THE AUDUBON
NEWSLETTER
222 S. Hamilton St. / Madison, WI 53703 / 255-BIRD / http://madisonaudubon.org
Less is More Learn to Live Better with Less
Sustainable Living for Earth Week
Free Public Program
What: Kick off Earth Week with a
Sustainable Living Panel
When: Tuesday, April 16
7:00 p.m. - Refreshments
7:30 p.m. - Program
Where: Bolz Auditorium, Meriter
Hospital, 124 S. Brooks St.
Madison
Parking: Meriter Hospital paid
parking ramp across the street, on
the street, or Lot 51 north of
Regent and Mills St.
The President's Council on Sustainable
Development (PCSD) was created in June
1993 to develop recommendations to help
move the U.S. toward sustainable devel-
opment. Their report to President Clinton
found "the size of our population and the
scale of our consumption are essential
determinants of whether or not the U.S.
will be able to achieve sustainability."
Hampering sustainability are U.S. con-
sumption rates, which are unparalleled
anywhere in the world. While U.S. per
capita consumption is not rising except in
plastic and paper, our total consumption
of natural resources is still increasing due
to our rising population (PCSD, 1999).
How are conservation-minded people
changing lifestyles and reducing their eco-
logical footprint? Panel members will dis-
cuss ideas for sustainable living in the
areas of home construction, organic gar-
dening, transportation, and personal
choices for decreasing environmental
impact.
Tom Holmes of Glenville
Timberwrights has built timberframe
Madison Audubon is a chapter of the National Audubon Society
homes since 1984. In 1990, he began using
reclaimed timbers from old warehouses.
These timbers also provide the materials
for flooring, trim boards, stair railings, cab-
inets, and heat for his workspace.
Glenville Timberwrights earned the
"Business Friend of the Environment
Award" in 2001 presented by Wisconsin
Manufacturers and Commerce.
Dan Stuntebeck is a computer support
technician at Middleton High School. He
has made a radical change in his choice of
transportation. Dan also will speak to liv-
ing lightly on the planet in his choice of
personal needs.
Jeff Epping, Director of Horticulture at
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, oversees the
design, planting, and maintenance of more
than 14 acres of display gardens. He teach-
es classes for Olbrich and will discuss
organic and sustainable gardening.
Every spring, members of Middleton
High School's environmental studies class-
es select a lifestyle change in which they
become more environmentally responsible
in the areas of energy or water conserva-
tion, the use of toxic-free chemicals, or
dietary choices. Two former members of
last year's class, Erica Schmitz and Annie
Emmenegger, will discuss their lifestyle
changes and what progress they have
made.
In addition, Madison Gas & Electric will
have a display in the foyer at Bolz
Auditorium before the program with con-
servation information and energy-saving
tips.
This program is co-sponsored by the
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Department of Wildlife Ecology.
Our speakers will offer ways you can
live better while shrinking your impact on
OF THE
MADISON
AUDUBON
SOCIETY
A PRIL 2002
the natural world. You're welcome to join
them and MAS board members at the pre-
program dinner at Paisan's Restaurant
beginning at 5:15 p.m. Please call the office
at 608/225-BIRD (255-2473) if you have
questions.
Art Fair Raffle Prizes
The following is a partial list of raf-
fle prizes for our 26th annual Art Fair
to be held May 4 at Olbrich Botanical
Gardens. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for
$5. Winners need not be present to
win. Tickets are available at the MAS
office through May 3 and at the Art
Fair on May 4.
· We-no-nah Fisherman 14' tandem
recreational canoe. Retail value $795.
Donated by Rutabaga, Inc.
· Spotting scope. Retail value $400.
Donated by Eagle Optics.
· Eureka Timberline 4 person tent.
Retail value $200. Donated by
Fontana Sports Specialties.
· Wildlife print donated by artist
Jonathan Wilde with framing donated
by Meuer Art Company. Retail value
$150.
·
Grapevine bird bath. Retail value
$110. Donated by Chickadee Depot.
· Velbon tripod. Retail value $100.
Donated by Wild Birds Unlimited.
· Original metal sculpture. Retail
value $100. Donated by artist Ellis
Nelson.
See Page 8 for more details!
Step Into Spring!
Saturday, April 6: Once Around the
Sink and Down the Drain
Come and enjoy a walk around the
sink and a plunge down the drain.
We'll look for returning waterfowl
and grassland birds at Shoveler's Sink,
then stroll through the gorge cut by
glacial meltwater at the Cross Plains
Ice Age National Scientific Reserve,
and finally search for Pasque flowers,
the stalwart harbingers of spring, on
the bluffs above. This three-mile walk
will trace the contrasting landscape of
glaciated and unglaciated (Driftless
Area) terrain along the route of the Ice
Age National Scenic Trail. We'll see
evidence of and talk about the dra-
matic Ice Age events that sculpted the
variety of scenic wildlife habitats we
enjoy today.
