Ancient Oaks Seedlings Our Seasonal Newletter
Autumn 2015 Volume 1 Issue 2
Recent Events & Activities
Fabulous Fireflies
Both kids and their grown-ups enjoyed this special fireworks show. Board member Mary Kozub revealed the secret life of fireflies, then, as darkness fell, everyone was dazzled by the firefly light show in Old Mill Grove Park.
Kuechmann Park The Village had the mulch. Neighbors had the muscle. Ancient Oaks Foundation put them together to clear and chip the paths in Kuechmann Park. Popular with runners and walkers, the main path connects Old Rand Road and Lorraine Drive. Join us on November 1, 1 pm for Park Cleanup. Add your name to our email list info@ancientoaksfoundation.org for more information and updates
Monarchs and Margaritas
Approximately 50 nature lovers gathered to celebrate Ancient Oaks Foundation’s 1ST birthday, to enjoy the splendid weather and savory snacks, and learn from speaker Vince Mosca of Hey and Associates that monarch butterflies and tequila come from the same patch of Mexico. Raffles, auctions, and a birthday cake added to the festivities. Special thanks to our members, sponsors, and Three Cheers Events.
Upcoming Events & Activities
Kuechmann Park Cleanup, Nov. 1, 1 pm- 3 pm 626 Old Rand Rd.
Coyotes by the Campfire
Sunday, November 15, 6 pm to 7:30 pm
These interesting creatures are here to stay so join us as we gather around the campfire to find out more about our local residents. The coyote has been the subject of legends both ancient and urban. We will listen to stories and explore new studies about coyotes. Then we will listen for their calls and see if our yelps and howls with get a response. There is no fee, but adults and families with youth 8 yrs. and up must preregister through the Parks and Recreation Department of the Village of Lake Zurich for class # 357218-A
Treemendous Trivia
The Columbus Centre, 365 Surryse Rd. Lake Zurich
Saturday, January 23, 7 pm – 10 pm
Are You Smarter Than An Acorn? It’s time to prove it at our trivia night fun and fundraiser. Emcee Chip Brewster, LZHS grad and currently Milwaukee Fox6 roving reporter, promises to add his pizazz to the fun and games. A cash bar and FREE food will chase await your winter blues. Start gathering your team today! You’ll find updated info at our website: ancientoaksfoundation.org click on Events
Owl Walk
Saturday, January 9, 6:30 to 8 pm Get wise about owls! You’ll learn about how and where owls live, meet owls in person, and take a short night hike to spot some of these magnificent birds. There is no fee, but adults and families with youth 6+ yrs. must preregister through the Parks and Recreation Department of the Village of Lake Zurich.
Ongoing Projects
Oak Ridge Marsh Nature Park
500 Lions Drive
Walkers and joggers on the Echo Lake loop will appreciate the completion of the trail chipping. It’s all thanks to the energetic group from Northwest Family Church. They pitched in to finish chipping the path and drag out brush. Scout Jason Grzonka is the person to thank for the sturdy new announcement kiosk and improvements to the wetland walkway.
Community Services Building
505 Telser Road
The wetland north of the parking lot was earlier cleared of weeds, invasive plants, and garbage. This multi-year project is in its early phases. In partnership with the Village and McGinty Brothers, weed regrowth is being monitored, and native species reintroduced in the fall. This restored area will improve runoff management as well as provide a habitat for birds and butterflies.
125 N. Old Rand Road
This project just got bigger!! It now reaches from the original prairie patch to the sidewalk access to Lakeview Place. Ancient Oaks Foundation, the Village, and the townhouse developers will work together to restore this neglected area. Thanks to Jan Papa of Blue Stem Ecological Services for sharing her expertise about the time, procedures, and materials that the project will require.
Why do leaves change color?
As summer turns to fall and the days grow shorter, the trees that have been providing us shade from the warm summer sun are approaching a change. A brief display of leaf color is their final show before a long winter’s hibernation. Falling leaves mean more than raking or cleaning gutters. There’s a logical reason for what is happening.
The trees are completing their cycle and depositing their leaves back into the soil to decompose and fuel next year’s growth. “That makes sense,” you might say, “but why do they change color?” The main purpose of a leaf is to gather the sun’s rays and provide energy for the tree, a process known as photosynthesis. As autumn days grow shorter, the leaves’ ability to take in the sun’s energy shortens as well. The green color of the leaf is made of a pigment called chlorophyll. As fall takes hold, the chlorophyll breaks down; the green color disappears, leaving behind less dominant pigments of yellow, reds and orange. In northern Illinois most of our native trees begin change color in mid-October.
The fall color show may be better in some years and less in others. Several factors are involved: the amount of rainfall received, the temperature, and amount of cloud cover. As daylight continues to shorten, leaf color continues to fade and the leaf veins that carry sap to the tree close. Without sap, the leaf loses its connection to the branch and falls.
Some trees are an exception. Because their leaf veins never fully detach from the branches, the leaves remain on the tree through winter. When next year’s leaf buds begin to form, it’s time for the old leaves to fall, continuing the cycle of life and regeneration.
Hands-0n Biology
Trinity International University students asked us if we could help them complete an outdoor practicum as part of their biology class. We love sharing our knowledge of Midwest habitats with others, so of course we said YES. Mary Kozub presented a unit on Midwest wildlife: mammals, amphibians, birds, insects and reptiles. The group was fascinated by the many new things they learned and a short walk over to the Nature Park showed them evidence of the wildlife they had just discussed.
