Nandu Green Earth Friendly Living

Trout Fishing In Montana - A Perfect Day

By: Marlene Affeld

Montana is blessed with water; gin-clear cold water. Fed from glaciers, winter snowpack and deep mountain springs, Montana’s pristine chilly waters are a perfect habitat for trout. Rainbow, Lake, Cutthroat, Brown and Brook Trout thrive to the delight of bears and anglers.

Trout depend on cold water to survive. Our waters are cold, trout flourish in Montana. Brook Trout are the easiest to catch but the most sensitive to water temperature; their population begins to diminish in waters that exceed 68 degrees F., Montana’s other species of trout are comfortable at slightly warmer temps. Many fishermen feel that the wary Brown Trout is the most difficult to catch.

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Milk Thistle - Curse or Cure?

By: Marlene Affeld

Milk thistle, or wild artichoke, a plant whose fruit and seeds have been used by cultures around the world for more than 2,000 years, is a fascinating herb that has been both revered and cursed. There's a love-hate relationship with Milk thistle ...many people endorse and hardily embrace Milk thistle for its food value, medicinal healing qualities, the benefits to wildlife and its intrinsic beauty. Others fault the thistle’s invasive growing habits and the danger thistle presents to livestock.

Milk thistle, (Blessed thistle, St. Mary’s thistle, Marian thistle, Lady thistle or Holy thistle, Christ’s Crown, Heal thistle, Venus thistle and Wand of God’s Grace, Mariendistel (German), and Chardon-Marie (French).), is a flowering herb of the genus Silybum marianum and is related to the daisy family (Asteraceae).

The plant has dark-green prickly leaves mottled with white veins, vivid purple flower heads up to six inches in diameter; blooming from June to September. Milk thistle can grow twelve feet tall and form dense, impenetrable thickets. Small, shiny, black seeds (achenes) are produced in the brilliant flower heads and have a white silk-like pappus (parachute) attached. This allows the seeds to travel with the whims of the wind when released, much like a dandelion.

Like other thistles, the plant is well known for its intimidating sharp, spiny leaves. Milk thistle is related to artichoke and safflower, as well as to flowers such as Bachelor Button, Xeranthemum (Everlasting) and Globe thistle, and to weeds such as Nodding thistle, Canada thistle, Scotch thistle and Burdock.

Milk thistle is considered an annual species in most northern climates, although in milder climates it may grow as a biennial. The plant is prized for its food and medicinal value, however, it is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant because of its unusual leaves and colorful flowers. 

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Ducks, Ducks & More Ducks

We love posting good news on this blog. When you’re dealing with wildlife and wild spaces, good news items are few and far between.

Today is one of the good days.

Northern pintail male and female ducks

The Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey samples more than two million square miles of waterfowl habitat across the United States, Canada, and Alaska. The survey estimates the number of ducks on the continent’s primary nesting grounds.

Songbirds are declining around the world, but our North American waterfowl population remains healthy. Not only are the numbers up from last year’s survey, but the total population numbers in the millions are very heartening. As long as prairie potholes, marshes and lakes are preserved, waterfowl of all kinds should have a promising future. You can’t say that for many wild species these days.

Highlights from the survey include:

• The estimated mallard population is 8.5 million birds, a 10 percent increase over last year’s estimate of 7.7 million birds and 13 percent above the long-term average.
• The estimated population of 3.1 million gadwall is similar to last year’s estimate and 73 percent above the long-term average.
• At 7.4 million, the estimated population size of blue-winged teal is the second highest on record, while green-winged teal numbers were at an all-time high of 3.4 million. Estimates for both species are well above their long-term averages (60 percent and 79 percent, respectively).
• The 3.2 million estimate for northern pintails is 23 percent more than last year but 20 percent below the long-term average.
• The estimated number of one million redheads is similar to last year and is 62 percent above the long-term average.
• The canvasback estimate of 662,000 is 35 percent more than last year’s estimate and similar to the long-term average.
• The estimated abundance of northern shovelers (4.4 million) is 25 percent more than last year and 92 percent above the long-term average.
• The scaup (lesser and greater combined), estimate of 4.2 million, is 12 percent greater than last year but 18 percent below the long-term average.
• Population estimates for American black ducks, ring-necked ducks, American wigeon, bufflehead, goldeneyes, and mergansers are similar to last year as well as their 1990-2008 averages.

The entire Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, 1955-2009 report can be downloaded from the US Fish & Wildlife website.

Misty Morning

What a lovely day. I headed to the beach early this morning, searching for coral to line the garden path.

