WHAT IS OUT THERE LURKING ON SILVER CREEK GLADE?

With a BioBlitz experience under their belts, Chert Glades Chapter has shown extreme enthusiasm and diligence in making 300+ sightings on Silver Creek Glade! While many observations were previously documented on trails leading out from Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, very few had been entered from that part of the glade to the south of Silver Creek except by MDC staff. Since access is from Norledge Place (unless you are willing to ford Silver Creek or inch across the dam like Karen) it is no wonder observations have been few!  Hopefully this is only a beginning! With but one early May excursion, what is yet to be discovered? Will more people outside our group be curious and venture out to explore? We hope so!

The fearless leaders of the project learned much from this trial adventure:

Stripped Barked Scorpion - Maddie R.

·        The way a project is initially set up determines if observations are automatically transferred to the project once you join it! (It was not set up that way which required some observers to make a second pass on observations.)

·        Many new or almost new users of the iNaturalist app came prepared to seriously discover life (and even signs of life) on Silver Creek Glade.

·        The use of ALL senses to observe should have been emphasized beforehand. Sadly only Maddie and Patrick allowed their ears to hear and record the actively calling Cricket Frogs. (Yes, I know everyone heard them!)

Gulf Coast tick -Diona F.

·        While many reportedly had encounters with ticks during the BioBlitz (or found them on their person later that evening), only Dione and Amera chose to officially record this observation.

Silla and Bee

• Insects, especially bees, were recorded by Patrick, Amera, Dione, Charles, Karen, Maddie, as well as members identified by userIDs as cpdoc,* and electricdoggy*(*who?), although it should be said Cody was drawn to a Lady Beetle. The Wild Hyacinths were especially attractive to the bees! Where were the rest of us

• The mysterious grouping of “melic grasses” suggests iNaturalist taxonomic prowess may be minimally focused on grasses of any kind.

• The willingness of so many to accept the designation of an observation as “Unknown” was disappointing, and indicates  it should have been emphasized as appropriate to go back and hit the 3-dot talk bubble to let iNaturalist give some suggestions to choose from, or at least consider. (There is still time to do this! Perhaps go back and take a look!)

• All members should take a look at the observations that were made and “agree” with those they recognize as valid. There is learning to be done.

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Hairy Lip Fern

With a mission to connect others and ourselves to nature, participants in the BioBlitz discovered many species while learning to use iNaturalist and exercise their powers of observation on Silver Creek Glade. With diligent management by MDC on this glade, habitat will improve and more native species will be observed. Citizens exploring Silver Creek Glade can document how these management practices are progressing and provide valuable insight as to next steps.

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Scorpion Weed

Monarch Caterpillar

Lincoln’s Sparrow - Maddie R.

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Grey Tree Frog

Prickly Pear-Karen G.

iNaturalist is a free app that allows users to make a personal record and share observations about plants and  animals, builds knowledge, and brings people together. You don’t have to be an expert to use iNaturalist…but you just might become one!

Go to www.inaturalist.org to learn more. Check out the “Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center Trails and Wildcat Trail System” on iNaturalist.

Submitted by Val Frankoski

Photos from Maddie R., Brandi P., Chelsa C., Karen G., Dione F.

Redings Mill Prescribed burn

Before and after the burn.

On December 18th, the Master Naturalists ended 2022 with a burn at the old Redings Mill Bridge restoration site. Prescribed burns are one of the best ways to maintain the natural biodiversity of glades, prairies, woodlands, and savannah plant communities. When done on a regular schedule, burns recycle nutrients into the soil, stimulate growth, promote seed germination, and prevent the invasion of woody growth. Woody growth such as shrubs and tree saplings need to be prevented in these plant communities or else, they will shade out important species of plants which need full sun.

Fire is an important natural tool for maintaining our local ecosystems. Historically, some fires were caused by lightning strikes. The vast majority, however, were intentionally started by indigenous peoples such as the Osage in Missouri. I am particularly fascinated by historical and current prescribed burning because it is further evidence that humans belong as a part of nature as stewards of the land. As long as we follow proper practices and especially as long as we follow indigenous guidance, we can manage land in a way that is not extracting or damaging.

