calendar available each month. If you'd like to share photographs for future calendars or the FNA newsletter, send us a note at fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.

Upcoming Regional Eco-Events

2011-01-24T07:36:00.000-06:00

Long Chicago winters provide lots of time for musing about the growing season and summer recreation. Winter also plays host to many events that remind us that spring will soon be upon us. The following events are some of FNA's recommended favorites:

Fermilab's Education Office Family Open House, February 27, 1-5 p.m., at Fermilab
Wild Things Conference, March 5, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., University of Illinois at Chicago. FNA's Tom Peterson describes this conference as high-energy with lots of grass-roots folk, with topical tracks ranging from climate change to birds to natural history.
Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network (IBMN) annual workshop, March 12, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Bartlett Nature Center's Earth Day celebration, April 30, noon - 4 p.m., James "Pate" Philip State Park

If you are interested in representing FNA at either the Fermilab Family Open House or the Earth Day celebration in Bartlett, please send us an email. Thanks!

photo credit: Joe Pygott

January/February Newsletter

2011-01-18T09:22:00.002-06:00

The FNA January/February newsletter is now available online. Check out the report on the Christmas Bird Count, read about our dedicated volunteers and find out how butterflies and moths spend during their winters. And, remember the FNA General Membership meeting is scheduled for February 17, 2011, at 7 p.m. in Fermilab's Wilson Hall. Please join us!

January Desktop Calendar

2011-01-02T11:53:00.003-06:00

Enjoy scenes of Fermilab's natural areas on your computer desktop! Here are instructions for downloading & installing the January 2011 calendar pictured below onto your computer:

1. Click the image above to open in a new browser window (or tab).

FNA will make a new desktop calendar available each month. If you'd like to share photographs for future calendars or the FNA newsletter, send us a note at fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.

Happy Holidays from FNA!

2010-12-29T07:52:00.001-06:00

Hope your holidays are happy! Enjoy the lengthening days!

November/December Newsletter

2010-11-24T09:28:00.000-06:00

The FNA November/December newsletter is now available online. We've included recaps of our fall harvests, a feature about two dedicated volunteers and an overview of birds at Fermilab. Also, please mark your calendars for the FNA General Membership meeting on February 17, 2011, at 7 p.m. in Fermilab's Wilson Hall.

Season's End: A Sunny & Blue-Sky Harvest

2010-11-01T12:11:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out last Saturday for the final volunteer prairie harvest of the 2010 season. As part of our lunch festivities, Pier Oddone, Fermilab Director, presented recognition awards to long-time volunteers Ruthanne Baird and Keith Olson.

FNA news in Fermilab Today

2010-10-28T09:59:00.000-05:00

Fermilab Today published an article about FNA and the prairie restoration effort at Fermilab.

Prairie Harvest, October 30

2010-10-22T06:58:00.007-05:00

The last prairie harvest of the season will be held on Saturday, October 30, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. More information is available online. We're planning to collect the following species: Rattlesnake Master, Foxglove Beard Tongue, Tall Coreopsis, New England Aster, Heath Aster, Round-Headed Bush Clover, Culver's Root, Cord Grass, Sneezeweed, Early Goldenrod, Stiff Gentian, Cream Gentian.

Saturday's forecast currently calls for partly sunny and breezy, with a high around 57. Come out and join us!

A Blustery Harvest

2010-10-20T08:17:00.000-05:00

Strong winds tested, but did not deter, the volunteers who came out for the first prairie harvest of the 2010 season. On Saturday, October 2, school groups, Cub scouts and other steadfast volunteers collected species such as cord grass, cream gentians, culver's root, grey goldenrod, nodding wild onion, obediant plant, prairie sunflower, rattlesnake master, round-headed bush clover, sneezeweed, spotted joe-pye weed, swamp betony, sweet black-eyed susan, and wild quinine. Thanks to everyone for coming out!

Habitat Restoration Cancelled

2010-09-27T08:01:00.002-05:00

The habitat restoration scheduled for October 16 has been cancelled. If you have any questions, please contact Fermilab Natural Areas at fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.

