Saving Massachusetts Lands

For every style of mothering, there is an example in the animal kingdom.

#1.  The Protective Mother

A lesson taught to most kids in America is: never get between a mama bear and her cub. Bear cubs are fun-loving and curious, but sometimes oblivious to danger. It is the mother bear’s duty to give her cubs freedom and let them get used to the world around them, but pose a risk for even a second and you could be in danger yourself! The mama bear will put herself in certain danger no matter the odds to give her cubs a safe upbringing. Don’t worry if you feel over-protective at times, it’s natural! 

#2.  The Mother Pulling Extra Weight

Opossums are marsupials, so the babies spend the first weeks of life in their mother’s pouch. When they get too big for the rather small area on the stomach, they hitch a ride with mom until they can forage on their own. To the mother opossum it’s no burden, after all, what mother wouldn’t want to know where her babies are at all time?

#3.  The Mother That’s There

Great Horned Owls are one of the first birds each calendar year to lay their eggs, and mommy and daddy take turns doing the chores. If one parent is getting food or gathering supplies for nest repair the other will be with the chick for safety and comfort. It is unlike and owl to leave the nest unattended, and nothing is more bonding than mother-child nap time. Even if the chick doesn’t realize it, having mom around makes a huge difference!

#4.  The Mother That Never Forgets

Elephants never forget. Especially when you’re pregnant for 22 months! With almost a 2-year investment in the pregnancy, raising a baby elephant becomes priority #1. The mother elephant never forgets to wash and feed the baby no matter how hard it gets, and the baby elephant is ever so affectionate in return. Even when the mother is busy doing other things, she’ll still have the patience to “hold hands” with her pride and joy tail-to-trunk style.

#5.  The Nurturing Mother

Beavers have a very human-like family structure. The mama and papa make their own lodge as “newlyweds” and commit plenty of time to raising the beaver “kits” in their home. The young spend 2 years (or more!) at home helping out around the house until they are ready to find a mate for life and move out on their own. Usually the kit’s first home isn’t too far from their parents, and they can keep in contact for years to come. The beaver understands how important it is to create a strong family bond.

#6. The Mother That Leads the Way

Every day is “take your kid to work” day with ducks and geese. Mother Goose is a strong believer in leading by example, and pave the way to show her goslings where is safe, what is tasty, and how to interact with the world around them. When you see the ducklings in a line behind their mother you can consider it “on the job training” to be the best mom they can be!

As humans, we have many inventive ways to escape the high temperatures of the summertime. We may decide to power up our air conditioner, sit in front of the fan, jump in the pool, or simply find some shade. The wildlife may not be as technologically savvy, but they sure are just as inventive! Take a note from nature and use these techniques to avoid the “dog days” of summer.

#1. Sweating

All should be familiar with the act of sweating, it is an automatic response our bodies have to heat. As the sweat evaporates from its liquid  form into vapor, it collects energy from the air and from the surface of our skin in order to make the jump in phase. Humans aren’t the only sweaters in the animal kingdom, horses sweat just as much! If you’ve ever taken a leather saddle off of your equine friend in the summer, you’d be familiar. Other animals sweat to a lesser degree than humans and horses, primates sweat from the armpit and canines sweat from the paws too!

#2. Artificial Sweating

Much as we like to take a dip in the pool or to pour water on our heads, many animals incapable of sweating try to keep their bodies wet as often as they can to reap the cooling effect of evaporation. It is not uncommon to see larger animals wade into a river or roll around in the mud to cool down to their comfort level. Mud has the cooling properties of water, combined with the protective layer of soil left behind. The dried dirt can act as a sunscreen against direct radiation. Many birds purposefully leave their droppings on their legs for this evaporative relief.

#3. Panting

Yet another form of “artificial” sweating, panting uses the cooling power of evaporation. Dogs might be the first animal that comes to mind, but this practice is more widely done by birds. When done by birds, this is commonly called “throating” and is done by nighthawks, owls, herons, doves and more. The science behind panting/throating is simple, it’s their only source of wet skin and their best bet for evaporation. If the animal constantly lets air in and out, the evaporation will cool the skin and blood in their mouth and throat, cooling down their brain from the inside!

