CONSERVANCY POPE FARM - O F NEWS FROM FRIENDS - POPE FARM CONSERVANCY
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N e w s F ro m F r i en d s of
POPE FARM
CONSERVANCY
Volume 4, Issue 2 P R eservI N G TH E L A N D A N D ITs STO R I E S
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
WINTER 2019-2020
Volume 4 - Issue 2
Enhancing Education at Pope Farm Conservancy Newsletter Team
in 2020
Janie Starzewski, Meg Gores
Graphic Design by: Linda Napiwocki,
Purple Moon Design
I
BY MEL POPE
Photo Credits
Matt Haynor (cover), Mike McDowell,
Elizabeth Hatheway, Janie Starzewski
In 2004, the Town of Middleton (TOM) master plan for Pope Farm Board Members
Conservancy (PFC) was created and approved. The plan called for Mel Pope—Chair
Lee Pray—Vice Chair & Membership Team
the Conservancy to be positioned as an educational facility. It would Ann Kale—Secretary
contain numerous interpretive signs about the stories of the land, and Karen Prochaska—Treasurer
Curt Caslavka—Prairie Restoration Team
would be targeted toward teaching the public and students about Martha Zydowsky—Events Team
them. The TOM has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars devel- Janie Starzewski—Public Relations
Bob Wink—Corporate Fundraising
oping its master plan for PFC, and overall have done a very good job Doug Piper—Education Team
creating an Educational Conservancy (per its plan) as we know it Administrative Team
today. The trails, prairies, amphitheaters, parking, and infrastructure are there. The challenge is Michelle Bartman—Administration Advisor
Dione Tyler—Administrative Advisor
that limited research has been done on most of the features and the stories that exist at Pope Jerry McAdow—Counsel Advisor
Farm Conservancy, and more work is needed to make those stories teachable to the public. FOPFC Mission
In 2019 the Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy (FOPFC) began refocusing its efforts Our mission is to contribute to the enrichment of
to provide content to the public about the many lessons of the land. Our Education Team Pope Farm Conservancy as a community
and educational asset. We strive to protect and
finished the “Ken Burns” style video on German Immigration. Currently, we are working on preserve the balance of the conservancy’s
another video about the history of the ownership and corresponding historical stories of the unique natural, agricultural and historical
features and volunteer as stewards to
land. promote our passive conservancy.
We are uncovering many interesting facts. Did you know: Contact Us
• That originally PFC was ceded by the Government to a Ho Chunk-French family? Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy
10333 Blackhawk Road
• That part of the land was owned by a brewery to grow hops? Middleton, WI 53562
• That the first reverend of the white church on the corner of Old Sauk Road and info@popefarmconservancy.org
Pleasant View Road located his cabin close to where the new school is being built? Purposes
We currently have 5 descendants from different families who lived on the land that is now In recognition that Pope Farm Conservancy is an
educational and community asset, the Corporation shall
PFC, writing and sharing stories about their family history during that period. have the following Purposes:
The team is also discussing possible topics for research with the Middleton Cross Plains • Through volunteer participation and support, create,
advance and facilitate the development and
Area School District (MCPASD). We are creating spreadsheets with topics and sources of
implementation of educational opportunities and
information, and we are asking the MCPASD to provide its preferences so that we can programming in, on and around the Pope Farm
prioritize research and develop information for their use. Many of these lessons will include Conservancy for students of all ages from public and
private schools and the general public. Without limita-
information about the plants, insects, and animals that call PFC their home. The team will tion because of enumeration, this shall include but not
also assist the school district with 4th grade field trips at PFC again next year, and we will be limited to assisting and working with the Pope Farm
Elementary School and the Pope Farm Middle School
continue to provide walking tour pamphlets for the public. (when constructed) from the Middleton-Cross Plains
Another goal for next year is to develop a woodland trail on adjacent land for field trips. Area School District, the Blackhawk Ski Club, the Aldo
Leopold Nature Center and similar organizations.