The first thing to think about when conducting a prescribed burn is personal safety. Everyone at the burn had either completed or was in the process of completing the MDC level one burn training. This training teaches about goals for prescribed burns, proper technique, equipment, and PPE. For PPE we all wore cotton pants, leather boots, and leather gloves. Randal also provided us with Nomex shirts, which are made of a special fireproof material. We’re also encouraged to wear face coverings and eye protection to deal with the smoke. All of the equipment you wear is to prevent any accidents if embers fly in your direction. Wearing this gear, along with conducting proper protocols in proper weather, greatly reduces any chance for injury during a burn.

One of the biggest considerations for conducting a prescribed burn is weather. Weather conditions need to be perfect in order to have a burn that won’t get out of hand. We were lucky to have the weather in our favor, as there had been some concern earlier whether the dry, windy fall would allow us to have a burn this year at all. Two weeks before, Karen, Donna, Randal, and I prepared the site for the burn. That way, if we did get the right weather, we would be able to jump on the opportunity at a moment’s notice. That involved mowing around recently planted shrubs, signs, and fence posts. Much of that was done by hand, which I think was impressive. We also cut down some larger plants by the path such as ash saplings. This prep made the day of the actual burn much easier when we didn’t have to work to protect every fence post

Fortunately for us, some rain the week before led to the perfect combination of weather conditions to have a safe prescribed burn. These conditions include proper relative humidity - too low and it can burn too hot and dangerously quickly, too high and it won’t burn at all or just produce a lot of unwanted smoke. The wind also needs to be just right - too high and the fire can rage out of control, jumping across burn lines into neighboring property. No wind at all would make for a very slow and frustrating day watching fire creep at a snail’s pace.

Needless to say , iI can take a while for all the right conditions to line up for a burn. That’s why, when volunteering to participate, you usually only get a day or two notice. Even then, the burn can be canceled or delayed. We had to postpone this burn from a planned start at 11 to a 12:30 start to reach ideal weather conditions. Things like humidity and wind can change throughout the day, so that is always a consideration depending on how long a burn will take. This site wasn’t very big, so we had the benefit of burning when conditions were ideal.

Another benefit of this burn was the existing burn line. The burn unit was surrounded by gravel or asphalt, which really doesn’t burn. I had a flapper, a tool that smothers small fires, with me, but I barely had to use it. These advantages - great weather conditions, a small burn unit, and strong fire lines meant that we were able to get the burn done with a small team. Karen, Lisa, Donna, Randal, and I had a rather laid-back time burning without needing a big water truck or radios. Randal as well as Karen and Donna were experienced members of our burn team. I had participated in a few burns before at Prairie State Park which were different since they were much bigger. This was Lisa’s first field experience.

 Randal did most of the work using a drip torch, which drips a burning mix of gas and diesel onto the ground. Karen used a leaf blower to extinguish small fires where we didn’t want them. Lisa, Donna, and I used flappers and rakes to stop small fires as well. It was cool to see that, with the right preparation and team, a prescribed burn could just be a fun afternoon.

The main struggle we faced was getting some sections to burn! On the lower slope, there wasn’t as much wind, so fire didn’t carry across very well. We got some results by transferring burning material to different unburned patches, but it wasn’t nearly as thorough as at the top of the burn unit. I also found that, being a glade, this spot had a lot of rocks that didn’t want to burn (despite my best efforts)! Overall, our main priority site got thoroughly toasted, so we were satisfied.

Singed prickly pear cactus

The results looked good, once you programmed your brain to appreciate a burned landscape. An important practice during prescribed burns is to burn only a portion of the entire area at one time. That allows wildlife such as nesting birds, overwintering insects, and small mammals to still have some refuge while the burned section grows back. In our case, while the bridge restoration area was burned, the rest of the Shoal Creek trail remained for wildlife to take shelter. While I didn’t see any that day, it is common to see birds of prey patrol an area after it is burned to catch uncovered prey. I was particularly interested in the prickly pears all over the site, which exhibited a sort of blistering. They also had their spines burned off. I am interested to see how they recover.

