This next generation of children will have a lot to deal with regarding taking care of our planet. Sadly so many of today's children do not play outside let alone have the opportunities to run and walk and imagine all the possibilities that being out in nature conjures up. This is an important task laid at the "grown-ups" feet to try and get today's kids out of the house and into mother natures world to learn all that she has to offer. Please take the time to read this article and find out how you can help. Find a way to help the children in your neighborhood learn and enjoy nature. Share your experiences with them. You will never know what you might share that will spark a young mind into a whole new world.
As a result of the recently published book Last Child in the Woods, by Richard Louv, many groups and organizations across the nation are searching for ways to reconnect children with nature. The benefits to children of time spent outdoors are endless. Spending time in natural settings is beneficial for physical and mental health, improving behavior, and faster learning. In an effort to bring increased attention and support to this important issue, we are asking for your organization’s participation. Please forward this email to your Iowa networks (colleagues, organizations, Listservs, websites, friends and family, students, etc.). Encourage others to complete the online survey located at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=nYU56AJw5MLfcHiDiDzl3w_3d_3d With your help, we can identify the fundamental experiences that we believe children in Iowa should have in order to develop a healthy, active lifestyle. Results obtained from the survey will be used to guide creation of an “Iowa Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights.” This document will list the activities that Iowans recognize as invaluable experiences for our young people to have while growing up, along with a mission statement and goals for its use. Your organization has been chosen to participate in this survey because of your commitment to developing healthy, active, responsible youth. We appreciate your assistance in making this a successful state-wide project.
Barb Gigar Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Email: barb.gigar@dnr.iowa.gov
Phone: 641-747-2200
For those outside of Iowa here is a great resource. http://www.birds.cornell.edu/celebration/temporary/national-forum-on-children-and-nature-endorses-project
Friday, December 12, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Arctic Temperatures Break Record Highs
October 24, 2008 Albuquerque, New Mexico - In October, scientists reported that the fall temperatures in the Arctic broke all record highs – averaging 5 degrees Celsius above normal, which is 9 degrees Fahrenheit above normal!
All that Arctic warming has caused the highest sea level rise on record. It doesn’t seem like a big number – only .254 centimeters a year – but it still means Arctic waters are rising as more and more ice melts from the warmer and warmer Arctic temperatures.
All the Arctic sea ice melt in 2008 was the second greatest since satellite measurements began in 1979. The volume of Arctic ice melt might be even more than 2007, which holds the number one spot for area of ice melt. That makes two years in a row of record-breaking Arctic ice melt.
The consequences so far are:
a) the decline of reindeer herds;
b) green shrubs are now moving into Arctic areas that used to be permafrost;
c) and the saltiness of the Arctic Ocean and North Atlantic is being diluted by all the fresh ice water runoff. Less salt in the North Atlantic water means less density. Less density could slow down – or even stop – the North Atlantic Oscillation that brings warm equatorial waters to the North Atlantic. It’s that oscillation of warm water from the equator to the British Isles that helps keep the U. K. and Europe warmer. The reason the oscillation might stop is that less salty water is lighter and won’t sink as deeply and rapidly.
If the North Atlantic Oscillation stopped, the warmer waters would not reach the North Atlantic. So, in one of the great ironies of global warming, the faster the warming North Pole melts, the more likely temperatures will drop in the U. K. and Europe.
All that Arctic warming has caused the highest sea level rise on record. It doesn’t seem like a big number – only .254 centimeters a year – but it still means Arctic waters are rising as more and more ice melts from the warmer and warmer Arctic temperatures.
All the Arctic sea ice melt in 2008 was the second greatest since satellite measurements began in 1979. The volume of Arctic ice melt might be even more than 2007, which holds the number one spot for area of ice melt. That makes two years in a row of record-breaking Arctic ice melt.
The consequences so far are:
a) the decline of reindeer herds;
b) green shrubs are now moving into Arctic areas that used to be permafrost;
c) and the saltiness of the Arctic Ocean and North Atlantic is being diluted by all the fresh ice water runoff. Less salt in the North Atlantic water means less density. Less density could slow down – or even stop – the North Atlantic Oscillation that brings warm equatorial waters to the North Atlantic. It’s that oscillation of warm water from the equator to the British Isles that helps keep the U. K. and Europe warmer. The reason the oscillation might stop is that less salty water is lighter and won’t sink as deeply and rapidly.
If the North Atlantic Oscillation stopped, the warmer waters would not reach the North Atlantic. So, in one of the great ironies of global warming, the faster the warming North Pole melts, the more likely temperatures will drop in the U. K. and Europe.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Thoreau a Climatologist?
Although it is not what Thoreau was noted for he kept very precise records of plants in 1851, he started recording when and where plants flowered in Concord, he was making notes for a book he planned to write. Recently researchers at Boston University and Harvard are using those notes to learn patterns of plant abundance and decline in Concord and New England as a whole. They are linking those patterns to changing climate. Their conclusions are clear common species are flowering seven days earlier than they did in Thoreau’s day. Conservation biologists and Evolutionary biologists from Harvard and Boston University have determined that 27 percent of the species documented by Thoreau have vanished from Concord and 36 percent are present in such small numbers that they probably will not survive for long. Those findings appear in the current issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Of the 21 species of orchids Thoreau observed in Concord, the researchers could only find 7. Researchers are busy studying the archives for any records of this nature to try and understand what is going on with our planet today. There hasn't been much interest in spending the money to record and find these old writings however maybe now with these kind of findings more interest will be sparked to find and preserve them.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Storm Water Run-Off, It's Everyones Problem!
By Vera Pappas
Storm Water Run-off is a problem in every section of the United States. Some areas of course are worse than others. Every time it rains there are massive amounts of chemicals, oils, heavy metals running off our roof, through our grass and flower beds, down our driveways and into our storm drains which leads out to our natural waterways, and streams which lead to lakes and rivers.
If our ground cannot absorb the water efficiently and effectively and perk back down into our underground water supply it ends up in the storm drain. The chemicals, oils, voc's, etc. break down the beneficial bacteria and micro-organisms that keep our lakes and streams healthy. What we end up with is an over abundance of algae which believe it or not is harmful to our eco-system. It cuts down on the oxygen levels in the water and the beneficial bacteria cannot do its job to keep the water clean and healthy for fish and fowl.
This is not something the average American sees everyday. We don't think about where the water goes when its rushing down the street and into the storm drains. For us...it stops there. But it is actually just beginning.
We can make a difference one yard at a time. If every homeowner made simple changes, we could save our lakes, streams and rivers. Our eco-system depends on it. Not only does storm water run-off affect fish, it affects water fowl, birds, and all the animals that eat the fish, and drink from the lakes, streams and rivers.
There are many ways to reduce the amount of water that runs from your property into the storm drain:
Install Rain Barrels -Thousands of gallons of water can be captured off the average roof each year, and clean rainwater is better for plants, shrubs and lawn, washing the car, the dog etc.
Go Organic!- The use of traditional chemicals to feed your lawn and garden leach into the water every time it rains. Chemical fertilizers and controls do the most damage. Organic fertilizers and control products do not leave residual effects in the soil. Organic products come from the earth. They will not damage it.
Use Native Plants- Native plants are plants that are naturally indigenous to your specific area. You can get a list of native plants for your area by doing a web search. They are usually put out by the state. Native plants will grow better, require less water and fertilizer (organic of course), and they provide a natural habitat for our wild creatures.
Storm Water Run-off is a problem in every section of the United States. Some areas of course are worse than others. Every time it rains there are massive amounts of chemicals, oils, heavy metals running off our roof, through our grass and flower beds, down our driveways and into our storm drains which leads out to our natural waterways, and streams which lead to lakes and rivers.
If our ground cannot absorb the water efficiently and effectively and perk back down into our underground water supply it ends up in the storm drain. The chemicals, oils, voc's, etc. break down the beneficial bacteria and micro-organisms that keep our lakes and streams healthy. What we end up with is an over abundance of algae which believe it or not is harmful to our eco-system. It cuts down on the oxygen levels in the water and the beneficial bacteria cannot do its job to keep the water clean and healthy for fish and fowl.
This is not something the average American sees everyday. We don't think about where the water goes when its rushing down the street and into the storm drains. For us...it stops there. But it is actually just beginning.
We can make a difference one yard at a time. If every homeowner made simple changes, we could save our lakes, streams and rivers. Our eco-system depends on it. Not only does storm water run-off affect fish, it affects water fowl, birds, and all the animals that eat the fish, and drink from the lakes, streams and rivers.
There are many ways to reduce the amount of water that runs from your property into the storm drain:
Install Rain Barrels -Thousands of gallons of water can be captured off the average roof each year, and clean rainwater is better for plants, shrubs and lawn, washing the car, the dog etc.
Go Organic!- The use of traditional chemicals to feed your lawn and garden leach into the water every time it rains. Chemical fertilizers and controls do the most damage. Organic fertilizers and control products do not leave residual effects in the soil. Organic products come from the earth. They will not damage it.
Use Native Plants- Native plants are plants that are naturally indigenous to your specific area. You can get a list of native plants for your area by doing a web search. They are usually put out by the state. Native plants will grow better, require less water and fertilizer (organic of course), and they provide a natural habitat for our wild creatures.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
A Natural Flu Remedy
I recently had a conversation with a R.N. She had been collecting books on herbal remedies for a long time; however she had never really tried any of the remedies.
One summer she ran across a Yarrow plant for sale at an herb store and bought it, she transplanted it into a big pot. In due time it became a very large plant and it bloomed. She kept the flowers and dried them and really didn’t know what she was going to do with them.
The following winter she came home from her job at the hospital with a bad case of flu. She remembered that she had read about making a tea from the Yarrow plant to cure colds and flu. She made the tea, climbed into a hot bath and sipped the tea. After drinking the tea she rinsed off in cool water put on some warm pj’s and went to bed. The very next day she was able to go to work and felt fine, while her many of her working companions were miserable for many days.
It’s very interesting how many native plants have healing properties as well as providing beauty to the landscape. One might begin to believe Mother Nature knows what she is doing if left to her own devices and allowed to flourish in her natural state.
Ion Exchange - Helping You Create Your Own Natural Beauty
One summer she ran across a Yarrow plant for sale at an herb store and bought it, she transplanted it into a big pot. In due time it became a very large plant and it bloomed. She kept the flowers and dried them and really didn’t know what she was going to do with them.
The following winter she came home from her job at the hospital with a bad case of flu. She remembered that she had read about making a tea from the Yarrow plant to cure colds and flu. She made the tea, climbed into a hot bath and sipped the tea. After drinking the tea she rinsed off in cool water put on some warm pj’s and went to bed. The very next day she was able to go to work and felt fine, while her many of her working companions were miserable for many days.
It’s very interesting how many native plants have healing properties as well as providing beauty to the landscape. One might begin to believe Mother Nature knows what she is doing if left to her own devices and allowed to flourish in her natural state.
Ion Exchange - Helping You Create Your Own Natural Beauty
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Fall Is A Great Time To Seed Your Lawn.
Fall is a great time to seed your lawn for next year. Whether you are over seeding an existing lawn or seeding a new lawn; four elements must be working together in order to establish newly planted turf grass seed. Just follow some of these tips.
Establishing a new seeding:
Loosen the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches with a roto tiller or tillage implement.
Spread the seed in at least two different directions at right angle to the first pass.
Lightly rake to seed to incorporate the seed to a ¼ to ½ inch depth. Care must be given to mix the soil and not to "drag" soil.
Roll the area to increase seed to soil contact.
Overseeding:
Mow the lawn as short as possible to the point of scalping.
Deep Core Aeration so that you achieve 15 to 20 holes per square foot.
Broadcast and/or slit seed mixture in two different directions
Apply Starter Fertilizer
Roll the area to increase seed to soil contact.
A great grass seed to use is No Mow/Low Grow
Howard Bright - Ion Exchange Inc.
Establishing a new seeding:
Loosen the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches with a roto tiller or tillage implement.
Spread the seed in at least two different directions at right angle to the first pass.
Lightly rake to seed to incorporate the seed to a ¼ to ½ inch depth. Care must be given to mix the soil and not to "drag" soil.
Roll the area to increase seed to soil contact.
Overseeding:
Mow the lawn as short as possible to the point of scalping.
Deep Core Aeration so that you achieve 15 to 20 holes per square foot.
Broadcast and/or slit seed mixture in two different directions
Apply Starter Fertilizer
Roll the area to increase seed to soil contact.
A great grass seed to use is No Mow/Low Grow
Howard Bright - Ion Exchange Inc.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
New "Green" Product Mimics Nature and Cleans the Water.
Bio Floating Islands is one of the most exciting new concepts in efforts to “Go Green.” These Islands mimic nature in many ways. They are being used to add land mass, provide food for fish, grow vegetables, afford wildlife with a habitat and all the while cleaning the water!
With storm water management being a requirement of new developments, these islands can contribute greatly to the removal of unwanted and overloaded nutrients in ponds and other bodies of water as well as adding beauty and fish
habitat.
Ion Exchange Inc. has been a leader in the Green life since its inception with native plants and seeds. They are planning on holding seminars in the late fall on successful techniques in construction and launching of these floating islands. For more information call Ion Exchange Inc. 800-291-2143 or visit their web site. http://www.ionxchange.com/bio_floating_island.htm
With storm water management being a requirement of new developments, these islands can contribute greatly to the removal of unwanted and overloaded nutrients in ponds and other bodies of water as well as adding beauty and fish
habitat.Ion Exchange Inc. has been a leader in the Green life since its inception with native plants and seeds. They are planning on holding seminars in the late fall on successful techniques in construction and launching of these floating islands. For more information call Ion Exchange Inc. 800-291-2143 or visit their web site. http://www.ionxchange.com/bio_floating_island.htm
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Why Use Native Plants For Landscaping?