Wear sturdy footwear, bring binoc-
ulars, water, food and dress appropri-
ately for the weather. Meet at 9:00 AM
at the intersection of Cleveland Road
& Old Sauk Pass. This is about .75
mile south of U.S. Highway 14 in the
Town of Cross Plains. The trip leader
is Gary Werner, from the Dane
County Chapter Ice Age Park & Trail
Foundation, whom you can contact at
249-7870 with questions.
JOIN MADISON AUDUBON
Introductory New membership - $20
Membership Renewal - $35
Student/Senior Membership - $15
Foreign - Add $10 in US funds
Make check payable to
National Audubon Society
Mail check to Madison Audubon
Society, 222 S. Hamilton St. Suite 1,
Madison, WI 53703
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Address
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State Zip
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2 The Audubon Caws
Saturdays, April 6 & 20:
Beginning Birding
Each spring, MAS sponsors many
birding field trips and, though the
leaders attempt to help new birders, it
is not always possible to answer all
their questions. Picnic Point will be
the site for beginners to get their ques-
tions answered. This area, at the west
end of the UW campus, offers a varied
habitat and a good opportunity to
observe a variety of waterfowl and
small birds.
We will meet in the parking lot by
the 1918 Marsh (across from the
entrance to Picnic Point) at 7:30 a.m.
on April 6 and at 6:00 p.m. on April
20. Questions? Call Allen Holzhueter
at 238-0546.
Sundays, April 7 & 14 :
Scope Days at Goose Pond
Scope viewing days at Goose Pond
will be held during the peak of the
spring migration season. We some-
times have as many as 20 species of
waterfowl on the "Seen Today" board.
Tundra Swans are often among the
earliest visitors; they rest up here on
their long trip from Chesapeake Bay
to the Arctic Circle.
Spotting scopes will be set up along
the drive for visitor use on Sunday
afternoons from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
MADISON AUDUBON SOCIETY
President: Joanne Herfel, 241-8009
Vice-president: Debra Weitzel, 836-4051
Goose Pond Resident Naturalists:
Mark and Sue Martin, 635-4160
Editor: Abbie Kurtz, 245-1758
abbiejkurtz@yahoo.com
Graphic design: Paul Capobianco
Printed by Roemer Printing
The mission of the Madison Audubon
Society is to educate our members and the
public about the natural world and the
threats that natural systems are facing, to
engage in advocacy to preserve and protect
these systems, and to develop and maintain
sanctuaries to save and restore natural
habitat.
CAWS Newsletter Subscriptions Available
I am not a member of National Audubon, but am interested in receiving The
Audubon CAWS newsletter to stay informed of chapter activities. I've enclosed $10.00
payable to Madison Audubon Society to cover printing and mailing for one annual year.
Mail to: Madison Audubon Soc., 222 S. Hamilton St. Suite #1, Madison, WI 53703
Members will be on hand to help visi-
tors locate and identify waterfowl. If
the weather is inclement, the scopes
will not be set up. If you have ques-
tions or would like to volunteer as a
host, call Dorothy Haines at 221-1948
or the MAS office, 255-BIRD.
Thursday, April 11: Frogs Night Out
Bring a sense of adventure on this
trip as you "look" at the world from a
different perspective - through
sounds. Besides listening for a variety
of frog calls, participants will learn
about frog lifestyles and wetlands
ecology. Bring a flashlight and wear
footgear that can get muddy and wet
(in cold water); bring rain gear if
appropriate. The trip will be canceled
if the temperature is below 45 degrees
Fahrenheit or in case of very strong
winds. The rain date for this trip is
April 18. Call trip leader Bob Hay
only if you have questions; (608/267-
0849; work) or (608/829-3123; home).
Meet at the Mazomanie Wildlife
Area at 6:45 p.m. Directions: From
Highway 14 in Mazomanie, drive
north on County Highway Y for about
4 miles. Just before the highway bends
to the east (right), turn left on Law's
Drive. Travel on the access road about
0.25 miles and turn left onto a gravel
road. Follow this about 1.5 miles until
THE AUDUBON CAWS is published
September through July by:
Madison Audubon Society,
222 S. Hamilton St.,
Madison, WI 53703,
(608) 255-BIRD (2473).
