by Timothy Vargo
For six months of the year, between the vernal and autumnal equinox, Milwaukee is bathed in more than 12 hours of sunlight each day. This roughly corresponds with the presence of wildflowers in our natural spaces that enhance the lush green forest floor with a flourish of colors.
by Beth Fetterly, Urban Ecology Center One would not normally think that a threatened species would thrive in the most densely populated area of the state. Surprisingly, the Butler’s Garter Snake is found only in Southeastern Wisconsin. Unfortunately its primary natural habitat happens to be in highly-developed Milwaukee County. This snake has a limited range, […]
Like everyone else I find myself thinking and talking to others about the war. In addition to concern for the men and women of our armed forces and the people of Iraq, my thoughts are on the impacts of this human conflict on the natural resources, and in particular, the birds of Iraq. During the Gulf War, hundreds of oil well fires and the largest oil spill in history impacted thousands of birds and marine life. It raises the question, how bad might it be this time around?
The war in Iraq couldn’t have come at a worse time for migratory birds. Iraq lies on a key migration route for many species that winter in Africa and breed in Europe and western Russia in the summer.
Not a breath of wind. Soft sounds of the river flowing over an ancient wooden dam. The dark silhouette of a fox appeared almost by magic on the snow-covered ice. It stopped perfectly still, then silently strode on, scrambled up the opposite bank and disappeared into the woods. An absolute moment of peace… a necessary moment considering the churning thoughts and emotions left over from a very demanding day at the Urban Ecology Center.
Living in a densely populated area of the city has its rewards: cultural diversity, a wide array of independent businesses and shops, and potential for a dynamic, vibrant community. But if you happen to be an amateur astronomer, living in the middle of a big city must be a nightmare, right? Well, according to a recent meeting of interested stargazers at Riverside Park, nothing could be further from the truth.
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