Fall 2014 Newsletter

Peace Valley Nature Center A facility of Bucks County Department of Parks & Recreation

Fall 2014 Volume 35, Issue 4

Inside this issue: Member Information

2

Service Projects & Volunteers

8

Events

3, 5, 6 3

Fall Session Teacher Natu- 9 ralist Training Pre-School Programs

9

Calendar

Insert

THE GOLDEN RATIO IN NATURE Simple, but utterly amazing! The Golden Ratio, is the Fibonacci sequence. Each number is the sum of the two numbers that precede it, 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55 and so on. It has been found that this appears to be a sort of built-in numbering system for the cosmos. It is also known as the Golden Section, Golden Mean, Golden Number, Divine Proportion, Divine Section, and Golden Proportion. Leonardo Fibonacci discovered this sequence when calculating the ideal expansion of pairs of rabbits over a one year study. Today we recognize this pattern and ratios as phi 1.61803…. This pattern can be seen on all scales on our known existence, from biological systems to inanimate objects. The Golden Ratio does not fit every structure, it is certainly the main formula. Some amazing examples are flower petals, seed heads, pinecones, shells, spiral galaxies, hurricanes, faces, animal bodies, animal flight patterns and DNA molecules.

Dates to Remember  September 16-18 & 23-25– 1:00-3:00 pm; Teacher Naturalist Training  Naturalists Forays, No Fee—Sun at 2pm ~ Oct. 12, 26, November 9  October 11~1:30 pm Spider’s Tea Party  October 24 ~6:308:30 Gaggles of Ghosts & Ghouls  October 24November 1~ Too Good To Toss Sale— 10:00 am-4:00 pm

is

An example of flower petals is the lily., which has three petals, buttercups which have 5, chicory’s 21, the daisy’s 34 and so on. The Darwinian process describes the ideal packing arrangement, each petal placed at .0618034 per turn (out of a 360° circle). This allows for the best possible exposure to sunlight as well as other factors.

The seeds of flowers also exhibit this sequence. “Typically, the seeds are produced at the center, and then migrate towards the outside to fill all the space.” An example of this is the sunflower and its spiraling patterns. Some seed heads are so tightly packed that the total number can be quite large—as high as 144 or more. Counting these numbers, the totals tend to match a Fibonacci number. A “highly irrational number is required to optimize filling (namely one that will not be well represented by a fraction)”. Phi fits this quite nicely. Pinecones are seed pods that are also arranged in a spiral pattern. Each cone has a pair of spirals, each one spirals upwards in opposing directions. When counting the number of steps, it almost always matches a consecutive pair of Fibonacci numbers. This pattern is also found on pineapples and cauliflower.

Page 2

Dove Tales is a quarterly publication of Peace Valley Nature Center, a facility of the Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Robert G. Loughery , Chairman Charles H. Martin, Vice Chairman Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW BUCKS COUNTY PARK BOARD

peacevalleynaturecenter.org

Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center

Membership Welcome New Members Sharon Clutton

Donations IN MEMORY OF: Stanley Clemens

Gerald H. Crandley, Chairman

Betty Lupo

Reba & Marty Brooks

Todd Kowalski, Vice Chairman

Marcie Nisley

Sally Hess

Luke C. Reimer

Robert & Alice Vernon Devada & Ernest Littauer Ann R. Rainey Stephen & Amy Webb

William Wert, Secretary Charles Raudenbush, Jr. Ed Zielanski Penrose Hallowell Nelson E. Clements Lowell Musselman STAFF: Director Naturalist:

Volume 35, Issue 4

Michael Ryvkin Jan Saltzman John Sheehan Linda Zan

Donations

Bucks County Pomona Grange #22 Christopher D. Giranda Lisa Streetsmith

Dr. Courtney Baker Lawrence H & Elizabeth Dunlap Foundation

Assistant Naturalist & Education Director Gail Hill Assistant Education Director/Volunteer Coordinator Mary Jo Lisewski Bookkeeper: Viki Corbitt Store Manager: Louise Lehman FRIENDS OF PEACE VALLEY NATURE CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President: Pat Witek Vice-President: Tim Hediger Treasurer: Boyd England Corresponding Secretary: Directors Cynthia Holllis Kathleen Fitzgibbon Steve Berkson Ray Valukonis Anna Marie Chiofolo Carol Weston Newsletter Editor: G. Hill and Staff The Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs, activities and facilities. Peace Valley Nature Center 170 North Chapman Road Doylestown, PA 18901-5504 215-345-7860 Fax # 215-345-4529 peacevalleynaturecenter.org