#4. Radiation

Cooling the blood is a very effective way to cool down other parts of your body since it travels a large distance within the body of one organism. Many animals have places where the blood is closer to the surface than usual. In rabbits, hares, elephants, many rodents, and some canines and felines in hot environments, the ears are enlarged to increase how much blood can be cooled down by the air. This provides needed relief, as the inner body temperature of most mammals is higher than the external temperature.

Fun Fact: Kangaroos’ blood is closest to the surface on their forearms, they lick them to artificially sweat since it cools their body the fastest.

#5. Estivation

Most people are familiar with hibernation, when an animal goes dormant to save energy when temperatures drop too low, but estivation is much less well-known. This is another form of dormancy for the opposite purpose, to save energy when the environment is too hot and dry. Not too many animals in the United States display this behavior, but in other regions where drying out is a big danger it is necessary to have this skill to survive. Certain crocodilians and amphibians like the siren and cane toad do this as well as a few fish and mammals! The lungfish can estivate to avoid drying out during a dry season when his water is gone, and the African Hedgehog can estivate to avoid overheating in his hot homeland.

#6. Hiding

Now I end my term as an intern for US Fish & Wildlife in the Northeast region, and I am able to reflect on all of the experiences that the service has given me. I am on my way to making a career out of natural resource management, and the things I’ve learned at Assabet River and Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuges have been invaluable.

When it comes to working at a park, refuge, reservation or forest, you never know what will need to be done next. And I feel that I have gotten the opportunity to see most aspects of running a successful wildlife refuge. My adventures have taken me to many locations, I learned teaching techniques at the MEES conference when I was able to talk with interpreters of every agency, used these skills visiting schools and while having schools visit me, I’ve helped out the USFWS biology crew in the fish cleanup, participated in Oxbow’s volunteer cleanup, and brushed up my social media skills working behind the scenes. So much goes into keeping these areas open for wildlife-dependent recreation, I could never stop learning something new every day. 

I would not trade my experience with the USFWS for anything, I played a role in maintaining the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex with a dedicated team of my mentors and my peers. The staff have been so helpful and supportive, and it was my pleasure to work alongside them and my fellow interns and volunteers. I strongly recommend looking toward the US Fish & Wildlife Service to volunteer, give back, get experience, and have fun doing it!

Now that it’s late spring, all of the local trees and shrubs that had their sugars running in April are beginning to bud and blossom their way to leaf and fruit production.

Until full leaves come into maturity, identification of trees and shrubs can be a little tricky. How many of the below trees and shrubs can you identify from their flowers alone?

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The Spring is the best time to be outside, get fresh air, and turn over a new leaf as nature does. People generally can’t wait to get out after a long winter cooped up inside, but if you need more reasons, here’s 5 reasons to visit Assabet River this spring!

1. To Soak It All In

The spring season is one of awakening, nature gets a second wind after the long winter and we do too! Nothing recharges your batteries better than reconnecting with undisturbed conservation land. The busy atmosphere of Hudson, Framingham, Sudbury and Maynard mere miles away vanishes as soon as you set foot on this Wildlife Refuge. Try to take time out of your walk to take in the sounds of nature from one of our many scenic bench views.

2. Our Many Programs

Whether you’re a child discovering vernal pools and insect life-cycles, or an adult looking to learn more about birding and conservation, we have the program for you! Check online or swing by the refuge for the most current monthly events. We have esteemed biologists and environmentalists come to speak regularly, as well as fun hands-on learning opportunities for kids. Stop by for a guided hike, workshop, lecture, movie, or activity soon!

3. Take a Hike (or Bike) Through History

Today we are a part of our National Wildlife Refuge System, but not too long ago this land was known as the Fort Devens-Sudbury Training Annex. Evidence of our WWII past is peppered throughout the refuge and along main trails. With the springtime upon us, you can take this chance to get back into the swing of fitness by taking a 5 mile hike or bike ride in the fresh outdoor air. In fact-- keep coming for hikes and stay healthy! (And stay posted for any upcoming bunker tours!)

4. To Give Back

Spring cleaning is another ubiquitous term associated with this time of year. Here at our Wildlife Refuge we are always looking for dedicated volunteers for the many various disciplines that encompass running a refuge. Volunteering with us gives you a chance to help the environment, a chance to help your community, and a chance to gain valuable experience. Opportunities include: trail stewards, nature store staffers, nature center front desk greeters, volunteer coordinators, and environmental educators.

