Jan., Feb., Mar. 2014 Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink. The mission of the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary is to provide: uEngaging, hands-on environmental and natural science education for all ages uBiodiversity of native plants and animals through wise management of our natural resources uUnderstanding that all Earth’s inhabitants are part of complex, interdependent ecosystems, and uOpportunities for quiet reflection and reconnection with the natural world. THE SANCTUARY A Newsletter for members and friends of Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary COMING ATTRACTIONS DON’T MISS THESE GREAT EVENTS!! SUMMER CAMP REMINDER Saturday, January 25 WINTER FUN PHOTO DAY Brush off that cabin fever with a day of winter fun photos! Enjoy naturalist-led photography hikes, refreshments, games, crafts, and story time. Then, win a prize for completing the winter photo scavenger hunt! Please call to register. Save your photos to enter them in our “Winter at MLTNS” themed art contest in August. Time: Any time between 1:00 - 4:00 pm Ages: Family Fees: $9/family; Members, $6/family Wednesday & Thursday, February 19 & 20 A Taste Of Chocolate For our third annual Taste of Chocolate affair, we are asking cooks, bakers, artists and candy makers to create edible works of art out of chocolate to be auctioned off at the end of the evening. Prizes will be announced as we get closer to the event. For more information please contact Michael Sandy (816-781-8598 or [email protected]) or Steve Karol (skarol1@ peoplepc.com). Rules will be posted on www.naturesanctuary.com at a later date. The event will include an art exhibit and auction, and a theatrical reading of a new play, “One Hundred Horses”, by Steve Karol. Time: 5:00 - 9:00 pm Fees: $25/couple ($20 for preregistration) Where: Belvoir Winery, 1325 Odd Fellows Rd, Liberty SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION STARTS SOON! Our day camps provide great opportunities for fun and hands-on, engaging adventures in the natural world. We offer four-day camps (Monday through Thursday) that run weekly in June and July, and single-day camps in August. We are also bringing back our family programs: Creekin’ Families, Family Fossil Fun and the Family Camp Out – a fun-filled sleepover in the Nature Center! Check out our website (www.naturesanctuary.com) at a later date for the EGADS brochure and more details. Summer Camp registration begins Tuesday, April 15. MLTNS Members’ early registration begins Saturday, March 8. Earth Guardians Adventure Days (EGADS)
Transcript
Jan., Feb., Mar. 2014
Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink.
The mission of the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary is to provide: u Engaging, hands-on environmental and natural science education for all ages u Biodiversity of native plants and animals through wise management of our natural resources u Understanding that all Earth’s inhabitants are part of
complex, interdependent ecosystems, and u Opportunities for quiet reflection and reconnection with the natural world.
THESANCTUARY
A N e w s l e t t e r for members and friends of Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary
c o m i n g at t r a c t i o n sDon’t miss these great eVents!!
SUMMERCAMPREMINDER
Saturday, January 25
WINTER FUN PHOTO DAY Brush off that cabin fever with a day of winter fun photos! Enjoy naturalist-led photography hikes, refreshments, games, crafts, and story time. Then, win a prize for completing the winter photo scavenger hunt! Please call to register. Save your photos to enter them in our “Winter at MLTNS” themed art contest in August.Time: Any time between 1:00 - 4:00 pmAges: FamilyFees: $9/family; Members, $6/family
Wednesday & Thursday, February 19 & 20
A Taste Of Chocolate For our third annual Taste of Chocolate affair, we are asking cooks, bakers, artists and candy makers to create edible works of art out of chocolate to be auctioned off at the end of the evening. Prizes will be announced as we get closer to the event. For more information please contact Michael Sandy (816-781-8598 or [email protected]) or Steve Karol ([email protected]). Rules will be posted on www.naturesanctuary.com at a later date. The event will include an art exhibit and auction, and a theatrical reading of a new play, “One Hundred Horses”, by Steve Karol.Time: 5:00 - 9:00 pmFees: $25/couple ($20 for preregistration)Where: Belvoir Winery, 1325 Odd Fellows Rd, Liberty
SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION STARTS SOON! Our day camps provide great opportunities for fun and hands-on, engaging adventures in the natural world. We offer four-day camps (Monday through Thursday) that run weekly in June and July, and single-day camps in August. We are also bringing back our family programs: Creekin’ Families, Family Fossil Fun and the Family Camp Out – a fun-filled sleepover in the Nature Center! Check out our website (www.naturesanctuary.com) at a later date for the EGADS brochure and more details. Summer Camp registration begins Tuesday, April 15. MLTNS Members’ early registration begins Saturday, March 8.