Students can learn about trees, plants, and fauna. All of this will be done by our wonderful
• To assist in the preservation of the balance of wildlife
volunteers. habitat, and historic, geologic, agricultural, environ-
The goals of the Adult Education Team are to offer 12 talks that are free and open to the mental and scenic features of the Pope Farm
Conservancy.
public next year. We have been told that Pope Farm Elementary School will offer a room that • To assist in the protection of natural landscapes
will be open to the public, and the FOPFC is interested in using it to provide a variety of talks and grass trails, wildlife and their habitat and the
general public’s tranquil enjoyment of the Pope Farm
during the winter months. Conservancy as a passive conservancy free from
In summary, we hope you enjoy this FOPFC news magazine. Annually, we provide our commercial activity, motorized vehicles and bicycles,
dogs and organized sports that require athletic fields
members with 10 monthly updates about PFC, and 2 news magazines. We put a lot into our
or open space.
news magazine, and we hope you find our stories interesting. • To assist the Town of Middleton with the maintenance,
Our goals for 2020 are ambitious. We are a 501 C (3) nonprofit corporation, and our only improvement and general enrichment of the Pope
Farm Conservancy as an educational and community
financial support comes from membership dues and donations from the public. If you are asset.
interested please go to page 9 where you can find how you can support us. •. In accord with Article Four of these Bylaws, the
Board of Directors shall have the specific authority
Thank you for your consideration, and we very much appreciate the support so many and discretion to interpret, apply and implement
of you have given us over the years. these purposes, provided that at all times, it complies
with rules and regulations of the IRS regarding the
Mel Pope, Chairman fulfillment and preservation of the requirements of the
Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy Corporation’s 501(c)(3) status.
2 Pope Farm Conservancy • WINTER 2019-2020
CONTENTS WINTER 2019-2020
Volume 4 - Issue 2
THE ANCIENT TRAIL
4
An interpretive sign in the Native American amphitheater
FOPFC Goals for 2020
9
Every fall, when our educational programs and events
at Pope Farm Conservancy refers to a “major trail” that have come to an end, we take some time to look back at
was an early and important transportation route between everything the Friends accomplished this year, and then we
the Mississippi River and the “Four Lakes” (Lake Mendota) begin the exciting task of planning for the future. Here are
area. our goals for 2020.
red-tailed hawks
Found throughout the United States, Mexico, and much of
Canada, the Redtailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is one of the
most widespread and common birds of prey or raptor. In fact,
not only can you find them at just about any wooded or grassy
natural area, Red-tails have habituated very well to urbanized-
scaped developments.
10
MONARCHS BY THE THOUSANDS
12
An incredible natural phenomenon occurred at Pope
POLLINATORS
14
Wisconsin has many types of pollinators, but the most
Farm Conservancy this fall. Thousands upon thousands effective are bees. There are 500 species of native bees
of migrating monarch butterflies were seen feeding on in the state, from tiny specialist bees that use only one
wildflowers in the prairies and congregating in dense native flower species, to large generalist bees like bumble
roosts in the Burr Oak trees across from the Sunflower bees that forage on flowers from spring through fall.
field. (Photo by Mike McDowell) (Photo by Jack Sherman)
www.popefarmconservancy.org 3
FEATURE
A STORY OF
THE ANCIENT
TRAIL SOUTH OF THE
Pope Farm Con servancy
By Jim Bolitho, with contributions from Amy Rosebrough
A
An interpretive sign in the Native course through what became the the goal was the same—to
American amphitheater at Pope Town of Middleton, Dane County, traverse a route by means that
Farm Conservancy refers to a Wisconsin, to the Blue Mounds, a would require the least amount of
“major trail” that was an early and prominent geographic landmark. physical effort. Thus, terrain was
important transportation route Long before Europeans arrived the deciding factor for a route.
between the Mississippi River and in the Americas, ancient trails Animals and humans made
the “Four Lakes” (Lake Mendota) crisscrossed the continents. the same decision—whether to
area. The trail passed south of and Originally established by animals, follow the shortest course and
in sight of the future Conservancy. the trails became corridors of climb and descend hills, or to go
From the shores of Lake Mendota, transportation for humans. around them on a longer route.
the trail traversed a southwesterly Whether an animal or a human, If the 20 mile “bee line” route
4 Pope Farm Conservancy • WINTER 2019-2020
With Ancient Trail to the Blue Mounds, award winning
Wisconsin Artist Thomas Buchs has provided an
interpretation of a landscape and culture of the past.
Oil on canvas 20” x 40”.
tbuchs@artfactoryltd.com; thomasbuchs.com
-
between Lake Mendota and the Blue moved to the Town of Middleton in Johnstown Moraine, a terminal
Mounds had been followed, the trail 1990. As a Wisconsin native, however, moraine of the Wisconsin Age
would have crossed north of the I knew of the Military Road. After our glaciation.
