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Hine's Emerald Dragonfly Research
The female Hine's Emerald is shown in Fig. A, while the male is shown in Fig. B. The arrow indicates the characteristic appendages at the end of the abdomen. These play a role in mating. Monitoring the status of this endangered dragonfly is ongoing at The Ridges. For more information about the Hines Emerald Dragonfly, click here.
Clark Lake/Logan Creek Watershed Study From 2005-06, the Clark Lake Advancement Association and the UW-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education conducted a comprehensive study of Clark Lake, Logan Creek, and their watersheds. The study included water quality sampling of both the lake and creek, as well as stream flow measurements, macroinvertebrate sampling, and a fisheries study. Data collected during the study was used to develop a long-range plan for land use and water quality protection in the watershed, as well as protection of the lake and stream habitats. The Ridges Sanctuary's Logan Creek Property includes over 2,500 feet of shoreline on Clark Lake and Logan Creek, so protection of the lake and its surrounding habitats is a high priority for us. Funding for the study was provided through a Lake Management Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Sensitive Habitat Areas Report
Invasive Species The spread of invasive species is now the second greatest threat, behind habitat destruction, to endangered plants and animals. Because they can out-compete native plants for water, nutrients and sunlight, increasing populations of non-native plants could have long-term effects on the biological integrity of the Sanctuary. For many years, volunteers have worked to control species such as Spotted Knapweed and European Helleborine Orchid by pulling individual plants. Recent research projects have focused on Phragmites (a tall, tough-stemmed grass) and its control using various herbicides. The best way to control the spread of these invaders is to locate and control them early, before they can get a "roothold" in an area. Visitors to the Ridges are encouraged to watch for non-native plants, especially Garlic Mustard, Black Swallow-wort, Japanese Barberry, Common Teasel, Japanese Knotweed, and Glossy and Common Buckthorn. If you believe you have seen any of these plants during a visit to the Sanctuary, please contact Ridges staff as soon as possible. Include a description of when and where the plants were found, and describe characteristics of the plant (leaf shape, flowers, fruit or seed pods, etc.) that will help in making a positive identification. Photos documenting the plants are also very helpful.
Other Research Projects Water Quality Monitoring The Ridges Research Committee worked with researchers and students at UW-Green Bay on a study of water quality in the Sanctuary. The study's primary goal was to gather baseline data on concentrations of heavy metals, nutrients, and minerals in the surface- and groundwater in the Sanctuary. This is especially important because several plant and animal species here are closely dependent upon good water quality for their survival. Water samples were taken periodically from small groundwater wells, and from springs and swales. Results indicate that water quality of both the surface and groundwater at The Ridges is very good. Future studies will enable us to compare and assess any changes in our water quality. Breeding Bird Survey In June 2003, a study was conducted on the breeding birds of the Sanctuary. The survey included 33 sites in various habitat types, distributed throughout the Ridges. A total of 63 bird species were observed. Some, such as Black-capped Chickadee and American Redstart, were found in many habitats and displayed no apparent preference for one habitat type over another. However, several species were found primarily in specific habitat types. These included some birds, such as Osprey and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, which are listed as rare or of special concern in Wisconsin.
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