Spring-Summer 2013 - Dodge Nature Center

in This issue
meeT The Fellows
easTern screech owl
From The presidenT
programs calendar
sTaFF proFiles
egreT socieTy
signs oF spring conTesT
upcoming evenTs
s p r i ng/summer
2013
Call or v i s i t u s : 6 5 1 . 4 5 5 . 4 5 3 1
w w w. d o d g e n at u r e Ce n t e r . o r g
The Fellowship home
The newest Dodge property is taking shape.
Through the work of many volunteers and
staff, the home is ready for house guests. In
early 2013 four “Dodge Fellows” moved in.
A Dodge Fellow is a naturalist who will live
in the Fellowship Home rent free with 2-3
other fellows annually. Additionally, they
will receive a stipend every two weeks. In
exchange the fellow will:
• Learn and present environmental and
agricultural education programs to children
and adults
• Develop and implement spring and
summer camps
• Present public programs and lead
educational portion of birthday parties
• Lead after school and outreach programs
• Complete an independent study in a
specific area of interest
• Actively participate in seasonal special
events, seasonal projects, animal handling
and care, restoration programs, promotion,
and maintenance of equipment and materials
• Actively participate in staff trainings,
meetings and seminars
The initial class of fellows is scheduled for
January 7 to August 15, 2013. After the initial
class the plan is for subsequent classes to run
September 1 to August 15.
Some of the qualifications that we are looking
for in our fellows are a B.A or B.S. degree
(related field preferred), experience teaching
or working with children, knowledge of natural
history preferred, ability to live on-site in a
co-ed housing environment with three other
fellows, and work outdoors year-round in any
kind of weather and with live animals.
Thank you to all of the UPS Volunteers who
helped remove an old retaining wall and built
a new one at the Fellowship Home.
To learn more about the Dodge Fellowship
program, contact Diane Klinefelter at 651.455.4531
or [email protected].
If you’d like to learn more about supporting the
Dodge Fellowship program and home, contact
John Chandler at 651.789.5218 or JChandler@
dodgenaturecenter.org.
easTern screech owl
Dodge Nature Center’s Eastern Screech owl joined us in April 2012. The bird had been hit by a
car and has permanent wing damage. She is believed to be about 2 years old. She is a small gray
owl with tufts of feathers on top of her head. Many people believe her to be a baby due to her size
but she is a full grown predator. Screech owls hunt small prey such as rodents, birds and insects.
Introducing “Gumball” the Eastern Screech Owl. Named by Eliza Dayton and Garlough
Environmental Magnet School students.
To see this adorable (yet carnivorous)
owl, stop by the Raptor Mews near the
Main Office.
check ouT our Blog
Today!
www.dodgeCatalyst.blogspot.Com
Board oF
direcTors
Founder
Olivia I. Dodge
1918-2009
Board President
Peter Garretson
meeT The Fellows
anna Toenjes
kelsey greaThouse
I earned a B.A. degree in Biology from
Augsburg College. I love learning about and
caring for animals of all shapes and sizes,
as well as inspiring people to help conserve
these animals and their habitats. I have worked
seasonally and on-call around DNC since the
summer of 2009.
I majored in Anthropology and Biology at the
College of Wooster in Ohio. I think nature’s
neat, photography’s fun, traveling’s terrific, live
music’s magical, and alliteration’s addictive.
Board Members
Kari Anderson
Kim Austrian
Sara Beckstrand
Carol Bouw
Jon C. Cieslak
Chad Dayton
Thomas I. Dodge
Elizabeth Driscoll
Pete Fleming
Litton E.S. Field Jr.
Tom Hobert
Peter Jackson, Treasurer
Alan R. Johnston
Allan Klein, Secretary
Elizabeth Lee
James McCarty
Scott Mortensen
Kristen Nicklawske
William Owens, President Elect
Susan Powell
Ann Schwichtenberg
Michael Slade
Shehla Tauscher
Nicole Winter Tietel
Ann Winsor
Directors
Jason Sanders
Executive Director
John Chandler
Development
Diane Klinefelter
Environmental Education
Dave Napier
Buildings and Grounds
Don Oberdorfer
Farm
Beverly Sargent
Finance
Marty Watson
Preschool
2
From left to right: Anna Toenjes, Kelsey Greathouse, Kristen Haynes, Courtney Luensman
krisTen haynes
courTney luensman
I graduated from Drake University this past
May with an Environmental Science degree. I
have lived in six states and two countries but
grew up in Minnesota. Aquatic systems are
one of my favorite things partly because my
favorite animal is a frog.
