My thoughts about the Winged Mapleleaf Mussel (Quadrula fragosa) –
From knowing nearly nothing about molluscs, I’ve become a big fan! I’ve learned so many interesting facts through my research and all the time I’ve spent observing and trying to do them justice in my paintings, capturing the subtleties of their patterns and shapes. Here are some facts – sobering, interesting amusing…
Did you know that the Midwest once had the greatest diversity of mussels in the world? Now, 43% of these are endangered, making this group of animals the most in danger of becoming extinct in North America. The Winged Mapleleaf Mussel is only one of many of these nearly lost creatures.
On the lighter side, the names of the different mussels can be quite amusing - monkeyface, sheepnose, elephant ear, wartyback, snuffbox, spectacle case, pistolgrip – like characters in a Mollusc Charles Dickens novel. Their names are so descriptive I can’t help but think that mollusc specialists must be amusing too.
Did you know that Winged Mapleleaf mussels have complicated lifecycles? Sperm in the water is taken in through the female’s gills. The larvae, called glochidia, then have to attach to specific host fish – blue and channel catfish - to further develop. When they do, they drop off to mature at the river bottom.
I also didn’t know that Winged Mapleleaf mussels are relatively long-lived – take this college-aged 22 year old found in the St. Croix River!
Although these mussels live in a river, mussels always make me think of shells, and shells the ocean, where all life on Earth began. Let’s work together to ensure that Winged Mapleleaf mussels have a lot more life ahead of them!!
Here’s where you can go, to become as fascinated and charmed by mussels as I am, and find out ways to help save them:
1. To learn some basic facts about the Winged Mapleleaf, go here:
www.inhs.uiuc.edu/cbd/musselmanual/page28_9.html dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/invertebrates/mussels/wingedmaple.htm
www.fws.gov/midwest/Endangered/clams/winge_fc.html - I like their slogan: learn, join, protect
www.fws.gov/Midwest/fisheries/topic-wingedmapleleaf.htm
2 To get excellent overviews, explore here:
Many of these sites are from the US Fish and Wildlife Service:
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/genoa/mussel_recovery.html - My favorite!! Gives an interesting history of how mussels were and are used (cancer research!), as well as lifecycle and conservation efforts, and their important place in the food web
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/mussel/threatened.html - Facts on diversity & extinction
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Endangered/clams/index.html - Amusing mussel names & conservation info
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/mussel/ - Great general guide
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/mussel/threatened.html - Funny mussel names
http://news.fws.gov/mussels.html - Mussels as a cultural legacy, as well as biological and conservation info
One from the National Park Service:
http://www.nature.nps.gov/water/mussels.htm - Great overview
One from your WI DNR:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/invertebrates/mussels/ - Funny mussel names
3. To find out more about what’s being done to help save the Winged Mapleleaf, investigate here:
http://www.wisconsinrivers.org/index.php?id=83&mode=view&page=content - Grass roots organization dedicated to stopping habitat loss and degradation, from dam impoundments which alter the river’s natural flow, dredging and polluted runoff, and ridding the river of the invasive zebra mussel – Donate to this worthy organization!
http://www.macalester.edu/~hornbach/winged.mapleleaf/index.html - A college doing research to help learn about & protect these mussels
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/LaCrosseFisheries/mapleleaf.html - Photos and conservation info; a behind the scenes look on the captive breeding of the winged maple leaf
http://www.peoplelandandwater.gov/fws/03-29-07_fws_hatchery-biologist-chosen.cfm - A story of the hard work and collaboration among biologists from the Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, state conservation agencies of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, and academic interests to help captive breed the winged maple leaf mussel. The story begins with the USGS’s discovery of the host-fish species of the winged maple leaf mussel, ending with the first-ever captive propagation of the winged mapleleaf. In 2007, they infested 600 channel catfish with an amazing 120,000 glochidia!
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/genoa/monthly activities.html - See 2nd story, about the La Crosse National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office educating young people about the dangers of pharmaceuticals in our waters – they cause male fish to produce eggs and prematurely eject the mussel larvae.
4. If you truly become enamored of mussels, you can join others like you in these professional societies:
American Malacological Society http://erato.acnatsci.org/ams/
Conchologists of America http://www.conchologistsofamerica.org/home/
Freshwater Mollusc Conservation Society http://ellipse.inhs.uiuc.edu/FMCS/
5. I’ll end with some practical suggestions:
If you live near or boat on the St. Croix River, oppose development and dam management that would effect this river! Join your local conservation groups and donate to your local DNR. Vote for politicians who are conservation-conscious! When boating, ensure that you’re not further spreading the zebra mussel (http://www.nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/upload/zebra%20mussels.pdf ). Find out where to drop off your toxins such as medicine, paint, and car oil. Do not use pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers on your lawn and garden.
