Presentation Notes SESSION 1: Slide 1 Cover slide Slide 2 Welcome - - PDF document

SESSION 1:

Slide 1 – Cover slide Slide 2 – Welcome and program background Welcome to the ‘What’s in Your WILD Backyard?’ – Backyard Wildlife Workshop The Backyard Wildlife Workshop was created by the Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF) with the idea of connecting people, in particular families and children, with the wildlife and habitat that exists in their own yards. There has been a longtime partnership between IWF and Carmel Clay Parks & Rec (CCP&R). Several Carmel Clay parks, including Central Park and West Park, have been certified by IWF as wildlife-friendly parks and CCP&R has been a leader and strong role model in creating wildlife habitat and using sustainable practices on park properties and grounds. Carmel Clay was the perfect park system to pilot the Workshop because of the strong supportive partnership that exists. So THANK YOU for being a part of our pilot program. INSTRUCTOR Introductions FACILITIES – Bathrooms, break times, any other details, etc… COURSE STRUCTURE – The workshop is three 1.5 hour long sessions. At the end of the program, each family will receive a free membership to the Indiana Wildlife Federation, which will give you additional access to resources, workshops, field trips and will also keep you updated on wildlife issues in the state. Each session the adults and children will learn in separate groups for the first hour and then adults and children will come together for a fun activity. KIDS – break out with their instructor ADULTS – the first hour will be spent covering the learning objectives for each session, incorporating lots of ideas for turning your yard into a fun wildlife haven that your whole family can enjoy. OPTIONAL ICE BREAKER ACTIVITY- Nature names or other activity *Hand out manuals, begin presentation

Presentation Notes

Slide 3 – The What, The How, and The Why PROBLEMS – As populations grow and humans convert more wild space to conventional landscapes with manicured lawns, beds full of exotic flower species and rows of non-native trees, our Indiana plants and animals lose valuable habitat and food sources that are necessary for survival. Practices that are used to maintain traditional landscaping not only jeopardize wildlife and plant populations; they also impair water quality and contribute to human health problems.  Key point: Changing natural habitat into lawns and gardens with mostly exotic plants harms our local plants and animals. We may not realize it, but our everyday actions (like fertilizing) have a detrimental impact on wildlife, the air and water, and on us. SOLUTIONS – There are many small steps you can take in your own yard that will make a big difference - not only for wildlife, but also for the habitat YOU live in…your BACKYARD! Ideally, everyone will begin to look at how their landscaping practices affect the ecosystems around

• them. As we work through these workshops we hope that you will begin to look at how you

can slowly reduce your lawn areas and replace them with a mix of habitat types. A healthy balance of traditional turfgrass and habitat areas will create an attractive backyard that both you and your wildlife neighbors can appreciate and enjoy.  Key point: Small changes can really help! The info and techniques introduced in this 3- part workshop will help you make easy adjustments that will save wildlife. Balance is key for the health and happiness of you and your human and animal neighbors! PROGRAM BENEFITS - There are many benefits of creating a wildlife friendly backyard. In addition to being one of the simplest, effective and most rewarding ways that you can help the environment and your local ecosystems, the benefits include cost savings, wildlife watching, more free time to spend with family and friends, educational and entertainment opportunities, and knowing that you are doing your part to improve habitat in Indiana.  Key point: Benefits of a wildlife-friendly yard include spending quality time outdoors, saving money, observing wildlife, spending time with family/friends, learning, and protecting our natural heritage. Slide 4 – Back to Basics – Ecosystems INTRODUCING ECOSYSTEMS - You may not notice it on your way to school or work each day, but wildlife is all around us! From the tiniest organisms that can only be seen with a microscope to the largest ones that swim in the depths of the ocean.