Native plants are grown from their wild relatives; their color, size, nectar, pollen production, and everything about them are authentic and have not been changed except by natural evolution. The benefits of native plants compared to hybrid and otherwise man cultivated species include a longer life span, less need for fertilizer and insecticides, increased aroma, drought resistant ( due to the very deep roots), easy to overwinter, generally disease free and the native birds, butterflies and bees love them.
Native plants are plants that have been growing here for many hundreds of years. Each area has its own native plants so in planting native plants you will want to make sure they are native to your area.
The prairies were self sustainable until the advent of plows and urban development removed most of them, leaving just a remnant of their former glory. Because native plants are so hardy they are also slow growing and require some patience to grow and establish. However as their root systems take hold (some roots go as deep as 20 feet) they will out shine any non native. Once established they will require much less maintenance than any traditional landscapes.
Some of the key benefits of using native plants:
· Provide habitat for native wildlife
· Beautiful view of waving grasses and blooming flowers
· Helps clean the air
· Helps clean the rainwater and runoff that goes to our aquifers
· Provides something of value for the next generation
Native grasses are also being tested as a possible bio fuel that would be economical and readily available. The research on this application of native grasses looks very promising and could be grown throughout the Midwest.
Ion Exchange Inc.
Native plants are plants that have been growing here for many hundreds of years. Each area has its own native plants so in planting native plants you will want to make sure they are native to your area.
The prairies were self sustainable until the advent of plows and urban development removed most of them, leaving just a remnant of their former glory. Because native plants are so hardy they are also slow growing and require some patience to grow and establish. However as their root systems take hold (some roots go as deep as 20 feet) they will out shine any non native. Once established they will require much less maintenance than any traditional landscapes.
Some of the key benefits of using native plants:
· Provide habitat for native wildlife
· Beautiful view of waving grasses and blooming flowers
· Helps clean the air
· Helps clean the rainwater and runoff that goes to our aquifers
· Provides something of value for the next generation
Native grasses are also being tested as a possible bio fuel that would be economical and readily available. The research on this application of native grasses looks very promising and could be grown throughout the Midwest.
Ion Exchange Inc.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Free Training Calls on Internet Marketing
============================================================
You don't want to miss these FREE Training Calls!
Generator Software ============================================================
Every Tuesday and Thursday for the next 5 weeks my friend Armand Morin will interview a different Big Seminar Faculty Member.
For one hour they will reveal the Secrets They use in their Internet marketing Business.
To Register for these FREE Training calls just Click Here now... Generator Software
Once registered you will receive a reminder prior to each call giving you the...
- Name of the Expert Faculty Member Being Interviewed - Call in information - Time of the call - A time zone converter
Don't miss these Important, FREE Training calls...Click here to Register NOW!
Generator Software
Sincerely,
Howard and Donna Bright
Ion Exchange Inc. - The Natural Gait
You don't want to miss these FREE Training Calls!
Generator Software ============================================================
Every Tuesday and Thursday for the next 5 weeks my friend Armand Morin will interview a different Big Seminar Faculty Member.
For one hour they will reveal the Secrets They use in their Internet marketing Business.
To Register for these FREE Training calls just Click Here now... Generator Software
Once registered you will receive a reminder prior to each call giving you the...
- Name of the Expert Faculty Member Being Interviewed - Call in information - Time of the call - A time zone converter
Don't miss these Important, FREE Training calls...Click here to Register NOW!
Generator Software
Sincerely,
Howard and Donna Bright
Ion Exchange Inc. - The Natural Gait
Friday, August 15, 2008
Help Create A New Book of Childhood Memories About Plants
Hi folks, we are very excited about creating a new book filled with childhood memories of learning about a plant or plants! We have compiled comments from the Iowa Native Plant Society members and those will be included in our book but before we complete it, we thought we would open the door to include comments from you if you care to be included in the book.By creating this book and offering it through our web site, we hope to generate more interest in the plant world and at the same time contribute25% of any net proceeds to the Iowa Native Plant Society.Now let me give you an example of what I am talking about. As a very young boy growing up in the foothills of the Appalachian Mtns. in Tenn., I was very much intrigued by all the plants around me. I wanted a slingshot in the worst way so I asked my Dad if he would make me one. As I watched him cut a limb from a huge tree with big leaves and many white blooms my excitement soared. He debarked the forked branch and trimmed it to fit my hand and then scored the upper part of the forks to attach the two strands of rubber inner tube which was left over from a Goodyear Double Eagle tire.He stained and varnished this master piece and handed it to me the next day as he said, "son be careful with that thing". From then on, I never forgot the name of that tree that brought so much fun into my life, the Catalpa.Won't you please consider sharing your story with us and join us in contributing to this fun and worthy venture? By participating, we assume we will have your permission to publish your comments and give you full credit..-- Howard Bright, President Ion Exchange, Inc.http://www.ionxchange.com/800-291-2143“Helping you create your own natural beauty”
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Big Seminar 12
Some people find this hard to believe (but
it's arguably the single biggest success
story on the web)...
7 years ago a young man started an internet
business in the back bedroom of his home.
Sure he wanted to be mega successful but the
idea of generating millions was far from his
mind at the time.
He wanted to just start something.
So he ventured into a niche and began to plug
away and eventually developed a business
model that worked.
Not only did it "work", but it created a
$20,000,000/year business.
The crazy part about this story is the fact
that this person still works from "home".
He now has 80 employees but they all work
virtually.
So how does one go from having no business
and no employees to building one of the most
successful online companies ever?
On September 16th, you'll find out:
Generator Software
You can listen to this live interview for
free just by registering below:
Generator Software
(it's one of the calls from a 9-part series
featuring the speakers of the upcoming Big
Seminar).
Even if you don't plan on attending the
seminar, you can still enjoy this no cost
call just by clicking the link below.
Generator Software
Enjoy!
Ion Exchange Inc
P.S I would make sure you dial in early
because the lines are expected to fill
quickly. The call times, phone number and
passcode will be immediately sent to you via
email. Go here to get the info:
Generator Software
it's arguably the single biggest success
story on the web)...
7 years ago a young man started an internet
business in the back bedroom of his home.
Sure he wanted to be mega successful but the
idea of generating millions was far from his
mind at the time.
He wanted to just start something.
So he ventured into a niche and began to plug
away and eventually developed a business
model that worked.
Not only did it "work", but it created a
$20,000,000/year business.
The crazy part about this story is the fact
that this person still works from "home".
He now has 80 employees but they all work
virtually.
So how does one go from having no business
and no employees to building one of the most
successful online companies ever?
On September 16th, you'll find out:
Generator Software
You can listen to this live interview for
free just by registering below:
Generator Software
(it's one of the calls from a 9-part series
featuring the speakers of the upcoming Big
Seminar).
Even if you don't plan on attending the
seminar, you can still enjoy this no cost
call just by clicking the link below.
Generator Software
Enjoy!
Ion Exchange Inc
P.S I would make sure you dial in early
because the lines are expected to fill
quickly. The call times, phone number and
passcode will be immediately sent to you via
email. Go here to get the info:
Generator Software
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Dr. Emoto and Ion Exchange invites you to participate this weekend in the 2008
A Message to you from Dr. Masaru Emoto.
Dear Friend,
Our planet Earth is called "Planet of Water". We have not found any
other planet in this vast universe, which contains such a great amount of liquid water. It is said that our life was born in the primordial ocean of this planet, and water is a critical element for us to maintain our life form. All life could not exist without water.
Our precious and essential resource, however, has been seriously polluted all over the world.
Lake Baikal located in eastern Siberia is the largest and cleanest supply of freshwater on the planet. It has long been admired as the"Sacred Gem" and "Pearl of Siberia". It is said that Lake Baikal is the deepest lake on Earth and holds 20% of the world's freshwater supply, which is more than the amount of water of the Five Great Lakes in the North America combined. It is also said that humanity could survive at least for forty years solely on the water of Lake Baikal.
Lake Baikal is also known as the oldest lake on Earth and was considered to have been created about 25 million years ago. It contains 1500 endemic species, of which more than half cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In 1996, the United Nation declared Lake Baikal as a World Heritage Site.
R
ecently, I was notified that the water of this precious lake has become polluted. This is why we have decided to hold this year's Ceremony to Send Love and Gratitude to Water at Lake Baikal, so that the people of the world would pay attention to this precious water resource, and not take it for granted.
We have chosen Olkhon Island, the biggest island of Lake Baikal, as the primary site for our ceremony. This island has long been known as a sacred place for Siberian shamans. There is a small cape called Shaman Rock near Khuzhir.
We invite you to join us by sending your own sincere prayer of Love and Gratitude to the water of Lake Baikal, and the waters of the world.
We at Ion Exchange would like to invite you to join us in this ceremony visit Dr. Emotos site to see the video and learn more by clicking HERE
Dear Friend,
Our planet Earth is called "Planet of Water". We have not found any
other planet in this vast universe, which contains such a great amount of liquid water. It is said that our life was born in the primordial ocean of this planet, and water is a critical element for us to maintain our life form. All life could not exist without water.Our precious and essential resource, however, has been seriously polluted all over the world.
Lake Baikal located in eastern Siberia is the largest and cleanest supply of freshwater on the planet. It has long been admired as the"Sacred Gem" and "Pearl of Siberia". It is said that Lake Baikal is the deepest lake on Earth and holds 20% of the world's freshwater supply, which is more than the amount of water of the Five Great Lakes in the North America combined. It is also said that humanity could survive at least for forty years solely on the water of Lake Baikal.
Lake Baikal is also known as the oldest lake on Earth and was considered to have been created about 25 million years ago. It contains 1500 endemic species, of which more than half cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In 1996, the United Nation declared Lake Baikal as a World Heritage Site.
R
ecently, I was notified that the water of this precious lake has become polluted. This is why we have decided to hold this year's Ceremony to Send Love and Gratitude to Water at Lake Baikal, so that the people of the world would pay attention to this precious water resource, and not take it for granted.We have chosen Olkhon Island, the biggest island of Lake Baikal, as the primary site for our ceremony. This island has long been known as a sacred place for Siberian shamans. There is a small cape called Shaman Rock near Khuzhir.
We invite you to join us by sending your own sincere prayer of Love and Gratitude to the water of Lake Baikal, and the waters of the world.
We at Ion Exchange would like to invite you to join us in this ceremony visit Dr. Emotos site to see the video and learn more by clicking HERE
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Butterfly Forecast For Central Iowa for Aug 1-15th 2008
Reprinted by Ion Exchange with permission. Forecast for Central Iowa August 1, 2008-August 15, 2008
Butterfly numbers and diversity are at their peak right now. Diversity will continue to be at a peak until about the middle of September. Numbers will remain high after that—possibly as late as the end of October depending on the weather. However, by that time the diversity will have crashed and only a few species will be represented.
Many of the butterflies you see at this time of the year are newly emerged, but some, particularly the larger butterflies, may be individuals who have lived for several weeks. If you have appropriate habitat you may see the same individual eastern tiger swallowtail or great spangled fritillary over several days. Butterflies can become quite raggedy over a period of time, but can still survive.
There can be some unexpected butterfly watching opportunities at this time of year. A few years back I went on a ride on the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad (Boone, Iowa). The ride goes for several miles, and there are wooded stretches and areas with some prairie plants. I got great looks at lots of butterflies, especially eastern tiger swallowtails and giant swallowtails. The northwestern part of the route, near Fraser and Holst State Forest had very large populations of giant swallowtails.
Rides on bike paths can be quite good as well. You might need to keep the ID books at home and just concentrate on the ride, however.
If you happen to pass a hay field you might see clouds of butterflies—clouded and orange sulfurs in numbers much greater than you will see elsewhere. Puddles near a hay field may yield hundreds of these butterflies which all fly up at the same time.
Watch the white butterflies at this time of year. Cabbage whites are common, as are white forms of clouded and orange sulfurs. If you look closely, you can tell them apart quite easily—the forewings of cabbage whites coming to a point instead of being rounded, and lacking the black border. You may see a white butterfly that is clearly different from either—one that is very white with no border, but which has more dark spots on it than the cabbage white. That will be the checkered white, which is a migrant that comes in to the state late in the summer.
In normal years we would be seeing great numbers of little yellows about now. However, I have not seen any yet this year. There have been huge numbers of summer azures, however—many more than normal, and flying about 3 weeks after one would expect their peak.
The American snout is a distinctive butterfly with a long nose. It can form huge swarms in Texas, where certain forms of hackberry tree are found.
In Iowa it is found in smaller numbers. I usually see only a few individuals each year.
Cloudless sulfurs can sometimes be seen late in the summer. Once again, they are quite common in the south but not so common in Iowa. Cloudless sulfurs resemble the more common clouded and orange sulfurs but are quite a bit larger. Look for fiery skippers to be fairly numerous as well.
Some species are found here pretty much all summer but reach fairly high numbers late in the year. They include before mentioned clouded and orange sulfurs, eastern tailed-blues, pearly crescents, and silvery checkerspots.
Black swallowtails, painted ladies, red admirals and monarchs may be found in fairly high numbers in prairie and old-field areas, and hackberry and tawny emperors can be found in the woodlands.
Summer is flying by (in more ways than one). Make the time to enjoy the show.
Harlan Ratcliff
References:
Schlicht, Dennis, John C. Downey, and Jeffrey C. Nekola. 2007. The Butterflies of Iowa. The University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, IA.
Scott, James A. 1986. The Butterflies of North America. A Natural History and Field Guide. Stanford University Press, Stanford CA.
IA-BTRFLY: The Iowa Butterfly and Dragonfly list serve.
http://www.wisconsinbutterflies.org/ sightings page.
http://www.naba.org/ sightings page.