Earth Guardians Adventure Days (EGADS)
Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary2
SpecieS SpotlightBy Chris Willig
Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus)
Ospreys are large birds of prey that are can be found near large bodies of fresh water. They are the second most widely distributed raptor species behind the Peregrine Falcon as they are found on every continent except Antarctica. Ospreys are unique among raptor species for having a diet consisting almost exclusively of fish. In the last century, Ospreys received notoriety in conservation circles as one of the large bird species the population of which was affected by the large-scale use of the pesticide DDT. Populations of Ospreys in Missouri were in decline well before the introduction of DDT, but have been making a strong comeback in the last 15 years. Although they have a large wingspan, Ospreys have slender, light-weight bodies. Their wingspan can be up to six feet, while they are only two feet long and weigh between two and five pounds as adults. The back and tips of an Osprey’s wings are dark brown or gray. The underside of the wings and body are pure white and the head is white with a dark streak that goes across both eyes. Male and female birds appear very similar, though the male has a shorter wingspan and a narrower build than the female.
from the sanctuaryBy Michael Sandy
Happy Holidays and New Year to All! We had another great year with Eagle Scout Projects, Program Planning, Summer Camp, School Groups, hard work from our Board of Directors and Staff, and MUCH MORE. Thank you to everyone for participating in the programs and events. We are looking forward to another year of projects and programs. The Green Wish Organization has approved Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary as an environmentally friendly organization to assist in our fundraising. Please help when you see their logo. Green Wish is a grassroots, non-profit charitable organization that is focused on helping local green organizations fund projects for their communities through small donations at local retailers and online in “pay what you can” denominations.
Michael R. SandySharing nature with friends and family!
Four ‘Colly’ Birdsby Megan Boese Partridges, Turtle Doves, French Hens, and ... black birds? It’s true! In the song The Twelve Days of Christ-mas the singer actually gives his true love four “colly birds” (another name for black birds), and not four “calling birds,” as many people be-lieve. “Colly” comes from an Old English word meaning “black as coal.”
I still don’t think I’d want all those birds in my house!
Would you?
(continued on page 6)
Osprey brings back food for the young.
Ospreys are recognizable in flight by their arched wings, which give the birds an M-shaped appearance. Being very versatile birds, Ospreys can be found in a variety of habitats as long as there is a body of water containing fish nearby. They have many unique adaptations that equip them
for a life of fishing, including an outer toe that can be reversed in order to grab a fish with two claws on each side and upward-pointing barbs on their talons that allow them to better latch onto fish. An Osprey hunts by hovering 50 to 200 feet above the water. When it sees a fish near the surface, it will dive feet-first into the water to grab it. They often are completely submerged while trying to catch a meal. Ospreys are very good
anglers, catching fish on an average of 1 in 4 dives. In North America, the majority of Ospreys build their nests during the summer in colder areas like Alaska, Canada and the Pacific Northwest. In other parts of the United States, Ospreys are commonly seen in the spring and fall as migrants. It has not always been that way, however, as bird populations declined in the 1950s due to their eating fish that were contaminated
The Sanctuary (Jan.,Feb.,Mar. 2014) 3
Just for Kids Amazing mammals
Missouri is home to around 70 species of wild mammals. All mammals have fur or hair, and they are warm-blooded, which traits help keep them warmer in these cold winter months. See if you can find all these North American wild mammal names in the grid. The names may appear in a horizontal row, in a vertical column, or on a diagonal. If you find all the names and cross out the letters that make up the names, the remaining letters will spell out a way to look for mammals and have fun. (The answer appears on page 6.) Good Luck!