I studied Environmental Studies and Biology,
at Illinois Wesleyan University where I ran
cross country and track. I love pretty much
everything that happens outside. I was living in
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio but I’m
very excited to return to the Midwest.
From The presidenT Frogs are Cool
Frogs are cool. Buckthorn
is not cool. More frogs and
less buckthorn would be a
good thing. Frogs are one of a
thousand measures of the health
of our environment. Frogs
need pollution free water, lots
of bugs, and great wetlands to
thrive. Buckthorn is a highly
invasive prickly tree that some
well meaning landscaper
unleashed on the Midwest 100
years ago. It crowds out native plants and is
near impossible to eliminate.
Dodge Nature Center‘s
mission is to help
people like me and
you and our children
and grandchildren
understand things like
frogs and buckthorn.
Hi, my name is Peter
Garretson. I am the
in-coming President
of the DNC. I have
been an outdoors person all my life. As a selfconfessed obsessive compulsive fisherman,
pretty much anything that puts me on or in the
s p r i n g / su mm er
2013
puBlic programs march-augusT 2013
For more information and to register, go online at www.dodgenaturecenter.org or call 651-455-4531.
march
program
grades
9, 10, 11
WB Rain Rain Go Away
Pre K
2
It's Maple Syrup Time!
K and Up
11
Spring Birding
Adults
5
OWLS Minnesota Rocks!
50+
21
Water Ways
1st and Up
7,8,9
WB The Stars Above
Pre K
30,31, June 1
WB Frogtastic
Pre K
9
Maple Syrup Time for Scouts
K-12th
14
NAD Maple Syrup Time
Pre K-3rd
14
HS Maple Syruping
K-12th
program
grades
16
It's Maple Syrup Time!
K and Up
1
Wild Edible Plants
7th and Up
21,22,23
WB Sssssnakes
Pre K
4
50+
23
It's Maple Syrup Time!
K and Up
OWLS Visit Bruce Vento Nature
Sanctuary
25-28
Spring Break Camp
K-8th
13
NAD Raptors:
Hunters of the Skies
Pre K-3rd
program
grades
13
Wild Edibles Hike and Tasting
Adults
2
OWLS Phenology
50+
13,14,15
WB Oink Oink
Pre K
4,5,6
WB Knock Knock-Woodpeckers
Pre K
10-17- Aug 9
Summer Camp
1st-8th
11
NAD Cold Blooded Adventure
Pre K-3rd
25
Micro-Monsters
1st and Up
11
HS The Dirt Beneath Our Feet
K-12th
27,28,29
WB Rocks and Roll
Pre K
18,19,20
WB Baaa Baaa Black Sheep
Pre K
program
grades
20
MN Rock History
and Fossil Collecting
3rd and Up
NAD Wild About Berries
Pre K-3rd
23
What Trees are These?
3rd and Up
27
Farm Fun Day for Scouts
K-5th
program
grades
7
OWLS The Hummers are Coming!
50+
9
NAD Chickens,
Chickens, Everywhere
Pre K-3rd
9
HS Ecosystem Exploration
K-12th
april
may
water makes me a happy camper. My goal for
the next two years is to help Dodge deliver on
its mission.
“Attend a class to
learn how to grow
a garden or build a
camp fire without a
match.”
We don’t all need to be Euell Gibbons (or Bear
Grylls for the younger audience) to appreciate
w w w.dodgenatureC enter. o rg
june
july
11
Check our website for updates
augusT
program
grades
Check our website for updates
KEY
NAD - Nature After Dinner Program
HS - Home School Program
OWLS - Senior Program
WB - Woolly Bears - Parent/Preschooler Program
the beauty and essential value of a healthy
environment. Please come visit us some
weekend. Walk the trails. Odds are you
will see turkeys and deer. Sadly, you will
also see buckthorn. Attend a class to learn
how to grow a garden or build a camp
fire without a match. There are so many
choices and so little time in our lives. Do
yourself a favor and make time for that
which can help you stay in touch with our
natural world. Dodge is here for all of us
to enjoy, learn from, and preserve.
Peter Garretson
3
sTaFF proFiles
Brinsley davis
lora seraFini
Todd waTkins
Position: Preschool Office Coordinator
Position: Teacher, Oak Room
Fun Fact: I ran a small, collaborative modern
dance company, Three Dances, for a decade.