Volunteer Prairie Seed Harvest

2010-09-16T14:19:00.007-05:00

Saturday October 2nd and
Saturday October 30th, 2010
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

September/October Newsletter Published

2010-09-02T08:28:00.001-05:00

The FNA September/October newsletter is published and available online. If you are interested being added to our mailing list, please send email to FNA.

Main Ring Prairie

2010-08-30T11:21:00.000-05:00

Fermilab employee Joseph Pygott made a trip into the Main Ring recently and shared some of his photos with FNA:

Butterfly Walk this Week

2010-08-23T15:20:00.000-05:00

The bugs are bad, but it is always fun to be among butterflies! Tom Peterson will lead a Butterfly Walk at noon this Thursday, August 26, at Fermilab's Interpretive Trail. Participants are encouraged to wear mosquito repellent and/or long pants and sleeves.

All are welcome. Tom indicates that many butterflies are still out, including some typically more southern ones such as Fiery Skipper, pictured above.

Find more information about butterflies on Tom's web page.

photo credit: Tom Peterson

Turtles in the Land of Accelerators

2010-08-17T11:23:00.002-05:00

Blandings Turtle, photo credit: www.petinfospot.com

In addition to serving as the summer invasive weed crew, Mike Beck & Kevin Sheehan also performed a turtle survey to verify whether the Blanding’s turtle was still a resident of the Fermilab site and to assess the diversity and health of the turtle populations on site.

Regionally, Blanding’s Turtles, a state threatened species, are suffering due to loss of habitat and other disturbances. More information: http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=111615

Three types of traps were set at 7 different locations around the Fermilab site, each for one week.

Kevin & Mike, setting a trap

In total, 48 turtles were caught, including 21 snapping turtles, 25 painted turtles and 2 red-eared sliders. Of the snapping turtles, there were 7 females and 13 males, with an average size of 12.11 inches. Four of the painted turtles were too young to identify whether male or female. Of the rest, there were six females and 15 males. The average size of all of the painted turtles was 5.28 inches. Both of the red-eared turtle captures were females, with an average size of 7.88 inches. While not trapped, a spiny softshell turtle was also identified on site.

Kevin & a young painted turtle

Overall results of the survey indicate that the Fermilab turtle populations are healthy, with few injuries or parasites, particularly since male and females were caught, as well as a variety of age groups.

Mike and a snapping turtle

The lack of Blanding’s may be attributable to changing ecosystems: including drainage of the marsh where it was previously identified, young ponds and frequent construction on the Fermilab site. In addition, while Blanding’s Turtles can live long lives (up to 80 years), sexual maturity doesn’t occur until around 16 years, leaving plenty of time for predators, including cars, to challenge the turtles’ longevity.

Trap full of young painted turtles

Mike and Kevin suggest improved habitats may help attract non-pioneer species, including the Blanding’s, Map and Stinkpot turtles.

Thanks for your work -- and the interesting results!

Habitat Restoration

2010-08-16T10:02:00.002-05:00

This Saturday, August 21, Habitat Workday volunteers will gather to remove invasives and perform other tasks to help maintain Fermilab's natural areas. Volunteers meet at the Lederman Science Center, (see map) at 9:00 a.m. Doughnuts and coffee will be served. The group will then work on different areas around the site that need attention until noon.

Last month, Barb Kristen and John Cooper worked to remove buckthorn and autumn olives from various areas in the Village.

Visiting the Great Western Prairie

2010-08-04T07:23:00.001-05:00

from Ryan Campbell:

The Fermilab ecological restoration seasonal workers and summer employees recently visited another prairie remnant within the Chicagoland area. We met with the site steward, Keith Olson (who also happens to be a Fermilab Prairie Harvest volunteer since the late 1970's) of the Elmhurst Great Western Prairie. Keith explained the formation, preservation, history, and community involvement of the small, 8 block strip of remnant next to an abandoned railroad line. We saw many excellent native prairie plants like Sullivant's milkweed, compass plant, blue-eyed grass, flowering spurge, lead plant, and prairie blazing star. The city of Elmhurst is supportive of this attractive, downtown prairie which makes quite the artistic accent to the Illinois Prairie Path. It was a great chance to visit a dedicated Fermi volunteer and see another example of what prairie is and how it is managed.