Even if you don’t live near the St. Croix River, remember that what you do effects the wildlife living near you! Act accordingly! Properly dispose of the everyday wildlife toxins you use, such as medicines (in Dane County http://www.meddropdane.org/ ), paint and car oil (http://www.danecountycleansweep.com/ ) Support your WI DNR (http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/support/taxes.htm) and local conservation groups (http://wisconsin.sierraclub.org/ , http://www.madisonaudubon.org/audubon/ ) that are fighting to keep your wild neighbors safe! Help spread the word!!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
February's Featured WI Endangered Species: The Piping Plover
My thoughts about the Piping Plover:
Okay – I think these birds are cute! Many of you looking at my poster had this reaction too. Unlike the American Burying Beetle, saving Piping Plovers won’t be a hard sell. They, like the Beetle, are beautiful, unique in their behavior, form and function, and like all other living creatures deserve to exist. We have a responsibility to help them, as we are the cause of their being endangered! Here’s what you can do to help:
1. Learn more about Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) and why they are endangered.
2. Act to help the Piping Plovers that still exist stay alive, and raise a new generation of plovers!
Here is some information, and ways you can learn about and act to save the Piping Plover:
1. IMPORTANT UPDATE! Nesting Piping Plovers are now found in Wisconsin! They are in the Apostle Islands area on or near National Park Service lands, on Long Island and Chequamegon Point, places you might decide to go for a vacation. Together, these groups and individuals monitor and protect Piping Plover nests there:
a. National Park Service (http://www.nps.gov/apis/naturescience/birds.htm ), specifically the Apostle National Lakeshore (http://www.nps.gov/apis/ )
b. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/pipingplover/index.html ), which includes the (Ashland National Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office http://www.fws.gov/midwest/ashland/ )
c. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/factsheets/birds/plover.htm )
d. University of Minnesota’s Great Lakes Waterbird Research Program (http://www.waterbirds.umn.edu/Piping_Plovers/piping9.htm )
e. Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe
f. The Nature Conservancy
g. Private landowners
h. Some kids from Cedarburg, WI!
2. To find out more about this exciting partnership, go to WI DNR’s magazine: http://www.wnrmag.com/stories/2008/jun08/plovers.htm .The Ashland National Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office elaborates at http://www.fws.gov/Midwest/ashland/AccomRpt_FY07index.html , in an article called “Piping Plovers Once Again Utilizing the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore”. And for the very latest, check out the Fish & Wildlife Journal at http://www.fws.gov/arsnew/regmap.cfm?arskey=24686&callingKey=region&callingValue=3 .
3. You can help! While it’s true that Piping Plovers’ nests are enclosed to protect them from people and wildlife, the plovers can move freely entering and exiting the enclosures. Your actions can determine if they survive. While vacationing in Piping Plover habitat, keep your dogs on-leash, don’t bring food to the beach and dispose of garbage carefully to avoid attracting raccoons and foxes, and don’t use all-terrain vehicles. Be vigilant to avoid stepping on vulnerable plover chicks!
4. Be observant! If you see a new Piping Plover nest, or tagged or untagged plovers outside of their enclosures, contact these agencies so you can help them monitor and protect these plovers: the National Park Service Ecologist ((715) 779-3398, Ext. 211 (if seen on the Apostle Islands); WI DNR's Bureau of Endangered Resources, (608) 266-1571, and the University of Minnesota's Plover Team at plover@umn.edu or phone (612)-624-1202.
5. See if there are opportunities to be Piping Plover patrollers! Contact the National Park at http://www.nps.gov/apis/supportyourpark/volunteer.htm , and the US Fish & Wildlife Service at http://volunteer.gov/gov . Here is a similar opportunity in Michigan: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/pipingplover/volunteers.html (Some of these Michigan Plovers migrate to Wisconsin to live and breed!)
6. Find some very good general information about Piping Plovers at these great sites: Cornell University Lab of Ornithology’s http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Piping_Plover_dtl.html#fig1 , the Encyclopedia of Life’s http://eol.org/pages/1049343 , WI Bird Education Initiative’s http://www.wisconsinbirds.org/plan/species/pipl.htm , and the Center for Biological Diversity’s http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/birds/piping_plover/
7. Donate money to help Endangered Species through the WI DNR at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/support/taxes.htm . Find out how you can donate to the National Park Service’s partners at http://www.nps.gov/apis/supportyourpark/joinourfriends.htm .
