All Tallgrass Docents are welcome to participate in another fence pulling work day on Saturday, October 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Once again the location is the Florence Jones Homestead, also known as the Buck Ranch, after its last family tenant. Docents who have attended work days at the Buck Ranch in the past will recall the rickety barbed wire fence between the ranch lane and the large hay meadow on the left driving in. That fence has to go so it can be replaced this winter with a bison fence erected by Tallgrass Prairie Preserve staff.
Bring leather gloves, tough work clothes and footwear, pliers, wire cutters, T-post pullers, and of course lunch. Conditions permitting we will have our lunch break in the yard of the John Joseph Matthews cabin a short distance down the lane. Lawn chairs will make lunch more comfortable.
Volunteers will meet at the Buck Ranch lane turn-off at 10:00 a.m. It is a ranch gate on the west side of the county road coming in to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve from Pawhuska, just a tenth of a mile south of the first bison guard at the south end of the Preserve.
Docent Day at Roundup this year is scheduled for November 5th. We will meet at the Visitor’s Center at 1:00 p.m. and go to the corrals as a group. Please feel free to invite a guest (again, hopefully a future docent). If you have never been to the bison working, I encourage you to come. It is the only chance we get to be that close and personal with these big guys/gals. Currently, the schedule is as follows:
On Saturday, 15 October 2011, we convened the Annual Docent Recognition Luncheon; this year it was held in the Stucco House, also known as the Foreman’s House. It is for this reason that the Docent News is delayed this month, to give me time to insert this copy. We gathered for the formal group photograph as shown below.
Weather for the event was gorgeous. Some of us were able to eat our lunch in the front courtyard and on the screened balcony at the rear, which affords a sweeping view over a section of the Cross Timbers.
Normally, the Stucco House is used for accommodation by researchers and other long-term visitors to the prairie who are there on official business, such as docents who are working shifts that span consecutive days. Accommodation is spartan; there are bunk beds with matresses on which users put their own sleeping bag and pillow; the sleeping space is divided by the main living area for exlusive male and female use. Each bunk-room has a connected bathroom with shower facilities. In the composite picture below, males occupy the room on the left, females use the room on the right.
Nancy Hatfield, Associate Director of Philanthopy for the Oklahoma chapter of The Nature Conservancy, opened the proceedings at noon with a short speech of welcome. Unfortunately, having my brain disengaged, I forgot we had moving picture techology and missed capturing Nancy’s kind words on video. She concluded her remarks by inviting us to get stuck into the aromatic vittles laid out on trestle tables courtesy of Anne Whitehorn, Tawnda Hopper, Anita Springer, and Bad Brad’s Barbecue.
Oddly, there was a palpable reluctance by the assembled company to be the first to attack the spread. I assumed this to be due to middle-class American sensibility and so, as I believe that leadership is best done by example, I led the way by picking up a plate, loading it with potato salad, pasta salad, excellent baked beans, and slices of beef. I sat at a table in the courtyard where I was soon joined by others. Continuing the leadership spirit I ate everything on my plate and wiped the residue up with the help of a bread roll, then went in search of dessert. Two kinds of cobbler and Anita’s pumpkin pie were offered with ice-cream. I took a cup of cobbler and held it out to Tawnda to add ice-cream, which she did until it was full; I could have stopped her after the first scoop were I not overcome by an inexplicable unconscious urge that caused a fleeting paralysis. What is peculiar is that usually I don’t eat dessert; clearly, I was temporarily out-to-lunch. If you weren’t there, you missed a treat. It was all good.
Re-engaging my brain, I was ready with the video camera to record Anita’s post-prandial presentation. Vimeo, our video hosting service, limits its freeloaders to 500 Mbytes of upload per week; my recording of Anita left insufficient remaining to upload Harvey Payne’s remarks, so I must postpone presentation of them until the November newsletter. In any event, I don’t quite have the measure of the video editing tools available to me and need more time to perform surgery on the video of Harvey, excising the sections unsuitable for public consumption…. Now you should be really eager to see next month’s issue to find out what happened. Meanwhile, click on the video above to find out what Anita Springer had to say; if you can view YouTube videos then Vimeo should work for you.
