INSIDE: Local Master Gardener News - 2 Upcoming Events – 3 Bits and Pieces - 6

/ February 2008 April 2016

Eric Keisler, Executive Director at Beaver Creek Reserve Gives ECAMGA A Flyover of BCR’s Programs and Resources… Eric Keisler is in his fourth year as Executive Director at Beaver Creek Reserve (BCR). Interestingly, he “grew up on BCR” in that BCR played a big part in his growing up years for entertainment and education. BCR began in 1946 as the Eau Claire County Youth Camp on 160 acres. The current facility is over 400 acres, which includes both county owned and private land. Coming out of World War II, the camp was designed to get kids out doors. Today the facility has buildings valued at over $5.3 million and about 50,000 people visit the reserve each year. Today the County owns the buildings and part of the land and Friends of the Reserve operates BCR. Eric is an employee of the “Friends” organization as are the other 11 employees. Presently the Weise Nature Center is undergoing a redo upgrading exhibits and putting in new kiosks on the campus. Over the last few years there have been numerous upgrades to the facilities which includes the Cedar Lodge (2 wings which sleeps 15 per side with 2 individual rooms), five individual cabins (10 bunks in each cabin with recently remodeled shower facilities) and the Green House where the native plant sale features over 2000 plants (last year these were all sold out by mid morning). There are over 9 miles of trails at BCR and, in the four county area, is the only nature reserve facility that rents gear at the trail site. In addition, the Butterfly House has brought families out to the Reserve on a daily basis. This has become a multi-generational activity that is open annually from July 5 to the day before Labor Day. There are Nature Nook Pods that are targeted for early childhood enjoyment and learning also. Along with all of this the facility is responsible for raising over 1,000 Monarch Butterflies each year. Annually the Reserve also holds a Butterfly Festival the first Sunday in August. The Citizen Science Center is also a very important part of BCR. This past year the Center has received over $150,000 in grants and also has had some contracts with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for providing research and services for that agency. During the year some 85 different schools bring tours out to the reserve. Overall the facility is very well utilized for their size according to Keisler. Another interesting aspect of the reserve is the fact that a charter school (The Weldman School) meets out of the Citizen Service Center and a lot of the projects those 60 students work on tie in directly with BCR’s programs. Interestingly, there are numerous clubs that meet out at BCR. These include a quilting club, photography, birding, watercolor painting, a bee club, an astronomy club and others. BCR has become, not only a nature reserve, but a community center. Keisler said that BCR’s success is due to the volunteers that make all the programs possible. They collectively contribute (Continued on page 7)

Picture by Jo-Ann Clark

BCR can ALWAYS use some more volunteers to maintain and expand

their programs and facilities. If you are interested in getting involved give them a

call. They will provide you with training and a unique opportunity to serve the community

through the BCR programs.

Page 2 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener New April 2016

Local Master Gardener News

NOTE: The ECAMGA Board minutes no longer appears in the newsletter. You may access them by going to the website at

eauclairemastergardeners.weebly.com

Changing e-mail? Moving? If you do, please remember to notify the ECAMG and the newsletter editor of your new e-mail address and/or mailing address so you don’t miss any Eau Claire Area Master Gardener happenings! Email you’re new Information to Carol Cox at c7w6c2200@charter.net Or notify her by snail mail at 1908 Hogeboom Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701 (or call her at 715-861-4495).