Conservancy, on a line that would have move, my interest in learning more After joining the Friends of Pope
approximately intersected Blackhawk about the road was piqued. I came to Farm Conservancy, l read all the inter-
Road and Twin Valley Road. believe that the road passed through pretive signs. When I came upon the
our neighborhood, which is located sign entitled “12,000 Years of Human
An Ancient Trail, A Military Road south of Mineral Point Road and east History,” I noticed that an ancient trail
I was not aware of the ancient trail of Timber Lane. Timber Lane in this ran through our neighborhood. I
between Lake Mendota and the Blue area runs roughly parallel to and wanted to know more. Could the
Mounds until after my wife and I only a few hundred feet west of the Military Road have followed the
www.popefarmconservancy.org 5
Photo by Janie Starzewski
Native American Village
Winkle, Esq., a man engaged in many
Mineral Point Road
La
ke
commercial and civic pursuits in the
Me
nd
ota community:
Se
il
“In approaching the town of Cross
Timber Lane
qu
oi
Farm a
a
Tr Pope rvancy Tr Plains from the east on the Madison
Conse
l
Old Sauk Road
and Mineral Point road, we come to
Old Sauk Road
l
en t
Timber Lane
Tr
90 steps
A nci the dividing ridge or ancient beach,
nd
Po
d
W oo
Ancient Trail
w to
Vie Mound
e
the
s Mineral Point Road so well defined and preserved as to
lu
B
Ct Town of
be observed by every student of geo-
Serene
Middleton
Trail
Valley View Road
logy. This beach, or ancient sea shore
Painting Perspective Point on this road, comes within ten rods
of the east line of the town of Cross
The route of the ancient trail across undisturbed landforms west of Timber Plains. On its summit there is yet to
Lane can be envisioned from the top of the terminal moraine along a Town be seen an old log, behind which Ebe-
of Middleton trail. nezer Brigham (the first white settler
of Dane County) and Zach. Taylor
ancient trail? Could they have been Winnebago Nation ceded certain lands (ex-President of United States), slept
located on our property? I began to the United States. The boundary all night.
researching literature and asking line through the Town of Middleton is From the highest part of this ridge,
questions of many people, none more shown in the illustration on page 7. on the Mineral Point road, we have
than Dr. Amy Rosebrough with the • The Military Road was constructed one of the finest landscapes presented
Wisconsin Historical Society and in 1835. It did not pass through our to our view that can perhaps be found
keeper of the Native American Garden neighborhood. Rather, it cut off from anywhere in our state, taking in the
at Pope Farm Conservancy. Amy was the ancient trail east of Mt. Horeb and beautiful valley in which the head
very generous in sharing her knowledge headed northeasterly near Pine Bluff. waters of Sugar river rise … There is
and very professional in answering my • A discussion about the Town of Cross a painting now in the land office at
incessant barrage of questions. Plains contained in a history and Washington, D.C., taken from a point
In the course of research, I found that: guide of Dane County, dated 1877, on this ridge near where the Mineral
• A segment of the ancient trail formed includes what appears to be a reference Point road descends into the valley,
part of the boundary line for the Prairie to the terminal moraine and events which is pronounced by good judges
du Chien Treaty of 1829 in which the related to it. It was written by Henry as being the finest landscape painting
6 Pope Farm Conservancy • WINTER 2019-2020
in that department. It was made by a surrounding the ancient trail is irrefutable. terminal moraine, with a view toward
celebrated English artist, and takes in • The gap in the terminal moraine at the Blue Mounds, might have looked
the valley with its undulating prairie, Wood Pond Trail in the Timber Ridge like prior to settlement. Efforts to find
the surrounding hills, and the Blue subdivision was created about 1922 a print of the landscape painting by the
Mounds in the distance.” when gravel was excavated to surface English artist were unsuccessful. They
Although the terms “ancient beach” or Mineral Point Road. were likened to “searching for a needle
“ancient sea shore” would not be used in a haystack.” I then decided that an
to describe the terminal moraine today, Genesis of a Painting artist could at least paint an interpreta-
Henry Winkle’s recognition of the geo- At some point in my research, I began tion of the landscape around the ancient
logical significance of the landform and to wonder what the landscape along the trail.
the sublime beauty of the landscape ancient trail in the environs of the Where to find the artist? Madison’s
Art Fair on the
Square provided
the answer. In
the course of
visiting the fair
over a couple of
years, I became
acquainted with
Artist Jan Norsetter
of Verona. Jan’s
work is predomi-
nantly impression-
istic. After learning
what I was seeking
to achieve, she
graciously suggested
The ancient trail crossed that I work with
through what became the Artist Thomas
Town of Middleton Buchs of Waukesha.