Remembering: Sally Hess, A long-time supporter, frequent visitor and friend of our founder Corey Jarin. Sally was a great person, she provided the nature center with ongoing support. Dot Scheingold, A fine artist, fantastic sense of humor, supporter and friend. We have many fond memories of Dot. Her attendance at events and get-togethers, years of teaching others how to make wonderful natural ornaments. What a talent! Dr. Courtney Baker, A long-time visitor, supporter, trail keeper and good friend. Courtney was a wonderful person who shall be greatly missed. We shall miss our friends, Sally Hess, Dot Scheingold and Dr. Courtney Baker

Volume 35, Issue 4

Page 3


October 25November 1 10:00 am4:00 pm In the Solar Building—stuff just too good to throw out that you may find mighty useful and at bargain prices ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT AND SUPPORT OUR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS If you have any “good stuff ” that your would like to donate, please bring it to the nature center. We do not accept appliances, clothing or electronics. Thank You!

Page 4


Volume 35, Issue 4

Peace Valley and Restoration Ecology 42 years ago, Lake Galena was only what remained of an abandoned lead mine with mixed commercial results. Today, it supports a variety of activity like fishing and boating but, perhaps most importantly, it is home to a diverse array of wildlife species. The

process of establishing that

diversity is known as ecological restoration. It takes a lot of time and effort for human beings to restore an area to its natural state. After all, we are trying to mimic and successfully implement millions of years of an ecosystem developing. Humanity can often make mistakes and not realize how interrelated every aspect of an environment is. An excellent example of a mistake is the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s. For decades, farmers had applied European techniques to the American Southwest and only planted one kind of “cash crop” in a certain area. When drought finally did hit, there were no native plants to act as a buffer against erosion and areas were rendered completely useless for farmland. Another example includes the introduction of invasive species. Natural environments exist in a certain balance with all of their plants, animals and physical features requiring each other to coexist. Through either carelessness or purposeful introduction, humans have added species that exist halfway across the globe and disrupted the balance. We as a species can learn from our mistakes and the Peace Valley Park and Nature Center are a testament to that. In the Center’s founding year of 1975 Director Carolyn Jarin planted “trees and shrubs, establish(ed) meadows and planted gardens on an ongoing basis to create a more diverse landscape”. She recognized that need for diversity in a natural environment, every Director since have worked tirelessly to keep the Nature Center in the most natural state possible. By working to keep the center ecologically balanced, we will be able to enjoy this corner of our natural world for years to come. Sources Dove Tales Newsletter, Spring 2000, “Nature Center Celebrates A Quarter Century of Success” Conserving American Resources by Ruben L. Parson By Summer Intern Branimir Trifunovic, Temple University

Volume 35, Issue 4


Page 5

Things to Do At Peace Valley Nature Center Calendar of Events

SEPTEMBER VULTURE DAY—September 14—1:30-3:00 pm ~ learn about the importance of these misunderstood birds. What is their role in the ecosystem? Why are they strange to behold? These and other questions will be pondered.

TEACHER NATURALIST TRAINING—1:00-3:00 pm Sept. 16, 17 & 23-26 WORKDAY—10-Noon; September 20 OCTOBER SPIDER’S TEA PARTY

Saturday October 11~ 1:30 pm ~ NO FEE

Bring along your favorite stuffed pal and join us for tea (juice) and crumpets (snack food). We will listen to some creepy stories and tales read by Mrs. Spider. We will then go out and search for some real spiders and their relatives

SUNDAY NATURALIST FORAYS – OCTOBER 12—2PM

NO FEE, Outdoor Adventure for explorers of all ages Bountiful Bugs Grab the bug boxes and sweep nets and we will explore the fascinating lives of insects, where they are, who they are and what do they do?

WORKDAY—10-Noon; October 18

Help us maintain and spruce up the nature center, groups are welcome. If your group is planning on attending, please contact M. J. Lisewski at least one week prior to the workday.

GAGGLES OF GHOSTS AND GHOULS Friday October 24, 6:30-8:30 FEE: $6 (members $3)

Led by our somewhat Ghoulish teacher naturalists, you will embark on an eerie walk through the trails of PVNC. Along the way you may meet some “creatures” that will expose some of the myths about the creepy and frightening nature of cats, rats, bats, snakes, ghosts and other things that go bump in the night. After the walk, relax at our warming fire. Walks are ongoing throughout the evening. No pre-registration necessary Groups are welcome!