Birding hotline, 255-BIRM
Madison Audubon Web Page:
http://madisonaudubon.org
E-mail: masoffice@mailbag.com
E-mail services donated by Berbee
Contribution deadline is April 1 for
the May issue, for which items may be
sent to Abbie Kurtz, 313 Moulton Ct.,
Madison, WI 53704.
abbiejkurtz@yahoo.com
it dead-ends at a parking lot. The trip
leader will be there to meet you. The
trip will last until 9:00 p.m.
Friday, April 12: Evening at
Unknown Location
For many years Mark and Sue have
lead an evening field trip to Mud
Lake. Join the Martins at a new loca-
tion at sunset as they look, watch and
listen for wildlife including the
courtship flight of woodcocks.
Meet at the manager's residence at
Goose Pond at 6:30 p.m. This trip will
last over two hours until after dark
(bring a flashlight). If you have ques-
tions or if the weather is questionable
call Mark or Sue at 635-4160.
Friday, April 19: Evening at
Cherokee Marsh
Enjoy a few evening hours of bird-
ing in Cherokee Marsh. We should
find cranes, observe the courtship
flight of woodcock and snipe and see
several spring migrants.
Cherokee Marsh, Madison's largest
natural area, is located on the north-
east side of Madison. Meet at 6:30 PM
at the Cherokee Marsh parking lot at
the north end of Sherman Ave.
Waterproof footwear is recommend-
ed. Trip leaders are Levi Wood and
Tony Kalenich. If you have questions,
call Levi at 277-7959.
Sunday, April 21: Scope days at Lake
Farm Park -- NEW SCOPE DAY
The first ever scope viewing day at
Dane County's newest park,
Madison's own Lake Farm Park.
Spotting scopes will be set up on the
deck of the new Lussier Heritage
Center on Lake Farm Road, overlook-
ing the Nine Springs and Lake Farm
Park area. This is a fantastic place to
observe migrating shorebirds, water-
fowl and sandhill cranes. Please join
us and explore the wonderful new
park, trails, nature center and camp-
ground! Members will be on hand to
help visitors locate and identify
species. If the weather is inclement the
scopes will not be set up.
If you have questions or would like
to volunteer as a host please call
Dorothy Haines at 221-1948 or the
MAS office at 255-BIRD.
April 2002
Sunday, April 21 : Wildflowers at
Walking Iron
Come on this trip to Walking Iron
County Park to search prairies, wood-
lands and wetlands for wildflowers,
such as pasque flowers, dutchman's
breeches and marsh marigolds. We
will keep an eye out for migrants,
such as bluebirds, hermit thrushes,
swamp sparrows, and early butter-
flies. Be prepared for about 2 hours of
enjoying these wildflowers, butter-
flies, and birds.
Meet trip leader Todd Miller at 8:00
a.m. at the Kohl's Food Store parking
lot in Middleton at the intersection of
Allen Blvd. and Century Ave. Those
who wish can meet the group at 8:30
at the Walking Iron Co. Park by going
west on Hwy 14 to Mazomanie, then
north on Co. Hwy. Y, then west on
Hudson St. and north on Beckman to
the parking lot on the right. If you
have questions, call Todd at 242-8998.
Directions to Goose Pond: From the
east — take Hwy. 51 north into
Columbia County, turn left (west) on
County Hwy. K; after two miles turn
right on (north) on Goose Pond Road,
then turn left on Prairie Road, which is
the driveway into the Sanctuary.
From the west — take County Hwy. Q
north to Waunakee, then continue
straight north to County Hwy. V; turn
right (east) on V; after four miles go
north (left) on County Hwy. I for
about four miles and turn right (east)
on County Hwy. K. After one mile
turn left (north) on Goose Pond Road.
Thursday, April 25: Birding at
Nine Springs
Join us on this evening trip to Nine
Springs, one of Madison's most excit-
ing birding spots. We will look for
waterfowl, Herons, Sandhill Cranes,
Gulls, Terns, early shorebirds, and
passerines. This will be an easy-going
hike on flat, but possibly muddy ter-
rain. Bring binoculars and a scope if
you have one.
Meet at 5:30 p.m. at the E-Way park-
ing lot on East Moorland Rd. Take
South Town Dr. south from the
Beltline, then turn east (left) on East
Moorland Rd. The parking lot is on
the south (right) side of the road. If
you have questions, contact Nick
Walton at (920) 563-8731 or email
ngwalton@hotmail.com
Saturday, April 27: Abraham's
Woods Wildflowers & Birds
Before European settlement in the
mid-1800s, three large islands of sugar
maple forest floated in the prairie-
savanna landscape of southern
Wisconsin. Abraham's Woods, a State
Natural Area and one of the UW
Arboretum's outlying areas, is one of
the finest remnants of sugar maple
forest left in southern Wisconsin. On
this field trip we will be looking for
spring wildflowers that may be at
their peak, and strolling through the
forest of sugar maple, basswood, yel-
lowbud hickory, hackberry, and other
typical southern mesic forest trees.