The interactions of plants and animals with the area where they live make up an ecosystem. Ecosystems can be any size; there is an ecosystem in your backyard, and there is also a global ecosystem. Obviously there are many factors that influence ecosystems. Examples of influencers in your backyard ecosystem could be applying fertilizer, mowing your lawn, the types of plants you plant, construction projects such as decks or patios, just to name a few. Examples of influencers on the global ecosystem would be things like oil spills, overfishing, deforestation, and industrial and vehicle emissions. Implementing small changes in your backyard can make a significant impact! Slide 5 – Habitat Fragmentation The biggest threat to wildlife and habitat in Indiana (and worldwide) is habitat fragmentation due to development and human infrastructure needs. Habitat fragmentation means that the habitat area that a species uses is sectioned into smaller spaces or separated by a road or some other kind of barrier. It isolates individuals or populations from each other and from resources. EXAMPLES - For example, many salamanders show a “homing” behavior which means they return to their birthplace to reproduce. Roads, buildings, and other obstacles and hazards significantly reduce the chance they’ll make it back and breed! Other examples – turtles crossing roads to lay eggs, monarchs having to travel further distances to find milkweed. Slide 6 – Green Infrastructure: Corridors & Hubs A great way to combat habitat fragmentation is by creating wildlife habitat corridors. It’s easiest to start a corridor with a hub area such as a park, nature preserve or any large piece of habitat land area – now imagine all of the backyards that border these rich habitat areas start to incorporate the 4 Basic Needs of Wildlife, we begin to build corridors, kind of like a spider web, that many species can use for migrating, nesting, finding food sources, etc You may not think it’s a big deal but enhancing habitat in your backyard is a HUGE help for wildlife! Slide 7 – Why Does My Backyard Matter? What’s In My Backyard? In this session, we will look at three main topics: Wildlife’s Basic Needs, Benefits of Habitats, Indiana’s Habitats and Your Wildlife Neighbors.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES – In this lesson, we’ll hear about…

• Basic needs of wildlife and how those are connected to humans’ needs
• The link between one backyard and whole ecosystems
• Habitat fragmentation and its harmful effects
• Concept of biodiversity
• Benefits of wildlife friendly habitats
• Indiana’s exciting native wildlife and the “worst offender” invasive plants and animals

Slide 8 – Lesson cover slide (Basic Needs) Just like people, wildlife has some simple requirements for survival. All plants and animals need Food, Water, Shelter and a Place for Nesting or Raising Young. Let’s talk a bit more about each of these elements. Slide 9 – Types of Food FOOD - You’ll hear the term Native Plants quite a bit throughout these sessions – Native plants are plants that are found in an area only from natural processes, not through human

• intervention. They are plants that have been in an area or ecosystem for a long time and are

specifically adapted to the environment. They require less water and nutrients to thrive and they provide a huge benefit to the wildlife that is native to an area. The easiest and most cost effective way to provide food for wildlife, birds and pollinators in your yard is by incorporating native plants in your landscape. You can also supplement with other food sources, such as bird and squirrel feeders. Different Types of Food:

• Nuts or hard mast (acorns, pecans, walnuts, hickory nuts – squirrels, deer)
• Fleshy fruits or soft mast (wild grapes, blackberries, persimmons, sumac, rose hips)
• Seeds – examples (sunflower seeds, ragweed, pines)
• Other Plant Parts (leaves, roots, nectar, grasses, sap, pondweeds)
• Insects/prey (meal worms, mosquitoes, caterpillars, beetles, small birds and mammals)

Slide 10 – Diversity and Natural vs. Supplemental Food Sources DIVERSITY – Diversity is Key! A variety of food sources will support a variety of birds, pollinators, and animals throughout the seasons.

NATURAL VS. SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD SOURCES - Similarly, natural food sources such as native plants, shrubs and trees will supply a variety of food throughout the year and have additional benefits such as providing shelter or cover. Natural food sources can be supplemented through feeders to attract certain species and to provide food while you work to establish native plants in your yard. Examples – hummingbird feeders, bird feeders with certain types of seed, corn for squirrels, butterfly food.  Key point: Use variety to provide food and other benefits for many species and during all

• seasons. Supplementing with feeders can bridge the gap while your native plants

develop! Slide 11 – What About Water? WATER - Like food, every living thing needs clean water, for drinking, bathing, and sometimes breathing! You can replicate how nature provides water with different options like:

• A shallow dish
• A bird bath
• A pond

The type of water source you provide is completely up to you and will depend on how much space and other resources you want to use. How you manage the landscaping and maintenance of your yard can greatly influence water

• quality. Some of the water entering your yard evaporates directly from the ground or through

plants; the rest filters into the soil and runs off into storm water systems, streams or rivers. As it travels, water carries fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals that are applied to lawns and gardens. REAL WORLD EXAMPLE: (August 2014) – the city of Toledo’s (pop. 400,000) potable water source was contaminated by a toxic algal bloom in Lake Erie. Residents couldn’t drink or even boil and drink the water! Algal blooms are a common result of excess nutrient runoff from farms, streets, yards, and sewage. The lesson learned is reduce the use of nutrients in your yard and always use a PHOSPHORUS-FREE fertilizer or forego fertilizer altogether!

