Rare Sight - Montgomery Parks

FOBHNP
MAY 2013 Vol. 13 Issue 5
Friends
Black Hill
NATURE
of
P R OG R A M S
©
Rare Sight
A
HIGHLIGHTS:
Squawroot has no chlorophyll 1
Volunteers for Bluebird Fest. 2
The Gardens at Black Hill 2 & 3
Redheads on Lake in park 2 & 3
FOBHNP plants at Nat. Zoo 3
Dutchman’s Britches
3
Black Hill Programs
4
Friend’s Events
4
Friend’s News
4
Nature News
4
Friends of Black Hill Nature
Programs meeting
Tuesday, June 25, 2013,
6:30pm,
guest speaker at 7:30pm,
at Black Hill Regional Park
Visitor Center
20926 Lake Ridge Drive
Boyds, MD 20841
www.blackhillnature.org
To Register for Black Hill
Programs go to: ParkPASS.org
Questions? Call 301-495-2580
Squawroot
has no Chlorophyll
W
BARBARA
checkered spots,
matchingKREILEY
BY
ith
BY ISABELLE DOUCET
Master Naturalist Intern and new member
Friends of Black
Hill Nature
brightoforange,
black,
andPrograms
white
W
hen you visit Black Hill Regional
the colors of the heraldic shield of
Park
look for one of the most unusual
George Calvert (the first Lord
plant species in the area, Squawroot
Baltimore), and the colors of our
“Conopholis americana,” a plant that
state flag, the beautiful Baltimore Checkerspot
butterflylost
(Euphydryas
has completely
its abilityPhato
eton) became Maryland’s state
produce its own food through
insect in 1973. At the time, it was
photosynthesis. Also called American
often sighted on summer days throughout
Montgomery
County’s
wetland
cancer-root,
this plant
from the
Broomrape
family
(Orobanche)
is a
habitats, and across the state of Maryland, with a wing span from
parasite.
Its
stems
emerge
mid
to
late
1 5/8 to 2 1/2 inches.
spring
where
it
attaches
to
the
roots
Less than four decades later, its numbers have drastically plummeted
of certain species of oak trees. Having
downward. In 2009, it was added to
PHOTO BY ISABELLE DOUCET no chlorophyll, it emerges from the
Maryland’s state
watch list and given ground cream to yellowish brown in
Stems of Squawroot, common name
the status of S3, rare to uncommon
color, and within a few weeks it proAmerican cancer-root, at Black Hill
in
Maryland.
By
2010
it
numbers
had
continued
drop to
and
it was
given
duces smalltocream
yellow
flowers
Regional Park, May 11th, resembles
S2
status,
“State
Rare,
”
imperiled
in
Maryland,
vulnerable
to
becoming
on
stems
from
2
to
8
inches
high
and
cream colored pinecones.
from
½
to
1
inch
wide.
The
flowering
extirpated, and actively tracked by the Wildlife and Heritage Service. Its
spike
and Black
then beings
to wither,
becoming
brown throughout
summer.
plightmatures
propelled
Hill Visitor
Center
volunteers,
Friends ofthe
Black
It
continues
to
send
up
stems
for
several
years
and
will
reseed
itself.
Hill Nature Programs, and me, a Friend of Black Hill Nature Programs, to
Its scientific name “Conopholis americana” comes from conos meaning ‘cone’
make
a difference, in a captive rearing and release project.
S
and pholos meaning ‘scale’ in ancient Greek; referring to its pinecone looking
stems with scale like flowers.
Captive
and Release
Project there is no scientific evidence
Despite itsRearing
common name,
American cancer-root,
During
the summer
spearheaded
preparations
raise Balti-were
that
it either
preventsof
or2010,
causesIcancer,
however
some NativetoAmericans
known
to
use
this
plant
for
anti-tuberculosis
treatment.
Its
common
name may
more Checkerspots at Black Hill Regional Park, in an effort to increase
its
actually refer to the parasitic growth of the plant.
To find Squawroot in Black Hill Regional Park, look towards the roots of Oak
trees in shady forested areas with relatively deep soils.