Ratcliff, Harlan: 2003-2007 Unpublished butterfly survey results.
Many of the butterflies you see at this time of the year are newly emerged, but some, particularly the larger butterflies, may be individuals who have lived for several weeks. If you have appropriate habitat you may see the same individual eastern tiger swallowtail or great spangled fritillary over several days. Butterflies can become quite raggedy over a period of time, but can still survive.
There can be some unexpected butterfly watching opportunities at this time of year. A few years back I went on a ride on the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad (Boone, Iowa). The ride goes for several miles, and there are wooded stretches and areas with some prairie plants. I got great looks at lots of butterflies, especially eastern tiger swallowtails and giant swallowtails. The northwestern part of the route, near Fraser and Holst State Forest had very large populations of giant swallowtails.
Rides on bike paths can be quite good as well. You might need to keep the ID books at home and just concentrate on the ride, however.
If you happen to pass a hay field you might see clouds of butterflies—clouded and orange sulfurs in numbers much greater than you will see elsewhere. Puddles near a hay field may yield hundreds of these butterflies which all fly up at the same time.
Watch the white butterflies at this time of year. Cabbage whites are common, as are white forms of clouded and orange sulfurs. If you look closely, you can tell them apart quite easily—the forewings of cabbage whites coming to a point instead of being rounded, and lacking the black border. You may see a white butterfly that is clearly different from either—one that is very white with no border, but which has more dark spots on it than the cabbage white. That will be the checkered white, which is a migrant that comes in to the state late in the summer.
In normal years we would be seeing great numbers of little yellows about now. However, I have not seen any yet this year. There have been huge numbers of summer azures, however—many more than normal, and flying about 3 weeks after one would expect their peak.
The American snout is a distinctive butterfly with a long nose. It can form huge swarms in Texas, where certain forms of hackberry tree are found.
In Iowa it is found in smaller numbers. I usually see only a few individuals each year.
Cloudless sulfurs can sometimes be seen late in the summer. Once again, they are quite common in the south but not so common in Iowa. Cloudless sulfurs resemble the more common clouded and orange sulfurs but are quite a bit larger. Look for fiery skippers to be fairly numerous as well.
Some species are found here pretty much all summer but reach fairly high numbers late in the year. They include before mentioned clouded and orange sulfurs, eastern tailed-blues, pearly crescents, and silvery checkerspots.
Black swallowtails, painted ladies, red admirals and monarchs may be found in fairly high numbers in prairie and old-field areas, and hackberry and tawny emperors can be found in the woodlands.
Summer is flying by (in more ways than one). Make the time to enjoy the show.
Harlan Ratcliff
References:
Schlicht, Dennis, John C. Downey, and Jeffrey C. Nekola. 2007. The Butterflies of Iowa. The University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, IA.
Scott, James A. 1986. The Butterflies of North America. A Natural History and Field Guide. Stanford University Press, Stanford CA.
IA-BTRFLY: The Iowa Butterfly and Dragonfly list serve.
http://www.wisconsinbutterflies.org/ sightings page.
http://www.naba.org/ sightings page.
Ratcliff, Harlan: 2003-2007 Unpublished butterfly survey results.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Dangers of Wild Parsnip
Its that time of year when all the beautiful native wildflowers are at their peak. However there are also a few nasty plants out there as well. One of them is Wild Parsnip and it can burn you like a severe sunburn with big blisters that last for quite some time. Your pets could be subject to the same burns on their noses and places that aren't as protected by hair. Go to Ion Exchange to see a short video and picture of this plant and its effects.
Have a great day!
Kay at Ion Exchange Inc.
Have a great day!
Kay at Ion Exchange Inc.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Great Float of 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Butterfly Forecast
For all you butterfly lovers here is the forecast for the first part of July. Happy butterfly hunting! http://www.ionxchange.com and http://www.thenaturalgait.com
Butterfly Forecast for Central Iowa
July 1-15
Once again, the unusual weather has been impacting the butterflies. There have not been as many butterflies in the natural areas as would be expected in more normal years but there have been good numbers of dragonflies and damselflies. The dragonflies and damselflies are feeding on their preferred food mosquitoes. The mosquitoes have been feeding on their preferred food me.
There is a great web site dedicated to the dragonflies and damselflies found in Iowa. It can be found at: http://www.iowaodes.com. Those of you who have not seen it should make a point of checking this one out. It has great photos and great graphics.
I went up to Hoffman Prairie near Clear Lake with Nathan Brockman of Reiman Gardens on Friday. This was the fourth year of my annual exercise in futility, a search for the Poweshiek skipper. It may still be found there but Friday was not a good day for seeing butterflies. The sky was overcast nothing really came out. We did see a few pearly crescents and a Delaware skipper, but most of the butterflies stayed hidden because of the weather.
Folks, I think the Poweshiek skipper is intertwined with the history of Iowa. It could be called the Iowa legacy butterfly. Not only was it discovered here in Iowa by a colorful Iowa character, the Rev. Henry W.
Parker, but it was named for a place‹Poweshiek County in Iowa. Poweshiek County was in turn named for a man who played a very significant role in Iowa¹s history, Chief Poweshiek. It is a prairie obligate butterfly, tied very closely to the habitat that once covered Iowa and that we have mostly destroyed. We have in fact almost extirpated the butterfly from the state.
We do not currently recognize the value of this small butterfly, but I dream of the day when you will find signs going into Grinnell, Iowa that say ³home of the Poweshiek skipper².
Back to the forecast: Although the wet weather does reduce numbers, we will continue to see more butterflies, both in diversity and total numbers than we have so far in the summer. Summer azures have been fairly common in certain areas. You will see them flying high in the trees. Eastern tailed blue butterflies have already been present in the early spring but the second generation will show up in much more significant numbers starting about the first of July, and will become one of the most numerous butterflies by the end of summer.
The list of butterflies you can see in this timeframe is quite long. The most common ones include black and eastern tiger swallowtails, cabbage whites, clouded and orange sulfurs, gray hairstreaks, eastern tailed blues, red spotted purples, hackberry emperors, painted ladies, monarchs, and viceroys. Of course, there are also a number of skipper butterflies seen now, like the silver spotted skipper, least skipper, Delaware, tawny-edged skipper, dun skipper, and others.
If you get to a prairie or savannah look for regal fritillaries. If you have not seen them before you might be surprised at how much they look and act like monarchs from a distance. Check the thistle, milkweed, and wild bergamont flowers that are frequented by monarchs and if the prairie has regals you will find them there. Also check for butterfly milkweeds in bloom--they will almost certainly contain several hairstreaks.
You may start seeing numbers of the butterflies that do not over-winter in Iowa. Those include the checkered white, little yellow, cloudless sulfur, dainty sulfur, and American snout butterfly. Of course, the monarch and painted lady butterflies are in this list as well although they are already found in some numbers.
If you are looking for the rare, try the TNC-owned Medora prairie near New Virginia. There are regal fritillaries there, and also a good population of byssus skippers that should be showing up about now. It is also a great spot for silvery checkerspots, American ladies, gray coppers, and common wood nymphs.
Take plenty of water, and enjoy yourself.
Harlan Ratcliff
bugs@crosspaths.net
References:
Schlicht, Dennis, John C. Downey, and Jeffrey C. Nekola. 2007. The Butterflies of Iowa. The University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, IA.
Scott, James A. 1986. The Butterflies of North America. A Natural History and Field Guide. Stanford University Press, Stanford CA.
IA-BTRFLY: The Iowa Butterfly and Dragonfly list serve.
www.wisconsinbutterflies.org sightings page.
www.NABA.org sightings page.
Ratcliff, Harlan: 2003-2007 Unpublished butterfly survey results.
Butterfly Forecast for Central Iowa
July 1-15
Once again, the unusual weather has been impacting the butterflies. There have not been as many butterflies in the natural areas as would be expected in more normal years but there have been good numbers of dragonflies and damselflies. The dragonflies and damselflies are feeding on their preferred food mosquitoes. The mosquitoes have been feeding on their preferred food me.
There is a great web site dedicated to the dragonflies and damselflies found in Iowa. It can be found at: http://www.iowaodes.com. Those of you who have not seen it should make a point of checking this one out. It has great photos and great graphics.
I went up to Hoffman Prairie near Clear Lake with Nathan Brockman of Reiman Gardens on Friday. This was the fourth year of my annual exercise in futility, a search for the Poweshiek skipper. It may still be found there but Friday was not a good day for seeing butterflies. The sky was overcast nothing really came out. We did see a few pearly crescents and a Delaware skipper, but most of the butterflies stayed hidden because of the weather.
Folks, I think the Poweshiek skipper is intertwined with the history of Iowa. It could be called the Iowa legacy butterfly. Not only was it discovered here in Iowa by a colorful Iowa character, the Rev. Henry W.
Parker, but it was named for a place‹Poweshiek County in Iowa. Poweshiek County was in turn named for a man who played a very significant role in Iowa¹s history, Chief Poweshiek. It is a prairie obligate butterfly, tied very closely to the habitat that once covered Iowa and that we have mostly destroyed. We have in fact almost extirpated the butterfly from the state.
We do not currently recognize the value of this small butterfly, but I dream of the day when you will find signs going into Grinnell, Iowa that say ³home of the Poweshiek skipper².
Back to the forecast: Although the wet weather does reduce numbers, we will continue to see more butterflies, both in diversity and total numbers than we have so far in the summer. Summer azures have been fairly common in certain areas. You will see them flying high in the trees. Eastern tailed blue butterflies have already been present in the early spring but the second generation will show up in much more significant numbers starting about the first of July, and will become one of the most numerous butterflies by the end of summer.
The list of butterflies you can see in this timeframe is quite long. The most common ones include black and eastern tiger swallowtails, cabbage whites, clouded and orange sulfurs, gray hairstreaks, eastern tailed blues, red spotted purples, hackberry emperors, painted ladies, monarchs, and viceroys. Of course, there are also a number of skipper butterflies seen now, like the silver spotted skipper, least skipper, Delaware, tawny-edged skipper, dun skipper, and others.
If you get to a prairie or savannah look for regal fritillaries. If you have not seen them before you might be surprised at how much they look and act like monarchs from a distance. Check the thistle, milkweed, and wild bergamont flowers that are frequented by monarchs and if the prairie has regals you will find them there. Also check for butterfly milkweeds in bloom--they will almost certainly contain several hairstreaks.
You may start seeing numbers of the butterflies that do not over-winter in Iowa. Those include the checkered white, little yellow, cloudless sulfur, dainty sulfur, and American snout butterfly. Of course, the monarch and painted lady butterflies are in this list as well although they are already found in some numbers.
If you are looking for the rare, try the TNC-owned Medora prairie near New Virginia. There are regal fritillaries there, and also a good population of byssus skippers that should be showing up about now. It is also a great spot for silvery checkerspots, American ladies, gray coppers, and common wood nymphs.
Take plenty of water, and enjoy yourself.
Harlan Ratcliff
bugs@crosspaths.net
References:
Schlicht, Dennis, John C. Downey, and Jeffrey C. Nekola. 2007. The Butterflies of Iowa. The University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, IA.
Scott, James A. 1986. The Butterflies of North America. A Natural History and Field Guide. Stanford University Press, Stanford CA.
IA-BTRFLY: The Iowa Butterfly and Dragonfly list serve.
www.wisconsinbutterflies.org sightings page.
www.NABA.org sightings page.
Ratcliff, Harlan: 2003-2007 Unpublished butterfly survey results.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Sierra Club Press Release on USDA Stand on Honeybees
PRESS RELEASE
>Contact: Laurel Hopwood, Sierra Club
>216-371-9779
>
>U.S.D.A. caves into lobbyists over massive bee deaths while Germany
>takes a major step to keep their pollinators pollinating crops
>
>In light of the mounting evidence that new seed chemical coatings are
>deadly to bees and the action of Germany to call for an immediate
>suspension of these seed treatments, the Sierra Club today reaffirmed
>its call for a U.S. moratorium on specific chemical treatments to
>protect our bees and crops, until more study can be done.
>
>Recently Germany's federal agricultural research institute noted, "It
>can unequivocally be concluded that poisoning of the bees is due to the
>rub-off of the pesticide ingredient clothianidin from corn seeds."
> At issue are the neonicotinoids, including clothianidin, being used
>in a new way - as seed coatings.
>
>For years, farmers have been spraying neonicotinoids onto their crops
>to stop insect infestation. Now Bayer and Monsanto have acquired
>patents to coat their proprietary corn seeds with these neonicotinoids.
>
>"Part of the equation in the U.S. is genetically engineered corn, as
>more and more corn seeds are being gene spliced with a completely
>different species - a bacteria," said Walter Haefeker, of the German
>Beekeepers Association Board of Directors. "Bayer and Monsanto
>recently entered into agreements to manufacture neonicotinic-coated
>genetically engineered corn. It's likely that this will worsen the bee
>die-off problem."
>
>David Hackenburg, former president of the American Beekeeping
>Federation, has been urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to do
>more study. "Look at what's time based. The massive bee decimation
>started when regulatory agencies rubber stamped the use of
>neonicotinoid spraying and coating," he said.
>
>"Sierra Club joins the concern of beekeepers," said Laurel Hopwood,
>Sierra Club Genetic Engineering Committee Chair. "It's unfortunate that
>regulatory agencies are using double speak. They claim to protect our
>food supply - yet they aren't doing the proper studies. The loss of
>honeybees will leave a huge void in the kitchens of the American people
>and an estimated loss of 14 billion dollars to farmers. We expect the
>U.S.D.A. to do their job. We call for a precautionary moratorium on
>these powerful crop treatments to protect our bees and our food.