Calling on a Neighbor

2010-08-02T11:00:00.002-05:00

from Mike Beck & the summer crew:

On July 9 2010, the new weed control workers consisting of Kevin Sheehan and Mike Beck along with the prairie crew, Julie Allen & Jessica Meyers, took an off-site excursion to Schulenberg Prairie within the Morton Arboretum.

Upon arrival we were in awe at the unique and vast prairie that is so different then Fermilab’s. As we transversed the Schulenberg Prairie, we particularly noticed the diversity of the prairie. Plants that are rare to Fermilab’s prairie are common in the Schulenberg Prairie, including Cream Wild Indigo (Baptisia leucophaea) and Prairie Dropseed (Sorobolus heterolepis). Also, it was interesting to see how different species dominate different prairies. For example, Fermilab has large amounts of Compass Plant and Prairie Dock, whereas the Schulenberg Prairie is dominated by Prairie Clover.

Overall, the trip to the Schulenberg Prairie at the Morton Arboretum was very beneficial to understanding and appreciation of the diversity of prairies found throughout Illinois, all the while showing us the impact that a restoration can have to the landscape.

Chase the Moon - Volunteer Opportunity

2010-07-21T15:26:00.000-05:00

For those of you who are not riding in The Conservation Foundation's Chase the Moon bike ride during the early morning of August 1st, please consider providing volunteer support for riders on the Fermilab site.

A number of volunteers are needed to help direct riders around the Fermilab site. Please contact fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com if you are interested.

photo courtesy: The Dream Sky, Flickr

Summer Blooms

2010-07-20T09:28:00.001-05:00

At noon tomorrow, July 21, Ryan Campbell will lead a walk into the summer prairie. Meet at the Margaret Pearson Interpretive Trail parking lot. There will be ample opportunities for discussion on prairies and plants and everything else as we make the short hike. Join us!

Photo credit: Fermilab Visual Media Services,

Monarda Fistulosa, Wild Bergamot

Butterfly Walk Report

2010-07-12T07:55:00.002-05:00

At least a dozen people turned out for the afternoon butterfly walk on July 1. Tom Peterson showed the group the Gray Comma, a Pearl Crescent, a Cabbage White, a Clouded Sulphur, a Dusky Wing Skipper, and a Banded Hairstreak. The late afternoon sun was hot and the green of the prairie glowed as the group was distracted by plants, kids catching bugs, stories and conversations, as well as butterflies.

Please join us for the upcoming butterfly walks on August 12 and August 26!

Field Trip: Indian Boundary Prairies

2010-07-09T07:48:00.009-05:00

from our summer restoration folk:

On Friday, June 25th, five of us, Ryan Campbell, Julie Allen, Jessica Meyers, Kevin Sheehan and Mike Beck, went to visit remnant prairies in Markham, Illinois. Referred to as the Indian Boundary Prairies or Gensberg-Markham, the lands are owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy, Northeastern Illinois University and the Natural Land Institute. Two of the stewards shared some history as well as their current management efforts. This was an excellent opportunity for us to see what a restored remnant prairie looks like, and to compare and contrast it to our prairies at Fermilab.