For a complete list of Black Hill Programs browse the eGuide at: w w w.Montgomer yParks.org/Guide
www.blackhillnature.org
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The Gardens at Black Hill Regional Park
Tuesday Morning Volunteers and Friends Welcome You
BY MARY
McKNIGHT
The Friends of Black Hill and other park volunteers planted the gardens
near the Visitor Center on May 13 and 14th. Most of the plants placed in
the gardens were grown in the greenhouse by the Friends. We also received
a very nice donation of plants from the Pope Farm Greenhouse and a
large group of Christmas ferns from Marv and Sandy Kahn.
The monarch garden, to the left as you walk to the Visitor Center (VC),
was completely renovated this spring (picture below). The park crew tilled,
PHOTO BY ELAINE LEE
On Sunday, May 19th, from 1- 4 pm
Black Hill Park naturalists hosted
the Bluebirds Forever Festival at the
Visitor Center. There was something
for everyone, as Black Hill Visitor
Center volunteers, including Blue
Bird Monitor, Amy Hannon pictured
above, and FOBHNP helped visitors
enjoy presentations, hikes, demonstrations, crafts, games and storytimes.
PHOTO BY MARY McKNIGHT
Look for monarchs in the Monarch Garden in front of the Visitor Center.
raked and edged the area to make a very beautiful bed for planting. It now
contains orange zinnias in front, butterfly weed, tropical milkweed, swamp
milkweed, coreopsis, and blazing star. These plants are growing nicely and
we are awaiting more blooms.
GARDENS AT BLACK HILL CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs
EDITOR / DESIGNER Elaine Schlosnagle Lee
SPECIAL THANKS TO Aba Christian
FRONT COVER:
An American Bald Eagle, flying over Little
Lake Seneca, at Black Hill Regional Park.
PHOTO BY JONATHAN HEIDERICH
www.blackhillnature.org
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GARDENS AT BLACK HILL FROM PAGE 2
To the right as you walk to the VC, the Blue wild indigo is in full bloom
with its beautiful deep blue flowers (picture below). Also in this bed are blue
salvia, butterfly weed, wild petunia, aster, seaside goldenrod, yellow zinnias
PHOTO BY TINA SOULE
PHOTO BY MARY McKNIGHT
This blue wild indigo currently blooming in front of the Visitor Center.
and several ferns. Toward the back we also have a Buttonbush and Wild senna.
In addition, there are other gardens including a log garden and a bee
garden. Although some plants are small and not yet blooming, the gardens
are beautiful. Please come and have a look. If you want to help care for
them, we gardeners are there most every Tuesday morning 9:00am to
12:00noon, and would greatly welcome your help.
The Friends of Black Hill Nature
Programs donated about 100 plants
left after the Native Plant Sale to the
National Zoo for use in the renovation
of their butterfly garden. Tina Soule
noticed these flats from the FOBHNP
sitting in the garden awaiting planting
when she visited the zoo on May 12th.
These Redheads “Aythya americana” seen on February 24th on Little Seneca Lake in Black Hill Regional Park are a medium sized duck. Its numbers
have declined sharply in North America due to loss of its nesting habitat,
marshes and prairie potholes. The adult male has a blue bill, yellow eyes
and a red head. The adult female has a darker bluish bill with a black tip,
and a brown head.
PHOTO BY LINDA PIERCE
PHOTO BY LINDA PIERCE
Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra
cucullaria) on the C&O Canal (Monocacy River Aqueduct) in March.
www.blackhillnature.org
3
BLACKHILLPROGRAMS
For a list of Programs and Events browse the eGuide at: www.MontgomeryParks.org/Guide
Register for Black Hill Programs at: www.ParkPASS.org Questions? Call 301-495-2580.
FRIEND’SEVENTS
June 25th: Ice Cream Social open to the community during the Friends of Black
Hill Nature Programs (FOBHNP) monthly meeting, Tuesday, 6:30 pm, at the Visitor Center. Guest speaker starts at 7:30 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for
the community to meet the FOBHNP. They look forward to meeting you.