Several months ago, the Oklahoma Native Plant Society requested a field trip tour at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. I was asked if I could and would lead such a tour, which, of course, I readily agreed to (that was about like asking if I would like to have some chocolate cake). We settled on October 8, 2011, as the tour date, and I was hoping that the weather would cooperate by providing us with a beautiful October day. I was also hoping that we would get some late-summer and early-fall rains to make the prairie more beautiful and normal looking. Well, the rains were skimpy, so the tall grasses were not tall, the flowering plants were not as luxurious as they were last year, and the roads were dusty.
At 10:00 a.m., the group arrived at the South entrance to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. There were twenty in the group all of whom were native plant enthusiasts. Most of them were from the Tulsa area, so I was a little concerned that they arrived in eight cars, knowing that the traffic through the preserve was heavy with trucks and the visibility on the roads would be limited by the dust. We began the tour by gathering around a population of Liatris (Blazing Star) which is just inside the entrance. There I talked with them about the history of the area and the history of the Nature Conservancy’s involvement in the area. We discussed the Nature Conservancy’s objectives in preserving, protecting, and enhancing the prairie and how the objectives were being met with fire and Bison management. At this stop, we could see two Bison near the house just North of the entrance, and we saw a wealth of plant life even though it was somewhat drought stricken. In addition to the Liatris, we found flowering specimens of Grindelia (Gumweed), Solidago (Goldenrod), Aster (Heath Aster), and Guara. Most of the tall grasses were just vegetative and short. Switch Grass heads were the only tallgrass flowering or fruiting structures that we saw. An interesting find was Bouteloua gracilis (Blue Grama) in full flower, a shortgrass that is common in the prairie, but much more common farther west. I think this find was the one plant that most of the group found intriguing.
After our discussions and exploration at the entrance, we moved on to the second stop, the turnout just about a mile North of the entrance. I had previously selected places to stop where the group would encounter additional plants and vistas. The highlight of this stop was the Salvia (Blue Sage), which is not as tall or as pretty as in past years, but was still brilliant blue and showy. We also found Solanum (Buffalo Burr) in abundance alongside the road. Of course, we saw a number of other plants such as Ambrosia (Ragweed) that are not as showy, but are just as important. Several in the group began their collections of beer cans here.
Our third stop was at the dry creek just North of the electric substation. Here on the West side of the road is a large population of Liatris punctata (Dotted Blazing Star), which was almost past blooming, but still had full purple spikes. This Liatris is a more western species that seemed to be doing well even in this droughty year. This prompted a discussion on the root systems of prairie plants and how the deep roots allow the plants to survive droughts and fire. We also saw another Bouteloua (Side Oats Grama). The vegetation near the road was covered in dust from the road. One person remarked that we were creating a dust cloud as we walked. We could also see the underlying limestone exposed in the dry creek bed. This gave me the opportunity to talk about the geology of the area and how the geology has dictated the vegetation of the prairie and nearby cross timbers. We saw a small herd of Bison on the hill above the creek on the East side of the road. The East side of the road also has a large spread of Amphiachyrus (Broom Snakeweed — I used to know it as Guttierrizea). We discussed that this species in mass often indicates areas in pastures that have been overgrazed or highly disturbed.
Next stop was the turnout that has the expansive vista to the East. Here we discussed the relationship between the prairie and cross timbers and how fire was a determining factor in maintaining the prairie as a grassland. Here we found about the same plants that we had already seen adding the shrub Cornus (Rough-leaf Dogwood). Here also, the Solidago (Goldenrod) was abundant and the slope below us had large areas of yellow where the goldenrod was thick. In the distance, we could see motts of Rhus (Sumac) with its red fall color. But as we were looking at the vista and the plants at this stop, a herd of about 30 Bison came across the road from the West and filed by us at a safe distance. The group was thrilled to get to see so many Bison up close. Many of the group also expressed the wonder that comes from seeing the expanse of the prairie from the top.
From there, we drove northward and eastward to the spot where the road descends to Sand Creek. As we drove, a spectacular Sharp Shinned Hawk (I think) was soaring and diving to near ground level on the West side of the road. We stopped where there is a large mott of Rhus (Sumac) on the South side of the road. The leaves were in their brilliant red fall color. Here we saw an area that was much more verdant than we had previously seen. I added another Ecology mini-lesson on the effect of aspect — how North-facing slopes were not as dry as South-facing slopes. Here we found Aster (Blue Aster), Helenium (Sneezeweed), Ageratum, and Salvia (Blue Sage) all of which were tall and luxuriant with abundant flowers.
