I read recently that the State of Wisconsin, like many other northern states, would be spraying for gypsy moths during the end of April and into May. Curious as to how this spraying would affect other insects, I wrote to WDNR representative Colleen Robinson Klug. With her permission, here is her … [Read more...]
Ortho Drops Neonic Chemical
In the words of former Wild Ones Journal Editor Maryann Whitman, "I’m gobsmacked." Ortho, a division of Scotts Miracle-Gro Company says it will stop using neonicotinoids in their lawn care products. Neonicotinoids often called just neonics are a class of chemicals that harm bees and other insects … [Read more...]
Wisconsin Citizen-Based Monitoring Partnership Program RFP
The Wisconsin Citizen-Based Monitoring Partnership Program hosted by WDNR is now accepting applications for funding and assistance for projects focused on a variety of priorities. All priorities focus on biodiversity, of course. Many focus on pollinators and other insects and birds, and a couple … [Read more...]
Cinco de Mayo May 5th
Tomorrow, May 5th, Cinco de Mayo is a day many schools and communities celebrate here in the USA as well as in Mexico. Often mistaken as Mexico's celebration of independence, it actually is intended to celebrate the Battle of Puebla. It has, however, become more of a fun holiday which celebrates the … [Read more...]
Raising Monarch Butterflies
Recently I gave my Why Natives? PowerPoint presentation to a local birding group which meets at Heckrodt Wetland Reserve. One of the questions asked at the end of the presentation was whether or not it was appropriate to raise monarch caterpillars at home -- the questioner had heard pros and cons … [Read more...]
Monarchs Migration depends upon Internal Compass
Based on a study recently published in Cell Reports, scientists think they now know how monarch butterflies determine the southwest direction they fly each fall as they migrate to Mexico from the U.S.A. and Canada. The study determined that the monarchs have an internal, genetically encoded compass. … [Read more...]