Position: Assistant Teacher, Willow Room
Afternoons
Fun Fact: My dog and I are both terrified
of mice.
Favorite Dodge Memory: Hanging 5 disco
balls in the preschool for an all-staff holiday party
Favorite Dodge Memory: A beautiful
September afternoon at Tipi Hill
Hobbies: Taking modern and flamenco dance
classes, racing around the house in circles with
my three year old son, and mixing cocktails.
Hobbies: Traveling to National Parks and
walking my dog
Brinsley graduated with a B.A. in Literature
and Spanish from Goucher College. Her
previous jobs include running the Zenon
Dance School, event planning at St. Catherine
University and working as a Montessori
preschool teacher. Her son is a new DNP
student.
Lora is a graduate of the University of
Wisconsin-Stout with a degree in Early
Childhood Education and is currently pursuing
a certificate in Environmental Education
through Hamline University. Lora has been
a preschool teacher for over 15 years and
loves the outdoors. She is happy to be able to
combine both at Dodge!
Fun Fact: I lived in Australia for 4 years.
Favorite Dodge Memory: Pressing Apples
Hobbies: Yoga and Dungeons and Dragons
Todd earned his B.A. in Environmental
Sciences and an MA in Aquatic Ecology and
Cultural Anthropology from George Mason
University. His many years of preschool
teaching and water management advocacy
make him a great fit for this preschool.
memorials and honorariums
Honor Friends and Family witH a giFt to dodge nature Center
Memorial and honorarium gifts are a thoughtful way to pay tribute to your loved ones and also support Dodge Nature Center. Dodge is proud to be
among the organizations chosen to honor the following individuals.
In honor of Dodge’s 45th
Anniversary
John O. Irvine
Sandra Irvine
Dan and Liz Lee
Robert E. Temple
In honor of Mary and Mac
Seymour’s 20th Wedding
Anniversary
R.J. Gesell
In honor of grandson’s
wonderful experience at
Dodge
Carmen McEwen
In memory of Shirley
Daskoloff
Mary Pelkey
Mary Phelps
In memory of Betty Glynn
Nicholas Cheesebrow
In honor of Pam Welisevich
for her efforts in raptor care
Ann Schwichtenberg
In memory of Colette
Hanson
Corinne Ryan
In honor of 5 years
attending Woolly Bears
Bridget McConville
In memory of Alice Kisch
Nicholas Cheesebrow
Nick Cheesebrow
Alice DuBois
Diane Young
In memory of Blair Klein
Joan L. Shapiro
In memory of
Sylvia Moberg
Nicholas Cheesebrow
In memory of Harlan
(Bill) Newell
Phyllis Abrahamsen
John Brainard
Milton Bauer
Kathy Brown
Keith Dahlman
Charles Growdon
Kjeld Husebye
Gregory Lahaie
Dusty Mairs
Alice Maistrovich
Candace Moser
Jacqueline Mosio
Larry Nelson
Ria Newell
Frank Pintens
Marcia Schultz
Cecile Zimmerman
Minnesota Interprofessional
Association
In memory of Richard
Weisbecker
Dorothy Greig
In honor of our
new granddaughter
Linnea Patricia Malo
Hammerquist
John and Nancy Malo
In memory of
Clover Fobes Earl
and Tom Irvine
Elizabeth Murphy
In memory of John G.
“Smokey” Ordway
Nancy T. Field
Thomas G. Mairs
This list reflects memorial and honorarium gifts from April 7, 2012 to January 4, 2013. To honor your friend or family member, send your
tax-deductible gift to: Dodge Nature Center, 365 Marie Avenue W., West St. Paul, MN, 55118.
4
s p r i n g / su mm er
2013
egreT socieTy
The Egret Society was organized in 2008 to
recognize Dodge Nature Center friends who
have chosen to leave a legacy gift with a
provision in their will or estate plan. Named
after the Great Egret, society membership is as
elite, admired, and significant as the symbol is
to the Dodge Nature Center.
If you’d like to know more about making a
legacy gift to the nature center, or if you have
already included or plan to include the Dodge
Nature Center in your estate plan, please let us
know. Contact John Chandler at 651.789.5218
or [email protected].
wish lisT
Join us at Dodge on Wednesday, May 22,
11:30a.m. to 1:00p.m. for the Egret Society
Luncheon. RSVPs required.