RaccoonRatShrewSkunkSquirrelVoleWeaselWolfWolverineWoodchuckOzark Big Eared Bat
V S Q U I R R E L C A R I B O U
M C V I B S P I M U S K R A T T
O O T O W O O D C H U C K D H E
C T L G L H A B M W W A R G F T
O T T E O E A R E T O F D E E R
U O T E H P A R A A L L R R R A
G N F I R T H C E O V A E G R J
A T T H O S B E W M E E K R E A
R A C C O O N P R B R N R O T C
M I S O B N M L C H I P M U N K
A L N M O U S E Y M N C A N A R
D W E A S E L M L N E O R D T A
I U R S K E S M O K X Y M H P B
L A O N U C B I S O N O O O I B
L P T U N A R N F Y S T T G K I
O Z A R K B I G E A R E D B A T
Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary4
mlTNs PROgRAms and EVENTsCall 816-781-8598 or visit www.naturesanctuary.com for further information.
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, PLEASE CALL TO REGISTER FOR ALL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS.
JanuaryWednesday, January 15 PRESCHOOLERS: WINTER BIRDS Learn about birds at the Sanctuary and make a bird feeder craft. Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pmAges: 3 - 6 years Fees: $5/child w/adult Members: $3/child w/adult
Thursday, January 16HOMESCHOOLERS: WINTER BIRDS Learn how birds survive winter and make a bird feeder craft.Time: 10:00 - 11:30 amAges: 6 and up Fees: $5/child, $10/family Members: $3/child, $5/family
Saturday, January 25 TREE CARE AND DISEASESLearn how to maintain trees properly.Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pmAges: 12 and up Fees: $2 donation requested Tree Liberty and Master Gardener Members: Free
WINTER FUN PHOTO DAYBrush off that cabin fever with a day of winter fun photos! See page 1 for details.
LIVE ANIMAL FEEDINGWatch our animals do what comes natural: eating! Registration not required.Time: 3:00 pmFees: Donations welcome
Friday - Monday, February 14 - 17
gREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT
FebruarySaturday, February 1MLTNS GROUNDS WORK L&R WORKDAY Help keep our wildlife habitats healthy. Registration not required.Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pmAges: 14 and up
Tuesday, February 4HOMESCHOOLERS: ANIMAL MAGNETISM Learn how animals attract each other in nature.Time: 1:00 - 2:30 pmAges: 6 and upFees: $5/child, $10/family Members: $3/child, $5/family
Saturdays, February 8 & 22LIVE ANIMAL FEEDING Watch our animals do what comes natural: eating! Registration not required.Time: 3:00 pmFees: Donations welcome
Friday, February 14PRESCHOOLERS: ANIMAL VALENTINES Learn about “valentines” animals give each other, and make an edible valentine for our bird friends.Time: 10:00 - 11:00 amAges: 3 - 6 yearsFees: $5/child w/adult Members: $3/child w/adult
WINTER STARGAZING Our monthly astronomy program.Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pmAges: 6 and upFees: $8/1 adult and 1 child, or $10/family Members: $3/1 adult and 1 child, or $5/family
Wednesday & Thursday February 19 & 20 A TASTE OF CHOCOLATETime for our third annual Taste of Chocolate affair! See page 1 for details.