We headed to the Visitor’s Center for a much needed restroom and lunch break. Several of the group browsed through the gift shop purchasing T-shirts and books. While we were there, we toured and discussed the history of the Bunkhouse.
After lunch, we headed for the trail area to get a better view of the bottomland meadow and forest along the creek and a comparison of that bottomland with the upland prairie. Here we could see clearly how burning had killed the oak and removed other brush. Finally we found some of the tall grasses in bloom — Big Bluestem, Indian Grass, Switch Grass, and Little Bluestem. We found another population of Liatris. This time Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star). Again, it was almost past blooming, but the purple spikes were still spectacular. It was interesting to see several Spring and Summer flowers that continued to bloom — Cassia (Partridge Pea) and Verbena. I found one spike of Spiranthes (Ladies Tresses) that was not yet blooming. Many of the plants could be identified from fruit and vegetation — Indigos, Milkweeds, and Leadplant for example. We didn’t see as much bird life as I have usually found along the creek and on the prairie along the trail, but we did hear Red-Bellied Woodpeckers chirping. We also didn’t see any deer as I usually do in this spot since it was the wrong time of day and there was too much noise. We did see several Monarch Butterflies visiting the remaining Liatris flowers; three weeks before, there had been thousands of Monarchs.
Although it was very windy, it was a good day. The group saw the prairie not at its best, but still thriving with many species of plants and Bison. They had an opportunity to hear about the prairie and the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. I believe that each one enjoyed the day and had a good learning experience. I certainly enjoyed the day.
October and the anticipation of Halloween seem like a great time to look at that creepy harbinger of death the Turkey Vulture.
Turkey Vultures are visible over the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve during the spring, summer and fall. During the past ten years it has only shown up once in the Christmas Bird count at the Preserve. When you see it circling on the thermals it is not necessarily looking to spot its next meal. Research has shown that it does not rely on sight to find a meal; smell seems to be a more important sense than vision. When you think about the relationship of finding carrion to an excellent sense of smell it makes perfect sense. In most instances the carrion is hidden from sight under the tall grass or woodland canopy making it difficult to spot. However, smell does not hide, in fact a Turkey Vulture can detect odors in the air even when it is only a few parts per trillion. This is because the part of a Vultures brain responsible for processing smells is extremely large when compared to other birds.
The Turkey Vulture is the original member of nature’s cleanup crew. Its scientific name, Cathartes Aura, perfectly describes the behavior of this bird. Cathartes means purifier and Aura translates into air or breeze. When you think about how a Turkey Vulture behaves in its environment it certainly does purify the air by feeding on carrion. A side benefit to this practice clears the habitat of festering carrion which can be the breeding ground for all types of harmful bacteria. In fact Turkey Vultures have excellent immune systems, feeding on rotting carcases without contracting botulism, anthrax, cholera or salmonella.
The Turkey Vulture has such a good sense of smell, that before the advent of high-tech. leak detectors, people checking natural gas lines used to locate leaks by spotting circling vultures. Although natural gas is odorless, ethyl mercaptan is added to the gas so leaks can be detected. It just so happens that this chemical is also emitted from carrion and it does attract Turkey Vultures.
The Turkey Vulture was given its common name because of its similarity to the turkey’s featherless and reddish head. While the turkey’s head is used to attract a mate the vulture’s red featherless head keeps the vulture from accumulating gore on its head as it picks a carcase.
How many times have we seen a large bird soaring in the distance and our hearts raced as we thought it might be an eagle? But you must be careful because eagles soar steadily on flat wings, while the Turkey Vulture soars unsteadily with a V shaped posture. As you focus your binoculars you note the two-tone under wings and you know you are looking at a Turkey Vulture.
Up close, the Turkey Vulture is a very ugly bird. The red featherless head with a white tipped bill and a brown body is hard to miss and the fact that it is sitting on a dead carcase is a real give away. It is a bird of the open country and is very common around roadsides feeding on road kill. When they feed only one vulture will work the carcase at a time, the others will stand around quarreling until the first bird is done.