With their permission, we collected Wild Onion, Prairie Panic Grass, and some different carex species. We were all surprised by the extremely high level of plant diversity, which caused average plant height to be much shorter than we see at Fermilab. The most exciting point of the day was when we came across a federally endangered White Fringed Orchid (pictured above), just finishing its bloom. The manager and naturalist of the site Ron Panzer was not surprised: “We got tons of them,” he said. In addition, the site is known for its insect diversity, such as the Aphrodite butterfly. The prairie is open to the public and well worth the visit. More information is available online.

photo courtesy: Julie Allen

Tonight: Summer Sunset

2010-07-07T07:40:00.000-05:00

At sunset tonight turn your gaze west, over the prairie at Fermilab. Ryan Campbell will be hosting a walking tour of our grassland restorations for those wanting an experience once familiar to this land and now recreated. Expect to see such beautiful prairie forbs as Culver's Root, Pale Purple Coneflower, Wild Bergamot, and Rattlesnake Master. Listen to the sounds of the of birds and insects, talk with others about prairie, and smell the cool breeze on this magnificent and rare tallgrass prairie landscape.

photo courtesy: www.illinoiswildflowers.info

July/August Newsletter Published

2010-06-30T08:14:00.005-05:00

The latest edition of the Fermilab Natural Areas newsletter is online! With the next two months packed full of events and activities to get involved with -- butterfly walks, sunset on the prairie walks, habitat restoration volunteer days and more, now is the time to get outside! Venture into the prairie, hike the trails and see what is blooming.

Please note: for those of you who receive the newsletter via email, the butterfly walk on at noon August 26 was omitted. The August 12 walk begins at 4:30 p.m.

If you'd like to be added to the FNA email list, please contact us at fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.

photo courtesy: Fermilab Roads & Grounds

On Two Wheels

2010-06-24T12:54:00.003-05:00

While it may be difficult to fully appreciate Fermilab's natural areas in the wee hours of the morning, participants in The Conservation Foundation's Chase the Moon bicycle ride will have a wonderful opportunity to try! After a pre-party starting at 10 p.m. on July 31 at Marmion Academy, riders will begin riding at 12:01 a.m. August 1 and head toward Fermilab. The 25-mile route will offer early-out options for more recreational riders. Following a ride through Fermilab, bicyclists will return to Marmion for breakfast.

All proceeds benefit The Conservation Foundation, a private not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving open space and cleaning up rivers and streams in northeastern Illinois.

For registration and additional information, go to http://www.chasethemoon.com/.

Photo courtesy: Ryan Campbell

Butterfly Walks

2010-06-22T13:36:00.000-05:00

Tom Peterson, Fermilab's butterfly expert, is planning to host a number of butterfly walks this summer, including one on Thursday, June 24, beginning at noon. All walks will begin at the trailhead to the Interpretive trail at outbound Pine Street at Fermilab. Check the "Upcoming Events" section of the blog for future dates & times. Remember to be prepared for heat, mud, and/or mosquitoes. Walks will last about 45 minutes.

photo courtesy: Tom Peterson, Red Admiral

Summer Plans for the Betz intern

2010-06-10T07:54:00.007-05:00

FNA's 2010 Robert F. Betz intern Jessica Meyers started working in late May and many tasks await, including a large variety of scientific and "on the ground" ecological restoration work. Several small studies will be implemented with Fermilab's consulting ecologist, Ryan Campbell, including determining best control of non-native brome grass in the bison savanna restoration, baseline tree density and herbaceous species composition in the Site 29 woodland, and collecting seed for the seed rate study.

Jessica's own research ideas are also be considered. Collection of native plant seed, learning to identify invasive, non-native plants, working with Fermilab's bird and butterfly monitors, and helping volunteers with aquatic surveys and other projects are part of the experience. We'll post blog updates from our 2010 Robert F. Betz intern in early summer.

Photo courtesy: Fermilab Visual Media Services, August 2009,
Baltimore Checkerspot release at Fermilab

The Plan for Fighting Invasives

2010-06-07T08:25:00.002-05:00

from Ryan Campbell, Consulting Restoration Ecologist, Fermilab:

This summer at Fermilab, we are anxious to start a new summer weed management program. Two interns are helping to control invasive species in the natural areas of Fermilab. In the past, we have been able to control some invasive plants (Teasel, Purple Loosestrife, Giant Reed Grass) but have never had the resources for others (White and Yellow Sweet Clover, Spotted Knapweed, Crown Vetch, Reed Canary Grass). The internships were specifically funded to target the control of these nasty exotics which outcompete native plants and lower plant and ecosystem diversity.