>###
>
>Contact: Laurel Hopwood, Sierra Club
>216-371-9779
>
>U.S.D.A. caves into lobbyists over massive bee deaths while Germany
>takes a major step to keep their pollinators pollinating crops
>
>In light of the mounting evidence that new seed chemical coatings are
>deadly to bees and the action of Germany to call for an immediate
>suspension of these seed treatments, the Sierra Club today reaffirmed
>its call for a U.S. moratorium on specific chemical treatments to
>protect our bees and crops, until more study can be done.
>
>Recently Germany's federal agricultural research institute noted, "It
>can unequivocally be concluded that poisoning of the bees is due to the
>rub-off of the pesticide ingredient clothianidin from corn seeds."
> At issue are the neonicotinoids, including clothianidin, being used
>in a new way - as seed coatings.
>
>For years, farmers have been spraying neonicotinoids onto their crops
>to stop insect infestation. Now Bayer and Monsanto have acquired
>patents to coat their proprietary corn seeds with these neonicotinoids.
>
>"Part of the equation in the U.S. is genetically engineered corn, as
>more and more corn seeds are being gene spliced with a completely
>different species - a bacteria," said Walter Haefeker, of the German
>Beekeepers Association Board of Directors. "Bayer and Monsanto
>recently entered into agreements to manufacture neonicotinic-coated
>genetically engineered corn. It's likely that this will worsen the bee
>die-off problem."
>
>David Hackenburg, former president of the American Beekeeping
>Federation, has been urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to do
>more study. "Look at what's time based. The massive bee decimation
>started when regulatory agencies rubber stamped the use of
>neonicotinoid spraying and coating," he said.
>
>"Sierra Club joins the concern of beekeepers," said Laurel Hopwood,
>Sierra Club Genetic Engineering Committee Chair. "It's unfortunate that
>regulatory agencies are using double speak. They claim to protect our
>food supply - yet they aren't doing the proper studies. The loss of
>honeybees will leave a huge void in the kitchens of the American people
>and an estimated loss of 14 billion dollars to farmers. We expect the
>U.S.D.A. to do their job. We call for a precautionary moratorium on
>these powerful crop treatments to protect our bees and our food.
>###
>
Monday, June 9, 2008
Pollinators This Spring
This is a continuation of our last post.
This is not hard science by any means, but it appears to me that the colder than normal temperatures are having a direct bearing on the number of insects present. We have noticed that our large colonies of bluebells are have been in flower nearly twice as long as in years when the daily temperatures are higher. Another indication of the cold temperatures is how little planted corn has emerged and what has emerged is very small compared to past years. We are just starting to see a few butterflies and they tend to be in the most protected areas.
My night-time back door surveys of moths and other nocturnal insects also seem to directly implicate that low temperatures are having a negative effect on numbers. I can recall only one warm evening so far this season, and that night there were a few moths, most evenings, there have been none or just one or two. Another indication is the general absence of mosquitos, I have yet to encounter, but one in the
woods. I am not defending the use of agricultural insecticides, but
we need to remember insects like heat and we have not had much of it this spring.
Carl
On May 20, 2008, at 4:59 PM, Richard G wrote:
> I have noticed that as well. Despite prodigious flowering of apple
> trees, plums, and other fruit trees, I fear that the lack of
> pollinators may lead to another down year in local fruit production.
>
> Dick
This is not hard science by any means, but it appears to me that the colder than normal temperatures are having a direct bearing on the number of insects present. We have noticed that our large colonies of bluebells are have been in flower nearly twice as long as in years when the daily temperatures are higher. Another indication of the cold temperatures is how little planted corn has emerged and what has emerged is very small compared to past years. We are just starting to see a few butterflies and they tend to be in the most protected areas.
My night-time back door surveys of moths and other nocturnal insects also seem to directly implicate that low temperatures are having a negative effect on numbers. I can recall only one warm evening so far this season, and that night there were a few moths, most evenings, there have been none or just one or two. Another indication is the general absence of mosquitos, I have yet to encounter, but one in the
woods. I am not defending the use of agricultural insecticides, but
we need to remember insects like heat and we have not had much of it this spring.
Carl
On May 20, 2008, at 4:59 PM, Richard G wrote:
> I have noticed that as well. Despite prodigious flowering of apple
> trees, plums, and other fruit trees, I fear that the lack of
> pollinators may lead to another down year in local fruit production.
>
> Dick
Friday, May 30, 2008
Where Have All The Pollinators Gone?
We, at Ion Exchange belong to a discussion group called Iowa Native Plants from the University of Iowa, It is managed by Diana Horton and supported by the Iowa Native Plant Society. There has been quite a conversation going on about seeing or not seeing pollinators this spring. We would like to share a few observations noted from some of the folks on this discussion group with you for the next few weeks. We would love to have some feedback from you on this subject from your part of the world.
This may be a "tad" off topic but has anyone noticed the lack of pollinators this spring so far?? I'm up in the NW corner of the state and have many places I should be seeing bees, flies, etc...but nearly nothing and it disturbs me...it's not normal! I spoke with an area naturalist yesterday and she said she'd observed the very same thing.I've seen one Bumble Bee (while driving down a gravel road) and virtually no flies. We have a third of an acre of dandelions and nothing on them (save the Goldfinches that are dining on those going to seed). Nothing on any of the Wild Plums either.Golden Alexanders are going into bloom and all the Common Violets, the phlox like Wild Sweet William, the Wild Columbine, etc...but I'm seeing nothing interested....Bruce Morrison, S/.E. O'Brien County
http://www.morrisons-studio.com/ http://prairiepainter.blogspot.com/
This may be a "tad" off topic but has anyone noticed the lack of pollinators this spring so far?? I'm up in the NW corner of the state and have many places I should be seeing bees, flies, etc...but nearly nothing and it disturbs me...it's not normal! I spoke with an area naturalist yesterday and she said she'd observed the very same thing.I've seen one Bumble Bee (while driving down a gravel road) and virtually no flies. We have a third of an acre of dandelions and nothing on them (save the Goldfinches that are dining on those going to seed). Nothing on any of the Wild Plums either.Golden Alexanders are going into bloom and all the Common Violets, the phlox like Wild Sweet William, the Wild Columbine, etc...but I'm seeing nothing interested....Bruce Morrison, S/.E. O'Brien County
http://www.morrisons-studio.com/ http://prairiepainter.blogspot.com/
Monday, May 19, 2008
Butterfly Forecast May 15-31, 2008
The Ion Exchange Inc is very happy to recieve Harlan's permission to print his Butterfly Forecast.
Butterfly Forecast for May 15-May 31, 2008 We are starting to get into a busier and more diverse part of the butterfly season. Butterflies will be present in small numbers, and there will be more variety than we have seen so far. Among the most conspicuous are the swallowtails. The eastern tiger swallowtail, black swallowtail, and giant swallowtail are all found in central Iowa and can be seen now. Three others--the zebra, spicebush, and pipevine swallowtails--are quite rare in Iowa. Theoretically they could be present in this time period but you are unlikely to see them.
Clouded sulfurs and orange sulfurs will be the most common easily seen butterflies. Two small blue butterflies will be common as well but being small they are easily overlooked. The first is the summer azure. (Iowa apparently has both the spring and summer azure, Celastrina ladon and C.
neglecta, although they are difficult to distinguish in the field. The individuals you see during this time period are most likely to be of the summer azure.) The second is the eastern tailed-blue. Iowa has other blue butterflies but they are quite rare in most of the state. There are also some hairstreaks that can be mistaken for blues. However, 99% of all the blues you see will be either a summer azure or an eastern tailed-blue. An easy way to distinguish them in the field is that the azure will fly up into the trees when approached, and the eastern tailed-blue will fly at ground level.
Other butterflies present now include common buckeyes, painted ladies, red admirals, pearly crescents, cabbage whites, monarchs, question marks, eastern commas, bronze coppers, red spotted purples, and hackberry emperors.
If you find a good bed of flowers now is a great time to enjoy and learn about some of the skippers. We have a small patch of dame¹s rocket (unfortunately not a native plant, but it was part of a ³wildflower mix² we bought some time back). Hobomok skippers chase each other around the flowerbed. They have courtship displays that usually involve three or more individuals. It is fun to watch them chase each other and make the little jet fighter pose where one set of wings is horizontal and the other pair is at about a 45 degree angle.
Of the skippers you see in flowerbeds, hobomoks will be the most conspicuous but the slightly smaller Peck¹s skipper may also be present.
Tawney edge skippers can also be seen at this time. You may run across a small skipper butterfly that can only be described as being a brilliant black with some small white spots. You are more likely to see it mudding than nectaring, at least in my experience. That is the common sooty-wing.
There are other skippers that are dark brown or nearly black but none as completely black as this one.
Watch for the small butterflies‹they are every bit as entertaining as the large ones.
Happy butterflying.
Harlan Ratcliff
References:
Schlicht, Dennis, John C. Downey, and Jeffrey C. Nekola. 2007. The Butterflies of Iowa. The University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, IA.
Scott, James A. 1986. The Butterflies of North America. A Natural History and Field Guide. Stanford University Press, Stanford CA.
IA-BTRFLY: The Iowa Butterfly and Dragonfly list serve.
http://www.wisconsinbutterflies.org/ sightings page.
http://www.naba.org/ sightings page.
Ratcliff, Harlan: 2003-2007 Unpublished butterfly survey results.
Butterfly Forecast for May 15-May 31, 2008 We are starting to get into a busier and more diverse part of the butterfly season. Butterflies will be present in small numbers, and there will be more variety than we have seen so far. Among the most conspicuous are the swallowtails. The eastern tiger swallowtail, black swallowtail, and giant swallowtail are all found in central Iowa and can be seen now. Three others--the zebra, spicebush, and pipevine swallowtails--are quite rare in Iowa. Theoretically they could be present in this time period but you are unlikely to see them.
Clouded sulfurs and orange sulfurs will be the most common easily seen butterflies. Two small blue butterflies will be common as well but being small they are easily overlooked. The first is the summer azure. (Iowa apparently has both the spring and summer azure, Celastrina ladon and C.
neglecta, although they are difficult to distinguish in the field. The individuals you see during this time period are most likely to be of the summer azure.) The second is the eastern tailed-blue. Iowa has other blue butterflies but they are quite rare in most of the state. There are also some hairstreaks that can be mistaken for blues. However, 99% of all the blues you see will be either a summer azure or an eastern tailed-blue. An easy way to distinguish them in the field is that the azure will fly up into the trees when approached, and the eastern tailed-blue will fly at ground level.
Other butterflies present now include common buckeyes, painted ladies, red admirals, pearly crescents, cabbage whites, monarchs, question marks, eastern commas, bronze coppers, red spotted purples, and hackberry emperors.
If you find a good bed of flowers now is a great time to enjoy and learn about some of the skippers. We have a small patch of dame¹s rocket (unfortunately not a native plant, but it was part of a ³wildflower mix² we bought some time back). Hobomok skippers chase each other around the flowerbed. They have courtship displays that usually involve three or more individuals. It is fun to watch them chase each other and make the little jet fighter pose where one set of wings is horizontal and the other pair is at about a 45 degree angle.
Of the skippers you see in flowerbeds, hobomoks will be the most conspicuous but the slightly smaller Peck¹s skipper may also be present.
Tawney edge skippers can also be seen at this time. You may run across a small skipper butterfly that can only be described as being a brilliant black with some small white spots. You are more likely to see it mudding than nectaring, at least in my experience. That is the common sooty-wing.
There are other skippers that are dark brown or nearly black but none as completely black as this one.
Watch for the small butterflies‹they are every bit as entertaining as the large ones.
Happy butterflying.
Harlan Ratcliff
References:
Schlicht, Dennis, John C. Downey, and Jeffrey C. Nekola. 2007. The Butterflies of Iowa. The University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, IA.
Scott, James A. 1986. The Butterflies of North America. A Natural History and Field Guide. Stanford University Press, Stanford CA.
IA-BTRFLY: The Iowa Butterfly and Dragonfly list serve.
http://www.wisconsinbutterflies.org/ sightings page.
http://www.naba.org/ sightings page.
Ratcliff, Harlan: 2003-2007 Unpublished butterfly survey results.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Six Principles of Green Living
Living by “green” principles can be extremely satisfying, but how do you do it? Surely, it’s not by purchasing more “green” products, because buying and using more “things” is all part of the problem. This Lifehack article has got a great point, though, that a better guide to Green Living might well be David Allen’s Getting Things Done, since the principles of Green Living are not all that different from the principles used to be more productive.
1. Strive for Simplicity: More stuff means more complexity; more upkeep, more keeping track, more things to do. In global terms, it means more wasted resources.2. Fairness: Much of our consumption-driven market is based on unfairness. If everyone along the chain, from a Bolivian granny making hand-woven grocery bags to the Wal-Mart worker, actually were paid what you’d expect, that hand-woven grocery bag would be out of most people’s price range.3. Community: If you’ve ever had the pleasure of attending a local farmer’s market, you’ve experienced something few of us do these days: an encounter with a part of your community, an actual living and breathing person, who made that which you’re about to buy.4. Sustainability: A system is sustainable when the negative outputs of that system are accommodated and turned into positive outputs. However, most of our global production is not sustainable. 5. Planning: Planning means looking ahead toward a desired outcome. It also means thinking a little bit about the community that isn’t here yet and dealing fairly with them. The decisions we make now will create the conditions our grandchildren and their grandchildren will have to deal with.6. Transparency: Planning, community, fairness, and ultimately sustainability require transparency, but most decisions these days are made behind closed doors. To take Green Living a bit closer to home, I also encourage you to look into the principles of Bau-Biologie. Bau-Biologie is the holistic study of the man-made environment, human health and ecology, and you can use many of their principles to create a healthier indoor environment for yourself and your family.