8. Donate to and get involved with our local environmental organizations that fight to preserve natural spaces, such Madison Audubon Society, Madison Sierra Club, and the Madison Nature Conservancy. There are many bird enthusiasts at Audubon who would love to answer your questions and help you get involved!
9. Support politicians who oppose development in sensitive plover habitat. We can find other places to live and vacation. These endangered birds have very specific habitat requirements, and can not live in most places!
10. Live your life in a way that is respectful of other living creatures! When vacationing, be mindful that for Piping Plovers this land is necessary for their survival. Make your enjoyment of the beach encompass an enjoyment of them! I especially enjoy the way Piping Plovers sound and move, something I can’t capture in my painting. Listen to Wild Birds Unlimited’s recording of their “plaintive bell-like whistles” http://whatbird.wbu.com/obj/1001/_/Piping_Plover.aspx and this video http://www.videodouble.com/video/piping-plover-chicks-21416348/ to hear and see for yourself!
11. Let’s all work together, like the private and government agencies, as well as the private citizens of Ashland, Cedarburg, and the Bad Indian Reservation. Tell relatives, friends, and acquaintances about these unique creatures. Help change the world!!
Okay – I think these birds are cute! Many of you looking at my poster had this reaction too. Unlike the American Burying Beetle, saving Piping Plovers won’t be a hard sell. They, like the Beetle, are beautiful, unique in their behavior, form and function, and like all other living creatures deserve to exist. We have a responsibility to help them, as we are the cause of their being endangered! Here’s what you can do to help:
1. Learn more about Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) and why they are endangered.
2. Act to help the Piping Plovers that still exist stay alive, and raise a new generation of plovers!
Here is some information, and ways you can learn about and act to save the Piping Plover:
1. IMPORTANT UPDATE! Nesting Piping Plovers are now found in Wisconsin! They are in the Apostle Islands area on or near National Park Service lands, on Long Island and Chequamegon Point, places you might decide to go for a vacation. Together, these groups and individuals monitor and protect Piping Plover nests there:
a. National Park Service (http://www.nps.gov/apis/naturescience/birds.htm ), specifically the Apostle National Lakeshore (http://www.nps.gov/apis/ )
b. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/pipingplover/index.html ), which includes the (Ashland National Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office http://www.fws.gov/midwest/ashland/ )
c. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/factsheets/birds/plover.htm )
d. University of Minnesota’s Great Lakes Waterbird Research Program (http://www.waterbirds.umn.edu/Piping_Plovers/piping9.htm )
e. Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe
f. The Nature Conservancy
g. Private landowners
h. Some kids from Cedarburg, WI!
2. To find out more about this exciting partnership, go to WI DNR’s magazine: http://www.wnrmag.com/stories/2008/jun08/plovers.htm .The Ashland National Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office elaborates at http://www.fws.gov/Midwest/ashland/AccomRpt_FY07index.html , in an article called “Piping Plovers Once Again Utilizing the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore”. And for the very latest, check out the Fish & Wildlife Journal at http://www.fws.gov/arsnew/regmap.cfm?arskey=24686&callingKey=region&callingValue=3 .
3. You can help! While it’s true that Piping Plovers’ nests are enclosed to protect them from people and wildlife, the plovers can move freely entering and exiting the enclosures. Your actions can determine if they survive. While vacationing in Piping Plover habitat, keep your dogs on-leash, don’t bring food to the beach and dispose of garbage carefully to avoid attracting raccoons and foxes, and don’t use all-terrain vehicles. Be vigilant to avoid stepping on vulnerable plover chicks!
4. Be observant! If you see a new Piping Plover nest, or tagged or untagged plovers outside of their enclosures, contact these agencies so you can help them monitor and protect these plovers: the National Park Service Ecologist ((715) 779-3398, Ext. 211 (if seen on the Apostle Islands); WI DNR's Bureau of Endangered Resources, (608) 266-1571, and the University of Minnesota's Plover Team at plover@umn.edu or phone (612)-624-1202.
5. See if there are opportunities to be Piping Plover patrollers! Contact the National Park at http://www.nps.gov/apis/supportyourpark/volunteer.htm , and the US Fish & Wildlife Service at http://volunteer.gov/gov . Here is a similar opportunity in Michigan: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/pipingplover/volunteers.html (Some of these Michigan Plovers migrate to Wisconsin to live and breed!)