5. The Wildlife!!! (Of Course)

What would the US Fish & Wildlife Service be without the fish and wildlife! Spring is the time of year when the frost recedes and the fauna come out to play. About now the reptiles and amphibians are waking up, the beavers are venturing out of their lodges, and there’s the triumphant return of the migratory birds! Wildlife photographers can enjoy the thrill of the hunt, anglers can rejoice in the fishes’ new found appetites, and the birdwatchers can bust out their nicest binoculars! Even for the amateur, there are wildlife viewing opportunities all around-- if you look!

The Importance of Wetlands, Large and Small:

The importance of wetlands are undeniable. They filter and purify surface water as well as prevent flooding, absorbing storm water like a sponge, They are the home to many species and play an important role  for specific stages of reproduction and for use in migrations. For the Great Blue Heron, seen above, they require shallow waters for acquisition of fish and other prey as well as tall trees in swampy areas for nesting. Recent studies have found though that the importance of small wetlands and specific types of wetlands have been greatly overlooked. Conservation has heavily focused on saving total wetland area, driving focus towards protecting only large wetlands. Smaller wetlands function best as a group, creating a "landscape mosaic" which provide unique habitat and safe breeding grounds for species such as migratory birds. The ability to protect smaller wetlands is another great facet of National Wildlife Refuges. Learn more about the the iportance of protecting smaller wetlands at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150324164007.htm

To the left is a common Grackle (one of many look-alikes) and to the right is the Rusty Blackbird

“Rusties” earn their name from their winter plumage, when their black feathers take on rust colored tips. Pictured above right is a male’s summer plumage.

Unfortunately, the spotlight is not on them for having spectacular coloration; but rather being one of the most steeply declining landbirds in North America, losing 85-95% of their population in just 40 years.

Their decline is proportional to their habitat loss. These birds breed in forest wetlands, swamps, and flooded woods. We need to work hard to restore this habitat, as Massachusetts is an important passage corridor for migrants. We know surprisingly little about their migration habits, breeding tendencies, and wintering grounds.

Where does our Wildlife Refuge come into play?

THE SPRING MIGRATION BLITZ- this is a three-year citizen science monitoring project that seeks to report any and all activity of the Rusty Blackbird to better understand them and to better understand where they could need help. This project is through rustyblackbird.org and is partnered with US Fish & Wildlife, Audubon Society, and many state game divisions. Massachusetts is noted as important for these birds now through the beginning of May. We will be documenting any and all passing migrants over this month.

What can you do?

Anyone can participate, and it is highly encouraged. Any observational data you can collect can be entered via eBird at ebird.org. It’s important that you report any and all sightings, and where you looked (even if you found NO rusties, it still helps the scientific process.) Report the data under the “Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz” option.

March came in like a lion this year, and is leaving like a lamb as the proverb states. This means that we are going to witness the snowbanks recede and the revival of the tree blossoms and buds we know  come hand-in-hand with springtime.

April is the month of transformation; and not just for the birds, bees, and trees! As the reptiles, amphibians, and many mammals welcome in the new season from their winter inactivity, so must we as humans! New Year’s resolutions can be forgotten in the dark and cold days of January and February, but spring affords us with a second “new year” to begin.

Our question to you is: what are you prepared to do?

We only have one planet, and we didn’t inherit it from past generations. We are borrowing it from future generations. You can do your part in conservation while simultaneously accomplishing other goals!

• Looking for exercise? Hikes are a great cardiovascular activity that promotes mental health. Next time you go out, take a trash bag along with you and collect any foreign trash objects left by the less-conscientious as the melting snow reveals what is left behind. If you live in an area where it’s possible, ditch the car for a bicycle or public transportation! Environmentally friendly options are all around is with every choice we make.

• Trying to save money? Gardens are very rewarding for many! No need for expensive fertilizers either, we as Americans throw away many compostable items each day to eventually end up in landfills. These nutrients can be returned to the soil and fuel some easy vegetables like romaine lettuce, scallions, and cucumbers! Remember: visiting farm stands is another healthy way to support the local economy and promote agriculture in the northeast!