The clouds hung in ghostly wisps over the verdant valley, the sun shone but it wasn't too warm and an ocean scented breeze stirred the leaves. Another breath-taking day in paradise. 

A few photos to share.

Transplanting day lilies.

View from Power House Road - 

An awe inspiring vista.

Trail to Machu Picchu

For several years it has been my dream to trave to Machu Picchu - I was delighted to find this very informative and insightful post and share it with you. Have you hiked the Inca Trail? If so, your comments and observations would be appreciated.

Peru Trekking: Inca Trail to Mach Picchu

I just returned to the United States from one of our new trips launched this year, Trekking in Peru. The lost city of Machu Picchu is by far the most famous travel destination in Peru and the four-day Inca Trail is known worldwide as one of the greatest adventure travel experiences on the globe.

This was an Exploratory Adventure for Zephyr, which means we were contracting with a local outfit and, although we spent many hours researching the destination and working with the local outfitter to create a fantastic trip, I had not actually been on the Inca Trail before myself. I must admit I was a bit leery of the popularity of the Inca Trail and what that would do to the experience. In fact, I had already scheduled to spend extra time after the trip to research a new, alternative trek.

Our group of 17 met in Lima, took a flight as a group to Cusco, and immediately ventured into the Sacred Valley of the Incas which runs along the Urubamba River between Cusco and Machu Picchu. We spent several days in the valley, visiting Incan ruins, taking short hikes, and eating way too much Peruvian food. The real goal, however, for these two days is to acclimatize to the high altitude of the Peruvian highlands in preparation for our trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The Peruvians realize they have a tourism gem in Machu Picchu and an adventure travel gem in the Inca Trail. While there are thousands of miles of Incan trails in Peru, to step onto the “Inca Trail” which runs from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu requires a permit. The government limits permits to 500 per day.

500 per day sounds like a huge number to me and was the chief cause of my concern that the Inca Trail was over-hyped and over-visited. I envisioned massive numbers of people tripping over themselves on the trail, competing for limited camping spots at night, and generally ruining the experience.

It wasn’t that way at all.

All trekkers are now required to be with a local guide, which is not only great for local employment but an excellent way to make sure trekkers have as little impact on the local environment as possible. In addition, most everyone follows the system of “luxury trekking” with porters, cooks, and camp staff. The upshot is that of the 500 permits per day, perhaps only 220 actually go to trekkers.

Our group had two guides (Juan and Santiago), a cook, assistant cook, camp assistant, and over 20 porters! This was indeed luxury camping, with a cooking tent, dining tent, tea in the morning delivered to our tent doors, hot water to wash each afternoon, and delicious meals served three times per day. I think all of us were wowed by this, including those who trekked with Zephyr in Tibet (this was even more luxurious) but especially those who were new to camping.

We in the Zephyr office spent a lot of time finding the right local partner for our Peru trip and we ended up with one of the best around. Our local operator is small, run by a great guy who treats our groups with priority importance, and has a few practices that are simply superior to other local companies. Among my favorite was this: Each morning on the trail, while the other trekkers left early to seemingly compete for first place, our group took our time, enjoyed breakfast, and was almost always the last to leave the designated campsite. This meant the large number of trekkers was at the worst of times not an issue and for most of the trip invisible to our group.

That left the Inca Trail practically to ourselves. The Trail presents its main challenge on Day 2, rising up to Dead Woman Pass at almost 14,000 feet in elevation. This was daunting to some and a challenge for many. After that, it passes ruin after ruin, each somewhat unique and always fascinating. Juan and Santiago took us through each ruin and we learned about the Inca’s life, culture, and architecture. The views throughout were incredible and the trail itself is amazing, a combination of local dirt paths and the fitted stonework of the Inca masons. Camp life was fun, consisting of great meals one would never expect in the middle of the wild and stimulating conversations among our group and with our guides. No words I write here or photos I can post will do justice to the experience.

By the fourth day, everyone was a little sore, a little tired, and ready for a shower and bed. We made a push up one last hill through the Sun Gate for our first view of Machu Picchu. Hanging out above the lost city for over an hour, we took in the view of this amazing place. To be honest, however, I think many of our group felt as if Machu Picchu was the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae, nice but not necessary. I felt that way myself.

We had just spent four days on the Inca Trail. We had strained and perspired, enjoyed wonderful views and explored amazing ruins, bonded with each other, and in essence lived the highs and lows not just of the trail but of life itself. We had lived the Inca Trail for four days and I, for one, thought of it not anymore as a great adventure travel destination but as a means to understanding the Incas and Peru itself.

