Good News from Unexpected, October 2006
It was a busy summer for the Boy Scouts at Unexpected. We had three scouts from two different South Jersey Troops adopt the Refuge for their Eagle Scout Projects. The Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project is the highest advancement rank in scouting, whereby a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills. Only about 5% of all Boy Scouts earn this rank, so imagine how excited we were to have three young men achieve this award level here at the Refuge this year.
Bluebird Habitat
Evan Wojtkowiak, Boy Scout Troop 65,
Haddonfield, with his parents in
Bluebird Field
Evan Wojtkowiak has been visiting the Refuge every October with Troop 65, and after his fourth visit working on trails and building benches, he approached me with a request to perform his project here. He wanted to do a very physical project, so we turned Bluebird Field over to him. Multiflora rose, autumn olive and honeysuckle were encroaching into the field from all sides, and several trees had fallen in previous storms. Mowing the field for the benefit of bluebirds was becoming quite difficult.
Evan removed overgrown vegetation and created brush piles for the smaller animals around the field’s perimeter. He cut up and took out the fallen trees, but made sure to leave standing dead wood for woodpeckers and other critters. He created bench arrangements and constructed and installed a beautiful informational sign about bluebirds and their habitat.
Dining Out
Andy (left) and crew members relax
after finishing his project.
Evan’s friend and fellow Troop member, Andy Eklund, created a habitat for the benefit of visitors. Usually when we have a group of birders or hikers return to the parking area for lunch, they get their lunches out of their cars and eat sitting on the bumper, or on a log or just eat standing up. Andy took care of that by selectively clearing an area opposite the parking area. He mulched it and created a beautiful view of the pond that can be enjoyed from the comfort of the picnic bench. Now you won’t have to miss a thing going on out there.
Know where You are Going?
Bob (2nd left) poses at our
entrance sign with his work party.
You will, now that Bob has been here. Bob Burton, from Troop 54, Lindenwold, is the scout mentioned in the April 2006 issue of TBD who took over the trail sign project from Susie Highland. Bob and his volunteers cut, stenciled, hand-painted and hung wooden trail signs throughout the entire Refuge, showing the way for the hundreds of visitors who hike, bird and photograph here every year.
It’s Huntin’ Time Again
Already! It is hard to believe it is patrol season again, as of the beginning of September. The leaves are turning the Refuge into a beautiful canvas of russet dogwoods, golden sassafras and bright yellow poplars. The days are getting shorter, and the sun is trying it’s best to get close to this autumn beauty all around us, shunning it’s blazing summer arc across the heavens. The long cool shadows it casts hint of the soft morning frost and warm comfy sweaters to come.
I detest the fact that deer hunting season begins during this special, magical time of year. However, patrolling does get you out for exercise and fresh air, and an occasional encounter with deer, turkeys or even an owl looking for breakfast during the evening rounds.
Please consider volunteering a few hours to patrol the Refuge, and let the hunters see that we are out there watching. They never know when or where they might bump into a vigilant Beaver Defender strolling the grounds.
Thank You!
Thanks to all of you who renewed your annual membership, and a special thanks to those who were able to give that little extra. Your support is appreciated, and you are helping us make good things happen; from printing and mailing out beaver friendly literature to preserving land from development. Your efforts bring great rewards to both animals and the environment.
New 2007 Refuge Calendars are Available!
Susie Highland has completed the first in a line of 12 month calendars from Unexpected Wildlife Refuge. The 2007 calendar highlights the history of the Refuge and the goings-on during the early years.
The calendars are 8½ x 11, black and white, spiral bound, and you can get yours for a donation of $18. Limited quantities are being printed, so order yours today!