• For more details on fertilizer and alternatives, see Session 2 & 3 and the Resources

section of the workshop guide. Or visit, http://www.indianawildlife.org/iwf- issues/Phosphorous-Free/.

Slide 12 – Shelter and Cover Wildlife needs protective cover just as people need the shelter of a house. As we mentioned earlier, the same plants that provide food for your backyard visitors will do double-duty as shelter for them. REASONS WILDLIFE NEEDS SHELTER/COVER -

• Thermal or sometimes called winter cover is for protection from the elements - from

storms, cold, heat, and wind.

• Escape cover offers protection from predators – this is very important near food and

water sources. Can anyone think of an example of escape cover? How about thermal cover?? EXAMPLES OF SHELTER/COVER - Brush piles, mature trees, ponds, tall grasses, dead tree snags, thickets, berms, rock piles, and dense shrubbery We will discuss how to construct a brush pile and good placement in Session 3. Slide 13 – A Place to Nest or Raise Young Places to raise young are needed to make your WILD backyard complete.

• These are places where wildlife can engage in courtship behaviors and where they can

safely nurture and raise young.

• The places we mentioned that will be used for shelter and cover will also be useful for

species as places to raise young.

• Natural examples include: tree cavities, fallen branches, burrows and tunnels, aquatic

plants

• Bird nesting houses along with bat and mammal boxes can provide additional nest sites.

Slide 14 – Benefits of Wildlife Friendly Habitats There are many benefits of a wildlife-friendly backyard! Can you think of what these might be? *Note: full list of benefits will be listed on next slide Slide 15 – Benefits of a WILD Backyard

• Place for exercising, socializing, relaxing
• Help filter and clean air and water
• Retain water and lower storm water management needs/costs

• Help conserve energy
• Positively impact local ecosystems
• Encourage children to explore and learn
• Enhance property value and promote good neighbor relations
• Keep soil healthy and stable
• Promote human well-being
• Lower landscaping costs
• Connection to wildlife and nature
• Beauty all year long—even in fall and winter!
• Many more…

Slide 16 – Lesson cover slide (Indiana’s Habitats and Your Wildlife Neighbors) Slide 17 – Birds COMMON BACKYARD BIRDS - Northern Cardinal, American Robin, Carolina Chickadee, White- breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, House Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Goldfinch Slide 18 – Mammals COMMON BACKYARD MAMMALS - Gray Squirrel, Fox Squirrel, Red Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, Eastern Cottontail Rabbit, Raccoon, Red Fox, Gray Fox, Virginia Possum, Little Brown Bat, Bobcat Slide 19 – Amphibians/Reptiles COMMON BACKYARD AMPHIBIANS/REPTILES - Eastern Box Turtle, Green Frog, Bullfrog, Common

Gartersnake, Tree Frog, Timber Rattlesnake

Slide 20 – Fish COMMON BACKYARD FISH - Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Common Carp, Catfish, Trout, White Crappie Slide 21 – Trees and Shrubs COMMON TREES - Oaks, Red Maple, Shagbark Hickory, White Walnut, Tulip Poplar COMMON SHRUBS - Buttonbush, Serviceberry, Elderberry, Sumac, Gray Dogwood, Witch-hazel and Spicebush Slide 22 – Nectar (Flowering) Plants

COMMON FLOWERING PLANTS - Black-eyed Susan, Butterfly Weed, Culver’s Root, False Blue Indigo, Foxglove Beardtongue, Mountain Mint, Purple Coneflower, Rough Blazing Star, Wild Columbine, Wild Bergamot (Beebalm) Slide 23 – Why Plant with Natives? Let’s look a little closer at some of the ecosystem benefits of using native plants. We already know they provide food, shelter, and nesting places for wildlife. In addition they:

• Slow runoff water, filter pollutants out of that water and trap sediment before the

water enters our water system.

• Their roots are extremely deep and extensive compared to turf grass and other cultivars

– they hold soil in place and reduce erosion.

• The deep roots help to stabilize stream banks and hilly terrain.
• They provide shade that lowers water temperature and increases dissolved oxygen.
• While stabilizing soil, natives also create an environment that encourages fertile soils

rich in organic matter.

• Evapotranspiration – extracts water and cools the air.