NOVEMBER SUNDAY NATURALIST FORAYS –NOVEMBER 9 ~ 2:00PM Outdoor Adventure for explorers of all ages What’s That? - Who goes there? We shall hike the trails looking for autumn changes. What is happening as the season changes?

NO FEE

Page 6

Volume 35, Issue 4


GOLDEN RATIO, continued from page 1 Tree branches also exhibit this sequence. As tree branches form or split, it grows two growth points (branches). The branch then splits into two new branches, while the other one remains dormant. This pattern is repeated for each of the new stems. Sneezewort is a good example. Algae roots also exhibit this pattern. Shells shape, a rectangle in which the ratio of the sides a/b is equal to the golden mean (phi). This can be repeated into infinity– it also takes the form of a spiral. It is also known as the logarithmic spiral. This shape abounds in nature. Spiral galaxies also follow this pattern. “The Milky Way has several arms, each of them a logarithmic spiral of about twelve degrees. Hurricanes also exhibit this logarithmic spiral. Human and non-human faces provide examples of the Golden Ratio. The nose and mouth are each positioned at golden sections of the distance between the eye and bottom of the chin. Everyone is different, “but the averages across populations tend towards phi”. An example of the perceived perfection and beauty of a smile are those in which the central incisors are 1.68 wider than the lateral incisors, which are 1.618 wider than the canines, and so on. Perhaps it is possible that we are primed to prefer physical forms that adhere to the Golden Ratio. This is also most likely an indicator of reproductive fitness and health. Our bodies as well as those of many animals also are consistent proportionately with Fibonacci numbers. “The measurement from the navel to the floor and the top of the head to the navel is the Golden Ratio”. The measurement of the eye, fins and tail of the dolphin also represent this ratio. Starfish, sand dollars, sea urchins, ants and honey bees also exhibit these tendencies. The DNA molecule is 34 angstroms long by 21 angstroms wide for each full cycle of its double helix spiral. Their ratio is 1.6190476 which closely approximates Phi, 1.6180339. The measurement numbers are in the Fibonacci s series. Perhaps these examples are merely a coincidence and have no actual bearing on the natural world. There are many theories to consider. “The famous Fibonacci sequence has captivated mathematicians, artists, designers and scientists for centuries. Resource: http://io9.com/5985588/15-uncanny-examples-of-the-golden-ratio-in-nature

Volume 35, Issue 4


Page 7

WHITE NOSE BAT SYNDROME IN PENNSYLVANIA AND EASTERN UNITED Pseudogymnoascuc destructans, or White Nose Syndrome (WNS), is a fungus that is sweeping through our nation killing millions. Its victimbats. The fungi grows on bat muzzles, causing a tickling sensation to the nose; something we may think is more like a minor irritant, however, this tickling sensation effects hibernating bats and causes them to wake up. Every time they wake up, they deplete precious fat stores, therefore, this ultimately causes starvation. Due to WNS, America has lost around 80% of its bat population. Why is this bad? Not only are some of the most effected bats already on the endangered species list (Indiana and Grey Bats) but bats also have a long reproductive cycle and only have one baby at a time. The death rate is higher than the birth rate. Farmers are noticing the most impact through their crop yields. Bats eat a variety of bugs including, potato worms, cucumber beetles, and tomato hornworms. With so few bats those bugs, among others, end up eating a large portion of craps that otherwise would have ended up in our markets to feed us. Pseudogymnoascuc destructans, or White Nose Syndrome (WNS), is a fungus that is sweeping through our nation killing millions. Its victimbats. The fungi grows on bat muzzles, causing a tickling sensation to the nose; something we may think is more like a minor irritant, however, this tickling sensation effects hibernating bats and causes them to wake up. Every time they wake up, they deplete precious fat stores, therefore, this ultimately causes starvation. Due to WNS, America has lost around 80% of its bat population. Why is this bad? Not only are some of the most effected bats already on the endangered species list (Indiana and Grey Bats) but bats also have a long reproductive cycle and only have one baby at a time. The death rate is higher than the birth rate. Farmers are noticing the most impact through their crop yields. Bats eat a variety of bugs including, potato worms, cucumber beetles, and tomato hornworms. With so few bats those bugs, among others, end up eating a large portion of craps that otherwise would have ended up in our markets to feed us. Fortunately, something is being done about WNS. The US Fish and Wildlife Services is doing research as to how to prevent WNS from spreading and are constantly learning and making new discoveries regarding bat health and maintenance. You can also help! By building or setting up bat boxes in your area, you can encourage bats to make this uninfected box their new, clean home; a place free of fungi. You can also help bat populations by avoiding hiking and exploring in caves or areas bats live during their hibernation period to prevent unnecessarily waking them up. With luck, we can restore the bat populations and prevent White Nose Syndrome from wiping out all of these wonderful and helpful creatures.