I contacted Tom
www.popefarmconservancy.org 7
and unloaded my research work and Mapping the Trail It is known that the trail was used by the
goal on him. Tom visited the site from The oldest maps of the ancient trail human population of the Four Lakes by
which I wanted the perspective of are those created in the 1830s by at least 1000 AD, since local residents
the scene painted. Although plein air surveyors with the General Land built effigy and other burial mounds
painting is his forte, the perspective site Office of the United States government along its route every half-mile or so,
no longer provided a view of the scene. The surveyors performed cadastral all the way from Lake Mendota to the
Changes since settlement had obscured surveys which established the grid Blue Mounds. It is likely that the trail
the view. We relied on photographs system of townships and square-mile was in use much earlier, and it certainly
taken with a drone, ground photos sections that form the basis for land continued in use long after that. During
taken from a nearby Town of Middleton divisions and local governments in the centuries prior to European
trail and old topographic maps to Wisconsin. The surveyors laid out Contact, the trail would have been used
create an interpretation of the scene. north-south and east-west lines to for transporting goods such as obsi-
The result of this effort is Tom’s establish the boundaries of the sections. dian, copper, flint, marine shell,
painting entitled Ancient Trail to the They also noted features of interest, pipestone, and cloth, and by long
Blue Mounds. including roads or trails that crossed distance travelers and people visiting
A representation of the painted the grid lines. As a result, it is known family and friends in neighboring
scene can be viewed from the top of exactly where the ancient trail crossed communities. After European Contact,
the terminal moraine along the Town section lines. Determining where the the trail was used by Meskwaki and
of Middleton trail. The trail is located trail ran between the section lines is Ho-Chunk moving back and forth
between Serene Court and a path that a matter of topography and some between villages and Native-run lead
connects Wood Pond Trail and guesswork. mines, traveling to treaty locations,
Sequoia Trail. The Wood Pond/Sequ- and fleeing European settlement and
oia access features a stairway with 90 Who Used the Trail, and When conflict.
steps (route shown by the inset map on Together with the waterways of the
page 6). Here, one can visualize where Americas, the ancient trails of the Epilogue
the trail crossed what became Timber Americas formed a vast transportation History does not record what Juliette
Lane, skirted the south edge of Coyle network. From Lake Mendota, the trail Kinzie and her party thought on the
Pond and ascended a rise before fading turned north to the portage between late winter day when they crested the
off in the undulating and descending the Wisconsin and Fox Rivers. From terminal moraine and took view of the
terrain to the west. A snowy scene the Blue Mounds, it continued west to distant Blue Mounds (see box below).
from this vantage point is shown in the the confluence of the Mississippi and We can only imagine what the view
photograph at the top of pages 6 and 7. Wisconsin Rivers. A long-distance looked like then, and how it changed
Viewed from this perspective, one can traveler or trader from the north through the ages. We can wonder about
imagine events that took place along Atlantic coast might well have passed it, however, and then let our minds
the trail through its many centuries along the trail on his or her way to the wander to visualize the scenes …
of existence. Gulf Coast or to the Rocky Mountains. just as we choose! •
An Eye-witness Account of the Trail:
There are some eye-witness descriptions of the trail prairies, that it is difficult, sometimes, to distinguish it at a
system left by Juliette Kinzie in her book Wau-bun, distance of a few rods.”
available at: http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/12183/ Juliette did not devote any additional space specifically
pg12183-images.html. to the trail itself, merely describing the Ho-Chunk village
As the wife of John H. Kinzie, a U.S. Army paymaster on Lake Mendota and then the journey to Blue Mound:
for Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois, Juliette traveled “March 9th. {1831} - Our journey this day led us past
the ancient trail in 1830-31 from Green Bay, past Lake the first of the Four Lakes. Scattered along its banks was
Mendota and future Pope Farm Conservancy to the an encampment of Winnebagoes. …… Our road, after
Blue Mounds and beyond. Her account of the journey leaving the lake, lay over a rolling prairie, now bare and
includes the following: desolate enough. …… Sometimes the elevations were
“...if you lose your trail, there is almost as little hope of covered with a thicket or copse, in which our dogs would
regaining it as of finding a pathway in the midst of the generally rouse up one or more deer. …… It was about
ocean. The trail ….. is ….. a narrow path, deeply indented the middle of the afternoon when we reached the Blue
by the hoofs of the horses on which the Indians travel in Mound. …… {T}he miles are unconscionably long in
single file. So deeply is it sunk in the sod which covers the this country.”