Slide 24 – Root Systems of Native Plants It might be a little tough to see on this slide but basically this shows the root system depths for many native prairie plants. On the far left (above the purple arrow), you see Kentucky Blue Grass with a root depth of only a couple of inches! Now take a look at the prairie plants to the right…many of them have root depths of four to ten FEET! These extensive root systems do a lot of work underneath the ground where we can’t see them.

• Many of the things we just mentioned such as filtering and absorbing excess nutrients

from water runoff, stabilizing the soil column, and helping build rich, fertile soil.

• They are adapted to our region’s soil and climate.
• They can handle periods of drought and heavy rain.
• They have evolved defenses to many diseases and insect pests.

Slide 25 – Invasive Plant Species HOW INVASIVES INVADE - Though sometimes attractive, non-native plants that are introduced into the Hoosier environment pose a threat to established native plant life. Some exotics can grow aggressively, crowding out native plants. This rapid growth and domination can

dramatically alter whole habitats and in turn disrupts the natural food chains for wildlife in our state. Many invasives (plants, animals, and insects) are very difficult to manage because they do not have natural predators to stop their expansion.  Key point: Invasive species are so dangerous to native habitats because a) they grow aggressively, b) they outcompete native species, and c) they usually lack natural predators to control them. EXAMPLE - Invasive bush honeysuckle spreads very rapidly and will crowd out all native plants in the understory of a forest. In areas where the honeysuckle bush has begun to dominate landscapes, wildlife has fewer and fewer options for food and the diversity in their diet

• disappears. A very visible impact is happening in Cedar Waxwings. These birds traditionally

have light yellow tailfeathers. The honeysuckle bush has bright red berries that are available to birds in June and July. We are seeing Cedar Waxwings that have bright orange tailfeathers because of the pigments in the berries…guess the old saying is true, “You Are What You Eat”. There are many additional resources listed in the manual for identifying and removing invasive species, and we will discuss how to deal with them during Session 2. Invasive Plants to Avoid: Autumn Olive Russian Olive Garlic Mustard Canada Thistle Tree-of-heaven Purple Loosestrife Winged Burning Bush Reed Canarygrass Common Reed Crown Vetch Multiflora Rose Japanese Honeysuckle Asian bush honeysuckles Slide 26 – Invasive Animal Species Similarly, Invasive wildlife species, like feral hogs and Asian carp, have made their way into Indiana habitats where they compete with valuable native species. EXAMPLE - If you haven’t heard of the Emerald Ash Borer, it is definitely an invader to be familiar with! The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive insect that is destroying ash trees throughout Indiana. EAB was first found in Indiana in 2004 and has since spread all over the

• state. EAB is most active in the summer and early fall. Larvae tunnel under the bark and disrupt

the tree’s systems that transport food and water, eventually starving and killing it. The Indiana

Department of Natural Resources has a lot of information online about the Ash Borer and what to do if you see beetles or notice damage on your ash trees. An important take-away about the ash borer is: Don’t Move Firewood! Moving firewood from

• ne area to another is a big culprit for spreading these invasive insects to uninfected areas.

Session 2 will talk further about invasive species and how to prevent and control invaders! Invasive Wildlife: Mute Swan Asian carp species: Zebra Mussel

• Silver carp

Gypsy Moth

• Black carp

Emerald Ash Borer

• Grass carp

Slide 27 – Next Time! Session 2 Topics Session 2: How Do I Make My Backyard Wildlife-Friendly? Lesson 4: Sustainable Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping Lesson 5: Water Conservation and Recycling Lesson 6: Invasive Species Eradication Lesson 7: Overcoming Obstacles Lesson 8: Drawing Your Backyard Basemap Slide 28 – Head Outside for Fun! *Direct participants to group activity location; instructor may also announce a 5 minute break during which he/she can prepare for the activity. Slide 29 – Takeaways

• (Just like us) Wildlife needs 4 things to survive: food, water, shelter and a place to raise

young.

• Protecting Indiana’s habitats is essential to helping wildlife.
• There are environmental, social, and economic benefits to a WILD backyard.
• Biodiversity is key for a healthy, sustainable and WILD backyard.
• Indiana has many unique habitats and distinctive plants and animals.
• Invasive species pose a great threat but anyone can help battle them!

• Even small changes in your yard can make a BIG difference.
• Be sure to check out page 18 in your manual for additional at-home activities and

suggested readings! Slide 30 – Photo Credits *For reference only