Usually, the Turkey Vulture will start to fly around 9 a.m.; it is unusual to see them fly before this time. I have spent many a late morning on the gift shop porch watching the unsteady soaring of these vultures as they circle in the distance. They soar on 72-inch wings, supporting a 3- to 4-pound body 25 to 32 inches long.
There are three subspecies of Turkey Vulture in the United States; the one in our region is Cathartes Aura Septentrionalis. Its range is the eastern United States and west into Minnesota, Kansas, Oklahoma and eastern Texas. Its breeding season is usually from April through June. It does not build a nest but lays two eggs on bare rock in caves, hollow stumps, abandoned buildings or on the ground in dense shrubs. The Turkey Vulture has weak feet and cannot carry prey in its feet; they can carry small bits of carrion in their beaks. They target the softest parts of the carcase first. They prefer freshly dead animals but have limited ability to tear open a carcase with their weak bill and feet. They often have to wait for their meal to soften in order to pierce the skin or depend on a stronger scavenger to open up the dead animal. They eat mostly mammals but will snack on anything. They are deft foragers acting as nature’s undertakers.
[According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Turkey Vultures lack the vocal organs to make proper songs. Most of their vocalizations come down to a form of low, guttural hiss made when they are irritated or vying for a better spot on a carcass. They also may give a low, nasal whine while in flight. Editor.]
Jenk Jones and Harvey Payne’s excellent history of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is now available for sale in the Gift Shop for $22. It is a soft-cover coffee table book containing just under 100 pages of Jenk’s text and Harvey’s pictures.
On my last shift, I made $6.50 in sales, $3 of which were to me. While I waited for visitors, I read the display copy. I think it succeeds very well in capturing the inception, creation, and maintenance of the preserve, where it has come from and where it is going. Of all the books in the shop, this is the one I will promote to visitors who want to know more; they can take this book with them to round-out their visit.
Sign-up for a shift in the Visitor’s Center and get the big picture by reading this book. Sell some copies. Buy a copy for yourself.
There were 293 people from 25 states (283) and 5 countries (10) who signed in during August. There were 171 from Oklahoma, and the next 2 highest states were Kansas (19) and Texas (12). We had our first visitors from Jordan, so that added one more foreign country to our list.
The history of visitor counts for August is shown below:
The effect of our summer weather really shows up in the numbers for August when compared to previous years. There isn’t anything we can do about that. Just keep up the good work getting people who do come to the prairie to sign the visitor’s registry.
Another month with 100-percent coverage of the Visitor’s Center. Well done!
Here we provide some links to other places worth visiting.
Here is the latitude and longitude of the Visitor’s Center that you can give to visitors for entry into their GPS navigation device.
The manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the touch-screen recommend use of a soft dry cloth only. This proved inadequate for smeared fingerprints. Soft-paper kitchen towels work well, slightly damp with a small drop of soft handsoap. Application of a dry kichen towel removes any residual moisture.
Over time, a matter of several weeks continuous operation, I have noticed that calibration of the touch-screen drifts away from the initial set-point. If you notice that the cursor isn’t under your finger when you touch the screen then restart the kiosk by unplugging it from the wall, waiting a few moments and then re-inserting the power plug. It will restart and recalibrate.
This link points to the complete Kiosk Maintenance Manual.
Some printed back issues of the Docent Newsletter, to February 2009, can be found in the two green and one blue-black zip-binders, stored in the Perspex rack by the file cabinet in the office of the Visitor’s Center.
All back issues are available electronically via the links shown below. All newsletters prior to December 2007 are available in Portable Document Format (PDF), which means that you will need Adobe Reader installed on your computer to read these files. All newsletters from December 2007 onwards are in HTML format that is easily read using your web-browser.
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This month we add a persistent index of selected topics. This should make finding articles of interest easier. I have got as far back as 2010, so this list will grow as I move further into the past and it will grow as I add interesting topics from each new newsletter. Iris McPherson lent me the paper copies of the newsletter from the very early years of the docent program; I will run them through a scanner equipped with a document feeder, save them as PDF files, then add them to Back Issues section above, including any interesting links here. Let me know of any dead links that you discover.
Deadline for submission of articles for inclusion in the newsletter is the 10th of each month. Publication date is on the 15th. All docents, Nature Conservancy staff, university scientists, philosophers, and historians are welcome to submit articles and pictures about the various preserves in Oklahoma, but of course the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in particular.