WHAT TO DO?
Winter Survival

Stress, to us is a sort of unhappy result of our hectic choices and times in our lives. Jobs, the world state of affairs, money and conflict are some of our stressors. In the natural world outside our cozy abodes winter is an animals most stressful time. Lack of food and cold temperatures results in dramatic responses from animals. Three main strategies are employed: migration, dormancy or toughing it out. It is usually not one type of response but rather a combination of one or more strategies to ensure survival.

Many species migrate between the seasons; hunger drives all animals to a fairly quick response. Some species such as monarch butterflies and some species of birds will migrate thousands of miles for a suitable habitat. Reptiles and amphibians move to protected areas underground or underwater to avoid freezing temperatures. Even fish move to different waters. Many of us may have experienced the recent migration to the inside of our homes of stinkbugs and the Asian Ladybird beetle. The survival of less active critters depends on their homes; which include logs, caves, holes, dead trees, evergreen stands, under snow and even our homes and outbuildings.

Dormancy! Torpidity; low oxygen consumption rates and lower body temperatures. For most mammals this accurate metabolic control appears as "sleeping", as they are largely unresponsive to external stimuli. Dormancy in cold-blooded animals is a reduced state of metabolic activity in response to environmental conditions. They lack control over their metabolism. Insects often overwinter as eggs, pupae, or adults. Specialized chemical adaptations help many species survive. "Chemicals associated with dormancy are sugars and certain alcohols; glycerol, sorbitol, mannitol and ethylene glycol."

Toughing it out! Finding sheltered places, activity at a reduced rate, and reliance on reserve of fat are the most common ways winter active animals survive.

There are a wide array of adaptations for winter survival. Morphological, physiological, and behavioral.

Listed below are just a few examples

Bergmann';s Rule states that northern species of a particular genus or similar class of birds or mammals tend to be larger in size. (although that is not always true) Larger body size means a higher body mass-to-surface ratio. It is easier to maintain body heat. White-tail deer in northern areas tend to be larger than the same species in Texas or Florida Body appendages tend to be smaller in the north. This is a heat conservation measure. Snowshoe hares have smaller ears than cottontail rabbits. The legs and snouts of most mammals are frequently shorter and stouter.

During food-rich season (such as autumn) specialized fat (brown fat) is produced and expended during cold seasons. This is the type of fat most hibernators use for arousal and many migrators use as "fuel"

"Heat exchange" mechanisms in the circulatory systems reduce heat loss to the body extremities Some fish and herptiles produce chemicals within and between the cell walls that can lower their freezing temperatures a few degrees. For many species these few degrees can be the difference between survival or death

Food preferences: White-tail deer have changes in digestive enzymes to cope with different food sources. This is one reason why biologists agree against winter deer feeding. They have been known to starve with a full belly of corn.

Aquatic mammals, such as mink , grow thick layers of insulating fat and have specialized fur. Ducks, geese and swans have feathers and oil glands that keep water away from the skin. Some species have efficient circulatory heat exchangers between the body and feet.

Groundhogs, foxes, chipmunks, and moles dig burrows for partial protection from severe weather.

Many species of birds can adjust their internal body temperature to reduce the change in temperature, thus reducing heat loss. They also tend to shiver a lot to maintain body temperatures.


LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER TO EXHIBIT WORK

Harris Brown -- November 16-December 30

Harris Brown, a local photographer and frequent visitor to Peace Valley Park, will exhibit some of his latest wildlife images. Although his passion is for birds, other nature related subject matter will be displayed. Mr. Brown';s images have been published in local as well as national magazines. He has participated in and led field trips to many areas of the country and Canada. The show runs from Nov 16 to Dec 30 in the Solar Building at Peace Valley Nature Center. Images are available for sale and would make excellent holiday gifts.

Upcoming Photography Exhibits

Chalfont UMC Photo Club-January 3-January 31, 2009
Traci Law-February
Leda Manfre-March to mid-April


BOB NUSE - longtime volunteer passed away this summer after a lengthy illness. His efforts remain with us; we have Bob to thank for upgrading and maintenance of the trails. Often referred to as "superman" because of his hard work and amazing feats of "fix anything". Always cheerful and hardworking, he will be missed. His legacy lives on here at the nature center. The powerwagon, (the handy little machine of many uses) has always lovingly been known as the Bobmobile. Bob designated Peace Valley Nature Center for memorial contributions


WELCOME - Mary Jo Lisewski

Join us in welcoming Mary Jo as our Assistant Environmental Education Director. This is a newly created position that will greatly enhance our education endeavors.

Mary Jo grew up in Northeastern, PA camping and exploring the outdoors. She served as an intern in Spring of 2008. This experience fostered her enthusiasm for teaching science curriculum in an outdoor classroom setting. During her time as an intern she provided an extra degree of excellence and true dedication to her job. At the conclusion of her internship she had "decided" to go into the classroom to teach. She taught Summer Nature Adventures this past summer. It was easy to see her heart was in the outdoor setting for teaching. She is a fantastic teacher with an even, easy going manner that brings an added dimension to our staff. She literally is the right person for the job. It has been a pleasure to work with her and I look forward to the future.