Society Members (as of January 4, 2013)
Ms. Karen J. Anderson
Ms. Joan C. Lindusky
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Berg
Mr. Thomas G. Mairs
Mrs. Olivia I. Dodge
Ms. Virginia J. McCain
Mrs. Litton Field
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Peterson
Mr. and Mrs. Vance Grannis
Mr. and Mrs. McNeil V. Seymour
Mr. and Mrs. John Holub
Ms. Jean Wirsig
Gini McCain is a Dodge
neighbor and the newest
Egret Society member as
of November 2012. She
regularly attends our
OWLS programs and
enjoys photographing
the nature center’s
natural beauty while
on walks at Dodge.
2012 dodgeBall recap
The 2012 DodgeBall’s theme, “Hop, Crawl
and Wiggle”, celebrated Dodge Nature
Center’s 45th Anniversary and the noteworthy
strides Dodge has taken to get visitors of all
ages moving, exploring, and learning in nature.
Together we raised $101,413 for
environmental education and restoration.
Thank you to all of our generous sponsors,
donors, and attendees. Your support
contributed greatly to the success of this event.
Title Sponsor
Benefactor Sponsor
Mairs and Power, Inc.
Steward Sponsor
Corporate Sponsors
Anchor Bank
Briggs and Morgan
Lindquist & Vennum PLLP
Xcel Energy
Community Sponsor
Alice and Fred Wall Family Foundation
Cut out and post
iPad
First Aid supplies, including epipen, for a year
Black oil sunflower seed (40 and 50 pound bags)
Bird seed (no peanuts)
Dog food
Natural looking rock water dishes for lab animals
Pet Carriers/Crates/Kennels (all sizes)
Lanterns (battery operated, propane, kerosene)
Work bench vice/clamp
Hand tools
Hardware (nails, screws, nuts, bolts)
Storage containers with lids
Children’s hats and mittens
Children’s socks
Children’s snow pants (S, M, L)
Fish for turtles (frozen sunfish)
Fish tank pumps and filters
Magnetic knife holder for lab cutting utensils
Golf putters
Ongoing:
Hand towels
Wash clothes
Art supplies
Nature stickers
Work gloves (children’s and woman’s sizes)
Tarps
Call the Dodge Development Office at
651.789.5201 if you have an item you
wish to donate.
“The Nature of Things” is printed two times per
year and is a Dodge Nature Center member benefit.
For membership information, please call
651.455.4531. Members, please keep our records
current by notifying Dodge of any address changes.
All artwork and text is copyrighted by the Thomas
Irvine Dodge Nature Center and may be reprinted
by written permission only.
“The Nature of Things” is printed on recycled paper.
Dodge Nature Center is a non-profit environmental
education organization.
Please send corrections, comments, and
suggestions to The Nature of Things Editor at
365 Marie Avenue West, West St. Paul, MN, 55118.
www.dodgenaturecenter.org
w w w.dodgenatureC enter. o rg
5
NortherN Dakota CouNty
triDistriCt CommuNity eDuCatioN
Serving Residents of the South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights and
West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan School Districts
Where learning starts … and never stops!
Early lEarning
Programs
Early Childhood Family
Education: Fun programs
and classes are designed for
parents and their children to
enjoy time together. Fees are
based on ability to pay; some
programs are free.
Community Preschool:
Teachers ensure learning is fun
as they help prepare children
for a lifetime of school success.
Early Childhood screening:
The State of Minnesota requires that all children be screened before
they enter kindergarten. This free assessment is to identify possible
development or learning concerns so children can get help before
starting school.
For more information
in your Community:
Please call...
south st. Paul - 651-306-3602
inver grove heights - 651-306-3602
West st. Paul-mendota heights-Eagan - 651-403-8313
Visit us online...
www.tridistrictce.org
www.facebook.com/tricommunityed
www.twitter.com/tricommunityed
school readiness: A variety of free programs help prepare eligible
children for school success
y
youth
Programs
adult Programs
a
a
adult
Enrichment: Educational
and enrichment opportunities
for adult learners are designed
to meet the current needs
and interests of community
members.
s
school-age
Care:
High-quality and engaging
childcare is provided for
students before and after
school, on non-school
days and during the
summer. School-Age Care is
conveniently located at the
schools in your community.