We did visit Machu Picchu the next day and then spent time in wonderful Cusco but the experience of the trail remained with us as the highlight of the trip. The Inca Trail is difficult and not for everyone but any concerns I had about it being overcrowded or past its adventure prime vanished in the mists of the Andean mountains. The Inca Trail is indeed one of the great adventures on earth. We’ll be back next year. (Thanks to Janet Hoffman for the first photo.)

Courtesy: Zepher Trekking

10 Popular Tourism Attractions About to Vanish!

For those of us who live in the Northwest, it is very troubling to realize that the Kootenai River is still considered on a list of endangered destinations. We all need to become involved to save this pristine eco-system. Please enter your comments or suggestions.

10 Popular Tourism Attractions About to Vanish!

By Tourism-Review.Com

Published February 24, 2009

Several natural as well as cultural and architectonic treasures might disappear. Now Frommers—a professional travel portal—has made a collection of destinations one should see quickly before they vanish. These ten sites, Tourism-review.com reports, make up a carefully chosen list of destinations for eco-conscious travelers to enjoy.

1. Babylon, Iraq

There is not much left of the once gorgeous city of Babylon–barely a mound of broken mud-brick buildings and debris in the fertile Mesopotamian plain in Iraq. One of the biblical cities of great religious importance for the Christian part of the world has been damaged by war on one hand and rush economical and architectonical development on the other.

2. Fenway Park, USA

Fenway Park, a name almost entirely unknown in Europe, is the home stadium of the Boston Red Sox baseball team. It has served as such since its opening in 1912 and is thus the oldest stadium in the Major League Baseball. The club officials have one or two times thought about moving the club to a more modern ballpark, yet the fans have always put an end to these thoughts by expressing their disapproval. Yet a stadium with wooden seats and hand-operated score board will probably not last long and massive reconstructions are foreseen.

3. Gu Gong (The Forbidden City), China

This vast complex located in the middle of Beijing is more than half a millennium old. More than seven million visitors long to see the architectonical gem every year, most of them the Chinese in search for their history and identity. The government, who likes their nation to care for their past, cannot afford to close the whole area for the much needed reconstruction. Section by section gets closed so that at least the necessary problems can be fixed.

4. Kootenai River, USA

Kootenai River is a tributary to Columbia River, flowing from British Columbia to Montana and Idaho. A number of dams built on the river has severely damaged the wetlands in Idaho, an important stop for many vagrant birds like geese. Except for the construction of dams, agriculture has also left deep scars in the local nature. Recently, things have been getting a little bit better though: the Nature Conservancy in cooperation with local companies and volunteers have started a hopefully successful restoration of the wetlands.

5. Little Green Street, UK

”Little” is the most significant part of this London street’s name; there are only eight 18th century houses on one side of it and two on the other. The street that has survived both world wars unchanged is now endangered by the unwise decision of the local authority. As in many other cities–also in London–developers are trying to fill every free square centimetre of space by a block of flats, a parking lot or a shopping mall. Here, the construction would not endanger the house itself, but rather the 2.5 metre wide street as a whole; all the hard machinery would have to drive through here to get to the parking lot-to-be.

6. Lord Howe Island, Australia

Lord Howe Island is a small island in the Pacific Ocean 600 kilometres east from Australia. It is a distinct terrestrial eco-region, known as the Lord Howe Island sub-tropical forests, where many endemic species of animals, especially birds, used to live. Since humans arrived on the island in 1788, more than half of the originally recorded bird species and sub-species are extinct. Either due to reckless hunting or due to illnesses and predators brought to the island by the first “colonists”. Nowadays, the island’s 350 residents are trying to keep it as clean as possible, the worst threats being oil and chemical sea and air pollution.

7. Michoacan Monarch Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

Monarch butterflies are extremely sensitive to air pollution, cold and wet conditions. That is why they need a stable stop over on their long migration from cold winters in Canada to warm Mexican weather. Michocan is one of their most favourite places to rest on their way, yet it is being destroyed slowly; mainly by poor Mexicans who burn down the local forests and denude the countryside to get more soil to earn their living from.

8. Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal is one of India’s most popular tourist attractions. It welcomes  between two million and four million visitors annually, more than 200,000 of them from overseas. All air polluting vehicles are nowadays prohibited from the area and tourists can either walk to the monument or use an electric bus. Yet the huge amounts of people breathing, sweating and touching things they are not supposed to touch have left the building damaged and the limitations of their number seems to be the only way for the palace to recover.