Page 8


Volume 35, Issue 4

Service Projects & Volunteers Service Group Projects 30 members of Unami Middle School National Junior Honor Society (and 4 chaperones) completed stream cleanup and woodchipping projects. Thank you to Honor Society President Maddie Greer for coordinating the project! Central Bucks West High School Key Club attended several service days at the nature center. Thank you to Ryan Insley for organizing the Key Club projects. Local Daisy Troop helped clean litter along trails and waterways Thank you to all who attended group volunteer work days on May 31st and July 19th!

Eagle Scout Projects Eric McGarry of Troop 187 constructed new pond study tables next to Polly Pond. John Kernaghan of Troop 175 extended the post-and-rail fence and removed invasive plants in the bird feeding area beside the nature center.

WORKDAYS September 20 & October 18 10:00 am– Noon Join us as we work to improve the grounds of the nature center. There will be jobs for children and adults. Groups are welcome. If you have gloves please bring them, there shall be some adult size gloves for use. Long pants are recommended. Please let us know if you plan on coming. Contact Mary Jo Lisewski at 215-345-7860 or [email protected]

Volume 35, Issue 4


Preschool Programs

Page 9

Ages 2-6 years ~ Fun & Educational Outdoor Walk &

Activities

ADVANCE REGISTRATION & PAYMENT ARE REQUIRED: To register, send title of program, child’s name, age, parent or accompanying adult’s name, phone number and fee to: Peace Valley Nature Center ~ 170 N. Chapman Road Doylestown, PA 18901 The fee is not refundable one week prior to the start of the program. Please make checks payable to Friends of PVNC. Your payment will secure and confirm your registration.

10:00-11:30 am Tuesdays ~ September 16, 23, 30, October 7, Foul Weather Date Oct. 14 FEE $55 (members $45)

Limit 2 children per adult

Kit Crew Ages 2-3 with caregiver Class size: 5 Kits; Under 2 years, no fee Snack and a great story!

We then venture outside for a discovery walk focusing on the theme of the story. We then return to the nature center to make an ageappropriate craft to take home. Search for animals’ homes and hideaways. Discover the fascinating world of worms, learn about a mouse and it’s habitat. Who does live in that tall, tall grass?

Gosling Gang Ages 4-6 with caregiver Class size: 8 Goslings; Under 2 years, no fee A story, snack and walk on the wild side! We will investigate the world of insects, spiders and such, trees and their leaves. We will explore pond life by dipping into the pond to discover who lives there.

Great Outdoor Adventures!

BABES IN THE WOODS 10:00-11:00 am~Ages 8 months to 2 years FEE: $40 (members $30) Tuesdays ~ September 16, 23, 30, October 7, Foul Weather Date Oct. 14 Class Size: 5 Babes and their caregiver—Awaken the senses of your babe with a great outdoor experience. These nature awareness classes focus on age appropriate walks. Experience the wonders of Peace Valley Nature Center.

Teacher Naturalist Training Tuesday, Wednesday & Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

September 16, 17 & 23, 24, 25, 26 1:00-3:00 pm

NO FEE—pre-registration required Do you enjoy the outdoors? Do you enjoy children and learning?

Join us for 6 sessions that will bring environmental education to life. You will learn techniques and programs for pre-school and elementary students. Completion of this training and subsequent program observations could lead to a part-time paid teacher-naturalist position. Information or to Register contact Gail Hill 215.345.7860 ext. 103 or [email protected]

Page 10


Volume 35, Issue 4

2014 Summer Nature Adventures We had a great time this summer. From insects to stream study a variety of topics were explored. Games and activities complimented the daily subjects. Preschool children ages 2-6 accompanied by their parents participated in hands-on discovery. Elementary age children explored the diverse habitats of Peace Valley Nature Center. One day classes featured geology and cooking outdoors. A week-long day camp was held at Tohickon Valley Park. We explored the creek, as well as the geology of the area, swam in the pool, worked on our navigation skills and other activities games and skills.