June 1st: Weeding, meet at the Visitor Center Saturday 9:00 am - 12:00 noon,
open to everyone in the community who wishes to volunteer. Gloves and
equipment will be provided, and you are welcome to bring your own if you wish.
September 21st: Lake Cleanup 9:00 am- 12:00 noon, community volunteers
welcome. Meet at the Black Hill Regional Park Visitor Center at 9:00 am.
FRIEND’SNEWS
PHOTO BY ELAINE LEE
The FOBHNP wish to thank
Marv and Sandy Kahn for
donating these Christmas
ferns that were planted along
the side of the Visitor Center
wall near the fish pond.
Friends of Black Hill Nature
Programs newsletter is written by
Friends for Friends. Submit your
articles and photos with captions for
publication, as space allows, along
with your name, each month to:
[email protected]
*On May 19th, the first Baltimore Checkerspot chrysalis formed in the white enclosure
outdoors, on the front left side of the Visitor Center. In one week, ten more developed.
This exciting free event unfolds daily. Come watch as the butterflies emerge!
*June is Membership renewal time for the Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs. Please
place the membership form below, in a stamped envelope, and mail it in today.
*FOBHNP planted the gardens by the Visitor Center on May 13th and 14th
*Shrubs and trees have been planted near the bird blind for the Outdoor Classrooms.
*Marv and Sandy Kahn donated beautiful Christmas ferns for the Visitor Center.
*Black Hill Regional Park is pleased to have been certified as a Maryland Green Center.
*Ed Escalante is coordinating speakers for each of the Friends of Black Hill Nature
Programs monthly meetings. Meetings are open to the community. Meeting 6:30pm, guest
speaker 7:30 pm. Come for one or both. Next meeting, an Ice Cream Social, is June 25th.
*FOBHNP welcome Katrina Fauss, the new Naturalist. The FOBHNP also welcome the
new pontoon boat caption at Black Hill Regional Park.
*The Black Hill Regional Park Visitor Center is now open 7 days a week, 11:00am - 6:00pm
*Black Hill will have an exhibit at Sandy Point State Park Green Centers Summit
*Report your volunteer hours at www.parksvolunteers.org Questions call: 301-495-2504
NATURENEWS
*CO2 rises to 400 parts per million in May 2013 according to Hawaii’s Mauna Loa
observatory records this month. This is the highest level in several million years. At that
time the Arctic was ice free, the Sahara Desert was a savannah, and sea levels were 40 meters
(131 feet) higher than today.
*NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts an active to extremely active Atlantic
Hurricane Season outlook, which begins June 1st, due to a strong west African monsoon,
warmer than average water temperatures, and lack of El Nino.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cut Here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - bership
Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs Membership Form
June is Meam
!
renew l timeFriend, this is a
“A membership is a nice gift for your nature friends.”
t currently ame one!
If you are no
to beco
tim
perfect e
Member Benefits: FOBHNP Newsletter e-mailed to them, and lower rates on some programs.
Please e-mail any questions to: [email protected]
Name ______________________________________________________
Check all boxes that apply:
oNew Membership
oRenew Membership
oGift Membership If you are giving this as
a gift, write your name here_______________
__________________________________
If this is a gift write their name, their address, and their e-mail address, otherwise write your info here.
Address____________________________________________________
City_________________________________State___________Zip___________
Phone ___________________E-mail Address___________________________
Your email address_______________________
We will e-mail them a certificate stating they will Mail check, payable to FOBHN, along with this form, in a stamped envelope addressed to:
be receiving a membership from you to FOBHNP.
Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs
oSingle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10.
oFamily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15.
oSenior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.
oIndividual Lifetime . . . $150.
oCorporate . . . . . . . . . . . $50.
www.blackhillnature.org
P.O. Box 2369
Montgomery Village, MD 20886
Membership, other than “Lifetime,” runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year.
If you would like to be added or removed from our e-mail notice list, have changed your
e-mail address, or have a question, please send an e-mail to: [email protected]
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