It snowed a few days after the burn, which in combination with the ground-clearing fire should result in good seed germination in the spring. Combined with the new growth that fire stimulates, I think this restoration site will have a beautiful 2023!

Donna C. and Randal S.

Emily B. and Karen M. ready and waiting for the fire

Randal coming back through to take care of some missed grasses with Emily, Karen M. and Donna C watching a few flames behind him.

the string of flames going across the glade

Article submitted by Emily Bowyer & Pictures by Emily B. and Karen G.

Garlic Mustard Pulling at Prairie State Park

On Saturday April 1st, Chert Glades Chapter members helped staff at Prairie State Park by pulling garlic mustard before it could go to seed. Garlic mustard is an invasive biennial species from Europe. This means it flowers after its second year of growth. All the mustard we pulled could have produced hundreds of seedlings next year!

first year seedlings

After initial discovery in the park's campground, the number of garlic mustard plants has steadily decreased by hand-pulling every year. We were told the first-year volunteers pulled a pile of mustard the size of a car, while we only filled a few bags. We did contend with a few patches of tiny seedlings from plants missed during last year’s effort. Hopefully next year there will be even fewer patches!

Invasive species present an ongoing challenge to all parks, prairies, and natural areas. I think this is a good example of how consistent, well-timed removal can eventually control plants that could become a problem very quickly.

a second year plant begins to form buds

Earth...Our Planet...Our Home Sweet Home!

If you are looking for other ideas to transform and invest in our community, visit the official Earth Day website at www.earthday.org.  We invite you to explore our archived website blogs for more localized investments at www.chertglades.org.  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out the Missouri Department of Conservation at www.mdc.mo.gov and find details on outdoor activities, discovering nature, and many other conservation-friendly topics. We all provide the spark needed to keep our planet earth the very best home sweet home!

Other resources:

https://grownative.org

https://www.allaboutbirds.org

https://www.darksky.org

https://scistarter.org

What makes a home?  A home provides shelter and comfort to safely weather all of life’s storms.  We want our home to be a peaceful, playful place where friends and family feel welcome.  In order to thrive, share, and better care for others, we invest in our home. As another Earth Day approaches, it is a good time to think about how we might “invest” in our one and only planet Earth, the home for all of us!

Joplin is celebrating Earth & Arbor Day on Saturday, April 22nd.  (click here for event details).  This year’s theme, “A New Earth,” recognizes the importance of investing in nature and the native plants that sustain us. In order to maintain healthy communities and keep them content and growing, all of us must invest the limited resources of our planet in new and potentially transformative ways.

The Missouri Master Naturalist, Chert Glades Chapter will offer several informative, creative booths at this year’s event. They are meant to suggest and inspire ideas for actions you can take.  Simple choices and small investments can bring surprisingly large returns! Since we share this planet with all creatures, great and small, we need an investment we all can get behind!

Planting for pollinators, and creating more effective outdoor lighting are just two changes that are already making wiser use of resources. Do you know how and why this helps planet Earth? Come play with us and find out! We will have sample native plant ideas, tempt you to paint birds real and imagined with watercolors, craft constellation viewers, and discover citizen science projects for both kids and families.

Come see us on April 22nd, from 10:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Wildcat Park, 201 W. Riviera Drive, Joplin, MO 64804.  

 By:  Amera Wild, an active member of Missouri Master Naturalist, Chert Glades Chapter, Missouri Stream Team, Conservation Federation of Missouri, Missouri Prairie Foundation, Wildcat Glades Friends Group, Dark Sky International, The Missouri Birding Society, and the Trumpeter Swan Society

The Pursuit of Trout and White Bass Begins

Field notes by Jeff Cantrell, photos courtesy of the Missouri Dept. of Conservation

Although hard core avid anglers have been wetting their fishing lines throughout the winter; most people yield to fishing fever as March unfolds.  The month of March officially starts, for some, with a loud whistle/signal at the state’s trout parks.  Locally, Roaring River and Bennett Springs State Park have been Catch-and-Release November through mid-February, but when the whistle sounds on March first fishermen may cast a line in hopes of bringing dinner home.

