Zebra mussels: Good, the bad and the ugly

With all of the negative press regarding the species, you might find it jarring to read anything positive about zebra mussels, particularly anything written by a biologist. Discussing positive effects of invaders is practically taboo. We don’t speak ill of the dead; we never praise invasive species. I’m certainly not advocating zebra mussel propagation, but like them or not, they are here to stay. These mussels are an important part of European ecosystems, and it’s interesting to consider what native organisms benefit from their presence.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.burlingtonfreepress.com

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Spiny Softshell Turtle Nesting Beach Work Day

Spiny Softshell Turtle Nesting Beach Work Day

North Hero State Park is the location for the Spiny Softshell Turtle Nesting Beach Work Day, when the turtles will be moved to other sites. The work takes place October 24th, starts between 10 and 11 and will continue into the late afternoon from 10-3.

 

Turtles - Spiny Softshell, Painted, and Map

Turtles – Spiny Softshell, Painted, and Map
Photo by Steve Parren

About the Spiny Softshell Turtle

The Spiny Softshell Turtle is a threatened species in Vermont, and Steve Parren, Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist, has worked for the preservation and protection of this species for many years.  Join Steve and others for an enjoyable and satisfying workday, as they remove plant growth on some rare stretches of Spiny Softshell nesting beach, preparing for the turtle egg-laying season next June. These same beaches are also host to Map, Painted, and Snapping Turtles.

IMG_2460

Snapping turtle hatchling next to my granddaughter Gabby’s foot.
Photo taken in North Hero, Vermont by Molly McHugh

While most of the hatchlings will have emerged from their nests and into the lake by the end of September, some late hatching young of other turtle species may still be underground. Sometimes these hatchlings are seen as plants are pulled from the shale pebble beaches.  That late in the season, the lake will be too cold for the baby turtles, so they are usually brought indoors for the winter.

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center cares for some young Spiny Softshells each year to give them a head start on life.  They will overwinter at the aquarium, and in the process become part of the regular educational programming at ECHO.

What to bring: Bring warm clothes in layers, work gloves, and rain gear if needed.  You can bring a leaf rake, but otherwise, only short-handled tools, a trowel and/or a hand cultivator.  Bring lunch.  Bring kids.  Bring friends.

Families always welcome: Steve will bring some baby Spiny Softshell turtles (and other turtle species), and will discuss their biology and what we need to do to promote their recovery.

Directions: Route 2 north past Carry Bay in N. Hero.  Right on Lakeview Drive, just before Rt 2 swings west toward Alburg.  Follow Lakeview almost to the end.  North Hero State Park entrance and sign on left.  Drive to end, always bearing right.  Please arrive between 10 and 11 AM.

Contact: Eric Lazarus, 288-9570 or lazarericus@gmail.com

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Burlington looks to ban smoking at parks and beaches

Burlington looks to ban smoking at parks and beaches

Sourced through Scoop.it from: vtdigger.org

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Lake Champlain

This 128-page softcover book features stunning historical images from the archives of Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and other regional collections, and includes chapters on Patriotic Sites and Celebrations; Commerce in the Canal Era; The Age of Steam; Crossing Lake Champlain; Recreational Boating; Summer and Summer Folk; Hunting and Fishing; and Winter. ‘Lake Champlain’ tells the story of this historic, busy commercial corridor and recreational destination.

Buy Here

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Dead Creek Wildlife Day 2015

Dead Creek Wildlife Day 2015

Dead Creek Wildlife Day is Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area in Addison, Vermont.

Dead Creek Wildlife Day 2015 offers something for everyone. It’s a day will filled with wildlife demonstrations and guided nature walks. All are welcome for an hour or to stay for the day!

Dead Creek Wildlife Day

Dead Creek Wildlife Day activities will include:

  • Bird Banding
  • Decoy Carving
  • Hunting Dog Handling
  • Fishing Tips and How-tos
  • Live Critters of New England
  • Building Blue Bird Boxes
  • Face Painting
  • Nature Art and Crafts

Free Admission and Parking

View event schedule here

 

Dead Creek Day Cooking Contest

A special new feature this year is the Dead Creek Day Cooking Contest – looking for the best wild game recipe!

E-mail your recipe to Nicole at Nicole.Meier@Vermont.gov with “Dead Creek Day Cooking Contest” in the subject line or call 802-828-1193.

All entrants will need to provide their own way to keep their contest entry warm. Judging will be done by anonymous ballot. Tickets will be distributed upon entry.

Voting and tasting will occur from 2pm-3pm. Winners will be announced at 3pm

 

Where is Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area?

Dead Creek WMA is on VT Rte. 17 about one mile west of the junction of Routes 22A and17 in Addison, Vermont.

For more information call (802) 828-1000.
Get a map and directions…


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