ECAMGA BOARD MEMBER CONTACT INFO

NAME/TITLE E-mail address Phone number

Erin LaFaive Erin.lafaive@ces.uwex.edu 715-839-4712

Mary Jane Griffin mgriffinhlaa@gmail.com 715-835-6979

Dick Lienhardt dicklienhardt@yahoo.com 715-286-9917

Nancy Spak nancyspak@gmail.com 715-835-6546

Ede Strand edestrand@aol.com 715-8326775

Amy Boettcher myamybird@aol.com 715-577-9085

Carla Pelzl jcpelzl@gmail.com 715-835-6628

Nina Logan ninalogan@centurylink.net 715-878-4585

Deb Spickler rvsrfun@aol.com 715-577-8500

Lori Kempen lorikempen@charter.net 715-832-8088

Bulletin Board Postings Stories and Opportunities!!!! Bulletin Board Postings

ECAMGA 2016

Calendar

All meetings at UW-Extension Office unless otherwise noted

April 19, 2016: Katherine Stahl,

Prairie Enthusiasts May 17, 2016: Gardening with

Heirloom Varieties/Andy Heren & Gary Mathis

June 12, 2016: annual plant sale in conjunction w/NW Hosta Society.

June 2016: tour of two gardens July 19 2016: Planting Ground Covers

to improve Soil Health - Chad Zutter/Elk Mound Seeds

August 30, 2016: Canning & Preserving Harvested Food/Catherine Emmanuelle (note date change)

September 2016: Don Albrecht: “Permaculture with Fruit Trees and Companion Planting”

September 30: Volunteer hours due in October 18, 2016: Kristina Beuning:

“Honey Bees On Our Farm” November 15, 2016: Larry Bennett:

“Winter Bird Feeding Ideas” December 2016: Annual Potluck,

Christmas Party and Election of Board Members

HAPPY SPRING MASTER GARDENERS!

Remember, Sunday, June 12, 2016 is the new date for the ECAMGA Plant Sale to be held in conjunction with the Hosta Society and: -Your help is needed to make this a success! -Start thinking about what you will be able to donate! -perennials -annual herbs & flowers -vegetable plants -shrubs & trees -save cardboard carriers to use at the sale. -bring plants potted up, labeled (plant name, etc.) & sale ready. -bring some of your unusual and more exotic plants also. -sign up to help at the sale (in increments of 2 hour shifts).

Signup will begin in May. If you have any questions, call Susan Merten at 715-271-1259 or email her at susmerten@wwt.

MGV

Invasive Species Program Kathy Stahl, Chairperson for The Prairie Enthusiasts and the Lower Chippewa Invasive Partnership, will be speaking on invasive species entering the Chippewa Valley. Not only will she tell about the invasives already seen here, but also about those new ones threatening to enter our area. As Master Gardeners we need to be able to identify them, know how to destroy them, and how to prevent more infestations from occurring. This informative presentation will be held on April 19 at the Eau Claire County UW Extension Office in Altoona (227 First St. West ) at 6:30 pm. This program is free and open to the public. Bring a friend. Snacks and door prizes will be available.

Page 3 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener April 2016

Alltheflowersofallthetomorrowsareintheseedsoftoday.

ChineseProverb

MONDOVI GARDEN CLUB AND FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

PLANT, BOOK, AND BAKE SALE

APRIL 30, 2016

MARTEN CENTER, MONDOVI 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

LARGE SELCTION OF

PERENNIALS - $3/POT PLUS A VARIETY OF

BOOKS AND

BAKED GOODS

Upcoming Events

BARRON COUNTY

MASTER GARDENERS SPRING EXPO

April 2, 2016 WITC Conference Center 1900 College Drive

Rice Lake, WI 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

(Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.)

Keynote speaker Michael Heger will present on “Best Performing Perennials for Zones 3 & 4” and “Shade Perennials to Enhance Your Landscape.” Other speakers include Jerry Clark, Crops and Soils Educator for UW-Extension Chippewa County, on “Growing Strawberries and Blueberries,” and Faye Ryszkiewicz, owner of Fryszkies’ Country Gardens in Caryville, Wisconsin will present “Grow Edibles Without a Garden.” A wagon filled with garden supplies valued at $400 will be available through the purchase of a raffle ticket. Vendors will also be on site to sell their wares or promote their products to those interested in gardening. Vendors will be selling various garden art and garden-related items. Pre-registrations are due at the Extension Office by Friday, March 28. Registration is $30 and includes a continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon break provided by WITC. Registration the day of the expo will cost $35 (lunch is not guaranteed). Registrations for the Spring Expo should be mailed to Barron County-UW Extension, 335 E. Monroe Avenue, Room 2206, Barron, WI 54812 by March 28. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address along with the $30 fee ($35 after March 28) made out to BCMG. You may also register online at http://barron.uwex.edu. Please call the extension office at 715-537-6250 for more information.