Sources:
Lifehack.org
1. Strive for Simplicity: More stuff means more complexity; more upkeep, more keeping track, more things to do. In global terms, it means more wasted resources.2. Fairness: Much of our consumption-driven market is based on unfairness. If everyone along the chain, from a Bolivian granny making hand-woven grocery bags to the Wal-Mart worker, actually were paid what you’d expect, that hand-woven grocery bag would be out of most people’s price range.3. Community: If you’ve ever had the pleasure of attending a local farmer’s market, you’ve experienced something few of us do these days: an encounter with a part of your community, an actual living and breathing person, who made that which you’re about to buy.4. Sustainability: A system is sustainable when the negative outputs of that system are accommodated and turned into positive outputs. However, most of our global production is not sustainable. 5. Planning: Planning means looking ahead toward a desired outcome. It also means thinking a little bit about the community that isn’t here yet and dealing fairly with them. The decisions we make now will create the conditions our grandchildren and their grandchildren will have to deal with.6. Transparency: Planning, community, fairness, and ultimately sustainability require transparency, but most decisions these days are made behind closed doors. To take Green Living a bit closer to home, I also encourage you to look into the principles of Bau-Biologie. Bau-Biologie is the holistic study of the man-made environment, human health and ecology, and you can use many of their principles to create a healthier indoor environment for yourself and your family.
Sources:
Lifehack.org
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Why are Bats Dying?
Just as news of the massive bee die off is fading from the news (although not actually ending), news of mass bat deaths are just starting to hit the headlines. The loss of bats could be an environmental catastrophe, as they are the world's greatest insect eaters -- devouring up to half their weight in insects every day.The epicenter of the bat die-off is New York. Reports started with hikers noticing dead and dying bats littered outside the caves where they hibernate.The loss of bats is now at the point where researchers are expressing fear that an extinction is underway. The ultimate cause is unknown, although the condition has been named White Nose Syndrome, due to the presence of fungus growths on the bats’ noses and faces. The fungus is believed, however, to be only a symptom rather than the underlying problem.Theories for what is causing the bats to die include:
Virus and bacterial infections
Pesticides, either due to the toxins themselves or because they’ve killed off bats’ major food source, mosquitoes and other insectsBat die-off could have a major impact on humanity, including outbreaks of mosquitoes (and their related diseases like West Nile Fever, malaria, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis) and destruction of crops (which could be overtaken by crop-destructive insects).
Sources:
Natural News April 11, 2008
Virus and bacterial infections
Pesticides, either due to the toxins themselves or because they’ve killed off bats’ major food source, mosquitoes and other insectsBat die-off could have a major impact on humanity, including outbreaks of mosquitoes (and their related diseases like West Nile Fever, malaria, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis) and destruction of crops (which could be overtaken by crop-destructive insects).
Sources:
Natural News April 11, 2008
Dr. Mercola's Comments:
Something is terribly wrong here.Three of the world’s greatest pollinators -- the creatures that are actually responsible for spreading pollen so plants can grow -- are slowly disappearing right before your eyes. First it was the bees. Then the birds. Now the bats. What’s next?The current bat die-off is already being called the most serious threat to North American bats since the beginning of recorded history. In New York, up to 90 percent of the bats hibernating in four caves and mines have died since last winter, and more bats are thought to have died at 15 other New York sites, and also in Massachusetts and Vermont.Biologists believe that up to half a million bats could ultimately be lost, which would have a major impact on the upcoming growing season.Bats are Necessary for Crops to ThriveThe common image of bats acting as pests, flying in your hair or trying to suck your blood are, of course, just myths. One of the biggest fears many have about bats -- rabies -- is also completely unfounded, as bat rabies cause just one human death per year in the United States, according to Bat Conservation International. In reality, bats are a great friend to the environment, helping to pollinate wild plants, disperse fruit seeds, and keep insect populations under control.Bats are also used strategically by organic farmers as a natural means for pest control, as one small bat can eat up to 2,000 mosquitoes in one night. So you can imagine how mosquitoes and other bugs will multiply without bats to keep them in check.Other Pollinators are Also DisappearingAs I said earlier, the problem of disappearing bats is magnified because other North American pollinators, namely birds and bees, are also on the decline.According to a report by the National Audubon Society, for instance, the numbers of some species of birds have plummeted by 60 percent to 80 percent. And as of April 2007, 25 percent of all bee colonies in 27 U.S. states had died. The growing absence of these necessary creatures is signaling a silent alarm bell about the state of our ecosystem. Even the U.S. Department of Agriculture is calling it an “impending pollination crisis.”Something is throwing things off balance, and, little by little, nature is dying. Eventually, it will no longer be a gradual occurrence, but rather like when you put a stick into a turning bicycle wheel, everything will abruptly come to a halt, and likely fall.What’s Killing Off the Bees, Birds and Bats?Nobody knows for sure. And my guess is that it is not one thing but rather an accumulation of things such as:
Pesticides and other environmental toxins
Cell phones and information-carrying radio waves
Genetically modified crops In the case of bats, new pesticides that are designed specifically to fight West Nile Virus are also likely culprits. These pesticides kill mosquitoes, and bats need mosquitoes to survive. As a telling sign, bats that have been found dead appeared to have died from starvation, as their fat stores were largely depleted.There is also a sign that something is altering their behavior, as bats have been found flying during the winter and during the day, while they should have been hibernating.Can Life Go on Without the Birds and the Bees (and the Bats)?Not for long, no. One-third of the U.S. food supply is dependent on the pollination from bees alone, and without bats or birds, the food supply as you know it would be long gone.Is there anything you can do?Well, on a local level, yes. I would suggest contacting your town’s city officials to protest spraying the area with pesticides to combat West Nile Virus. Next, if you have a backyard, consider putting up a couple of bat houses, a bird feeder, and a bird bath, then planting some flowers that attract bees, such as:
Basil, rosemary, sage and thyme
Lavender
Geraniums
Sunflowers
Verbena
Zinnias
Bee balm
Cosmos
These are small steps, but no contribution is too small when it comes to our one and only environment.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Why Flowers Have Lost Their Scent
Pollution is stifling the fragrance of plants and preventing bees from pollinating them – endangering one of the most essential cycles of nature, writes Environment Editor Geoffrey Lean
Researchers say that pollution is dramatically cutting the distance travelled by the scent of flowers
Sunday, 20 April 2008
Pollution is dulling the scent of flowers and impeding some of the most basic processes of nature, disrupting insect life and imperilling food supplies, a new study suggests.
The potentially hugely significant research – funded by the blue-chip US National Science Foundation – has found that gases mainly formed from the emissions of car exhausts prevent flowers from attracting bees and other insects in order to pollinate them. And the scientists who have conducted the study fear that insects' ability to repel enemies and attract mates may also be impeded.
The researchers – at the University of Virginia – say that pollution is dramatically cutting the distance travelled by the scent of flowers. Professor Jose Fuentes, who led the study, said: "Scent molecules produced by flowers in a less polluted environment could travel for roughly 1,000 to 1,200 metres. But today they may travel only 200 to 300 metres. This makes it increasingly difficult for bees and other insects to locate the flowers."
The researchers – who worked on the scent given off by snapdragons – found that the molecules are volatile, and quickly bond with pollutants such as ozone and nitrate radicals, mainly formed from vehicle emissions. This chemically alters the molecules so that they no longer smell like flowers. A vicious cycle is therefore set up where insects struggle to get enough food and the plants do not get pollinated enough to proliferate.
Already bees – which pollinate most of the world's crops – are in unprecedented decline in Britain and across much of the globe. At least a quarter of America's 2.5 million honey bee colonies have been mysteriously wiped out by colony collapse disorder (CCD), where hives are found suddenly deserted.
The crisis has now spread to Europe. Politicians insist that CCD has not yet been found in Britain, but the insects have been declining here too, and the agriculture minister Lord Rooker has warned that "the honey bee population could be wiped out in 10 years".
The researchers do not believe that they have found the cause of CCD, but say that pollution is making life more difficult for bees and other insects in many ways."
Researchers say that pollution is dramatically cutting the distance travelled by the scent of flowers
Sunday, 20 April 2008
Pollution is dulling the scent of flowers and impeding some of the most basic processes of nature, disrupting insect life and imperilling food supplies, a new study suggests.
The potentially hugely significant research – funded by the blue-chip US National Science Foundation – has found that gases mainly formed from the emissions of car exhausts prevent flowers from attracting bees and other insects in order to pollinate them. And the scientists who have conducted the study fear that insects' ability to repel enemies and attract mates may also be impeded.
The researchers – at the University of Virginia – say that pollution is dramatically cutting the distance travelled by the scent of flowers. Professor Jose Fuentes, who led the study, said: "Scent molecules produced by flowers in a less polluted environment could travel for roughly 1,000 to 1,200 metres. But today they may travel only 200 to 300 metres. This makes it increasingly difficult for bees and other insects to locate the flowers."
The researchers – who worked on the scent given off by snapdragons – found that the molecules are volatile, and quickly bond with pollutants such as ozone and nitrate radicals, mainly formed from vehicle emissions. This chemically alters the molecules so that they no longer smell like flowers. A vicious cycle is therefore set up where insects struggle to get enough food and the plants do not get pollinated enough to proliferate.
Already bees – which pollinate most of the world's crops – are in unprecedented decline in Britain and across much of the globe. At least a quarter of America's 2.5 million honey bee colonies have been mysteriously wiped out by colony collapse disorder (CCD), where hives are found suddenly deserted.
The crisis has now spread to Europe. Politicians insist that CCD has not yet been found in Britain, but the insects have been declining here too, and the agriculture minister Lord Rooker has warned that "the honey bee population could be wiped out in 10 years".
The researchers do not believe that they have found the cause of CCD, but say that pollution is making life more difficult for bees and other insects in many ways."
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Join In The Great Bee Hunt.
Ion Exchange has been following the stories about the plight of the honeybees for over a year now. We came across this great site that is actually letting all of us take part and do something in our own back yard that will further the research to better understand the bees and their habits. This site is http://www.greatsunflower.org/. When you sign up they will send you a packet of sunflowers to plant in your own yard ( a species that is for your zone) and all the information you need to keep records on the bees that come to your sunflowers. This is a wonderful opportunity to get the whole family involved in a nature project and help to raise awareness of the natural world and how we can be a part of that natural world.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Slippery Elm: An Old-Time Survival Food and Medicine
By the Mother Earth News editors
We seldom think of it now as food. But foremost among the survival rations recommended to early white settlers by the native North Americans those pioneers found here . . . was the inner bark of the slippery elm tree (Ulmus fulva or rubra).
When dried and ground into a coarse meal, the sweetly fragrant and creamy white or pinkish inner bark of the slippery elm can be boiled into a porridge that looks and tastes very much like oatmeal. And, surprisingly enough, modern nutritionists have discovered that, when so prepared, the bark does indeed possess a food value about equal to that of oatmeal.
This almost forgotten fact actually helped to change the course of our nation's history on at least one occasion. It is recorded that, during their bitter winter at Valley Forge, George Washington's ragtag Revolutionary War soldiers lived through one 12-day period on little more than slippery elm porridge. And no one, of course, knows how many starving pioneer families scraped through their first winters on this continent thanks to the same survival rations.
Slippery elm's inner bark, on the other hand, does have its other uses too. When ground to a fine powder, it makes a good extender for ordinary flour and can be included that way in a wide variety of recipes. And back before today's sugar-laden treats were so widely available, small boys were fond of stripping off pieces of this cambium bark and chewing it. Such a "chaw" makes a sweet-flavored, long-lasting chewing gum that both satisfies thirst and supplies a certain amount of nourishment.
Almost every back-country homestead up until a generation or two ago knew that slippery elm had yet other values . . . medicinal values. The late Euell Gibbons recommended pouring a pint of boiling water over an ounce of the coarsely ground inner bark, allowing the mixture to cool, and then adding the juice of one-half lemon and enough honey to sweeten the brew to taste. Our pioneer forebears treated colds with such a "lemonade" and it was especially recommended for feverish patients. "Allow them to drink all they will take," said Gibbons in his book, Stalking the Healthful Herbs, "for this drink will quench their thirst and help relieve their illness by giving them strengthening, easily digested food at the same time."
A somewhat similar formulation (one heaping teaspoon of finely powdered bark mixed into enough cold water to make a paste and then quickly stirred into a pint of boiling water and flavored with cinnamon) popped up again and again in early American almanacs, herbals, and medical guides. According to such old manuals, it's good for almost anything that ails you: catarrh, colitis, coughs, colds, dysentery, painful urination, pleurisy, quinsy, influenza, bleeding from the lungs, and consumption . . . to name just a few of the illnesses that were treated by this beverage. And, for folks who weren't suffering any of these ailments, the same drink—taken lukewarm just before bedtime—was prescribed as a sleep inducement.
And if that doesn't sell you on the virtues of slippery elm, bear in mind that seasoned wood from the tree is especially hard and tough and wears well. For this reason, back when our nation lived much closer to the land, it was widely sought out for the construction of door sills, wagon wheel hubs, and other such "high stress" items.
Botanists sometimes make quite a distinction between Ulmus fulva and Ulmus rubra. . . but most farmers and outdoorsmen treat the two as variants of the same tree. (All slippery elms—both the lighter brown and the red varieties—are very similar and are frequently called "red elm" by native woodsmen. It takes a good eye to note the differences between cross sections of fulva and rubra bark and hard support wood.)
Individual specimens of slippery elm may grow to a height of seventy or eighty feet on moist, deep, alluvial soil . . . but they never have the noble, vaulting vase shape of the taller American elm. And when standing out in the open by themselves, Ulmus fulva and Ulmus rubra generally take an even lower and many-branched form.