Catch-and-Keep for trout season is certainly a great example of the “Field/Stream to Table” connection for Missourians. And trout fishing activities have a contribution of millions of dollars to the state’s economy each year. I also utilize these state parks in other ways through the year including teacher trainings in Discover Nature Schools (DNS) curriculum, school field trips and education programs, and hiking gorgeous trails.  Trout are not native to these cold waters, so the Conservation Department in partnership with state parks established hatcheries to supply these popular fisheries. Trout fishing centered picture albums of holidays and outings are prized family possessions and they highlight the importance of this recreation for our outdoor heritage.  Other fish related pursuits will soon begin for us all.  Native fishes might not have a state park devoted to them, but they still cultivate a nice following from naturalists/anglers. Subtle changes in water temperature and organic chemical cues aligned with increasing photoperiods trigger increased activity in our aquatic life. 

 One of these actions is referred to as “white bass running”, or you may hear people this month ask, “are the white bass running yet?”.  Historically, Missouri’s white bass were restricted to the Mississippi River and adjacent incoming waters, but now they are found throughout impoundments and reservoirs in the Ozarks. Much of the year white bass are located in the deep clear waters and spawning adults enter the tributary streams in the early spring.  Ozark anglers love the excitement of these active, schooling fish. The “runs” refer to the mature fish, usually males first migrating into the headwaters to feed heavily and eventually spawn.  Males may move into the spawning grounds two to four weeks prior to the females, and anglers may locate them in vibrant water over a firm sandy or clean gravel bottom. A true phenomenon to witness – the schooling fish feed vigorously on crayfish and small stream fishes, often rushing shiners and stonerollers to break the water surface and make a commotion. The feeding uproar continues until the food abundance moderates and schooling frenzy just continues upstream seeking more prey.  It’s a lot of fun to cast a line into the active “food chain of events” like that!

So, as the hints of spring ascend let’s grab our fishing gear, purchase the appropriate fishing licenses (supporting the aquatic management and science understanding of our fish species and waters) and ENJOY.  It’s easy to notice the series of events always taking place in nature with one thing often leading to another.  I consider the recreation of stream fishing the same way; the white bass pursuit might be the gateway to crappie fishing just a few warmer weeks into our future.

Have an amazing start to spring and I hope to see you at Roaring River or your favorite fishing spot.  – Jeff

Jeff Cantrell (jeff.cantrell@mdc.mo.gov) is an outdoor educator and naturalist. He invites you to drop by the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, Joplin, MO and pick up the fishing prospects booklet.

Prairie booster make over museum grounds

Joplin History & Mineral Museum Prairie Restoration

On a cold but sunny January morning, Chert Glades members brought rake and foot-stomping power to seeding native plants into about 5000 square feet of property at the Joplin History & Mineral Museum. The museum envisions prairie-like plantings north and south of the building as well as a garden space for native shrubs and forbs to be planted later this spring.

While the prairie planting will take several years to mature, the garden space, directly in front of the building, should hint at what’s to come later this year! In the future, Chert Glades members envision this space as ideal for showing residents and visitors how beautiful and functional native plants can be for their own yards!

Chapter members worked with volunteers from Liberty Utilities to spread seed supplied through U.S. Fish & Wildlife and Missouri Prairie Foundation.

V. Frankoski

tamping in the seed

Getting directions

C. Naff, R. Naff, A. Wild, V. Frankoski, K. Smith, & E. Bowyer (not pictured Jill Franks & Sara Fischer)

Photos by C. Naff

Prairie Days

George Washington Carver National Monument is the place to be for Prairie Days, Saturday September 10th. Take a step back in time with games and toys that your grandparents could have played. Find out how the kids can become a Junior Ranger. Make some candles, churn some butter, and lye soap. Enjoy the variety of music under the tent, smell the smoke from the fire pit that has Dutch ovens cooking over it. The visitor center will show a film of George Washington Carver’s life and accomplishments.

Take a hike through the prairie and visit the Cemetery. Visit and learn from the many exhibits in the front lawn of the park.

Come on out and enjoy the day! Event runs 10 AM - 3PM