Weed Wrangle-Volunteer Opportunity

Sept 24 2022

Weed Wrangle at Howell Wetlands

On Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 9 am until noon, a weed wrangle is scheduled for Howell Wetlands.  Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve is looking for volunteers to pull invasive plants from the wetland area.

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If interested you can register and sign up here.

Nature's Best Hope

October 1 2022

Dr. Douglas Tallamy to Speak at UE

Best selling author of "Nature's Best Hope", Dr. Douglas Tallamy will speak, October 1, 2022 at 6 pm at the University of Evansville's Eykamp Hall.  Dr. Tallamy will discuss how small actions, like planting native plants in your yard, can make a big environmental impact.  Working as individuals we may be nature's best hope to increase and encourage biodiversity.

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This is a free event, but you will need to register to attend. Click here.  

Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive

October 2 2022

EV's for EVV

On Sunday October 2, 2022 from 4-7 pm there will be an opportunity to learn more about electric vehicles and join in on an electric vehicle ride and drive event.

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For more details please contact Caroline Nellis at acnellis@twc.com or call 812-424-6832.

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October Big Day 2022

October 8 2022

Join Birders Around the World for the October Big Day

Mark your calendars for the 2022 October Big Day: Saturday, October 8, 2022.  Take some time on this day to join birders from around the world to record the birds you see and hear within a 24-hour period at your favorite birding spots.

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Click here to learn how to participate and have fun, enjoy the birds you find, and share your observations with others via eBird.  Your observations help scientists better understand global bird populations.

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association (SWIMGA)

October 15 2022

SWIMGA Fall Conference 2022

The 2022 Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association Fall Conference is scheduled for October 15, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM at the Old National Events Plaza in Evansville, IN. The SWIMGA "Imagine" event should be of some interest to area birders and members of the Evansville Audubon Society.

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Speakers will include: Judy Burris & Wayne Richards who will talk about natural habitat conservation and responsible, chemical-free management of backyards to support native flora and fauna.  Irvin Etienne will provide information on plant selection and garden design based on his experience in designing and maintaining his own areas.  And, Charlie Nardozzi, an Emmy award winning garden writer, speaker, radio, and television personality will bring his 30 years of experience to provide gardening information to home gardeners.

Additional information for the 2022 Fall Conference can be found at www.swimga.org .  The conference is open to the public and you can register online here or you can print, complete and mail in the registration form here.

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North America's Migrating Monarch Butterfly is Now on The Endangered Species List

 2022

Monarch Butterfly added to Endangered Species List by IUCN

The migrating Monarch butterfly, the North American subspecies, was declared endangered on July 21, 2022 by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).  This subspecies of the Monarch butterfly is known for its twice yearly 2,500 mile journey between its summer and winter areas.  

There are two North American populations; the western population (west of the Rockies) and the eastern population (east of the Rockies).  Although more is known about the eastern population, both have suffered dramatic declines in recent years; the western population has lost 99% of its members, declining from about 10 million individuals to about 250,000.  The eastern population has declined about 84% from 1996 to 2014.

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The major threats to Monarch butterflies are habitat destruction, especially in the wintering areas and pesticide use, primarily in the Midwest where glyphosate severely impacts the milkweed on which the Monarch depends. These threats are still of concern despite successful programs that have established monitoring and important way stations where milkweeds and other native plants have been established along the migratory route. 

The listing was announced because the threats to the Monarch populations are greater than current conservation efforts and it is hoped that by listing the Monarch as endangered it will stimulate additional conservation efforts.

2022

The Sycamore Land Trust (SLT) initiated a "Sponsor a Preserve" program for 2021. This campaign is designed to recognize supporters, individuals or organizations, that are committed to advancing the important stewardship work of SLT.   

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In 2021, and now again in 2022, the Evansville Audubon Society (EAS) has sponsored Eagle Slough Natural Area.  Eagle Slough is near and dear to our members who regularly visit and have volunteered to help maintain and preserve this important bird and wildlife habitat.

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To find out more about the SLT "Sponsor a Preserve" program and recognization of EAS sponsorship click here.  If you want to know more about this birding hotspot click here.   

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Window Bird Collisions

2022

Guide to Bird Window Collision Prevention

More than 100 million birds die each year hitting windows of residential homes.  After cat predation, window strikes are the leading cause of avoidable bird deaths.  If you were curious how to go about preventing window strikes in your home, then Jim Cubie's "Consumer Guide to Bird Window Collision Prevention", may be worth a look (click here to download).

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The guide describes proven options for prevention, how to make a DIY version of each option, a comparison and costs of each option described.  All options discussed in the guide are approved by the American Bird Conservancy.

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The free, 27 pages guide includes photos comparing windows with and without the prevention system installed.  The comparison looks at effectiveness, durability and ease of installation of each system.  You can also download a video version of the guide here.

Conservation Conversation Lecture Series--Sponsored by Sycamore Land Trust

2022

Lecture Series Archived on YouTube

The Sycamore Land Trust sponsors a lecture series that feature local experts and authors that discuss conservation issues that should be of interest to EAS members.  The online Zoom events have been recorded and are available to view via YouTube.  Below is a list of presentations given so far:

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Conservation Conversation Archives (on YouTube):

January 27, 2022.  Doug Tallamy  "Nature's Best Hope" (Click here)

March 10, 2022.  Ben Goldfarb  "Dam It! How Beavers Can Save the Planet" (Click here)

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May 12, 2022.  Nate Engbrecht  "Amphibians & Reptiles of the Bean Blossom Creek Valley"  (Click here)

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June 23, 2022.  Carroll D. Ritter.  "How Magnificent Trees of Indiana Can Be An Inspiration to Appreciate Our Great Forest Heritage" (Click here)

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July 7, 2022.  John C Robinson.  "Discover the Awe of Birdwatching" (Click here)

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September 1, 2022.  Allisyn-Marie Gillet.  "It Takes a Village to Raise a Chick" (Link will be provided soon).