Creating your own little piece of nature

With the completion of the QRWA classroom, our intention for that space is to be a meeting place; a place to share ideas, information and learning. 

With that in mind we have established our 2012 Speaker Series, an opportunity to learn about different animals and environments in an informal, relax atmosphere of our classroom. 

Our inaugural speaker was the QRWA’s own Peter Picone, Wildlife Biologist, with a presentation entitled, “Enhancing Habitat for Songbirds Using Native Plants,” on Tuesday, January 10.

Peter delighted the packed audience with the wisdom of his experience, sharing information about numerous creatures and their environments.  He addressed how we all are our own ‘habitat managers’, caretakers of space that can be enhance to encourage nature to renew and thrive, regardless of the size.  He gave us insight to the habits of various creatures from birds to insects to animals, what they do and don’t do, depending on the season. 

One hundred years ago, the state of Connecticut was pretty barren with very little trees, because of the extensive clearing of the fields for farming, the mainstay of almost everyone at that time.  More recently in 2002, Connecticut is estimated to be 59% forested.  But every action has its consequences, both positive and negative, and this is especially true in nature.  Wildlife, Peter explained, chooses to adapt, leave or die, when their habitats are threatened.  Science is always uncovering examples of how nature has adapted to changes in the environment, finding evidence of movement of species and sadly, documented the demise of numerous creatures. 

At one point the discussion turned to invasive plants and Peter show numerous pictures of invasive species gone wild and the detrimental impact in has on the environment, specifically, the Asian Longhorn Beetle or Dutch Elm trees.  Rather he stressed the importance of having a variety of plants, flowers bushes, tress and grasses, all of which allows for a diversity of creatures who will be attracted to the different species as well as minimizing the impact on any one species. 

All creatures needs some form of water, food, shelter and space.  This balance is constantly being readjusted as these components are fluxuating due to changes in the environment.  Be an observer of nature to determining when this is happening and perhaps you can become a ‘citizen science’ and document the change in progress.

We all have the ability to create our own little special place of nature.  It could be as simple as planting more native plants, creating a hummingbird garden or leaving a buffer zone near the water. 

To learn more about the upcoming events, news and programs visit our web site at www.qrwa.org.  Or better yet, become a member, dues are $20 for individual membership and $30 for families; we give a discount membership to students and Senior Citizens.  As a member you will receive advance notices of events and programs and special invites to selected programs exclusive to members. 

Upcoming QRWA Events:

Tuesday, February 7^th, 7:00 pm.  2012 Speaker Series with Jon D’Arpino, licensed CT falconer, with a presentation entitled, “Falconry in Connecticut”, light refreshments served.

Wednesday, February 8^th, 6:30 pm.  QRWA Board Meeting, the public is invited to attend.

Saturday, February 11^th, 9:00 am.  Eagle Seminar and Watch, with Julie Victoria, retired Wildlife Biologist of the CT DEEP, sponsored by Pratt & Whitney.  Listen to eagle expert Julie and then go outside to see if the eagles are on Hanover Pond.  Dress for the weather.

Sunday, February 12^th, 1:30 pm.  Winter Hike with Wildlife Biologist Peter Picone.  Dress for the weather and meet at the end of Banton Street in North Haven, CT. 

Be sure to visit our web site at www.qrwa.org to confirm information, dates and times for upcoming events. 

QRWA provides wateractivities, events in education, outreach, advocacy, scientific monitoring, conservation, restoration, recreation and public access to the watershed area.  The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to restore the Quinnipiac for the health and enjoyment of all citizens and communities along its reach and to educate all students, families, individuals, businesses and governments to be informed stewards of the river. 

Thank you for your support and remember your donations are tax deductable.