Possible birds include vesper spar-
rows, bobolinks and meadowlarks,
red-headed woodpeckers, kinglets,
early warblers, and possible scarlet
tanagers and towhees.
Time permitting, we will stop at
nearby Oliver Prairie, a limestone
"goat" prairie, in search of pasque
flowers fruits, bird-foot violets, prairie
smoke, Richardson's sedge and the
leaves and flower buds of other lime-
prairie plants.
We will carpool at 8:00 a.m. from
the Super America gas station parking
lot, at the intersection of Verona and
Raymond Roads. If you would like to
pass on carpooling and meet the
group at Abe's Woods, located just
southwest of Albany in Green Co.,
contact the trip leader for directions.
The trip leader, Andrew Hipp, is a
3
naturalist at the Arboretum and cur-
rently studying botany at the
University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Please call 218-9005 or e-mail
alhipp@students.wisc.edu with any
questions. We will cancel only in the
case of dangerous weather.
Sunday, April 28: Birding Wyalusing
Al Shea, one of Wisconsin's most
experienced birders, will lead this trip
to Wyalusing State Park, which over-
looks the confluence of the Wisconsin
and Mississippi Rivers. The Mississippi
is a major migration route for numer-
ous birds and the rugged bluffs make
this breathtaking scenery a beautiful
spot for a spring adventure. We'll
observe hawks, warblers, lots of other
birds and maybe a few spring wild-
flowers. Bring a lunch, as this trip will
last until mid-afternoon.
We will carpool at 5:00 a.m. from the
Super America gas station parking lot,
at the intersection of Verona and
Raymond Roads. If you have ques-
tions, call Al Shea at 825-6232.
Tuesday & Thursday, April 30 & May
2: Warbler Walks at Picnic Point
These first two Madison Audubon
annual early morning warbler walks
will be held at Picnic Point. Trip lead-
ers Ken Barmore (April 30) and Willy
Hutchinson (May 2) will be looking for
migrating warblers, waterfowl as well
as Vireos, Thrushes, Tanagers, and
whatever else flies by. Meet at 6:00 a.m.
at the parking lot of Picnic Point. If you
have any questions, call Ken Barmore
at 836-6096 or Willy Hutchinson at 260-
8263.
Wednesday, May 1: Mayday!
Owen Park Evening Nature Walk
Come enjoy a leisurely stroll through
Owen Park with trip leader Jon Sutton.
Owen Park is a Madison conservation
park on the south side of Old Sauk
Road. Jon is an environmental educator
with a broad background in natural
history. Having been a birder all his
life, he will do his best to identify as
many spring migrants as show up. We
may see thrushes, woodpeckers, spar-
rows, swallows, a few early warblers
and maybe an owl. We'll keep an eye
out for wildflowers in the woods and
the restored prairies. If an early butter-
4 The Audubon Caws
fly shows, Jon will share his knowl-
edge about these colorful creatures as
he has become a butterfly enthusiast.
Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Owen Park
parking lot near the house off the dri-
veway from Old Sauk Rd., across from
Crestwood School. The trip will last til
about dark, possibly 2 hours. If you
have questions, call Jon Sutton at 238-
7676.
Saturday, May 4: Birding Picnic Point
Come join trip leaders Roma
Lenehan and Richard Clark for a pleas-
ant spring morning of birding on
Picnic Point, one of Madison's birding
hot spots. With lots of shoreline, open
water and a variety of woods, wetlands
and open areas, Picnic Point is known
for its diversity of birds. By May 1,
many migrants may be here, depend-
ing on the weather. On the lake we will
look for waterfowl, gulls and terns; in
the marshlands we'll be looking for
blackbirds, wrens, song and swap
sparrows; in the woodlands we'll look
for woodpeckers, thrushes, orioles,
vireos and early warblers; and in the
fields and gardens we'll look for grass-
land sparrows.
Trip leader Roma Lenehan has over
20 years of birding at Picnic Point and
just compiled a Campus Area Bird
Checklist. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the 1918
Marsh parking lot across University
Bay Drive from Picnic Point, north of
the UW hospital. The trip will last for
2-3 hours with an opportunity to
extend longer. If you have questions,
call Roma Lenehan at (608) 238-5406.