Friday, February 21 WINTER BIRDING STORY TIMEShort story reading about birds, then a birding hike and a bird craft.Time: 9:00 - 11:00 amAges: 3 and up Fees: $2/person Members: $1/person
Wednesday, February 26 PRESCHOOLERS: FURBEARERS Learn about the furry wild animals that live in Missouri.Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pmAges: 3 - 6 years Fees: $5/child w/adult Members: $3/child w/adult
Thursday, February 27HOMESCHOOLERS: FURBEARERS Learn about Missouri’s wild mammals and hike to look for their habitats.Time: 10:00 - 11:30 amAges: 6 and upFees: $5/child, $10/family Members: $3/child, $5/family
Come to the Sanctuary to help count birds for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society! See www.birdsource.org/gbbc for more information.Time: Friday 1:00 - 5:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Sunday 1:00 - 5:00 pm Monday hike and count on your own – Nature Center closed, grounds openAges: FamilyFees: $1/person or $3/vehicle donation please
The Sanctuary (Jan.,Feb.,Mar. 2014) 5
sCOUT PROgRAms
mlTNs PROgRAms and EVENTs (cont.)
Saturday, February 1TIGER CUBS: ELECTIVES 31 & 32ANIMALS/FEED THE BIRDS2:00 - 3:00 pm
Thursday, March 6WOLF CUBS: ELECTIVE 13BIRDS5:30 - 7:00 pm
We are working on the new Girl Scout programs. Call for a specific request.
marchFridays & SaturdaysFebruary 28 & March 1March 7 & 8WOODCOCK WATCHLearn about and observe the mating ritual of the American Woodcock. Bring binoculars and lawn chairs if you have them.Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm (runs late)Ages: 6 and upFees: $3 suggested donation
Saturday, March 1MLTNS GROUNDS WORK L&R WORKDAY Help keep our wildlife habitats healthy. Registration not required.Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pmAges: 14 and up
WINTER TREE WORKSHOPHike our woodlands as you learn to identify tree species.Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pmAges: 13 and upFees: $6/person (FFA advisers free) Members: $3/person(Donation suggested to support our Native Tree Restoration program)
LUNCH WITH THE BIRDSBring your lunch to the Center, watch birds and discuss Bluebirds. Registration not required.Time: 12:30 - 2:00 pmFees: Donations welcome
Tuesday, March 4HOMESCHOOLERS: MAD SCIENCEParticipate in fun science demonstrations and use science to make a slimy craft.Time: 1:00 - 2:30 pmAges: 6 and upFees: $5/child, $10/family Members: $3/child, $5/family
Saturdays, March 8 & 22LIVE ANIMAL FEEDINGWatch our animals do what comes natural: eating! Registration not required.Time: 3:00 pmFees: Donations welcome
Friday, March 14PRESCHOOLERS: MAD SCIENCEParticipate in fun science demonstrations and use science to make a slimy craft.Time: 10:00 - 11:00 amAges: 3 - 6 yearsFees: $5/child w/adult Members: $3/child w/adult
Saturday, March 15BLUEBIRD BOX WORKSHOPHelp Missouri’s State Bird by making a nesting box. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Time: 1:30 - 3:00 pmAges: FamilyFees: $21/nest box Members: $15/nest box
SPRING ‘N STARSOur monthly astronomy program.Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pmAges: 6 and upFees: $8/1 adult and 1 child, or $10/family Members: $3/1 adult and 1 child, or $5/family
Wednesday, March 19PRESCHOOLERS: HAPPY HOPPERSLearn about our webbed-footed friends, take a hike and make a froggy craft!Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pmAges: 3 - 6 yearsFees: $5/child w/adult Members: $3/child w/adult
Thursday, March 20HOMESCHOOLERS: FABULOUS FROGSMeet some amphibious friends, take a hike and make a froggy craft! Children will get wet; tennis shoes or boots are required.Time: 10:00 - 11:30 amAges: 6 and upFees: $5/child, $10/family Members: $3/child, $5/family
Saturday, March 29PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE KICKOFFThe passport is a tour of science and natural history sites in the Kansas City area. Stop by our booth at the kickoff at the Independance Bass Pro Shop.Time: 12:00 – 4:00 pmAges: Family
CANDLELIGHT NIGHT HIKE EARTH HOUR 2014 Turn off your lights and bring an earth friendly candle to the Sanctuary for a
night hike. Registration not required.Time: 8:30 - 9:30 pmAges: Family
Saturday, March 8A DAY OF PASTELS
Join Holly Ann Schenk in this joint effort with the Northtowne Arts Coalition.