6. Find some very good general information about Piping Plovers at these great sites: Cornell University Lab of Ornithology’s http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Piping_Plover_dtl.html#fig1 , the Encyclopedia of Life’s http://eol.org/pages/1049343 , WI Bird Education Initiative’s http://www.wisconsinbirds.org/plan/species/pipl.htm , and the Center for Biological Diversity’s http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/birds/piping_plover/
7. Donate money to help Endangered Species through the WI DNR at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/support/taxes.htm . Find out how you can donate to the National Park Service’s partners at http://www.nps.gov/apis/supportyourpark/joinourfriends.htm .
8. Donate to and get involved with our local environmental organizations that fight to preserve natural spaces, such Madison Audubon Society, Madison Sierra Club, and the Madison Nature Conservancy. There are many bird enthusiasts at Audubon who would love to answer your questions and help you get involved!
9. Support politicians who oppose development in sensitive plover habitat. We can find other places to live and vacation. These endangered birds have very specific habitat requirements, and can not live in most places!
10. Live your life in a way that is respectful of other living creatures! When vacationing, be mindful that for Piping Plovers this land is necessary for their survival. Make your enjoyment of the beach encompass an enjoyment of them! I especially enjoy the way Piping Plovers sound and move, something I can’t capture in my painting. Listen to Wild Birds Unlimited’s recording of their “plaintive bell-like whistles” http://whatbird.wbu.com/obj/1001/_/Piping_Plover.aspx and this video http://www.videodouble.com/video/piping-plover-chicks-21416348/ to hear and see for yourself!
11. Let’s all work together, like the private and government agencies, as well as the private citizens of Ashland, Cedarburg, and the Bad Indian Reservation. Tell relatives, friends, and acquaintances about these unique creatures. Help change the world!!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
January's Featured WI Endangered Species: The American Burying Beetle
My thoughts about the American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus):
They’re beautiful, they’re unique in their behavior, form and function, they like all other living creatures deserve to exist, and we all have a responsibility to help them, as we are the cause of their being endangered! Here’s what you can do to help:
1. Learn more about the American Burying Beetle. Bugs are not icky! And they’re not monstrous! Some people asked me if my painting is life-sized. (No, the beetle is about 1.5 inches long). Others were glad these beetles are no longer found in Wisconsin.
2. Act to help breed more of these beetles, place them back in the wild, and preserve their habitat.
Here are some ways you can learn and act to save the American Burying Beetle:
1. IMPORTANT UPDATE! An entomologist told me that he believes there are still American Burying Beetles in Wisconsin! They most likely are found in more remote places, where scientists haven't yet surveyed. So, keep your eyes peeled! And, contact the UW-Madison's Entomology department (see info below), to let them know if you've found one.
2. Help change attitudes towards insects! You can find out more from the Insect Ambassadors Program, at www.entomology.wisc.edu/insectam/index.html . Or you can go to www.entomology.wisc.edu for more general information, and to find links to national entomology societies.
3. Explore and support the St. Louis Zoo and the further a field Roger Williams Park Zoo. Both zoos are rearing the beetles, with the goal of reintroducing them to their original habitats. See www.stlzoo.org/wildcareinstitute/centerforamericanburyingbe and http://www.rwpzoo.org/conservation/beetlerecovery.cfm .
4. Donate to and get involved with private environmental organizations that fight to preserve natural spaces, such as your local Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, and the Nature Conservancy. Shahla Werner, the Madison Sierra Club head, is an entomologist, and is especially knowledgeable and passionate about insects.
5. Find more about the beetle through your state government, the WI DNR.
Go to http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/invertebrates/beetles/amerburying.htm
On your state tax form, check the Endangered Resources Donation box, and your contribution will be matched by state funds. See http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/support/taxes.htm for more information.
6. Find out more from your federal government! See the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s website for more information on this beetle: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Endangered/insects/abb_fact.html .
7. While we’re talking about the government…support politicians who oppose sprawl. Let your votes do the talking!
8. Live your life in a way that is respectful of other living creatures! For example, don’t build your house in the country. Oppose developers who build homes in the country. Support your local organic farmers.
9. Spread the word to relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Help change the world!!
They’re beautiful, they’re unique in their behavior, form and function, they like all other living creatures deserve to exist, and we all have a responsibility to help them, as we are the cause of their being endangered! Here’s what you can do to help:
1. Learn more about the American Burying Beetle. Bugs are not icky! And they’re not monstrous! Some people asked me if my painting is life-sized. (No, the beetle is about 1.5 inches long). Others were glad these beetles are no longer found in Wisconsin.