8 Pope Farm Conservancy• WINTER 2019-2020
FOPFC Goals for 2020
In the fall, when all of the educational programs have come to an end and the growing season winds down,
we take some time to reflect upon all that we’ve accomplished throughout the year. We review things that went
well and assess the things we’d like to improve upon, and then we begin the energizing process of planning for
the year ahead. After thoughtful consideration, we are excited to present our list of goals for 2020:
Restoration/Prairie Team • Assist with and coordinate the migratory habits of the monarch
• Monitor the Bluebird Trail MCPASD 4th-grade field trips at PFC butterfly, and find out how you can
• Collect and plant prairie seeds support the continuing conservation
• Support the Native American Communications Team efforts of this iconic insect.
Garden and the Interpretive • Send 10 e-news updates to the •N
ative American Spirituality and Care
Garden FOPFC membership and donors for the Earth: See the land through the
• Lead citizen science projects, • Deliver 2 editions of the FOPFC news eyes of this area’s earliest inhabitants
such as Monarch Tagging magazine for our membership and and discover the spiritual wisdom
• Advise and assist Pope Farm donors Native Americans offer us in this time
Elementary School with its Prairie of environmental challenge.
Restoration Events Team •N
ature and Landscape Photography:
12 Public Talks/Tours in 2020: Maximize the impact of your nature
Education Team • Plein Air Painting: Discover the art of photography and learn how to take
• Complete the “History of the Land” outdoor painting and capturing land- epic landscape shots.
video documentary scapes and views in natural light. •W
inter Hike at PFC: For a truly
• Begin researching the History of • Fungi and Mushroom Logs: Learn wonderful winter experience, join
Farming and the Environment at PFC how to inoculate mushroom logs for us for a nature walk at Pope Farm
• Expand our educational programs outdoor growing. Conservancy where the crisp air and
during the winter months • Managing Invasive Species and fresh snow welcomes you.
• Print and maintain the Self-Guided Jumping Worms: Learn how to live •P
rairie Plants in the Conservancy:
Tour Pamphlets at PFC with and manage the latest invasive Come along on a beautiful scenic
• Research donating Soil Erosion species that are plaguing Wisconsin’s tour of Pope Farm Conservancy’s six
Signs for PFC landscapes. different prairies and a restored oak
• Develop a woodland trail, and • Forest Bathing at PFC: Immerse savanna.
possibly a wetland trail, for yourself into the natural world with •M
igrating Birds Walk: Grab your
elementary school field trips the practice of forest bathing. Also binoculars and come see how the
• Provide lesson plan ideas for grades known as “Shinrin-yoku,” forest PFC prairies and restored oak
1-4 to the Middleton Cross Plains bathing refers to the practice of savanna provide habitat for
School District (MCPASD) spending time in forested areas for numerous bird species.
• Educate MCPASD teachers and staff the purpose of enhancing health, •B
lue Bird Trail Walk: Join us for a tour
on the educational opportunities that wellness, and happiness. of the bluebird nesting areas in the
are available at PFC, Blackhawk and • Monarch Butterfly Presentation: Learn conservancy, and get tips on how to
adjacent lands about the incredible life cycle and attract bluebirds to your own yard.
There is so much we hope to achieve in the coming year, and we need
YOUR help to do it!
Please consider joining the Friends! A membership form and envelope has been
provided for your convenience.
Whether you choose to become a member, make a donation, or volunteer
your time, your contribution to the Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy will help to
preserve an important natural resource in your community and provide educational
opportunities for all ages!
www.popefarmconservancy.org 9
FEATURE
RED-TAILE
F
IN Pope Farm Conservancy
BY MIKE McDOWELL
Found throughout the United States,
Mexico, and much of Canada, the
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is
one of the most widespread and common
birds of prey or raptor. In fact, not only
can you find them at just about any
wooded or grassy natural area, Red-tails
have habituated very well to urbanized-
scaped developments. In cities large and
small, you can find Red-tails perched on
building ledges or utility poles with
their eyes fixed to the ground scanning
for prey. Incidentally, Pale Male, the
famous New York Central Park hawk,
is a Red-tailed Hawk.