Sunday, May 5: Bird Banding at
Sand Bluff Bird Observatory
Get an up close look at migrating
birds in May at the Sand Bluff Bird
Observatory, one of the biggest band-
ing stations in the country. This trip
will coincide with the SBBO's 3rd
Annual Bird Fest. We will observe the
banding procedure, go for a short
walk, and participate in other festival
activities. Bring lunch and binoculars if
you have them. Please be prepared to
donate $2 per person that will benefit
the banding station. Thank you.
Meet at 7:30am in Evansville at the
Red Owl grocery store parking lot.
From the Beltline in Madison, take US
HWY 14 South to Evansville. Turn
right (South) onto Highway 213 and
take this until the southern edge of
Evansville where the Red Owl is locat-
ed. We will carpool from there to
Colored Sands Forest Preserve, just
south of the WI state line in Winnebago
Co., IL. If you have questions, contact
Nick Walton at (920) 563-8731 or email
ngwalton@hotmail.com
Tuesday May 7, Thursday May 9 &
Tuesday May 14: Warbler Walks at
the Arboretum
MAS's annual early morning warbler
walks will be held in the UW
Arboretum. This year's trip leaders will
be Levi Wood (May 7), Tod Highsmith
(May 9) and Tony Kalenic (May 14).
We will be looking for migrating war-
blers as well as Vireos, Thrushes,
Tanagers and whatever else flies by.
Meet at 6:00 a.m. in the Arboretum at
the Wingra/Galistel Woods parking lot
along McCaffrey Drive. Enter the
Arboretum from the east off of Mills
Street. If you enter from the west
(Seminole Hwy.) you will have to walk
from the McKay Center parking area. If
you have questions, call Levi Wood at
277-7959.
Big Birding Day, May 11
Madison Audubon is holding its 3rd
annual Big Birding Day on
International Migratory Bird Day,
Saturday, May 11. Come celebrate the
spring migration with us! The event
will begin at 4:00 A.M., yes four, and
run for 14 hours until 6:00 p.m. The
goal is to find as many bird species as
you can in ONE of three Counties
within those 14 hours and return to the
finish line before 6:00 P.M. This year,
due to many requests, we have
EXPANDED the number of counties to
be birded, to three. We have added
Columbia and Jefferson Counties to the
usual Dane County region. HOWEV-
ER, PLEASE KEEP IN MIND PARTIC-
IPANTS ARE ALLOWED TO ONLY
BIRD WITHIN ONE COUNTY FOR
THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE
EVENT!
The reason? For fun, the experience,
the camaraderie with other birders and
to raise a small amount of money for
Madison Audubon. More than any-
thing this event is for your enjoyment
and to create an opportunity to see a
large variety of migratory species in
one day.
Birding with a group or a friend is a
wonderful way to learn about and
appreciate our natural world.
Consider adding an inexperienced
birder to your team.
The total number of species seen
last year was 160! Highlight birds
included: red-shouldered hawk, white
pelican, yellow-breasted chat, red-
necked grebe and a black-throated
blue warbler.
This year, gift certificates to
Chickadee Depot and other prizes will
be given to the top ranking teams. The
ala carte cost is $20 per person OR $30
which covers your participation, din-
ner, and the awards banquet held at
Imperial Gardens West where adven-
tures of the day will be told. This is a
rain or shine event. It is anticipated
that each team will find 100-150
species in the 14-hour limit. You do
not have to bird the entire 14 hours
but please come join us for the ban-
quet afterwards and tell us of your
days adventures.
So, put a team together of 2-4 peo-
ple, check the Madison Audubon
website (www.madisonaudubon.org)
for registration forms and rules or call
the MAS office at 255-BIRD for copies.
Each team needs to elect a captain
who will be responsible for coordina-
tion of the team. The registration
deadline is Wednesday, May 1. Don't
delay, check the website or call MAS
today to register or for more informa-
tion.
POPULATION AND H ABITAT
Prospering Without Growing
by Michael Kinsley
(Used with permission from the
Population Press Newsletter)
Residents of many growing towns
and cities are learning the hard way
that growth is not the solution to their
economic woes. While they enjoy the
benefits of growth, they are also vexed
by the problems it causes: traffic con-
gestion, crime, long commutes, air
pollution, increasing intolerance, dis-
respect for traditional leadership, and
increasingly cut-throat competition in
April 2002
local businesses. Rapid growth often
causes higher rents, housing short-
ages, spiraling costs, and demands for
higher wages to meet the higher cost
of living.
A sound economy requires develop-
ment, that is, vigorous enterprise and
a decent standard of living. This
includes reducing costs, creating jobs
and affordable housing, enhancing
cultural and educational opportuni-
ties, and improving health and public
safety.