TEACHER NATURALIST TRAINING
DO YOU HAVE:

6 afternoons, love the outdoors, enjoy being around and teaching children? Then this training is for you! You will learn the programs and techniques we use to bring environmental education to life for pre-school, elementary and secondary students. Completion of this training and subsequent program observation could lead to a part-time paid teacher naturalist position.

October 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 2008 -- 1:00-3:00 pm

To register or for additional information contact Gail Hill 215.345.7860 or ghill@co.bucks.pa.us.


EDUCATOR PROFILE
Heidi Shiver

I am originally from sunny Florida, where I met my husband, John. After living in Indiana, and Washington, D.C., we happily moved to this area over 15 years ago . Here we raised our 2 wonderful children, who are now in college. I love the more gentle flora and fauna here and the ebb and flow of each season. Recently, we moved to several acres in the Doylestown Township where we strive to be good stewards of the land and are learning to become more self sufficient.

I have been fortunate to practice and share my two loves professionally, teaching German and being a naturalist. I have a deep joy and love for nature and I want to do all I can to help share this with others. Children are our hope and our future. Through the intuitive and thoughtful educational programs at the nature center, we are able to provide an important opportunity for children to have an intimate connection to the environment around them. I often read the quote by Henry Chapman Mercer on the outside of the nature center building which serves as a regular inspiration for me, "Who learn will love and not destroy the creatures life the flowers joy". This connection and learning is vital to ensure the protection and preservation of the environment for generations to come. I love being a part of these special moments - watching the wonderment of a child, as they discover a frog in the shadows or smell wild mint, or look with awe at the top of Pooh tree or hear the wind in the trees.

When I am not working with children, I am playing with my dog and cats, gardening, reading, baking, traveling and visiting my children or walking. I also enjoy being active in the community. After working as a girl scout leader for 12 years, I now enjoy being part of the Rotary Club of Doylestown and also learning to be Master Gardener and Beekeeper.


VOLUNTEER FEATURE
Alice Laquer

Peace Valley Nature Center benefits immensely from the help of our many volunteers. Alice Laquer, a 20-year volunteer, is one of the remarkable people that graces us with her time and talents.

A lifetime Bucks County resident, Alice has been interested in Peace Valley Nature Center since its inception. As a biology major and nature lover, she supported the nature center's ideals and practices from the beginning and spent time as a volunteer here before focusing primarily on her family and careers for a number of years.

Alice used her biology expertise in her work as a laboratory technician. She also worked in a family-owned computer store in Doylestown and as an aide at Central Bucks East high school.

Alice and her husband wed in 1950 and raised 3 children, all of whom graduated from Central Bucks School District. The Laquers are now the proud grandparents of 6 grandchildren.

After retiring, Alice returned to the Nature Center to assist as a store volunteer. She has also volunteered at the Mercer Museum in Doylestown and is active in the Center for Learning in Retirement at Delaware Valley College. A music lover, she is also involved with the Bucks County Symphony. Alice believes that when one retires, "there are so many good ways to spend your time that are hopefully of benefit to others".

She and her husband enjoy traveling and usually take 2 major trips each year. They have been all over the world, their most recent vacation being to the Baltic states in Northern Europe. It is clear that her active life has been of benefit to many and we are very fortunate that she is part of our Peace Valley community!


Service Projects

TEMPLE JUDEA - for cleaning up many areas of the nature center!

CENTRAL BUCKS WEST HIGH SCHOOL KEY CLUB - for woodchipping trails

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS

JUSTIN SEELAUS - Troop 461; rerouted Mini Loop trail, planted shrubs and constructed deer barricades

ANDREW ISBAN - Troop 461 for the new pond in the woodland garden and the woodchipped loop trail

MIKE PALARDY - Troop 24 for the handicap accessible boardwalk to the birdblind, using recycled materials

If your family, group or just you would like to help, please call. We would greatly appreciate your time & talent. Contact Mary Jo. Lisewski


The Pooh Tree

I am over 200 years old
I was young when Lenape Indians inhabited Bucks County.
My roots still drink water from the Hardiaken Creek.
My trunk with mottled bark holds my massive canopy over my brother trees in Peace Valley Nature Center.
I'm striking even from a distance with my camouflaged-colored limbs outstretched above the woodland.

Great Horned Owls perch on me when searching for prey at night.
Summer rains cleanse my extra large leaves which provide shade and oxygen.
Fuzzy seed balls, holding hundreds of offspring dangle from my twigs.
In winter, I release them on the snow.
Raccoons scamper up my trunk to find shelter in a high knot hole.
Squirrels scurry from branch to branch, but it is children who visit me most often.

A natural cavity at the base of my 16-foot circumference has become Winnie the Pooh's house.
Preschoolers climb into me searching for Pooh bear and the hunny pot.
Ten youngsters can squeeze inside my hollow trunk. Even blind children have felt my gnarled interior.
Imitating Piglet and Rabbit, three year olds crawl through the back door, a large hole in my twisted roots.
I am "tree"mendoulsy proud.
I, a grand old Sycamore tree have delighted thousands.

By Carolyn Constable


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