The 2nd Annual Jam It For The Planet-Mama Earth celebration is occurring April 23rd, 2016 at The Plus in downtown Eau Claire. This ALL AGE music, environment, business expo will feature great music and the opportunity for community organizations to connect with community members.

Jam It For The Planet is pleased to once again open up to the community our request for guest speakers and exhibitors for our Earth Day event. This year's theme Mama Earth focuses on female leadership in sustainability. We are looking for assistance in identifying local community members that are interested in presenting on a variety of environmental topics for roughly 15 minutes throughout the afternoon portion of the event.

All interested community members will be eligible to participate, with preference given to individuals and organizations that are committed to female leadership in environmental practices. Interested persons should contact the Jam It team via jamitfortheplanet@gmail.com

All the flowers of all the tomorrows ae

in the seeds of today. -Chinese Proverb

Page 4 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News April 2016

Upcoming Classes

Saturday, April 2, 10:00 a.m. – Veggie & Herb Gardening 101: New to grow your own food? This class is for you. Everything from planning the layout of your garden or container to what to plant and when. We will also cover companion plants and harvesting. Growing your own food is a much healthier way to live. Find out how to get started at this class. Thursday, April 21 and 28th at 6:30 p.m. – Spring Hanging Basket Workshop: Personally design your very own hanging basket. We will walk through the greenhouse to choose and pick out plants that will fit your specific sun needs and fill out your basket. Then you’ll get to plant your basket and take it home with you to enjoy all season long. Cost: Build your own; only pay for what you take home.

6025 Arndt Lane, Eau Claire WI, 54701 715-833-1234 or E-mail - home@dwntoearth.com Website: http://www.dwntoearth.com/index2.html

Upcoming Events: Grassland Bird Monitoring: April 20, 2016 from 5:00 until 6:30 p.m. at the Citizen Science Center. Grassland bird populations have been declining across the country. Learn how to identify grassland birds and take part in surveys to determine the species and abundance of birds that live along the Lower Chippewa River. This is a great opportunity to spend time "in the field" with other birders learning the local grassland birds. Registration and full payment required by April 15. Cost is $5 for Friends; $8 for Nonmembers. There are 24 spots available. Frog Fest: April 26, 2016 from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at the Wise Nature Center. The Chippewa Valley is home to some really great music festivals, but one you might not know about is our annual Frog Fest. Each spring as ponds across Wisconsin thaw, a concert of sounds begins featuring the vocals of as many as eleven different frog performers and one toad. Join Reserve naturalist Ruth Forsgren, as she helps you to identify by sight and sound our local Frog Fest performers. Weather and trail conditions permitting, the evening will end with a hike down to Beaver Creek's own frog chorus marsh. The program is designed for school-aged children and older. Dress appropriately for cool evening weather and possible muddy terrain. Flashlights recommended, but not necessary. Cost: $3 for Friends - Child, $5 for Friends - Adult, $4 for Nonmember - Child, $8 for Nonmember – Adult. There are 32 spots available. No need to call Cricket Master, register online today.

To register for the above programs go to the BCR website at: http://www.beavercreekreserve.org/explore/events_and_programs.phtml

Beaver Creek Reserve S1 County Road K,

Fall Creek, WI 54742 bcr@beavercreekreserve.org Phone: 715-877-2212

Upcoming Classes

April 19th Herbs Growing and Cooking Basics Class: Come and learn how to successfully grow herbs and how to use and store them during the harvest. April 30 Free Seminars: 10:00 a.m. Straw Bale & Earth Box

Gardening; 1:00 p.m. Perennials New and Old; 3:00 p.m. Miniature Fairy Gardens To register today or for more information go to: maysfloralgarden.com or call 715-836-8220.