Look online under
School-Age Care!
youth Enrichment: Classes, activities and a diverse assortment of
programs are offered for youth.
driver Education: Both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction
are offered. Find us online under Youth Programs!
aquatics: Swimming lessons are offered at a variety of different levels to
accommodate the various needs of all those interested in learning how
to swim. Contact us at 651-403-8313 or at www.tridistrictce.org.
a
adult
Basic Education: These
free skill-building classes include
English Language Learning, GED
preparation and individualized
instruction to help community
members brush up on old skills
and learn new ones.
older adult Programs
older adult Programs: Classes, trips and social and educational activities
are available for older adults to help keep them feeling young and
revitalized.
to register online visit CElEarn4EvEr.org!
signs oF
spring
conTesT 2013
1
3
2
4
6
5
7
Basketball has March Madness and now Dodge
Nature Center has its own spring madness
contest. March 1st begins meteorological
spring, so, it’s time to start watching for the
return of our migrating and hibernating critters
and the emergence of dormant plants. Our
contest will see who can do the best job of
predicting when we see those first blooms and
returning animals.
When you visit our website please look on the
left hand side for Signs of Spring Contest 2013.
That link will bring you to the information
needed to participate in this contest. To
participate, look over the list of events in the
table. Place an “X” in the box of the week you
think will be the first time the event happens
or is the first sighting of the animal on Dodge
Nature Center’s Main Property. Dodge
naturalists will determine the actual dates of
the events/sightings. All entries are due by
Tuesday, February 26, 2013. Winners will be
notified on Monday, June 3, 2013 and prizes
will be awarded to the three individuals with
the most correct guesses.
how well do you
know your signs
oF spring?
marCH 1st – may 31st
1. painted turtles
2. Cowbird (male)
3. marsh marigolds
8
9
10
4. red-winged blackbird (male)
5. violet
6. Chorus Frogs singing
7. dragonfly
8. ruby-throated Hummingbird
9. milkweed
10. baltimore oriole (male)
11. monarch butterfly
12. ice totally gone From Farm pond
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Photos: Lauren B, Alan Johnston,
Alyssa Palmer, and Teresa Root.
7
panCake breakFast
Saturday, March 16
NONPROFIT
Nonprofit
U.S. POSTAGE
U.S.
Postage
PAID
PAID
Permit#4665
TWIN
CITIES MN
Minneapolis,
MN
PERMIT NO. 4665
Thomas irvine dodge nature center
365 marie avenue west
west st. paul, mn 55118
Come enjoy pancakes with pure maple syrup
followed by a naturalist-led hike to learn the
process of maple sap collection and syrup
production.
MEMBERS EAT FREE
eartH day Clean-up
Monday, april 22
consider becoming
a member or making
a donation to
dodge nature center
membership
Family ($60)
educator Family ($50)
individual ($40)
educator individual ($30)
senior ($30)
student ($30)
cut out entire upper right portion and
mail in stamped addressed envelope
to dodge nature center.
Join DNC for our annual Earth Day volunteer
event. Help remove European buckthorn, pickup litter, prepare garden beds and clean-up the
preschool playground.
PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED
golF CHallenge
Monday, June 24
john doe
1111 nature drive
minneapolis, mn 55407
general donation
in memory of
in honor of
check enclosed for $
please charge my
visa
in the amount of $
card #
exp. date
cvc code
signature
give online! www.dodgenatureCenter.org
mark your calendar Today!
aCtivities inClude:
Rock
(** require an additional fee)
the
Raffle Drawings**
Live entertainment
Barn
Pony rides**
Kids Farm Chores
saturday,
may 18
Face Painting
Wagon rides
Pond Dipping
Old Fashioned Farm Games
Bake Sale/Concessions**
Barn visits and animal demonstrations
admission:
Pre-Pay Pricing (regiSter by noon, friday 5/17)
Non-member
$8/adult
Support a great cause while enjoying golf at
Mendakota Country Club for our 9th Annual
Golf Tournament. All proceeds go directly to
support environmental education at Dodge
Nature Center.
BECOME A SPONSOR
8
s p r i ng/summer
$4/ages 3-16
or $25/family
$3/ages 3-16
or $20/family
Member
$6/adult
Ages 2 and under free
Day of event fees increase $2/adult, $1/child and $5/family
For m ore inF orm ation C all 651.455.4531
or visit w w w.dodgenatureC enter .or g
2013
mc
d e s i g n b y st e p s ton egr ou p