Slippery elm grows in lowlands and along water from Quebec west to North Dakota and south to Florida and Texas. Its leaves are larger than the leaves of the American elm, sometimes reach a length of six inches, are a dull and dark green in color, and are rather coarse and rough on both sides. The buds of the leaves are covered with a yellow-tinted wool in the spring, and the winter buds are brown, dark, and hairy. The tree's seeds are round, flattened, and surrounded by a thin wing about half an inch in diameter. The seeds ripen and fall when the slippery elm's leaves are about half grown.
The outer bark of the slippery elm is reddish brown, deeply furrowed, and quite rough. It can be harvested any time of the year but peels from the tree most easily in the spring (when the sap is running). The juicy inner bark may then be pulled from the outer with little difficulty. Spread the cambium bark out on newspapers in a warm, dry room. Once it has dried, it may be stored (I like to keep mine in sealed glass jars) and ground for use as desired.
We seldom think of it now as food. But foremost among the survival rations recommended to early white settlers by the native North Americans those pioneers found here . . . was the inner bark of the slippery elm tree (Ulmus fulva or rubra).
When dried and ground into a coarse meal, the sweetly fragrant and creamy white or pinkish inner bark of the slippery elm can be boiled into a porridge that looks and tastes very much like oatmeal. And, surprisingly enough, modern nutritionists have discovered that, when so prepared, the bark does indeed possess a food value about equal to that of oatmeal.
This almost forgotten fact actually helped to change the course of our nation's history on at least one occasion. It is recorded that, during their bitter winter at Valley Forge, George Washington's ragtag Revolutionary War soldiers lived through one 12-day period on little more than slippery elm porridge. And no one, of course, knows how many starving pioneer families scraped through their first winters on this continent thanks to the same survival rations.
Slippery elm's inner bark, on the other hand, does have its other uses too. When ground to a fine powder, it makes a good extender for ordinary flour and can be included that way in a wide variety of recipes. And back before today's sugar-laden treats were so widely available, small boys were fond of stripping off pieces of this cambium bark and chewing it. Such a "chaw" makes a sweet-flavored, long-lasting chewing gum that both satisfies thirst and supplies a certain amount of nourishment.
Almost every back-country homestead up until a generation or two ago knew that slippery elm had yet other values . . . medicinal values. The late Euell Gibbons recommended pouring a pint of boiling water over an ounce of the coarsely ground inner bark, allowing the mixture to cool, and then adding the juice of one-half lemon and enough honey to sweeten the brew to taste. Our pioneer forebears treated colds with such a "lemonade" and it was especially recommended for feverish patients. "Allow them to drink all they will take," said Gibbons in his book, Stalking the Healthful Herbs, "for this drink will quench their thirst and help relieve their illness by giving them strengthening, easily digested food at the same time."
A somewhat similar formulation (one heaping teaspoon of finely powdered bark mixed into enough cold water to make a paste and then quickly stirred into a pint of boiling water and flavored with cinnamon) popped up again and again in early American almanacs, herbals, and medical guides. According to such old manuals, it's good for almost anything that ails you: catarrh, colitis, coughs, colds, dysentery, painful urination, pleurisy, quinsy, influenza, bleeding from the lungs, and consumption . . . to name just a few of the illnesses that were treated by this beverage. And, for folks who weren't suffering any of these ailments, the same drink—taken lukewarm just before bedtime—was prescribed as a sleep inducement.
And if that doesn't sell you on the virtues of slippery elm, bear in mind that seasoned wood from the tree is especially hard and tough and wears well. For this reason, back when our nation lived much closer to the land, it was widely sought out for the construction of door sills, wagon wheel hubs, and other such "high stress" items.
Botanists sometimes make quite a distinction between Ulmus fulva and Ulmus rubra. . . but most farmers and outdoorsmen treat the two as variants of the same tree. (All slippery elms—both the lighter brown and the red varieties—are very similar and are frequently called "red elm" by native woodsmen. It takes a good eye to note the differences between cross sections of fulva and rubra bark and hard support wood.)
Individual specimens of slippery elm may grow to a height of seventy or eighty feet on moist, deep, alluvial soil . . . but they never have the noble, vaulting vase shape of the taller American elm. And when standing out in the open by themselves, Ulmus fulva and Ulmus rubra generally take an even lower and many-branched form.
Slippery elm grows in lowlands and along water from Quebec west to North Dakota and south to Florida and Texas. Its leaves are larger than the leaves of the American elm, sometimes reach a length of six inches, are a dull and dark green in color, and are rather coarse and rough on both sides. The buds of the leaves are covered with a yellow-tinted wool in the spring, and the winter buds are brown, dark, and hairy. The tree's seeds are round, flattened, and surrounded by a thin wing about half an inch in diameter. The seeds ripen and fall when the slippery elm's leaves are about half grown.
The outer bark of the slippery elm is reddish brown, deeply furrowed, and quite rough. It can be harvested any time of the year but peels from the tree most easily in the spring (when the sap is running). The juicy inner bark may then be pulled from the outer with little difficulty. Spread the cambium bark out on newspapers in a warm, dry room. Once it has dried, it may be stored (I like to keep mine in sealed glass jars) and ground for use as desired.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Celebrate Earth Day April 22nd
This is the 37th anniversary of Earth Day a world wide event that reminds people to conserve resources and preserve natural habitats. People around the world will celebrate Earth Day in many ways with festivals and community projects. All sorts of environmental ventures will be undertaken. If you are wondering what you can do, why not create a habitat for birds and other wildlife in your own back yard. The average back yard might see 15 or so different bird species. However with a little planning you can easily double that number or even triple it. To attract the greatest number of bird species, a habitat must provide at least one of each of these elements: food, water, shelter and a place to raise their young. Now is the perfect time to start to attract birds because many of the birds are returning from their fall and winter homes. They will be looking for food, water and shelter.
Offering food can be as simple as hanging a bird feeder in a tree or as ambitious as planting native wildflowers and shrubs. Providing a fresh supply of water with a birdbath will also increase the variety of bird visitors. Birds use water for more than just drinking; they also use it for bathing and preening their feathers. Clean feathers are important for birds’ health and optimum flying ability.
Landscaping for the ideal wildlife habitat should include plants ranging in size and density from small evergreen shrubs to tall, full-grown trees. The same plants that provide food and shelter can also provide safe areas for many species of wildlife to build nests and raise their families.
Visit your local library for books on birds in your area and their habits. Bird watching is something the entire family can enjoy and start the youngsters on the road to thinking about protecting their natural world.
For books on The Natural World visit Natural World Books for Native Plants and Seeds visit Ion Exchange
Offering food can be as simple as hanging a bird feeder in a tree or as ambitious as planting native wildflowers and shrubs. Providing a fresh supply of water with a birdbath will also increase the variety of bird visitors. Birds use water for more than just drinking; they also use it for bathing and preening their feathers. Clean feathers are important for birds’ health and optimum flying ability.
Landscaping for the ideal wildlife habitat should include plants ranging in size and density from small evergreen shrubs to tall, full-grown trees. The same plants that provide food and shelter can also provide safe areas for many species of wildlife to build nests and raise their families.
Visit your local library for books on birds in your area and their habits. Bird watching is something the entire family can enjoy and start the youngsters on the road to thinking about protecting their natural world.
For books on The Natural World visit Natural World Books for Native Plants and Seeds visit Ion Exchange
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Bee Pollen: The Healing Superfood for Optimum Health
Originall published Mar 20, 2008 NaturalNews.com
by Sheryl Walters (NaturalNews) Bee Pollen is one of the most well known superfoods on the planet. Its research began with the people of the Caucasus Mountains in the former Soviet Union. Doctors began to study them because of their optimum health and longevity. Many of them were healthily living to 125 years old. A large percentage of them were beekeepers, and it was discovered that the pollen they ate was their magic elixir.Scientific studies have continuously revealed the incredible health enhancing benefits of bee pollen for decades.Bee Pollen is a rich source of highly concentrated vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acids, hormones, enzymes and fats. Most of the known vitamins in bee pollen exist in perfect proportion, so they optimally work together. This further enhances their value. This powerful superfood also contains a vast array of phytonutrients, many of which have yet to be identified.Its nutritional diversity makes Bee Pollen an ideal dietary supplement and boost to a balanced diet. Scientists have labeled it the most nutritious supplement on the planet. In fact, many nutritional experts say bee pollen contains everything we need to live!Studies have shown that Bee Pollen can Offer the Following Benefits:* For mental clarity and concentration, bee pollen is one of the top superfoods. That is why the people of the Caucasus Mountains not only had long lasting physical health, but also vibrant mental health.* Bee pollen is helpful for loosing weight because it naturally balances hormones and chemicals in the body. It also improves the metabolism and helps reduce cravings for food.* Many studies have shown that bee pollen is very effective in lowering cholesterol levels.* The sexual health benefits of bee pollen are well documented. It boosts fertility and can relieve PMS.Researchers have found that bee pollen is very effective in helping prevent prostate problems.In one study, over 50% of men who were given bee pollen experienced a dramatic improvement in sperm count and were able to perform better sexually after just one month.* Bee Pollen is a potent immune system booster, so the body can fight illnesses, and even allergies.* It is a powerful detoxifier.* There have also been a number of clinical trials that have been carried out using bee pollen on cancer.You can buy bee pollen as golden colored granules. They are delicious and can be eaten plain, like a handful of sunflower seeds. You can also put them in smoothies or sprinkle them over yogurt.Bee pollen is one of the oldest, most researched, healing foods on the planet. Its complete nutrition is beneficial for anyone looking to improve their mental and physical health, and overall wellbeing.
About the author
Sheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practioner. Her website http://www.younglivingguide.com/ provides the latest research on preventing disease, looking naturally gorgeous, and feeling emotionally and physically fabulous.