A generalist species when it comes to
food, Red-tailed Hawks will eat most
anything that moves and occasionally
resort to scavenging roadkill or other
fallen critters. Bold as they can be,
Red-tails will steal prey from other
raptors. Their main prey items include
medium-sized rodents like chipmunks,
gophers, squirrels, rats, as well as rabbits,
pheasants, quail, ducks, and even snakes.
You might occasionally see a Red-tail
Photo by Jim Stewart
10 Pope Farm Conservancy • WINTER 2019-2020LED HAWKS
tearing flesh out of a deer carcass along hawk deaths are attributed to human-
the roadside. related causes, including poaching.
If you come across a perched stubborn Red-tails are also susceptible to West
Red-tail that doesn’t flush or fly away, Nile virus with infested prey as the most
you may want to give it some space common transmission vector.
and observe it for a while. This type of Though there can be limited migration
tolerance to human presence is often during spring and fall, Wisconsin’s
indicative of a hawk that has cornered Red-tailed Hawks typically remain with
prey and is waiting for it to reemerge. us year-round. Those that do migrate
Patience may render a grizzly display of south will often be absent only for a few
the circle of life! weeks, or until the weather improves for
As an apex predator, Red-tails have hunting opportunities. The best time to
little to worry about as an adult. If they watch and photograph Red-tails at Pope
are taken by another predator it’s usually Farm Conservancy is during spring and
when they’re nestlings at unattended early summer when adults are tending
nests. Other animals known to eat hawk to their young. Check for them perched
nestlings include American Crows and in the oaks or soaring above the rolling
Great Horned Owls. Sadly, most adult prairies!
Photo by Mike McDowell
Photo by Jim Stewart
www.popefarmconservancy.org 11A
An incredible natural phenomenon Farm Conservancy occurred during monarch tagging project for the
occurred at Pope Farm Conservancy the early morning and evening hours. Madison Audubon Society.
last fall. Thousands upon thousands Since monarchs only migrate during “Since we began tagging monarchs
of migrating monarch butterflies were the day, it’s common to see them clu- in 2012, this has been a record year
seen feeding on wildflowers in the ster in the trees at night. The daytime for monarch migration at Goose
prairies and congregating in dense clusters occurred when the weather Pond,” says Martin. With close to 220
roosts in the Burr Oak trees across was breezy, cool, or rainy. volunteers, they successfully tagged
from the Sunflower field. Monarchs It’s easy to see why monarchs 2,100 monarchs in only nine tagging
have been known to migrate through would be attracted to this location. sessions.
this area from late August through Pope Farm Conservancy provides “We even conducted 20 roost
mid-September, but local naturalists an ideal habitat for these migrating counts with an average of 920
who have tagged monarchs here for insects. The trees provide both shelter monarchs. On September 9, there
years have never seen numbers like from the wind and respite at night, was a record of 1,800 monarchs all in
this! while the prairies supply food during a single spruce tree buffered from the
Reports of migrating monarchs at the day. As the prairies at PFC have wind. On the morning of September
Pope Farm Conservancy began in late matured over the years, there is now 16, we counted another 1,800!”
August. On August 30, an increase in an abundance of Stiff goldenrod, While these observations may
monarch butterfly activity was noted Showy goldenrod, a variety of asters, tell us that it was a really good year
in the Wheatfield prairie where the Field thistle, and showy Blazing Star. for monarch butterflies, the official
butterflies were seen nectaring on The monarchs feed upon the nectar- tally of this year’s Eastern monarch
field thistle. rich flowers of these native plants. population will not be known until
On September 13, we received an This type of habitat is essential for mid-winter.
astonishing photo (shown on page monarchs to build up the fat reserves PJ Liesch, director of the UW-
13) from FOPFC member Barbara they need to survive not only the Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab,
Esser who frequents the PFC trails migration but the five-month over- explains that “scientists have to
all year round. She wrote, “On this wintering period in Mexico. estimate the area occupied by the
windy afternoon, I caught a sight I Visitors to Pope Farm Conservancy densely-packed monarchs down in
had never seen before. Hundreds of were not the only ones to witness this Mexico to assess the population.”
monarchs hanging from the oaks epic monarch migration. A similar A sustained population of 6 hectares
across from the sunflowers! Another phenomenon was seen at Goose (about 15 acres) is the target for
sign that PFC is both biologically Pond Sanctuary, near Arlington, monarch recovery.
