Ask The Naturalist

Have you seen something interesting along one of our trails? Are you curious about a plant growing in your yard or why an animal behaves the way it does? Please take this opportunity to ask the naturalist your nature related questions. If you're asking about an unidentified plant or animal, a picture would be very helpful.

Question of the month: An Oddity...

Q:Dear Naturalist,
What are those odd ball-like structures that I find on a lot of goldenrods?

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A:The odd ball-like structures on the stems of goldenrods are goldenrod galls. They are formed by the goldenrod gall fly (Eurosta solidaginis). This fly lays its eggs in the stem of the developing goldenrod. After the larvae (maggot) hatches, it releases chemicals which cause the goldenrod to develop the gall. The gall provides protection and a food source for the developing larvae. The larvae will stay inside the gall throughout the winter. They pupate in the spring and emerge as adults. Adults are relatively small and do not fly very well. They typically only live for a couple of weeks, focused on reproduction. For more information and great photos I suggest the following websites: http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/goldenrod_gall_fly.htm and http://www.facstaff.bucknell.edu/abrahmsn/solidago/main.html. Thanks for the question.

- The Naturalist

 

Question of the month: Winter is for the birds...

Q:Dear Naturalist,
It seems like winter would be really hard on birds. What can I do to help them make it through the winter?

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A:This is a great question. During the winter months the birds that do not migrate south do have a harder time finding both food and water. Many food sources are covered with snow and available water can be covered in ice. A simple thing you can is establish a backyard feeding station. Start with a feeder filled with quality bird seed and water source, this not only will provide the birds with food and water but will provide you with an excellent opportunity to watch our feathered friends in the winter months. If possible purchase a birdbath heater to keep ice from forming on the water source. An option to the heater is putting out warm water in the morning and again in the late afternoon. For more information on this topic visit Wild Birds Unlimited.
Thanks for the question.

- The Naturalist

Question of the month: A snake in the grass...

Q:Dear Naturalist,
I have a question regarding snakes. Specifically Garter. Is there any way to get rid of them from my yard? I live within the city limits of Battle Creek but part of my property backs up to a field. They seem to be coming really close to my house and I am petrified of them. I have tried using a snake repellent but am not sure if that is truly working. I have also thought about the solar powered snake repellers that send off certain vibrations to deter these visitors. Are you aware of anything that would discourage my visitors?

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A:This is a fairly common question. However there is no really effective way to keep snakes from visiting you. There are some ways to make your yard less appealing. Snakes need cover and shelter to help them hide from predators and moderate their temperature. Try removing things that are close to the ground that snakes could hide under such as boards, leaf or debris piles, and rock piles. Also make sure that there are no cracks of crevasses in your home’s foundation. These are a few ways to discourage snakes from visiting your lawn. An extreme measure is to have a lawn that is cut very short and no low bushes or flowers around the yard or near the homes foundation.

There are no safe, effective snake repellents for your yard that would be effective in keeping all snakes away. The best bet is to eliminate as many “hiding” places as you can and make your yard less appealing to the snakes. This will keep them in the field where there is cover and they will be less likely to seek shelter in your yard. Garter snakes are very common and also beneficial as the eat mosquito larvae, slugs, snails, crickets, mice, and voles. They are non-venomous and are fairly docile and do not pose a true danger to pets or people.
Thanks for the question.

- The Naturalist

Question of the month: Keeping the "Wild" in Wildlife…

Q:Dear Naturalist,
If I find a baby animal abandoned by their mother what do I do? Should I bring it home?

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A:Now that spring is upon us, you might find young animals that appear to be abandoned by their parents. However, adult animals often leave their young temporarily to find food for themselves. Another reason for leaving the young alone is to help keep them and their young safe from predators. The adults' scent can often give away the young's hiding place, so by keeping some distance from the young helps protect the whole family from predators. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) prefers that wild animals remain in the wild, unless they are visibly injured, or it is clear that the adult has been injured or killed.

If you find an injured or seemingly abandoned animal, the best thing to do before attempting to move the animal is to call the local DNR office or check the DNR Web site for the name and number of the nearest wildlife rehabilitator. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators can help you decide whether an animal truly needs help. Wildlife rehabilitators in Michigan are required to have permits from the DNR for the work they do. Rehabilitators who work with birds are required to have additional permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is illegal to have wild animals in your possession without the proper permits.

Please make every effort to determine if the animal is truly abandoned before removing it from its natural environment. "Animals that are handled too much often become very stressed or habituated to people, and that reduces their chances for survival" - DNR Wildlife Division.We all need to do our part to keep wild animals wild.For more specific information on abandoned wildlife, please click here.

- The Naturalist

Question of the month: To leash or not to leash…

Q:Dear Naturalist,
Why do I have to keep my dog on a leash when we are hiking the trails at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute? He’s a good dog and always stays close.
Unleashed in Delton

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A:Dear Unleashed in Delton,
We ask that you keep your dog on a leash out of respect for our visitors who might not be as canine friendly as you, as well as for the protection of those creatures that inhabit the landscape of the Institute. Even if your dog does not chase wildlife, he still has an impact on wildlife behavior. Off-leash dogs mimic the behaviors of native predators such as coyotes and foxes and can elicit behavior reactions from wildlife. Studies have shown that off-leash dogs will create a 50 meter buffer zone near trails that will be less visited by wildlife (Lenth and Knight and Brennan 2008). This decreases everyone’s chance of seeing wildlife along the trails. With the consistency of having all dogs on leashes on the property, we can provide a more conducive environment for wildlife and guests alike.
- The Naturalist