May’s Floral Garden 3424 Jeffers Rd

Eau Claire, WI 54701

Page 5 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News April 2016

Tiffany Bottoms Mini-Car Train Ride

May 14, 2016 The Prairie Enthusiasts

Join an open-air train ride to deep into remote areas of the 13,000-acre Tiffany Bottoms Wildlife Area’s extensive lowland hardwood wetlands, wet meadows, open prairies, and floodplain savannas within the heart of the Lower Chippewa River. This remarkable area contains 25% of Wisconsin’s remaining native prairie remnants. May is the peak of spring bird migration and an excellent location to witness the migration. The area is a concentration area for waterfowl and songbirds, and it is estimated that as many as 30 species of warblers can be found in the Tiffany Wildlife Area. To maximize the bird watching experience, our train will be leaving at 7am so that birders can catch the “dawn chorus.” An ornithologist will be on the train to guide our bird identification and share knowledge about bird behavior. Along the way, riders will have the opportunity to venture out on foot and explore various habitats. We will be focusing on prairie and savanna areas. Riders will be able to walk with several local experts who will share their knowledge about the region's ecology, natural history, and habitat management. Cost: $30 per person (non-TPE members). $25 per person (TPE members). Space is limited. Payment will confirm your registration and ensure your seat on the train. No refunds. This is a fundraiser: funds will go towards Chippewa Savannas-TPE efforts to restore prairie and savanna habitats and educational events. Registration: Make checks out to “TPE-Chippewa Savannas.” Include your name and the names of those accompanying you, and your email address and telephone number to email you a confirmation of your registration. (We do not share email addresses.) Send checks to: Caroljean Coventree, W3419 850th Avenue, Spring Valley, WI 54767 Questions: Email: theprairieenthusiasts.csc@gmail.com or call: 612-868-7598 Time: Arrive: 6:45 AM; Train departs: 7:00AM; Train returns: 12:00 noon. Lunch / Weather: There will be a lunch stop. Riders provide their own lunch, snacks, and water. Dress appropriately for the weather. If you participate in the walks off the train, there will be occasional rough terrain that may be wet so wear sturdy footwear. The ride will occur rain or shine. A porta-potty will be available on the ride. Directions: From Durand take Highway 25 south. As you travel south, you will notice that highway parallels an old railroad track. Approximately 4 miles south of Durand, Thibodeau Road "T's" with Highway 25, on the east (left) side of Highway 25. The train will be on the west side of 25. To park: drive into the DNR parking lot on the same side as the train, turn right, drive through the gate and drive into the field to park. You can then take a trail through the trees to the end of the train. For a map, click on the red points on the following Google map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zfe31R4TuqmU.kEIudaW-UPoo

Photo provided by Arlyn Colby

A Burning Opportunity!! On April 16, 2016 from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. the Prairie Enthusiasts are sponsoring basic burn crewmember training coarse for fire management of prairie burns. For more information call Kathy Ruggles at 715-664-8368

We spend our lives hurrying away from the

real, as though it were deadly to us.

"It must be up there somewhere on the horizon," we think. And all

the time it is in the soil, right beneath our feet. ~William

Bryant Logan, Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth

Page 6 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener April 2016

Purify The Air With Plants

Plants that are brought indoor for the winter add charm to our homes but there are also health benefits to be had in the form of purification of the air in our homes (and, some, like the Aloe plant, even have some medicinal value). Here is a list of some of these plants that will not only help improve the air quality in our homes but are very easy to grow. They are:

1. AloePlant2. EnglishIvy3. RubberTree4. PeaceLily5. SnakePlant6. BambooPalm7. Philodendron8. SpiderPlant9. Red-EdgedDracaena10. GoldenPothos

For more information go to: https://www.skinnymom.com/de-stress-and-purify-the-air-with-plants/.

A new twist to the concept of “raised beds” to grow veggies. (Item found on Pinterest).