But it doesn't necessarily require
growth, that is, expanded community
size. A community might be com-
pared to a human being. Human
growth after maturity becomes cancer.
When a town continues to grow after
maturity, its cancer is manifest in
many ways: higher taxes, environ-
mental degradation, spiteful contro-
versy, and loss of a sense of communi-
ty.
There are plenty of ways to develop
an economy without growth. For
instance, import replacement is a
powerful means that is little used. It
means producing locally what had
previously been purchased from out-
side the community. Two excellent
ways to reduce imports are support-
ing existing businesses and plugging
the unnecessary leakage of dollars and
resources from the community. These
efficiency measures increase the num-
ber of times a dollar is spent in the
community, thereby increasing local
wealth.
Researchers for Rocky Mountain
Institute have found scores of exam-
ples of communities that curtailed
leaks in their local economies. For
example, Osage, Iowa discovered a
way to develop its economy without
growing. The community plugged its
energy leaks; money that had been
spent out of town to buy gas and elec-
tricity has become, in effect, tax-free
income. A total of $1.2 million now
stays in Osage each year, much of it
recirculating in the economy,
strengthening local businesses with-
out growing community size. Using
the lessons from these community
endeavors, the Institute's Renewal
Team assists growing towns to devel-
op their economy without growing by
building capacity for sustainable
development.
This article is adapted from Paying
for Growth, Prospering from
Development, available from PMI,
970-927-3807 or www.rmi.org
WISCONSIN FROGS: A Review of
Three New Books
by Karl and Dorothy Legler
It is our pleasure to review three
new frog and toad books. After partic-
ipating in the Frog and Toad Survey
for 20 years we are thrilled to see such
excellent resources available.
A good introduction to the subject
is Madison Audubon's
Publication Wisconsin Frogs and
Toads which includes a cassette tape
of frog calls. The 24 page book was
revised in 2001 and has black and
white drawings of Wisconsin's dozen
species. It contains basic information
on identification and has a calendar of
calling periods, descriptions of habitat,
breeding period, voice, and distribu-
tion maps. The book and cassette are
available for $7.00 from: Madison
Audubon Society, 222 South Hamilton
St., Suite 1, Madison, WI 53703.
The second book is Amphibians of
Wisconsin by Rebecca Christoffel,
Robert Hay, and Michelle Wolfgram
(2001), a beautiful and informative
publication. Besides the 12 Wisconsin
species of frogs and toads, the book
also includes our 7 species of salaman-
ders. This 45 page book has wonderful
color photographs of each species. It
includes information on general biolo-
gy, breeding period and behavior,
feeding, defense, overwintering, and
global declines. The authors also dis-
cuss the value of amphibians and
ways to protect them. It can be pur-
chased for $4.00 from: Bureau of
Endangered Resources, P.O. Box 7921,
Madison, WI 53707 (Make checks out
to the Endangered Resources
Program, and please write Herps
Education Account on the memo line).
The third book is Wisconsin Frogs.
Places to Hear Frogs and Toads Near
Our Urban Areas, by Randy Korb
(2001). This attractive 80-page book
with many color photos includes a CD
with the calls of the 12 frogs and toads.
Continued on page 6
5
Wisconsin Frogs continued - 5
Easily accessible information about
each frog is listed under headings
such as voice, distinguishing marks,
sexes, etc. The text notes whether the
species is increasing, declining, or sta-
ble. Each species account has a
Wisconsin map showing county distri-
bution records and a U.S. map show-
ing the North American range.
Listening sites in four urban areas --
Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and
the Fox Cities -- are detailed. To obtain
a copy, send a check for $16.95 plus
$1.50 postage (made out to Randy
Korb) to: Randy Korb, PMP #142, 101
South Military Avenue, Green Bay,
WI 54303.
We heartily recommend all of these
books and recordings (and that you
join the MAS frog field trip on April
11). Before you know it, you'll be at
your favorite wetland site at dusk
enjoying the ancient sounds of frogs in
chorus, along with the other night
sounds of katydids, whip-poor-wills,
owls, and rails, all within a glorious
setting of fireflies and stars!
****Late Action Alert****
Tell Governor McCallum (266-1212)
to keep the Dane County Regional
Planning Commission alive - see
Alerts at http://madisonaudubon.org,
for details.
6 The Audubon Caws
Francis
Hole plays
his violin
and sings
a soil song
at Prairie
Jubilee at
Goose
Pond
Sanctuary!
Francis Hole
1913-2002
by Sue Martin TNS
(Temporarily Not Soil)
Francis Hole was my teacher. He
taught me that soils have horizons. He
taught me that "soil" was the correct
name for the earth beneath our feet,
and that "dirt" was a four-letter word
not to be used to describe the medium
that gives life to every living thing on
the planet. About mining the soils and
treasures of rock and gravel contained
below, Francis would say with
authority "the earth does not like it
when humans dig holes and disrupt
the work that Mother Nature put
down over the ages".