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (stay late for Q&A and to complete a project if needed)Ages: 13 and upFees: $40/person, or $55/person with materials
Please call to register. Limit 20 scouts per program. Two adult leaders free with each group.
We ask that groups of 10 or more scouts call to schedule a private
program for their group. Fees: 1–2 hour programs: $3/person 3 hour programs: $7/person
Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary6
mlTNs VOlUNTEERs
Wish list
These volunteers assisted with one or more of the following projects: accounting, animal care, bird feeding, committees and board work, displays, grant applications, land and resources, newsletter preparation and folding, program and event planning, preparation and assistance, reception, recycling and volunteer training: Dixie Baldwin, Paula Barger, Carol Barth, Josh Courtney, Daniel Durocher, Iva Lea Durocher, Frank Gannon, Immacolata Manor My Day, Debbie Janson, Betty Led-ford, Virginia Long, Whitney Lundy, Jack Maby, Sue Maby, Jim Maulesh, George Murphy, Amy Petersen, Esther Ray, Pat Roth, Everett Shaver, Ruby Shaver, Doug Smith, Lauren Thomson, Kay Thornton and Ryan Willig.
NOTE: Volunteer hours recorded after September 30, 2013, along with those who volunteered for Fairy Tale Forest and Elves’ Workshop, will be listed in our next newsletter.
Thank you to the following who donated to Green$avers during August and Sep-tember: Carla Changar, Gail Doerr, Cyndy Jenkins and Kim Pjecha.
DoNorS
Thanks to Backyard Bird Center for donating our bird stations and
monthly feed.
as your search engine – a great way of donating to MLTNS!
www.Goodsearch.comPlease use....
Chrysalis Gift Shop News
Green $avers Family Fashions
Green $avers Family Fashions
Better Brands at BEST Prices!Children’s, Junior’s, Women’s, Maternity,
Plus sizes, & Men’s
Your donations benefitMartha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary
Nature Sanctuary MembersShowyour membership card for
10% off all purchases
2039 W. Kansas Liberty, MOK-Mart Center – next to Curves
Hwy. 152 and I-35Hours: 11:00 - 6:00 Tues-Sat.
(816) 792-9838Ann Simonis, Owner
SpecieS Spotlight - oSpreyS(continued from page 2)
Answer to the Puzzle on Page 3:
VISIT THE MArTHA LAFITE THoMPSoN NATUrE
SANCTUArY
Lawn tractors are on sale now
– why not buy a new mower
and donate the old one to
MLTNS!
Sewing machine
Washer and dryer
Rug spot cleaner
Vacuum cleaner
BIRD
FEEDERS ON
THE
CLEARANCE
RACK!
with DDT that had leeched into the water. DDT caused birds’ eggshells to become thin and prone to breaking, which resulted in lower rates of reproduction. Osprey reintroduction efforts began in the 1990s, when dozens of captive raised birds were released in the Midwest. The first nesting in Missouri in over 100 years took place in 2000 at Truman Lake. Although Ospreys are not found in North America in the numbers they were in pre-pioneer times, they have made an extraordinary recovery. Ospreys have an advantage in that they are able to live near humans, given the appropriate habitat. They will build their stick nests on artificial nesting platforms, utility poles and even cell phone towers. Man-made impoundments such as ponds or dams provide Ospreys with more reliable food sources than natural rivers or lakes. Like eagles, they can be considered another conservation success story for the efforts that have been made to restore them. Look for Ospreys this spring in dead trees or hovering over the water near lakes such as Truman or Smithville Lakes.