beautiful and important.” Wisconsin. Mark Martin, resident “Last year’s overwintering tally was
Many of the roosts observed at Pope manager at the sanctuary, leads the strong—nearly 10 times higher than
Photo by Paul Ludden
12 Pope Farm Conservancy • WINTER 2019-2020FEATURE
MONARCHS BY Janie Starzewski
THOUSANDS
BY
THE
AT Pope Farm Conservancy
the record-low numbers of the winter of increasing survival and potentially
2013-14,” says Liesch. “We won’t know decreasing time between generations.”
just how well the monarchs did this “Conditions were also good in the
year until the next population report is northern breeding grounds,” adds
released in January 2020.” Karen Oberhauser, Director of the UW-
Photo by Barbara Esser
Madison Arboretum and a recognized
Why was 2019 such a good year expert on monarch butterflies. “It was
for monarchs? wet, but not too wet, so milkweed and
“A few factors bode well for the nectar plants were in good condition,
Eastern monarch population,” says and there weren’t many rainy days that
Jennifer Thieme, Regional Monitoring prevented monarchs from flying. It was
Coordinator at Monarch Joint Venture. warm, but not too warm. Extremely hot
“First, 2018 saw the highest population conditions slow monarch development population. In a recent MLMP newsletter,
of Eastern monarchs in over a decade, and can lead to higher mortality, and Oberhauser writes: “MLMP data show
which gave them an advantage starting cool conditions also slow development. us that 2019 was good for monarchs
this year.” Fast development minimizes the time through-out their breeding range. We
Other factors, such as weather con- that monarchs spend in their vulnerable received reports of high numbers of eggs
ditions and food sources during the egg and larva stages, and allow faster and larvae throughout the spring and
monarchs’ breeding season also play a generation time. With more generations, summer. In Minnesota, Wisconsin and
role in the overall health and abundance monarch numbers can increase more Michigan, peak July or August densities
of these butterflies. Thieme goes on to during the summer.” of eggs and larvae reached over 0.4;
explain that “this year, the Eastern U.S. Oberhauser also leads the Monarch on average, 4 out of 10 plants checked
had favorable weather conditions for Larva Monitoring Project (MLMP), by observers had a monarch on them.
monarch reproduction. In the south, the a citizen science project which gives Values were similarly high in 2018.”
spring was quite warm, which can lead to scientists a bigger and better under- All of these reports are indeed a hope-
faster development of larvae, ultimately standing of the health of the monarch ful sign that with continued conservation
efforts, the monarch populations will
continue to rebound and stay strong.
Restoring native habitat, planting
To learn more about monarch tracking and milkweed, and participating in citizen
conservation efforts, check out these websites:
science projects like monarch tagging
• Journey North – An online citizen science platform that engages educators are just a few of the ways that we can
and the general public in a global study of wildlife migration and seasonal
change. https://journeynorth.org/monarchs/ contribute to monarch conservation.
• Monarch Watch Tagging Program – A citizen science project that helps The Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy
understand the dynamics of the monarchs’ fall migration through mark and invite you to join our monarch tagging
recapture. https://monarchwatch.org/
sessions each fall. It’s well worth your
• Monarch Larva Monitoring Project – A program in which volunteer time to help save this iconic black
citizen scientists collect and report real scientific data on monarch egg and
larval distribution and abundance from their monarch breeding habitats. and orange butterfly. You may even
https://monarchlab.org/mlmp/ get to see the extraordinary sight of a
fall roost!
Photo by Cassius J. Callender
www.popefarmconservancy.org 13FEATURE
HOW YOU CAN HELP
POLLINATORS
IN Pope Farm Conservancy
By Susan Carpenter
Bumble Bee on systemically
treated sunflower at Pope
Farm Conservancy.