Apparently, Francis taught many
more people than me, which was evi-
dent at his recent memorial service in
Madison. If each one of the several
hundred attendees who came to
honor his memory that day was one
part of a class that Francis taught,
well, you do the math.
During his lifetime, Francis touched
thousands of students of all ages and
from all walks of life, by teaching the
gifts of the soil. In his quiet way, he
could convince the strongest skeptics
to begin to think of soil as a friend to
be protected, and one that needed a
voice.
Perhaps his greatest work in this
area was his challenge to have the
State of Wisconsin recognize a State
Soil. His choice was "Antigo Silt
Loam", one of more than 500 major
soil types found in Wisconsin. It is
found chiefly in Wisconsin and takes
its name from the city of Antigo. He
began campaigning for the state soil
in 1976 and saw it adopted on
September 14, 1983. Instead of hiring
lawyers to present his case, he filled
the hearings with school children that
sang his Antigo silt loam song and
used hand puppets to carry his mes-
sage.
Francis also gave the soil a voice
through his collections of "soil songs"
that he sang while playing his violin.
And when he put his thoughts to
music, his students became his disci-
ples.
Through his quiet ways, Francis did
more to improve the planet than
many may know. Those of us who
knew him are left to carry on his work
to care for the earth. I think that he
would want us to reflect on the won-
ders of Nature and do the good work
that is necessary to protect the planet.
As members of Madison Audubon
our work to preserve, protect and
restore natural systems through our
sanctuaries is the kind of work that
Francis supported. Through educa-
tion and advocacy, we can continue
the work that was so important to
him.
Francis joined the UW faculty in
1946 as assistant professor of soils. In
1974 he received the university's dis-
tinguished teaching award. He retired
in 1983 but remained active in educa-
tion well into the 1990s. His daughter,
Sarah, has been an important and
active member of Madison Audubon
for many years, serving on commit-
tees and on the Board of Directors
where she is currently our Secretary.
Prairies Jubilee!
Calling All Volunteers!
We are looking for volunteers to be
on a planning committee for Prairies
Jubilee! which will be held at Goose
Pond on September 21, 2002. We'd
like to start planning in April. Call
Deb Weitzel at 836-4051 to join the
fun.
How, Where and When to Bird
in the Madison Area
Monday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m.
If you'd like to start bird watching
and don't know how or where to
begin, are a birder with a growing life
list, or just like the outdoors, this is the
program for you. Jon Sutton, Madison
Audubon Society field trip leader, will
show slides of Wisconsin birds "as the
birder sees them" and share his exper-
tise. This program is suitable for ages
grade school through adult. Come to
the Lakeview Branch Library at 2845
N. Sherman Avenue in Madison. No
registration is necessary. For more
information, call Lakeview Branch
Library, 246-4547.
Friends of the Arboretum Plant Sale
Saturday, May 11, 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
This plant sale is open to the public
and is sponsored by Friends of the
Arboretum. Over 100 varieties of
woodland and prairie plants are avail-
able. These plants are propagated, not
dug from the wild. You will receive
information on plant care with each
species. Proceeds of the sale will bene-
fit Arboretum projects. There is a 10%
discount for Friends members.
The sale will be in the Wildflower
Tent near the Visitor Center at the UW
Madison Arboretum on 1207
Seminole Highway.
MAS has an
account at the
Madison
Recycling Center
on Fish Hatchery
Rd. Remember
MAS next time
you recycle.
April 2002
A Shower of Donations
ACRE MAKER
Sarah R. Packard
MY OWN VISION
Norma Kolthoff
Laura Brown & Mark Shahan
GIFTS IN HONOR OF A PERSON
In Honor of Uncles Carl Krejcha &
Ray Zabrowski
Jane Raymond & Bob Mougin
In Honor of Roger Packard & David
Musolf
Sarah Packard
GIFTS IN MEMORY OF A PERSON
In Memory of Victor Martin
Ken Wood
Public Birdwatching Scope
Challenge Grant - Matching
Donations Needed!
Please help donate to the Lake
Farm Park Scope Challenge Grant.
We have a long time Madison
Audubon member who will match
other donations to purchase and
install a spotting scope. The scope will
be mounted permanently outside the
new Lussier Nature Center overlook-
ing the Nine Springs E-Way, a
favorite Madison birding spot.