About the author
Sheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practioner. Her website http://www.younglivingguide.com/ provides the latest research on preventing disease, looking naturally gorgeous, and feeling emotionally and physically fabulous.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The Amazing Bee
We at Ion Exchange Inc. have been following the news about the honeybees and the struggle they are going through. I happened upon this article and was just amazed at the capabilities of the this tiny creature. We have also become aware of a documentary being created about the honeybee. Check it out at http://www.vanishingbees.com/
Bee Pollen - A Budget Friendly Food for Health and Healing
by Barbara L. Minton
(NaturalNews) Bee pollen is often referred to as nature’s most complete food. Pollen harvested from a diverse selection of geographic areas contains all the essential components of life in a good tasting, chewable, easily digested, and highly bio-available form that can be consumed by anyone from young children to the very old. All the nutritive and rejuvenating elements contained in expensive, whole food vitamin pills can be found in bee pollen. But since these elements are crafted into the most super of superfoods by nature, they have the added benefits of perfect synergy. Pollen also offers healing, with interesting research studies documenting its medicinal effects.Bees Are LegendaryThe bee was revered and deified in many religious cultures. The Hindu text, Rig-Veda, written in Sanskrit between 2000 and 3000BC, speaks of bees with awe. Vishnu, the powerful preserver and protector of the Hindu trinity, is frequently symbolized by a blue bee sitting on a lotus flower. Kama, the Indian god of love, carries a bow strung with a chain of entwined bees. Cultures worshipping fertility goddesses such as Venus, Diana, Ceres, or Iris, used the bee as a symbol for scared festivities. Next to man, no other living creature has been so highly esteemed by so many diverse cultures.The bee is believed to be over 80 million years old. The Bible, the Torah, the Koran, the Talmund, the scrolls of the Orient, and the writings of the ancient Greeks and Romans all praised the healing and health properties of foods created by bees. The bee’s nectar is mentioned 68 times in the Bible.The old Caucasus mountaineers used to be beekeepers and knew that the waste matter from bees enhanced health. They would sell their bee products at the market and then eat the leftovers. They exercised every day by working outdoors, got plenty of fresh air, and ate a whole foods diet. Many of them were the same weight they were at age 18, had no disease, and were reported to be over 150 years old.D.C. Jarvis, M.D. and Charles Mraz, a beekeeper in Vermont, searched to find cases of cancer or deaths from cancer among beekeepers. They were unable to find any deaths from cancer. One keeper had Hodgkins disease which he contracted before becoming a beekeeper. He was cured of it once he started his new occupation and began consuming bee products.Pollen is the male seed of flowers. It is essential for the fertilization of most plants. All the varieties of flowers in the universe put forth a dusting of pollen, including the many fruiting agricultural crops. One teaspoon of pollen contains approximately 2.5 billion grains, each of which has the capacity to supply those factors necessary for the fertilization and reproduction of a particular species.As with all species except man, bees seek out and create the most nutritious food to feed to their young. Pollen contains 40% protein, about half of which is in the form of free amino acids that are ready to be assimilated and used by the body.The Master Craftsmanship of the BeeGathering pollen is an arduous process. When bees arrive at flowers, they pick out the best pollen from the millions of grains that are present. Then they scrape the powdery loose pollen from the stamen with their jaws and front legs. They moisten the pollen with a sticky substance secreted from their stomachs so it will adhere to their rear legs. The jagged bristles of their rear legs are used to comb the powder from their coats and front legs. The outsides of their tibias form concave areas used as pollen baskets, into which they press their golden deposits. When each of these baskets is fully loaded, the microscopic dust has been tamped down into a single golden granule.Many thousands of chemical analyses of bee pollen have been performed, but there are some elements present in bee pollen that are not yet identifiable. When man-made pollen is fed to young bees, they die, even though all the known nutrients are present in the lab synthesized version. These unknown elements may be the reason why bee pollen is so beneficial to so many diverse health conditions.The Amazing Nutritional Properties of Bee PollenThe Chinese consider pollen to be an energy enhancer and restorative tonic. Cultures around the world use pollen for improving vitality and endurance, aiding recovery from chronic illness, promoting longevity, regulating intestinal functioning, building blood, preventing infection with its antibiotic properties, restoring lost sexual desire and energy, alleviating menstrual cramps, promoting fertility, alleviating depression and fatigue, alleviating migraine headaches, normalizing cholesterol levels, and treating cravings and addictions. There is mounting evidence that pollen can help overcome retardation and other developmental problems in children. Pollen prevents many side effects of radiation treatment and has anti-cancer properties.Pollen is richer in protein than any animal source, and contains more free-form amino acids than beef, eggs or cheese of equal weight. It contains an abundance of pro vitamin A in the form of carotenoids, the B complex vitamins and folate (the natural form of folic acid), vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as a wealth of minerals, enzymes, lecithin, carbohydrates in the form of natural sugars, and fatty acids. The amino acids found in pollen are the most indispensable in our daily diet and cannot be manufactured or synthesized in our bodies. Pollen also contains lecithin, amines, nuclein, guanine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, vernine, waxes, gums, resins, hydrocarbons, sterols, polypeptides, ribose, desoxyribose, hexuronic acid, vegetable oils, and various growth factors.Pollen is superior to both honey and royal jelly, and possesses a similar but more stable composition than that of royal jelly.Researchers at the Institute of Apiculture, Taranov, Russia, report that “honeybee pollen is the richest source of vitamins found in nature in a single food. Even if bee pollen had none of its other vital ingredients, its content of rutin (a bioflavonoid) alone would justify taking at least a teaspoon daily, if for no other reason than strengthening capillaries”.Pollen also provides a high content of the immune boosting nucleics RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). RNA and DNA are critical for health and longevity. They are responsible for directing cellular growth, renewal and repair, and deficiencies of them cause premature aging and compromised immunity. RNA-DNA is depleted in the body by exercise, stress, pollution, and poor diet. Replenishing RNA-DNA is critical to every aspect of bodily health and longevity.Research on Bee Pollen Produced Compelling ResultsResearchers have demonstrated that there is a substance in pollen that inhibits the development of numerous harmful bacteria. This antibiotic property is effective against salmonella and other stains of bacteria. Clinical studies have shown a regulatory effect on intestinal function attributable to pollen.Studies with lab animals have shown that ingestion of pollen has a positive affect on blood composition, promoting red and white cell increases. Pollen will raise the level of hemoglobin considerably in those who are anemic.“Delay in Appearance of Palpable Mammary Tumors in C3H Mice Following the Ingestion of Pollenized Food” is the title of an article published back in 1948 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The study, led by Dr. William Robinson, began with mice that had been bred to develop and die from tumors. Mice of this strain developed tumors at ages ranging from 18 to 57 weeks, with an average age at appearance of 33 weeks. Tumor incidence was 100%. The pollen used for the study was of “the bee gathered type”. One group of mice was fed mice food only, while another group was fed mice food with the addition of a small amount of pollen.Dr. Robinson reported his dramatic results, “In the untreated mice, mammary tumors appeared as expected at an average of 31.3 weeks. Tumor incidence was 100%. In the treated mice (the ones with the pollen in their food), the average onset of tumors was 41.2 weeks, a delay of 9.8 weeks. Seven mice in the pollen eating group were still tumor free at 56 to 62 weeks of age, when the tests were ended. Remember, these mice were bred to die from tumors. The mice without the protection of the pollen in their food developed tumors and died right on schedule.It kind of makes you wonder why we don’t hear about this study now, when mammary tumors are so pervasive, doesn’t it?In a study at the University of Vienna, twenty-five women with inoperable uterine cancer were treated with chemotherapy. The women who were given pollen with their food exhibited a significantly increased level of immune-system cells and antibody production, as well as a higher concentration of oxygen carrying red blood cells. These women experienced less nausea and hair loss from their chemotherapy. The control group experienced no comparable relief.From Agronomic Institute in Romania come more results revealing the immune strengthening effects of pollen. Researchers documented an increase in the level of blood lymphocytes, gamma globulins, and proteins in those subjects given pollen in comparison with control groups. The results signified a strengthening in the resistance of the organic systems, particularly the lymphocytes. These are the white blood cells that are the guardians of the immune system, protecting the body from injurious or harmful substances, infected or diseased cells, mutant and cancerous cells, viruses, and metabolic debris.A treatment for allergies, called desensitization, was developed at St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London over 100 years ago. It improves allergies and controls asthma by helping to build immunity to allergens by using pollen as an antigen. A report from Dr. Leo Conway, a pioneer in the field of desensitization, documented that 94 percent of his treated patients were completely free of allergy symptoms.Pollen is reportedly an agent for the relief of hay fever, bronchitis, ulcers of the digestive tract, colitis, and urinary disorders. It supports the endocrine system, helps protect the arteries of the heart from atherosclerosis, and treats prostate conditions. It is beneficial for the brain and nerves, acne and fatigue.Another study documented the ability of pollen to stimulate ovarian function. When given pollen supplementation of 2 parts per 100 in food, or 5 parts per 100 as substitution for animal protein, the intensity of ovulation increased. Pollen also increased the ability of eggs to withstand the incubation period.The benefits of bee pollen extend to the area of weight loss. Pollen has been shown to have an ability to promote fat loss by rectifying the chemical imbalances that many overweight people have. Pollen also improves metabolism, and dissolves and flushes fat cells from the body due to is high percentage of lecithin. Because pollen is so nutritionally complete and balanced, it helps reduce food cravings.What a Healthy Person Can Expect From Bee PollenWhen pollen is regularly ingested by healthy people, they can expect protection against any insufficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, particularly during times of intensive physical or mental work. Optimal physical and mental output may be expected. The body will receive greater reinforcement during its resistance toward any environmental insult or aggression. Internal metabolic disorders that may eventually generate disease conditions will be forestalled. It is a natural product that is well tolerated by the body. During its many years of testing, pollen has been notably free of harmful side-effects.Buying and Using PollenBee pollen in the form of tablets should be avoided, since heating of pollen during compression will destroy its enzymes and vitamin C content. Since pollen is a food, buy it in granules that can be chewed and eaten. Pollen has a slightly sweet, pleasant taste that will be agreeable with most children. For the very ill, pollen can be almost completely dissolved in the saliva of the mouth and swallowed.Start slowly with a few granules and build up your consumption over time to as much as several teaspoons daily. Choose pollen that has been harvested from a diverse selection of geographic areas to achieve a nutritional profile that is balanced. Keep opened containers of pollen in your refrigerator. Unopened containers can be kept in your freezer. Pollen is very reasonably priced, at about 10 dollars a pound. It is an extremely effective and convenient way to supplement on a fairly low budget.
About the author
Barbara is a school psychologist, a published author in the area of personal finance, a breast cancer survivor using "alternative" treatments, a born existentialist, and a student of nature and all things natural.
Bee Pollen - A Budget Friendly Food for Health and Healing
by Barbara L. Minton
(NaturalNews) Bee pollen is often referred to as nature’s most complete food. Pollen harvested from a diverse selection of geographic areas contains all the essential components of life in a good tasting, chewable, easily digested, and highly bio-available form that can be consumed by anyone from young children to the very old. All the nutritive and rejuvenating elements contained in expensive, whole food vitamin pills can be found in bee pollen. But since these elements are crafted into the most super of superfoods by nature, they have the added benefits of perfect synergy. Pollen also offers healing, with interesting research studies documenting its medicinal effects.Bees Are LegendaryThe bee was revered and deified in many religious cultures. The Hindu text, Rig-Veda, written in Sanskrit between 2000 and 3000BC, speaks of bees with awe. Vishnu, the powerful preserver and protector of the Hindu trinity, is frequently symbolized by a blue bee sitting on a lotus flower. Kama, the Indian god of love, carries a bow strung with a chain of entwined bees. Cultures worshipping fertility goddesses such as Venus, Diana, Ceres, or Iris, used the bee as a symbol for scared festivities. Next to man, no other living creature has been so highly esteemed by so many diverse cultures.The bee is believed to be over 80 million years old. The Bible, the Torah, the Koran, the Talmund, the scrolls of the Orient, and the writings of the ancient Greeks and Romans all praised the healing and health properties of foods created by bees. The bee’s nectar is mentioned 68 times in the Bible.The old Caucasus mountaineers used to be beekeepers and knew that the waste matter from bees enhanced health. They would sell their bee products at the market and then eat the leftovers. They exercised every day by working outdoors, got plenty of fresh air, and ate a whole foods diet. Many of them were the same weight they were at age 18, had no disease, and were reported to be over 150 years old.D.C. Jarvis, M.D. and Charles Mraz, a beekeeper in Vermont, searched to find cases of cancer or deaths from cancer among beekeepers. They were unable to find any deaths from cancer. One keeper had Hodgkins disease which he contracted before becoming a beekeeper. He was cured of it once he started his new occupation and began consuming bee products.Pollen is the male seed of flowers. It is essential for the fertilization of most plants. All the varieties of flowers in the universe put forth a dusting of pollen, including the many fruiting agricultural crops. One teaspoon of pollen contains approximately 2.5 billion grains, each of which has the capacity to supply those factors necessary for the fertilization and reproduction of a particular species.As with all species except man, bees seek out and create the most nutritious food to feed to their young. Pollen contains 40% protein, about half of which is in the form of free amino acids that are ready to be assimilated and used by the body.The Master Craftsmanship of the BeeGathering pollen is an arduous process. When bees arrive at flowers, they pick out the best pollen from the millions of grains that are present. Then they scrape the powdery loose pollen from the stamen with their jaws and front legs. They moisten the pollen with a sticky substance secreted from their stomachs so it will adhere to their rear legs. The jagged bristles of their rear legs are used to comb the powder from their coats and front legs. The outsides of their tibias form concave areas used as pollen baskets, into which they press their golden deposits. When each of these baskets is fully loaded, the microscopic dust has been tamped down into a single golden granule.Many thousands of chemical analyses of bee pollen have been performed, but there are some elements present in bee pollen that are not yet identifiable. When man-made pollen is fed to young bees, they die, even though all the known nutrients are present in the lab synthesized version. These unknown elements may be the reason why bee pollen is so beneficial to so many diverse health conditions.The Amazing Nutritional Properties of Bee PollenThe Chinese consider pollen to be an energy enhancer and restorative tonic. Cultures around the world use pollen for improving vitality and endurance, aiding recovery from chronic illness, promoting longevity, regulating intestinal functioning, building blood, preventing infection with its antibiotic properties, restoring lost sexual desire and energy, alleviating menstrual cramps, promoting fertility, alleviating depression and fatigue, alleviating migraine headaches, normalizing cholesterol levels, and treating cravings and addictions. There is mounting evidence that pollen can help overcome retardation and other developmental problems in children. Pollen prevents many side effects of radiation treatment and has anti-cancer properties.Pollen is richer in protein than any animal source, and contains more free-form amino acids than beef, eggs or cheese of equal weight. It contains an abundance of pro vitamin A in the form of carotenoids, the B complex vitamins and folate (the natural form of folic acid), vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as a wealth of minerals, enzymes, lecithin, carbohydrates in the form of natural sugars, and fatty acids. The amino acids found in pollen are the most indispensable in our daily diet and cannot be manufactured or synthesized in our bodies. Pollen also contains lecithin, amines, nuclein, guanine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, vernine, waxes, gums, resins, hydrocarbons, sterols, polypeptides, ribose, desoxyribose, hexuronic acid, vegetable oils, and various growth factors.Pollen is superior to both honey and royal jelly, and possesses a similar but more stable composition than that of royal jelly.Researchers at the Institute of Apiculture, Taranov, Russia, report that “honeybee pollen is the richest source of vitamins found in nature in a single food. Even if bee pollen had none of its other vital ingredients, its content of rutin (a bioflavonoid) alone would justify taking at least a teaspoon daily, if for no other reason than strengthening capillaries”.Pollen also provides a high content of the immune boosting nucleics RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). RNA and DNA are critical for health and longevity. They are responsible for directing cellular growth, renewal and repair, and deficiencies of them cause premature aging and compromised immunity. RNA-DNA is depleted in the body by exercise, stress, pollution, and poor diet. Replenishing RNA-DNA is critical to every aspect of bodily health and longevity.Research on Bee Pollen Produced Compelling ResultsResearchers have demonstrated that there is a substance in pollen that inhibits the development of numerous harmful bacteria. This antibiotic property is effective against salmonella and other stains of bacteria. Clinical studies have shown a regulatory effect on intestinal function attributable to pollen.Studies with lab animals have shown that ingestion of pollen has a positive affect on blood composition, promoting red and white cell increases. Pollen will raise the level of hemoglobin considerably in those who are anemic.“Delay in Appearance of Palpable Mammary Tumors in C3H Mice Following the Ingestion of Pollenized Food” is the title of an article published back in 1948 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The study, led by Dr. William Robinson, began with mice that had been bred to develop and die from tumors. Mice of this strain developed tumors at ages ranging from 18 to 57 weeks, with an average age at appearance of 33 weeks. Tumor incidence was 100%. The pollen used for the study was of “the bee gathered type”. One group of mice was fed mice food only, while another group was fed mice food with the addition of a small amount of pollen.Dr. Robinson reported his dramatic results, “In the untreated mice, mammary tumors appeared as expected at an average of 31.3 weeks. Tumor incidence was 100%. In the treated mice (the ones with the pollen in their food), the average onset of tumors was 41.2 weeks, a delay of 9.8 weeks. Seven mice in the pollen eating group were still tumor free at 56 to 62 weeks of age, when the tests were ended. Remember, these mice were bred to die from tumors. The mice without the protection of the pollen in their food developed tumors and died right on schedule.It kind of makes you wonder why we don’t hear about this study now, when mammary tumors are so pervasive, doesn’t it?In a study at the University of Vienna, twenty-five women with inoperable uterine cancer were treated with chemotherapy. The women who were given pollen with their food exhibited a significantly increased level of immune-system cells and antibody production, as well as a higher concentration of oxygen carrying red blood cells. These women experienced less nausea and hair loss from their chemotherapy. The control group experienced no comparable relief.From Agronomic Institute in Romania come more results revealing the immune strengthening effects of pollen. Researchers documented an increase in the level of blood lymphocytes, gamma globulins, and proteins in those subjects given pollen in comparison with control groups. The results signified a strengthening in the resistance of the organic systems, particularly the lymphocytes. These are the white blood cells that are the guardians of the immune system, protecting the body from injurious or harmful substances, infected or diseased cells, mutant and cancerous cells, viruses, and metabolic debris.A treatment for allergies, called desensitization, was developed at St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London over 100 years ago. It improves allergies and controls asthma by helping to build immunity to allergens by using pollen as an antigen. A report from Dr. Leo Conway, a pioneer in the field of desensitization, documented that 94 percent of his treated patients were completely free of allergy symptoms.Pollen is reportedly an agent for the relief of hay fever, bronchitis, ulcers of the digestive tract, colitis, and urinary disorders. It supports the endocrine system, helps protect the arteries of the heart from atherosclerosis, and treats prostate conditions. It is beneficial for the brain and nerves, acne and fatigue.Another study documented the ability of pollen to stimulate ovarian function. When given pollen supplementation of 2 parts per 100 in food, or 5 parts per 100 as substitution for animal protein, the intensity of ovulation increased. Pollen also increased the ability of eggs to withstand the incubation period.The benefits of bee pollen extend to the area of weight loss. Pollen has been shown to have an ability to promote fat loss by rectifying the chemical imbalances that many overweight people have. Pollen also improves metabolism, and dissolves and flushes fat cells from the body due to is high percentage of lecithin. Because pollen is so nutritionally complete and balanced, it helps reduce food cravings.What a Healthy Person Can Expect From Bee PollenWhen pollen is regularly ingested by healthy people, they can expect protection against any insufficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, particularly during times of intensive physical or mental work. Optimal physical and mental output may be expected. The body will receive greater reinforcement during its resistance toward any environmental insult or aggression. Internal metabolic disorders that may eventually generate disease conditions will be forestalled. It is a natural product that is well tolerated by the body. During its many years of testing, pollen has been notably free of harmful side-effects.Buying and Using PollenBee pollen in the form of tablets should be avoided, since heating of pollen during compression will destroy its enzymes and vitamin C content. Since pollen is a food, buy it in granules that can be chewed and eaten. Pollen has a slightly sweet, pleasant taste that will be agreeable with most children. For the very ill, pollen can be almost completely dissolved in the saliva of the mouth and swallowed.Start slowly with a few granules and build up your consumption over time to as much as several teaspoons daily. Choose pollen that has been harvested from a diverse selection of geographic areas to achieve a nutritional profile that is balanced. Keep opened containers of pollen in your refrigerator. Unopened containers can be kept in your freezer. Pollen is very reasonably priced, at about 10 dollars a pound. It is an extremely effective and convenient way to supplement on a fairly low budget.