• Need to reduce your footprint? Arbor day also falls in April. Take some time out of your week to plant a young sapling or shrub in your yard. Not only does this act as an additional carbon sink, but it promotes overall biodiversity of the area. Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology has an excellent online app that helps plan out your back yard to be conservationally sound! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqshO97yco4

• Want to give back to the community? Or are you trying to learn? Here at Assabet River we are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers. Volunteers are an important part of conservation for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the US Forest Service, as well as the comparable state-run, municipal, and non-profit agencies. Roles here include: Nature Center greeters, trail stewards, nature guides and more! (http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/org525858.jsp) There are opportunities with the Friends of Assabet River (http://www.farnwr.org/volunteer.html) and even biological volunteer opportunities involving surveys and invasive species!

Here in New England we have the privilege of enormous forest cover for our population size, you never have to go far to find conservation land! Take time out of your April to explore a new park, refuge, or reservation and appreciate what we have around us.

Happy Birthday National Wildlife Refuges!

One week ago marked the 112th Birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System, first established in 1903 by President Teddy Roosevelt. From the first National Wildlife Refuge, Pelican Island in Florida, the System has grown to over 560 National Wildlife Refuges along with 38 Wetland Management Districts. And this system continues to grow. Just this past year has seen great strides in the right direction.

The Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, an area known as one of the last safe haven for wildlife in the world, was expanded in September. President Obama expanded the Monument, which contains seven National Wildlife Refuges, to nearly 490,000 miles around the islands.

Conservation work is also very crucial in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, where President Obama has recommended an expansion of 12.3 million acres. If approved by Congress this would be the largest single addition to the Wilderness System in its 50-year history.

Creature Feature: Mute Swan

  This recent photo of a mute swan cygnet (Cygnus olor) was captured at Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge by Gary Freedman. While adult mute swans are bright white with orange bills, their young cygnets typically have grey and buff-colored down and dark-colored beaks.

The Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge are featured in this month's newsletter from the National Wildlife Refuge Association!

Monthly Nature Walk at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Sunday, November 16 at 4 pm

The marsh moves through many changes in the fall.  Colors peak and fade, migrants fill the skies then are gone, muskrat lodges appear, autumn spiders drape their gossamer, and the sunsets deepen their fiery glow.  Join naturalist Cherrie Corey for late afternoon and sunset walks around the refuge when autumn’s majesty is most palpable.

The Common Loon is the voice of the wilderness.  Its haunting call echoes through the forests surrounding the lakes and ponds of northern New England.  But did you know that these iconic birds are living and breeding right in our own backyard?   The summer of 1975 marked the official return of the Common Loon to Massachusetts.  Loons were extirpated from the state in the early 1900's until a nesting pair on the Quabbin Reservoir successfully produced 2 chicks. Today the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) watersheds are breeding areas for the largest concentrations of Common Loons in Massachusetts. The DCR has an active monitoring program which keeps track of loon breeding activity on the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs.    Join us on Wednesday, November 19 at 7 pm to learn more about these fascinating creatures. Wildlife Biologist Ken MacKenzie will talk about the research and management that has given us key insights to its natural history and conservation in Massachusetts.  We will walk through the annual cycle of the loon from the sea to the lake (and back) as well as talk about how humans affect loons and their future.   Ken MacKenzie is the Senior Wildlife Biologist with DCR’s Division of Water Supply Protection. He has spent the last 8 years with the Division implementing all aspects of wildlife management on Division of Water Supply property with a mission is to protect, maintain and enhance wildlife resources while mitigating and minimizing wildlife-related damage to both Watershed structures and water resources.

Creature Feature: Eastern American Toad

This picture of an Eastern American Toad, Anaxyrus americanus americanus, comes courtesy of Gary Freedman, who captured this great image at Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge. The Eastern American Toad is one of three species of toad that live in Massachusetts.

Here are some other fun facts about this creature!

The Eastern American Toad is one of three subspecies of the American Toad, Anaxyrus americanus.

This toad used to be known as Bufo americanus. However, our understanding of how different species are related sometimes changes over time and leads to reorganizations. Scientists have decided that the American toad should be placed in the genus Anaxyrus instead.

Hey look, it's us! Check out the mention of Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge in this Boston Globe article.