The total cost for the high quality
20X scope, mounting, and installation
for public access is $3500, so your
help is needed to raise the matching
$1700. Please make donations out to
Madison Audubon, and mail to:
Scope Challenge Grant c/o Madison
Audubon, 222 South Hamilton,
Madison, WI 53703.
YES! I want to make the
Madison Audubon Society’s
vision a reality. Here is my
contribution to the Wildlife
Sanctuaries Campaign.
[ ] Acre Maker. $1,000 or more to buy
and restore another acre of land.
[ ] Half-Acre Maker. $500-$999 to buy
and restore another half-acre of land.
[ ] Adopt An Acre. I pledge $100 a year
for three years ($300 total). Here is
my first installment.
[ ] Nest Egg. I pledge $50 a year for
three years ($150 total). Here is my
first installment.
[ ] My Own Vision. $ to help as
much as possible.
Direct my gift to:
[ ] Endowment fund to restore and main-
tain the sanctuaries.
[ ] Land acquisition at Faville Grove.
[ ] Land acquisition at Goose Pond
Name
Address
In Memory of
In Honor of
For Gifts Honoring Another, send
acknowledgement to (name and address)
Contributions will be acknowledged near
the Madison Audubon Information Board
at Goose Pond as follows: $1,000 or
more-name will appear on a permanent
plaque; $250-$999-name will appear on
engraved paving brick.
[ ] Do not acknowledge in Madison
Audubon Society Newsletter, CAWS.
Make checks payable to:
Madison Audubon Society
Mail to:
Madison Audubon Society
222 S. Hamilton Street, Suite #1
Madison, WI 53703
Gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed
by law. Madison Audubon Society’s
financial statement is available upon
request.
7
Fairest of the Fairs:
Audubon Art Fair
Saturday, May 4, 2002 -- 9:30-4:30
Olbrich Botanic Garden
3330 Atwood Ave.
This is our 26th annual Art Fair. After
all these years, we have finally
reached the defining moment...
Audubon art fair (aw´da-bon art far)
n. The fairest of the fairs, the
Audubon Art Fair, Saturday, May 4,
9:30-4:30, presents 120 artists chosen
by jury. The artists offer paintings,
photography, pottery, jewelry, garden
art, and much more. Work that will
delight the senses, please your wife,
brighten your home.
fare (far) n. Free admission. Free park-
ing. Can't beat that with a stick.
gourmet sandwiches (goor-ma´
sand´wichz) n. Chow down on
Snazzy Tuna Salad, Vivacious Veggie,
Barbeque Beef, or Hot Diggity Dogs.
Coffee and Scrumptious Brownies,
too.
Mother's Day (muth´rz da) n. It's just
around the corner...
Madison Audubon Society, Inc.
Joanne Herfel, President
222 S. Hamilton St. Suite #1
Madison, WI 53703
Sustainable Living
See page 1
Olbrich Gardens (ol´brik gar´denz) n.
A springtime fairyland of blossoms
provides the setting for our fairest Art
Fair. Stroll among the tulips and sun-
shine.
raffle (ra´fl) n. Wonderful art, delec-
table food, and a gorgeous setting--do
you really need another reason to
attend? Well, you don't, but here's
one anyway. We have collected a pile
of fabulous prizes that you could win
for the price of a latte.
raison d'etre (ra´zon det´ra) n. We
work to preserve and expand our
wildlife sanctuaries and to protect our
environment. The Art Fair is our
biggest fundraising event. Please, stop
by and help make it a success.
4/02
MAS Calendar
at a Glance
Sat., April 6: Once Around the Sink
and Down the Drain
Sats., April 6 & 20: Beginning
Birding
Suns., April 7 & 14: Scope Days at
Goose Pond
Thurs., April 11: Frogs Night Out
Fri., April 12: Evening at Unknown
Location
Fri., April 19: Evening at Cherokee
Marsh
Sun., April 21: Scope day at Lake
Farm Park -- NEW SCOPE DAY
Sun., April 21: Wildflowers at
Walking Iron
Thurs., April 25: Birding at Nine
Springs
Sat., April 27: Abraham's Woods
Wildflowers & Birds
Sun., April 28: Birding Wyalusing
Tues. April 30, Thurs. 2: Warbler
Walks at Picnic Point
Wed., May 1: Mayday! Owen Park
Evening Nature Walk
Sat., May 4: Birding Picnic Point
Sun., May 5: Bird Banding at Sand
Bluff Bird Observatory
Tues. May 7, Thurs. May 9, Tues.
May 14: Warbler Walks at the
Arboretum
Sat., May 11: Big Birding Day
Non-profit organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit No. 1831
Madison, Wisconsin
1321 E. Mifflin St.
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 256-1066