Bits and Pieces

For more information on this unusual tree go to: http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/adansondigit.htm

The Baobab tree, (Adansonia digitata) is a deciduous tree that grows in stony, well-drained areas in Africa and Australia. The tree can live to be 3,000 years old and is regarded as the largest succulent plant in the world.

This little planter (to the left) is cute and crafty and easy to assemble with some of the googly eyes and a bottle cap for a nose.

Above right – every garden needs a cute kitty to keep the gardener company!

Below Miss Kitty is a simple idea for a bird feeder (not sure about how squirrel proof it is).

And, last, what need accessories to decorate a birdhouse.

Old gardeners never die,

they just run out of thyme. ~Gardening Saying

Page 7 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News April 2016

Hellebores, also known as “Lenten Rose,” bloom early often coming out from under the snow in bloom. Double black hellebores, like the Midnight Ruffles variety, are very dramatic and sought after. They retain their color for up to 12 weeks after the flowers age gone. The hellebore is native to Europe and Asia. The flowers have five petal-like sepals that surrounding a ring of small, cup-like nectaries, which are actually “petals”, modified to hold nectar. The sepals actually do not fall as petals would, but remain on the plant, sometimes for months. The persistence of the sepals actually contributes to the development of the seeds. Hellebores can be naturalized in woodland areas where its extensive root system will spread as far as it is allowed. All together it is one of the loveliest of woodland flowers. These are shade tolerant, surprisingly frost-resistant and, many are evergreen (and deer resistant). The most popular and easiest to grow are the Oriental hybrid hellebores (Helleborus x hybridus cvs). I have admired these plants for years but they did not fit with in my zone 4 garden. However, there has been quite a bit of breeding and development among the hellebores in recent years and we now have varieties that are hardy in our zone 4 gardens. Another variety that I have in my garden and have enjoyed is “Ivory Prince.” For more information on this plant go to: http://www.northwestgardennursery.com/culture.html or http://www.finegardening.com/hellebores-cure-late-winter-blues or http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?ke

Midnight Ruffles Hellebore

by Carol Cox

So long Winter, it’s been great An interesting gate (as per but… Pinterest).

A circular idea!!! Might be able to make use of the rings from that old Whiskey Barrel planter that died. (Found on Pinterest).

Word For The Day There is a hard truth to be told; before spring

becomes beautiful, it is plug ugly, nothing but mud and muck. I have walked in the early spring through

fields that will suck your boots off, a world so wet and woeful it makes you yearn for the return of ice. But in that muddy mess, the conditions for rebirth

are being created. - Parker Palmer

BCR…Continued from page 1… around 14,000 hours which make possible the diversity in the programs at the reserve. In addition, BCR will be doing their first biotic inventory on the reserve this year. Additionally, the Reserve monitors bats and has put up houses on five different bird trails. In addition they do five separate bird-banding programs.

Page 8 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener Newsletter April 2016

EAU CLAIRE AREA MASTER GARDENER NEWSLETTER A newsletter for the Eau Claire Area Master Gardener Association members.

For more Eau Claire County UW Cooperative Extension information

go to our website: www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/eauclaire

Phone: 715-839-4712 Fax: 715-839-6277

M-F 8AM-5PM

Unless otherwise noted, articles for this newsletter are submitted and/or written by ECAMGA members or the newsletter editor, Carol W. Cox. Unless otherwise noted, graphics are from clipart. Newsletter layout by Carol W. Cox

The University of Wisconsin Extension provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in education, programming and employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, gender/sex, creed, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or parental, arrest or conviction record or veteran status.” If you need an interpreter, materials in alternate formats or other accommodations to access this program, activity or service, please contact Erin LaFaive at 715-839-4712 as soon as possible preceding the scheduled event so that proper arrangements can be made in a timely fashion Eau Claire County

Extension Office

227 First Street West

Altoona, WI 54720

"There are no green thumbs or black thumbs. There are

only gardeners and non-gardeners."

Henry Mitchell, The Essential Earthman, 1981