FNA has a grant application in process to help fund this work.

photo courtesy: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info

New plants found at Fermilab

2010-06-01T08:18:00.002-05:00

In this day and age, it is likely that any new plant found in a given area would be unwanted. Usually, new plants means aggressive, exotic (not native to northern Illinois or even North America) and it should be controlled by whatever means necessary before spreading all over. However, in the first week of work, Fermilab's consulting restoration ecologist, Ryan Campbell, found two desirable, rare, native species.

The first, Woodland Bluegrass (Poa sylvestris) has never been documented in the years of woodland surveys. Two reasons are possible. Either Dr. Betz and others overlooked this inconspicuous Poa, or it was established more recently through seed trades with local forest preserve ecologists. Either way, we are glad to have it with us in the woodlands of Fermilab.

The second plant is an exciting one! It is known for its blue fruits. These fruits are actually the ripe seed coat itself that burst through the plant ovary during development. It is blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides). We know that seeds of this species were traded to us from a local forest preserve some years ago.

The plants found (one mature and one young) are a testament to the successes of the restoration work here at Fermilab. Again, blue cohosh, we welcome you to your new home at Fermilab, in a woodland that continues to be restored and managed with the right ecological principles in mind.

Photo courtesy: Ryan Campbell

Coyote Sighting

2010-05-14T13:52:00.001-05:00

Say hello to Batavia coyote 351! Fermilab employee Greg Vogel photographed this young male coyote recently on the laboratory site. The radio collar and ear tag identified him as a holdover from an urban wildlife study conducted recently by Ohio State University and the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation. We know that this guy was actually born two years ago in Schaumburg, then made his way here to try and join up with the local coyote social group. Coyotes are relatively common in the area and provide a welcome degree of ecological balance as a “top” predator. They eat mainly rodents and often scavenge, and in the Spring, a favorite food is goose eggs, thus helping to control the Canada Goose population.

Photo courtesy: Greg Vogel

May/June Newsletter Published

2010-05-07T14:06:00.003-05:00

Check out the latest FNA newsletter!

If you have any ideas for newsletter topics, please leave a comment or send email to fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.

Earth Day Fairs, Here and There

2010-04-26T14:50:00.000-05:00

Last week Fermilab's Environment, Safety & Health Section hosted an Earth Day fair in honor of Earth Day's 40th anniversary. FNA's table included a live corn snake, which proved a popular attraction. Fermilab employee Bridgett Thomson let visitors hold her pet snake and answered many questions about caring for such a pet.

Over the weekend, FNA hosted a table at the Bartlett Nature Center's 10th anniversary Earth Day fair. Held at the James "Pate" Philip State Park, which like Fermilab is home to a remnant prairie plot. Many of the FNA table visitors were interested in Fermilab generally, including activities for families and scouting groups. Fermilab's Education office is a great resource for this type of information!

Earth Week Prairie Seed Planting

2010-04-26T14:31:00.006-05:00

About a dozen volunteers turned out for the spring prairie seed planting last Wednesday. Volunteers planted native seed for dry, mesic, & wet prairies in the Interpretive Trail Prairie. Each mix contained several native species. On the higher elevations they planted Canadian milk vetch, prairie cinquefoil, butterfly weed, purple prairie clovers which tend to thrive in dry prairies. Mesic contained about 40 native species including: gray goldenrod, spiderwort, common blue-eyed grass, prairie blazing star. Wet prairie mix had about 30 native species including Riddell’s goldenrod, Sulliavan’s milkweed, swamp aster, cardinal flower and over a dozen species of sedges.

Thanks to everyone for coming out - we appreciate your help!