About the author
Barbara is a school psychologist, a published author in the area of personal finance, a breast cancer survivor using "alternative" treatments, a born existentialist, and a student of nature and all things natural.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Choctaws: The True Master Gardeners
This is something you might use in the blog, and it is very close to my heart because I am half or more Choctaw Indian and I have been a vegetarian for 31 years.
Choctaws: The true master gardeners. Among my own people, the Choctaw Indians of Mississippi and Oklahoma, vegetables are the traditional diet mainstay. A French manuscript of the eighteenth century describes the Choctaws’ vegetarian leanings in shelter and food. The homes were constructed not of skins, but of wood, mud, bark and cane. The principal food, eaten daily from earthen pots, was a vegetarian stew containing corn, pumpkin and beans. The bread was made from corm and acorns. Other common favorites were roasted corn and corn porridge. The rich lands of the Choctaws in present-day Mississippi were so greatly coveted by nineteenth century Americans that most of the tribe was forcibly removed to what is now called Oklahoma. Oklahoma was chosen both because it was largely uninhabited and because several explorations of the territory had deemed the land barren and useless for any purpose. Although many Choctaws suffered and died during removal on the infamous “Trail of Tears “. Those that survived, survived with their agricultural genius intact. George Catlin, the famous nineteenth century Indian historian, described the Choctaw lands of southern Oklahoma in the 1840’s this way: “… the ground was almost literally covered with vines, producing the greatest profusion of delicious grapes,…and ganging in such endless clusters…our progress was oftentimes completely arrested by hundreds of acres of small plum trees…every bush that was in sight was so loaded with the weight of its…fruit, that they were in many instances literally without leaves on their branches, and quite bent to the ground… and beds of wild currants, gooseberries, and (edible) prickly pear.” (Many of the “wild” foods Anglo explorers encountered on their journeys were actually carefully cultivated by Indians.)Their sweetest treat, of course: melons, a never-ending supply. More tribes were like the Choctaws than were different. Aztec, Mayan, and Zapotec children in olden times ate 100%vegetarian diets until at least the age of ten years old. Such a diet was believed to make the child strong and disease resistant. The Spaniards were amazed to discover that these Indians had twice the life-span they did. Nearly half of all the plant foods grown in the world today were first cultivated by the American Indians, and were unknown elsewhere until the discovery of the Americas. Many history textbooks tell the story of Squanto, a Pawtuxent Indian who lived in the early 1600’s. Squanto is famous for having saved the pilgrims from starvation. He showed them how to father wilderness foods and how to plant corn. There have been thousands of squantos since, even though their names are not so well-known. In fact modern day agriculture owes its heart and soul to Indian-taught methods of seed development, hybridization, planting, growing, irrigating, storing, utilizing and cooking. Choctaws believe the Great Spirit resides within the sun, for it is the sun that allows the corn to grow!
Thanks so much Jerry for sharing with us. www.ionxchange.com
Jerry Hinton of the Natural Gait.
Source: Vegetarian journal
Jerry Hinton, ManagerThe Natural Gaiit
877-776-2208 563-419-3938
http://www.thenaturalgait.com/
...where nature plays and your heart sings
Choctaws: The true master gardeners. Among my own people, the Choctaw Indians of Mississippi and Oklahoma, vegetables are the traditional diet mainstay. A French manuscript of the eighteenth century describes the Choctaws’ vegetarian leanings in shelter and food. The homes were constructed not of skins, but of wood, mud, bark and cane. The principal food, eaten daily from earthen pots, was a vegetarian stew containing corn, pumpkin and beans. The bread was made from corm and acorns. Other common favorites were roasted corn and corn porridge. The rich lands of the Choctaws in present-day Mississippi were so greatly coveted by nineteenth century Americans that most of the tribe was forcibly removed to what is now called Oklahoma. Oklahoma was chosen both because it was largely uninhabited and because several explorations of the territory had deemed the land barren and useless for any purpose. Although many Choctaws suffered and died during removal on the infamous “Trail of Tears “. Those that survived, survived with their agricultural genius intact. George Catlin, the famous nineteenth century Indian historian, described the Choctaw lands of southern Oklahoma in the 1840’s this way: “… the ground was almost literally covered with vines, producing the greatest profusion of delicious grapes,…and ganging in such endless clusters…our progress was oftentimes completely arrested by hundreds of acres of small plum trees…every bush that was in sight was so loaded with the weight of its…fruit, that they were in many instances literally without leaves on their branches, and quite bent to the ground… and beds of wild currants, gooseberries, and (edible) prickly pear.” (Many of the “wild” foods Anglo explorers encountered on their journeys were actually carefully cultivated by Indians.)Their sweetest treat, of course: melons, a never-ending supply. More tribes were like the Choctaws than were different. Aztec, Mayan, and Zapotec children in olden times ate 100%vegetarian diets until at least the age of ten years old. Such a diet was believed to make the child strong and disease resistant. The Spaniards were amazed to discover that these Indians had twice the life-span they did. Nearly half of all the plant foods grown in the world today were first cultivated by the American Indians, and were unknown elsewhere until the discovery of the Americas. Many history textbooks tell the story of Squanto, a Pawtuxent Indian who lived in the early 1600’s. Squanto is famous for having saved the pilgrims from starvation. He showed them how to father wilderness foods and how to plant corn. There have been thousands of squantos since, even though their names are not so well-known. In fact modern day agriculture owes its heart and soul to Indian-taught methods of seed development, hybridization, planting, growing, irrigating, storing, utilizing and cooking. Choctaws believe the Great Spirit resides within the sun, for it is the sun that allows the corn to grow!
Thanks so much Jerry for sharing with us. www.ionxchange.com
Jerry Hinton of the Natural Gait.
Source: Vegetarian journal
Jerry Hinton, ManagerThe Natural Gaiit
877-776-2208 563-419-3938
http://www.thenaturalgait.com/
...where nature plays and your heart sings
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Food For Thought
I ran across this photo a few days ago and it stuck in my mind. This is the caption that accompanied the picture.
"Nothing beats the power of a good photograph. Reading about rainforest deforestation doesn't have the same impact as a picture of native indians walking through recently burnt rainforest. "
Taken from "World Enviornment News"
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Couch Potato Syndrome and Our Kids
Couch Potato Syndrome and Our Kids
A recent study warns that couch kids ( kids that play video games for hours a day) are missing out on nature. Virtual play is replacing the real thing. With all the video games and the introduction of new game consoles such as the newer Wii the kids can set for hours and hours watching "virtual nature"
We are even starting to see other medical problems aside from the rising obesity and diabetes in children. Kids get strained wrists, neck pain and headaches from playing these games hour upon hour.
The popularity of these video games has created a new study that looks at all kinds of outdoor activites and has found an alarming decline in visits to national parks and all sorts of other outdoor activities like camping and fishing. Outdoor recreation has fallen by as much as 25% in the last 20 years. This new research has been a great cause of alarm among the conservationists since it has been proven that exposure to nature promotes environmentally reponsible behavior. Our pediatricians recomend that children need at least 1 hour of play outdoors. Maybe some of us grown ups should follow this advise as well.
If you would like to get back to nature a great place is The Natural Gait They are adding nature walks, frisbee golf and there are many oppurtunities to view wildlife, go hiking, fishing, bird watching, stargazing, night moth watch and much more.
Resources: Eric Bergan Chronicle,SciGuy blog
A recent study warns that couch kids ( kids that play video games for hours a day) are missing out on nature. Virtual play is replacing the real thing. With all the video games and the introduction of new game consoles such as the newer Wii the kids can set for hours and hours watching "virtual nature"
We are even starting to see other medical problems aside from the rising obesity and diabetes in children. Kids get strained wrists, neck pain and headaches from playing these games hour upon hour.
The popularity of these video games has created a new study that looks at all kinds of outdoor activites and has found an alarming decline in visits to national parks and all sorts of other outdoor activities like camping and fishing. Outdoor recreation has fallen by as much as 25% in the last 20 years. This new research has been a great cause of alarm among the conservationists since it has been proven that exposure to nature promotes environmentally reponsible behavior. Our pediatricians recomend that children need at least 1 hour of play outdoors. Maybe some of us grown ups should follow this advise as well.
If you would like to get back to nature a great place is The Natural Gait They are adding nature walks, frisbee golf and there are many oppurtunities to view wildlife, go hiking, fishing, bird watching, stargazing, night moth watch and much more.
Resources: Eric Bergan Chronicle,SciGuy blog
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Amphibians Dying Out At Alarming Rate
I heard about this alarming news the other night on Coast to Coast radio.
Following is a short clip copied with permission from Linda Moulton Howe's web site which can be found at www.earthfiles.com or go directly to her free report at http://www.earthfiles.com/news.php?ID=1378&category=Environment
Photo AmphibianArk.org
Howard at www.ionxchange.com
Amphibians Dying Out At Alarming Rate
© 2008 Linda Moulton Howe
“This recent and massive decline in amphibian populations,
that have been on Earth for millions of years, is one of the greatest extinction
events in history.” - Andrew Blaustein, Ph.D., Oregon State University
January 18, 2008 Corvallis, Oregon - Can you imagine what the Earth would be like without frogs, toads and salamanders? Mosquitoes, flies and other insect populations eaten by amphibians would soar. Until now, the possibility that frogs, toads and salamanders that have been living on this planet for millions of years could ever disappear was unthinkable. 2008 has been declared the Year of the Frog by Amphibian Ark.org, which is trying to let the world know that amphibians are dying out in ever-increasing numbers. Scientists say that without immediate public, zoo and government efforts to conserve them, this century could see the extinction of nearly half of all the world's 6,000 amphibian species.
How many amphibian species are already declining so rapidly that extinction seems inevitable? 500
For more info go to...http://www.earthfiles.com/news.php?ID=1378&category=Environment
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Hoar Frost
Occasionally I am reminded that winter also carries many beautiful faces. I wrote this last week after we had days and days of fog. Suddenly the fog lifted it's veil to reveal the following.This morning on the way to town we had the most spectacular view of hoar frost on the trees and bushes.
The sun was just beginning to peak out from the haze that had created this frosty celebration on the trees.
As we drove along the ridge on our journey, taking in the panoramic view of the hills and valleys for many miles on both sides of the road, we were amazed at the beauty of the landscape.
The pristine fresh snow and the trees all dressed up in hoar frost - as if they were just posing for our delight and enjoyment.
As the sun began hitting the trees it reflected the ice crystals, turning them into a thousand little glass reflections.
Every time I am lucky enough to catch one of these displays of nature’s beauty I am reminded of how glad I am to live in beautiful Northeast Iowa! Kay at the Ion Exchange Inc
Saturday, January 5, 2008
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