(Photo by Jack Sherman)
14 Pope Farm Conservancy • WINTER 2019-2020W
Winter is a cold and quiet time in the native pollinators. corn, soybeans, and sunflowers), a soil
Conservancy, our yards and gardens, • Create and manage healthy habitat: drench, or injected (for example, on ash
and across the Wisconsin landscape. Plant many, diverse native flowers that trees). The long-lasting insecticide moves
But life is simply dormant in plant provide blooms in sequence through- throughout the plant as it grows, and
crowns, buds, roots, seeds, pupae, out the season. Ornamental flowers remains in plant parts. These insecticides
overwintering adult insects, larvae, that are not invasive (such as zinnias or can be present in pollen and nectar. They
eggs, nests, and hibernacula. annual sunflowers) can also provide nectar are not specific to certain pests, but will
Wisconsin has many types of and pollen. Avoid invasive non-native harm beneficial insects and pollinators.
pollinators, but the most effective are species that compete and reduce plant Consult the Xerces Society of Invertebrate
bees. There are 500 species of native diversity. Conservation website and resources for
bees in the state, from tiny specialist • Provide nesting and overwintering much more detail.
bees that use only one native flower opportunities: Leave leaf piles, Here are some specific recommenda-
species, to large generalist bees like compost, hollow logs, hollow stems tions that apply to the PFC landscape,
bumble bees that forage on flowers from and branches, clumps of bunch grass, based on Xerces Society research and
spring through fall. When female bees loose soil free of mulch or landscaping publications:
visit flowers, they collect pollen, which fabric—these are just some of the •W hen buying seed or plants, make
is used to feed the young larvae in places where stem-nesting or ground- sure that they are not pre-treated
colonies. For solitary species, the females -nesting native bees will lay eggs or with systemic insecticides.
provide pollen with each egg that will begin their colonies in spring. • S top the use of these insecticides in
later hatch to feed on that pollen thro- • Learn which pollinators live in your areas where imperiled species live.
ughout development. Adult bees (male area and join monitoring projects to •P rotect waterways and aquatic life by
and female) feed on nectar as an energy learn more about which pollinators not using systemic insecticides.
source. live in the Conservancy or in your own •D o not use insecticides for aesthetic
Pope Farm Conservancy is home to garden. Monitor bumble bees through reasons.
the federally endangered rusty patched the WDNR project, Bumble Bee By following these guidelines and
bumble bee and many other pollinator Brigade. They offer trainings, will learning more about how to protect
species. The prairies, savannas, and confirm or correct your bumble bee pollinators, you can make a difference.
gardens provide pollinator habitat. identifications, and provide many Be a friend to pollinators.
Bumble bees visiting the Conservancy resources on their website.
Editor’s note: Susan Carpenter is
could be nesting and foraging on nearby • Eliminate the use of insecticides,
an expert on pollinators, and has
land as well. Land managers and especially systemic ones. Systemic documented the existence of the
homeowners alike can take action to insecticides are applied as a seed endangered Rusty Patch Bumble
protect and support these important coating (for example, on crops like Bee at Pope Farm Conservancy.
Protecting the Pollinators in Other
Area Parks and Conservancies
How do other local municipalities protect around the world are beginning to ban protect the pollinator population by
pollinators from neonicotinoid pesticides the use of this product, including some instituting a long-term program to
in their parks or conservancies? states in the U.S. eliminate neonicotinoids from lands
“Neonicotinoids are a group of in- controlled by Dane County Parks.
secticides used widely on farms City of Madison Parks Darren Marsh, Parks Director of Dane
and in urban landscapes. They are According to Eric Knepp, Madison County Parks, said “We have prioriti-
absorbed by plants and can be pre- Parks Superintendent, a great deal zed areas in our park system, such as
sent in pollen and nectar, making them of effort has been made to eliminate prairies and wildlife habitat, where we
toxic to bees. Four years ago, there the threat of neonicotinoids to the have begun to eliminate neonics
was uncertainty about the impact pollinator population. “All neonicotinoid to help our pollinator population.
these insecticides were having on use has been eliminated in developed There is some neonic pesticide use
bees. Research published since then Madison parks,” Knepp says. Currently, by farmers on non-developed land and
clearly shows how neonicotinoids the city is working on removing neonics recent land acquisition sites, but the
are killing bees or changing their from all Madison cemeteries and golf long-term goal is to eliminate the use
behaviors”... Xerces Society of Inverte- courses. According to Knepp, “We are of neonics there, as well.”
brate Conservation website. Given this making progress and are determined Town of Middleton
research, attitudes about the impact to totally eliminate neonics on lands We do not know if the Town of
of neonicotinoids on pollinators have under our control.” Middleton will continue to allow the
changed, and this includes the Friends Dane County Parks use of this product in its parks and
of Pope Farm Conservancy. Countries Dane County Parks are working to conservancies.
www.popefarmconservancy.org 15Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy 10333 Blackhawk Road Middleton, WI 53562 Visit Our Website: www.popefarmconservancy.org Like Us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/friendsofpopefarmconservancy
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