St. Charles Park District Naturalist Pam Otto gave a multi-media presentation to Rotarians this week highlighting the sights and sounds of Spring’s arrival in our area. Otto’s remarks included details about woodland wildflowers, bugs, toads, and birds. Her information came from observations that were documented both during the day and in the middle of the night.
Otto explained that Woodland Wildflowers are the first to make their appearance in the Spring. This is because they flourish in forest areas and appear before tree leaves are fully blocking the sun. Examples shown by Otto were Prairie Trillium, Dutchman’s Breeches, and Trout Lily. Otto also issued a warning about poison ivy. She cautioned that the oil plant remains an active irritant even on gloves or clothing anytime contact is made. Four out of five people will have a serious reaction to the poison ivy oil according to Otto who said washing in a solution of cold water with liquid detergent is the best way to avoid having irritating exposure. A surprising spring bloomer mentioned by Otto is the cactus, not something normally associated with northern Illinois.
Beetles are busy being part of the garden landscape in the Spring according to Otto. She showed a video zooming in on one beetle to demonstrate his multiple ways to grasp and devour a fly. She also explained the speed of a beetle saying it can move 10-times faster than world-renowned sprinter Usain Bolt when adjusted for size.
The sounds of toads filled the room as Otto explained their abundance in Spring. She commented that there seemed to be no danger of running out of toads. One photo of a small pond was analyzed and showed 13 toads in a simi-concealed state.
The height of the bird migration season is now underway. Otto noted that World Migratory Bird Day will be Saturday. A computer program estimates 447-million birds would be in flight at some time during Wednesday. She said 4,739,500 would have flown over DeKalb County the previous evening. A challenge for birds is the increased impact of street, highway, parking lot, and security lighting during evening hours (Artificial Light at Night or ALAN). Otto said Lights can be so bright that they confuse birds in flight causing fatal accidents.
For those interested in adding to their native plants collection, Otto promoted a plant sale at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center June 3 from 9 AM – 2 PM.