Getting Outside for Fall Family Day

Despite an unseasonably warm day, about 100 kids, families, and friends of Bur Oak Land Trust turned out for Family Day at Belgum Grove on Sunday, September 16. There were tours, speakers, refreshments, information about the mission and achievements of Bur Oak Land Trust, and even free t-shirts for the kids.

A tractor and hay rack offered a leisurely way to see points of interest and also catch a breeze. Dan Black was the driver and tour guide. He provided some history of the 40-acre property and offered information on restoration work and natural changes that are taking place. The first stop was an art station where kids could create their own nature art in the shade of a large bur oak tree. All sorts of seed pods, cut tree limbs, and rocks were available to create the art. The next stop was the four-acre pond, which was created about seven years ago. Dan commented that one day after the digging was complete, he was able to stand at the dry bottom of the pond, and the next day, following an unusually heavy rain, the pond was all but full.

Now, the 4-acre pond is home to bass, catfish, blue gill, crappie, and of course, turtles, which were spotted by some sharp-eyed observers. Unfortunately, algae bloom has been a problem this year.

During a stop at the pine grove and apple orchard, Dan pointed out flourishing white pines and also turned our attention to several pawpaw trees. He explained that they attract the magnificent zebra swallowtail butterfly. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, southeast Iowa is along the northern edge of the region where pawpaws naturally thrive. Dan noted that oak and hickory trees are making a comeback in the grove.

Staff members from Raptology were also on hand with Rachel the peregrine falcon, Reggie the great horned owl, and Gonzo the turkey vulture. Turkey vultures like Gonzo might not be the most glamorous birds, as their main function is to eat carrion, but the exceptional sense of smell that helps them find their food sources and their ability to eat almost anything is truly amazing. Their job – keeping the environment clean by eating animals that are already dead – is a thankless but important one. We learned that turkey vultures migrate to Central America for the winter since their food sources here become frozen, while peregrines like Rachel pursue their prey in mid-air and knock them out of the sky by dropping on them, sometimes stunning them with their balled up feet. Peregrines also often migrate to Central and South America. Owls, like Reggie, are year-round residents. They hunt at dawn and dusk using, in part, their hearing ability, which is heightened by the asymmetrical position of their ears.

The story of Gonzo, who came to Raptology after being found on the ground, uninjured, offers an important reminder. Young animals or birds that are found alone in nature should be left untouched. The human instinct may be to “save” them, but most likely, the mother is nearby. Although she may be out of sight, she is following her natural mothering instincts. That is something that should always be remembered and respected.

Families also enjoyed the creek activities, where Taproot and volunteers led activities to catch and observe minnows and snapping turtles. There was also a campsite set up where s’mores were enjoyed. Even though it was a hot day, families enjoyed the many activities at Belgum Grove. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for Bur Oak Land Trust’s spring Family Day at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, held in May!