Membership
Do you know somebody like you who cares about Lake Zurich’s woodlands and natural areas? Please tell them about Ancient Oaks Foundation!
Different levels and types of membership are available or you can give a one- time donation. We accept checks made out to Ancient Oaks Foundation or you can use the secure PayPal account found on our website. Visit ancientoaksfoundation.org for information about our 501(c) 3 tax deductible sponsorship levels.
Our Volunteer workdays are (mostly) on the first and third Saturday of each month but special workdays are often called. Join our email list at info@ancientoaksfoundation.org for more information, updates and changes.
Contact Us
We are a 501©3 tax-deductible foundation dedicated to preserving Lake Zurich’s natural beauty.
52 Robertson Ave, Lake Zurich IL 60047
Email: info@ancientoaksfoundation.org
Phone: .1-224-286-1312
Website: ancientoaksfoundation.org
Thanks to these local businesses and individuals for their contribution to “Monarchs and Margaritas”
Blue Violet Salon- Libertyville Mary and Paul Kozub
Foglia YMCA Mike and Sarah Kleeman
Fred and Suzanne Branding Pulsation Yoga
Gluten Free Mom Sport Clips
Hand and Stone Massage Three Cheers Events
Jim and Mary Mihelic John and Judi Thode
Kick It Up Coaching – Sandy Smith Trader Joes
The Village of Lake Zurich Parks and Recreation Department
Welcome new members!
Thank You for helping AOF preserve Lake Zurich’s Natural Beauty!
Shirley Garrison in honor of Scott Garrison, AOF’s Volunteer of the Year!
Craig and Pam Taylor Tom and Jan Poynton
Reva James Dorinda Campbell
Steve Wenzel Plumbing Tony and Sophia Mizdrak
Chris and Pam Wilson Rob Neff
Ellie Springfield Kent and Sandy Smith
Marcia Stevenson Shirley Farano
Leif and Susan Modig Joel and Carla Nelson
LInda Rough Vince and Robin Mosca
The Ploogs Susan Moyer
The Troutmans Janet Barron
The Benedyks Allen and Amber Borg
The O Garas Jim and Jan Papa
Steve and Lynn Miller Roland and Nancy Hogg
Shirley Maus- Discover 22 Mike and Sarah Kleeman
Brittany Smith Thode Jim and Mary Mihelic
Linda Wirth Paul and Mary Kozub
Mr and Mrs Renner Kelly and Alex Johnson
Mr and Mrs. Burger Carl and Debbie Lind
Henry Jacob Thode Sally Henning
Jerry and Kathleen Thode The Caceres’s
Meet the Fauna: Raccoon
Are your flower pots upset? Has your barbeque grill been molested? It’s likely that the culprit is your neighbor: a raccoon.
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are familiar creatures in the Midwest. In fact, their habitat extends from Canada all the way to South America. They measure about three feet long, including a foot-long bushy tail, and about 12 -15” tall and can weigh from 15- 45 lbs. The characteristic black mask is surrounded by gray or brown fur. Rear legs are longer than their front ones, which results in a somewhat ‘hunched’ appearance and a waddling gait. Raccoons will eat anything, including your garbage. Their five very dexterous front toes let them get into just about anything. They aren’t fussy about living quarters either. Most often they are in a hollow tree or fallen log, but they also like chimneys, attics, crawl spaces, backyard sheds and the underside of decks.
In northern climate, raccoons spend the summer eating and the winter sleeping. When the weather starts to warm in March or April, it’s mating time. Gestation is about 65 days and mama raccoon can produce from one to seven kits per litter.
Raccoons are nocturnal, so close encounters are few. But experts warn people to be careful. Raccoons may be cute, but if they feel threatened or cornered, they can be vicious. Best advice:
DON’T FEED THEM.
Leaving pet food outdoors is a no-no. If you keep your garbage cans outside, make sure that lids are well secured. These masked bandits have even been spotted using pet doors to get inside for a free meal.
Because they are in the middle of the food chain, raccoons not only eat, but are eaten. Predators include cougars, bobcats, coyotes and domestic dogs. Eagles and owls seek out the kits. Cars, trappers and hunters account for many more. But these adaptable creatures continue to thrive, having taken easily to the urban jungle with its many sources of food and shelter.
Meet the Flora: Goldenrod
Sneezing? Itching? Crying? Don’t blame goldenrod. The native that gilds every field in autumn is often blamed for seasonal allergies. What’s making you miserable is likely another plant, ragweed. Both bloom around the same time, but goldenrod’s flowers catch the eye and ragweed’s do not.
In fact, goldenrod has been used to treat all sorts of ailments. In folk medicine, goldenrod has been applied to the skin to heal wounds, served as a diuretic, and used to treat tuberculosis, diabetes, gout, internal bleeding, asthma, and arthritis.
Insects, too, benefit from goldenrod. Bees, wasps, flies, spiders, butterflies… nearly every insect with an interest in flowers will stop by for a visit. And waiting for them are the insect that eat insects.
Golden rod is a common perennial in both Europe and North America. Below are some of the species that you might encounter in Illinois.
Canada or Tall Goldenrod This is the most common and weedy goldenrod in Illinois. Wasps and flies are especially fond of these flowers.
Early Goldenrod The earliest blooming goldenrod is a slender plant with a delicate, graceful appearance.
Field Goldenrod This small goldenrod is a late bloomer. Identify it by its narrow, wand-like flower stalk and by looking for short, fine hairs on both the leaves and central stem.
Showy Goldenrod No teeth (leaves), no hair (stems), but this goldenrod sports the prettiest flower of the bunch with its erect golden plume.