The Sanctuary (Jan.,Feb.,Mar. 2014) 7
M a n y t h a n k s t o a l l w h o h a v e c o n t r i b u t e d t o t h e m i s s i o n o f MLTNS!
NOTE: Memberships and donations received after September 30, 2013, will be listed in our next newsletter.
M e m b e r s h i p s & D o n a t i o n s
Benefits of Membership• Quarterly newsletter.• Discounts on all public programs.• 10% discount on gift shop items.• Additional discounts during special,
member-only gift shop sales.• Special member-only events.• A Cathy Johnson print (at Monarch
Gift / From: _______________________________________________________
To apply by phone using a credit card call: 816-781-8598.
Date: _______________ r Renew r New r Gift
MeMbership ApplicAtion individuAl privileges
r Ladybug $20-34r Coneflower $35-49
FAMily privileges
r Bluebird $50-74r Bluestem $75-124r Monarch $125-249r Kingfisher $250-499r Sycamore $500-749r Bobcat $750-999r Martha’s Circle $1,000 +
The Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and member donations are tax-deductible to
the extent provided by IRS regulations.Join us on Facebook: Friends of Martha LafiteThompson Nature Sanctuary.
NEW MEMBERSBluebird Level Leslie Carlisle Christina Paoletti Rolanda Peterson Lori Tritz
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALSMonarch Level Terry Larsen & Rebecca Hill-Larsen Sallie Smith
Bluestem Level Richard & Michelle Cobb Vera Thomas
Bluebird Level Alan Branhagen Paul & Victoria Cannon Noelle Jaroch Calvin & Virginia Nelson Karen Orrill Elizabeth Raine Steve & Renee Searcy
Coneflower Level Diana Balthasar
Ladybug Level Nancy Leisinger Kathryn Snyder
MEMORIALSMemorial donations have been received in loving memory of: Diana Pantorilla from Steve & Jeri Allison and Jean Fitzsimmons Harry Pulliam from LaVerne Pulliam Myra Unger from Scott Cozad Kirk Williams from Alan Branhagen and Jack & Becky Selzer
DONATIONSSeigfreid Bingham Law Offices – Art ContestDr. Jane Grove Dentistry – Art ContestPaul Victor and Jim Rucker, Remax 1st Choice – Martha’s Little HousesEast Clay Rotary – from KC Day and speakers
GRANTS Hallmark Cards
NUTS & BOLTS Dr. Arlene Segal Nancy Workman
GIFTS Norman & Martha Billups Carla Changar George Hunsucker Kay Thornton
NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #50LIBERTY MO
To CURRENT RESIDENT or
Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary407 N. La Frenz Road
Liberty, MO 64068-8417
The Sanctuary (Jan.,Feb.,Mar. 2014)
Join us on FaceBook at Friends of Martha Lafite Thompson
Nature Sanctuary
407 N. La Frenz Road, Liberty, MO 64068(816) 781-8598
- BoArD oF DIrECTorS - President ............................... Dick Brown President Elect ............... Jennifer Moody Secretary ............................ Debra Ahern Treasurer ...............................Dan Vlamis
Joe DeBold • Steve Karol Glenn Longworth • Amy Petersen Holly Ann Schenk • Chris Wilson
Waiva Worthley
Martha Lafite thoMpson nature sanctuary
- MLTNS STAFF - Director ..............................Michael Sandy Naturalist ................................ Chris Willig Administrative Assistant ............ Gail Doerr Newsletter Editor ..................Kay Thornton
HoUrSTHE INTERPRETIVE CENTER:
May through August Mon. through Sat., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
September through April Tues. through Sat., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
THE SANCTUARY AND TRAILS:
April through September Open Daily, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