Upcoming Events

2010-04-15T10:03:00.011-05:00

In anticipation of spring and in honor of Earth Day, FNA has many upcoming events:

April 17 - Habitat Restoration work day
April 21 - Prairie Seed Planting, 11:30 a.m., meet at Margaret Pearson Intepretive Trail, Fermilab
April 22 - Fermilab Earth Day Fair, Wilson Hall Atirum, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
April 24 - Bartlett Park District Earth Day Fair
April 27 - Woodland Wildflower Walk, 11:30 a.m., meet at Margaret Pearson Intepretive Trail, Fermilab
May 4 - Arbor Day tree planting (rain date May 6)
May 15 - Habitat Restoration work day

Please join us!

Seed Collection Volunteers

2010-04-15T10:03:00.003-05:00

Ryan Campbell, Fermilab's consulting ecologist, is looking for one or more volunteers who are interested in learning native prairie plants and collecting seed. This seed will be used in an experiment to test how many pounds of seed per acre result in a diverse prairie restoration. The answer to this question will guide future restorations at Fermilab as we take acres out of temporary agriculture. The volunteer(s) are needed 1-2 days a week from May to September. Please email Ryan for more information.

March/April Newsletter Published

2010-03-12T07:54:00.002-06:00

Catch up on the latest FNA newsletter, published earlier this week. Thanks again to Paula Lambertz for leading this effort! As the weather warms, we've got many activities planned, including an Earth Day seed planting and a May tree planting.

Leave comments here or send us an email to let us know what you think.

Seeking Intern

2010-03-01T08:03:00.000-06:00

Fermilab Natural Areas is currently seeking a 2010 intern for the Robert F. Betz internship at Fermilab. Please find the full intership listing at Chicagoland Environmental Network.

FNA visits Fermilab Friends for Science Education Open House

2010-02-25T12:32:00.009-06:00

Last Sunday February 21st Paula Lambertz and I set-up camp at the Fermilab Friends for Science Education's (FFSE) Open House event in Wilson Hall. Thousands of families and folks from the community turned out to experience the busy array of tours and events offered. Paula and I stood at the FNA table set up just outside the elevators and watched as excited children stared in amazement as they entered the atrium. We spoke to hundreds of children and adults about FNA and all of the opportunities to experience nature at Fermilab. We collected email addresses, answered questions and exchanged wildlife stories. It was a great event overall- very well organized and good time for all the smiling faces that passed through the elevator on Sunday.
Many people had questions about the wildlife at Fermilab. One family from California wanted to know if we had any large snakes on site. My best answer was the fox snakes I had seen in the prairie and woods edge. An excited group of girl scouts asked for directions to the bison pen. Another little girl from Geneva offered a detailed account of a family of coyotes that lives near her home as her family waited patiently for her through three rounds of the elevator as she finished. It was interesting to note how people were attracted to the table, just passing by the photos of wildlife at our booth seemed to inspire stories.

Report: Annual Meeting

2010-02-22T11:16:00.002-06:00

About 24 Directors, members and friends came out for the 3rd Annual General Membership meeting of Fermilab Natural Areas on Thursday, February 18. As part of the agenda, FNA Board of Directors' President Rod Walton offered an overview of 2009 activities as well as an outlook for 2010. Jolie Macier presented the Treasurers report and Dick Untch summarized the activities of the Tours Subcommittee. Elections were held for four open Board seats, with Mitch Adamus, Shawna Coronado, Jolie Macier & Jim Volk being re-elected to two-year terms. Finally, Susan Dahl, President of the Fermilab Friends for Science Education, and Sue Sheehan of the Fermilab Education Office discussed the history, structure and activities of FFSE.

Annual Meeting, 2/18

2010-02-03T07:50:00.000-06:00

The Fermilab Natural Areas Annual Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 18, 2010. The meeting will feature a report on 2009 efforts, a financial report and future plans. In addition, four seats of the Board of Directors are up for election. Finally, Susan Dahl, President of the Fermilab Friends for Science Education, will discuss her organization.

Please join us on Thursday, February 18, at 7 p.m. in Wilson Hall's One West Conference Room.