2. Act to help breed more of these beetles, place them back in the wild, and preserve their habitat.
Here are some ways you can learn and act to save the American Burying Beetle:
1. IMPORTANT UPDATE! An entomologist told me that he believes there are still American Burying Beetles in Wisconsin! They most likely are found in more remote places, where scientists haven't yet surveyed. So, keep your eyes peeled! And, contact the UW-Madison's Entomology department (see info below), to let them know if you've found one.
2. Help change attitudes towards insects! You can find out more from the Insect Ambassadors Program, at www.entomology.wisc.edu/insectam/index.html . Or you can go to www.entomology.wisc.edu for more general information, and to find links to national entomology societies.
3. Explore and support the St. Louis Zoo and the further a field Roger Williams Park Zoo. Both zoos are rearing the beetles, with the goal of reintroducing them to their original habitats. See www.stlzoo.org/wildcareinstitute/centerforamericanburyingbe and http://www.rwpzoo.org/conservation/beetlerecovery.cfm .
4. Donate to and get involved with private environmental organizations that fight to preserve natural spaces, such as your local Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, and the Nature Conservancy. Shahla Werner, the Madison Sierra Club head, is an entomologist, and is especially knowledgeable and passionate about insects.
5. Find more about the beetle through your state government, the WI DNR.
Go to http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/invertebrates/beetles/amerburying.htm
On your state tax form, check the Endangered Resources Donation box, and your contribution will be matched by state funds. See http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/support/taxes.htm for more information.
6. Find out more from your federal government! See the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s website for more information on this beetle: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Endangered/insects/abb_fact.html .
7. While we’re talking about the government…support politicians who oppose sprawl. Let your votes do the talking!
8. Live your life in a way that is respectful of other living creatures! For example, don’t build your house in the country. Oppose developers who build homes in the country. Support your local organic farmers.
9. Spread the word to relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Help change the world!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
No Woman is an Island
A big thank you to the Madison Arts Commission for generously funding this project, LOST: Endangered Species of Wisconsin, through its BLINK Temporary Public Art Program. Also, much thanks to the Madison Audubon Society, and the Madison Chapter of the Sierra Club for supporting this project and the cause of saving endangered species! Please support them! You can find out more about the Madison Audubon Society at madisonaububon.org and the Madison Chapter of the Sierra Club at wisconsin.sierraclub.org. During this time of climate change and economic hardship, these animals and plants, and these organizations need your help more than ever!
Another big thank you to my references and encouragers, Megan Williamson, my sister-in-law and Chicago based artist, meganwilliamson.com, and Donna Magdalina, a Madison based graphic designer and friend. And a really enormous thank you to my husband, Ken Williamson, for driving all around Madison putting up these posters!
Another big thank you to my references and encouragers, Megan Williamson, my sister-in-law and Chicago based artist, meganwilliamson.com, and Donna Magdalina, a Madison based graphic designer and friend. And a really enormous thank you to my husband, Ken Williamson, for driving all around Madison putting up these posters!
What Are These Posters About, Anyway?
In my artwork, I explore the place where art, science, education, and social activism meet. Through art, the artist immortalizes what is or may no longer be. In this case, these animals and plants may no longer exist because of our choices. Your interaction with my art is not simply a passive experience.
By using the "Lost" format, I hope to lead people to re-examine their attitudes and actions towards wildlife. People are heartbroken when they lose a pet, and people reading the pet owners' posters are moved emotionally, and if they can, act to reunite pet with owner. One reaction to seeing these posters of endangered species might be: "I love animals so how can I reconcile that with an acceptance of habitat degradation or destruction that leads to an animal becoming endangered?" These posters could lead people to learn more about the animal or plant's plight. They could be led to ask, "In what way is this animal lost? How might I help find it?", and possibly be moved to help prevent its extinction.
Ultimately, my art is a challenge to the viewer: Donate, volunteer, don't build a house in the country, oppose sprawl in your city. Live your life in such a way that my art becomes obsolete!
By using the "Lost" format, I hope to lead people to re-examine their attitudes and actions towards wildlife. People are heartbroken when they lose a pet, and people reading the pet owners' posters are moved emotionally, and if they can, act to reunite pet with owner. One reaction to seeing these posters of endangered species might be: "I love animals so how can I reconcile that with an acceptance of habitat degradation or destruction that leads to an animal becoming endangered?" These posters could lead people to learn more about the animal or plant's plight. They could be led to ask, "In what way is this animal lost? How might I help find it?", and possibly be moved to help prevent its extinction.
Ultimately, my art is a challenge to the viewer: Donate, volunteer, don't build a house in the country, oppose sprawl in your city. Live your life in such a way that my art becomes obsolete!
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