The Nature ConneXion
Newsletter #2
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Dear Nature Connexion Friend,
Today’s topics include the Nature Sanctuary construction and conservation efforts, updates, responses from our Nature ConneXion friends, plus a link to the birds observed and documented there so far.
We also cover the eclipse, ecoart project ideas, dandelion recipes, a poem, the pollinator garden and Butterflyway project, as well as upcoming events.
To view a list of the birds observed so far click Birds of the Nature Sanctuary.
If you haven’t read our first Newsletter please click on the highlighted link to see what we have been doing regarding our Nature Sanctuary.
We had the opportunity to observe interesting birds recently. The Egrets and Herons caught our attention, we observed a Little Blue Heron, a Tricolored Heron, a Great Egret, a Great Blue Heron or 2, and a pair of Snowy Egrets on the same day!
Little Blue Heron – Anchorage Park – April 28th, 2024
If you wish to report a bird seen at the Nature Sanctuary, here is a link.
Here is where you can view all the birds observed at the sanctuary.
The Blind
We have been making progress and breaking ground at the Nature Sanctuary!
We added the sonotubes (ecoforms) for the foundation that the blind sits on and filled them with concrete.
Garbage has been removed and a trail has been cleared to the blind to remove tripping hazards.
Please be advised that surveillance cameras have been installed along with an Area Under Surveillance and no Trespassing” sign.
The Huglekultur Pollinator Garden
Irene met with a local Monarch Butterfly expert, Ann Chudleigh, to learn about helping the monarch butterfly that is now on the endangered species list.
She plans on becoming a volunteer ranger for the Butterflyway Project for the David Suzuki Foundation One Nature.
Read about her plans here! first Newsletter
Training seminars are held during the winter months. Then networking sessions are held to take action toward the creation of a Butterfly Way in the community.
In order to qualify as a Butterfly Way 12 or more habitat gardens must be planted in close proximity.
She wishes to approach people in the vicinity of the Nature Sanctuary to volunteer her services and to include as many residents and businesses nearby who would be willing to have a pollinator garden on their property.
The Eclipse photos.
An ecoart idea related to Nature adding dried flowers and leaves to artwork or homemade greeting cards and for dried flower arrangements is simple and lovely. Spring flower pressing and drying can easily be done without a flower press.
Here are a few ways you can too. Once you have collected the flowers and leaves, place them between the pages of a heavy book between two sheets of paper, paper towel or recycled used envelopes.
Tie a bunch of flowers together and hang them upside down to dry. Make a homemade flower press using paper bags with felt in between tied with string. First fold a stack of paper bags in half. Then cut the tops and bottoms off to create little envelopes that will hold your flowers and leaves. If you have felt, (I got some from the dollar store) cut some the size of the envelopes you created and insert them between each envelope. You can staple the bottom parts of the paper bags and the felt together. Once the envelopes are full tie the bags together gently with string and put under a heavy weight such as a book or brick. Store any flowers and leaves you are drying in a dark warm place so the colors don’t fade. Check them weekly. They are dry when they snap if broken.
Dandelion recipes
Although they are not native to our area they can be found in abundance in New Brunswick. They are not a preferred source for our local bees. Dandelions are versatile plants because every part can be used for human consumption. In early spring, syrup, cookies with petals, jelly, salad, petal tea and so much more can be prepared with the flowers. Tender shoots and leaves are delicious in salads and sandwiches. The roots can be collected and dehydrated for a delicious tea.
Nature poem
Be like a bird
by Irene Doucet
Always sit at the highest peak and observe others
Fly to the commotion, say your piece and fly away
Eat a simple specific diet with lots of grains, seeds and nuts found in nature
Build a nest using the regional resources
Protect your nest and family fearlessly
Walk with confidence and attitude
Preen yourself every day and check for ticks
Sing your heart out at dawn and dusk
Be cautious of newcomers
Display all your true colors
Migrate to take in the sights flying south for the winter but travel lightly and stop to rest
Soar to great heights
Return to your old stomping ground
Remain curious
Sunbathe every day
Cherish your freedom!
Responses and updates from our readers for the Nature Sanctuary
A weather vane and weather station were requested to help with notes and observations. We have ordered a wind gauge and are looking into weather monitoring devices.
Marsh Mysteries! We are in the process of identifying the vegetation that exists on the Nature Sanctuary at the present time. Nothing will ever be removed unless it is an invasive non native species. Other than some flowers to attract pollinators such as sunflowers and milkweed all plants added to the sanctuary will be native to Grand Manan. So far the following have been identified:
Blackberries
Horsetail
Red osier
Pussy willow
Alder Strawberry
Sweet Staghorn sumac Rhus typhina
Beach Rose
Paper Birch
Speckled alder, grey alder Alnus incana Betulacea (Birch family)
Cattail Typha latifolia
I will be continuing my observations and also consult with my botany club and friends to continue research of the flora at the marsh.
If you know of others please let me know in order to update my observation list.
Here’s a link to the invasive species of fauna and flora in Canada
https://www.nbinvasives.ca/invasive-species-profiles#anchor
Tell us your Nature story!
Have you witnessed any recent bird species sightings?
Perhaps you would like to share about a new to you plant species or something that has sprouted or bloomed? Have you seen any wildlife recently? Do you have environmental concerns? We want to hear from you!
Share your stories and photos with us!
Until next time, Grasp Grow Gather!
Nature is not a place to visit, it’s home. You’re not apart from Nature you are a part of it.
At Nature ConneXion we are dedicated to connecting all ages to nature. We believe that healthy ecosystems are the basis for healthy wildlife. By assuring the preservation of vegetation, waterways and their inhabitants and by sharing knowledge with the public we can make a difference and connect people to nature.
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