9. The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Galapagos is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, near the equator. It was here that Charles Darwin made major progress in his theory of evolution of species. Discovering this tropical paradise may have been good for humanity, yet considerably worse for the local fauna and flora, that suffered serious damages by crowds of inconsiderate tourist. Due to growing population of the islands and many evasive species brought by them from overseas, the local wildlife is in constant danger.

10. The Pyramids of Giza

The pyramids of Giza are probably the best-known monuments worldwide. Many people have visited them and almost everyone has at least heard of them. Popularity has its pros as well as its cons though. Too many tourists, the unstoppable, confused and constant growth of the nearby Cairo have brought air pollution, tons of garbage and armies of the poor trying to steal a piece of the monuments and sell it later. All these contribute to the slow and unnoticed breakdown of the pyramids.

** Little Green Street picture by Nigel Cox CC License 2.0

Flowers Of Kauai

I enjoyed my visit to the Kauai Nursery, in search of the elusive red jade vine. The nursery was a delight, thousands of plants, trees and shrubs. However, they did not have red jade vine. Scott, one of the helpful staff, explained that red jade is very difficult to propagate; for every hundred starts in the greenhouse, only about five will flourish and produce a new plant. Another enchanting vine, the blue jade, was also unavailable for the same reason. Kauai Nursery would very much like anyone that has established vines to bring them in some cuttings to propagate. 

good article and beautiful photos of the brilliant flowered vines that entangle the island. 

The choices of plants was overwhelming. I choose several ferns and coleus. The coleus is in variegated-shades of red, a striking contrast against the emerald green of the various ferns. 

This gorgeous blooms is growing in my friend Sharon's garden. It is magnificent!

Flowers Of Kauai

So many of the plants are known by their Hawaiian names. I am endeavoring to learn the names of a few of my favorites. I want to understand and perhaps speak a bit of the Hawaiian language.

Waterfalls of Kauai

House Guardians

Intrigued by the geckos that inhabit my friends home, I researched the little guys and found this excellent article. When a home is in the jungle, there are a lot of bugs and the geckos keep things in balance. As we are sharing space, it is nice to know a bit more about them. What is your experience with lizards and geckos? Please add your comments.

SOURCE: LINDA PASCATORE lindapascatore@earthlink.net

POSTED: 7 SEPTEMBER 2008 - 7:00pm HST

Our Little House Guardians
 
image above: Close-up of a gecko's foot and underbody

Birds and Plants of Kauai:  The Gecko by Linda Pascatore on 26 June 2008 The gecko is a common sight in Hawaii. They inhabit our gardens and share our homes. Although no geckos are native species on Hawaii, some were here centuries before Western contact. They either came with the early Polynesian settlers as stowaways on the voyaging canoes, or their salt water resistant eggs floated here on logs or other debris.  It is thought that the Morning Gecko, the Stump-Toed Gecko, the Small Tree Gecko, and the Fox Gecko all may have been long time Hawaiian residents. More recently, other species have arrived as aliens. These include the Common House Gecko on all Hawaiian islands, and Tokay, Orange Spotted Day, Gold Dust Day, and Giant Day Geckos which are found only on Oahu. All of the early Hawaiian gecko species are parthenogenic. This means that there are only females of those species. They lay eggs which are ready to hatch without any male required to fertilize them. Their eggs are small, white, and round, and tend to adhere to the surface where they are laid. Their eyes have a vertical pupils and are without lids. These species are mostly nocturnal, or active at night.  They all have special toepads with thousands of tiny spatula tipped setae which allow them to climb walls and hang from the ceiling. The setae use van der Waals interactions (the attractive forces between molecules) to hold them to various surfaces. The only surface that a gecko will not stick to is Teflon, although the holding power is reduced on wet or rough surfaces.  Most homes in Hawaii welcome geckos, because they eat insects like ants, mosquitos and roaches. Geckos are very vocal creatures. They make a clicking sound that sounds almost like a person saying, “Tsk, tsk, tsk”, which can be heard at night. They also make repeated chirping sounds at times. Another sound heard is the tapping as the gecko holds its prey in its mouth and hits it against the wall, window, or ceiling to kill it. Here in Hawaii, the occasional gecko poop, eggs found stuck inside printers, and strange night sounds are all well worth the service the gecko performs by eating household insects. Geckos also eat fruit, nectar, and pollen. They will lick up juice with their long tongues. Here in Hanapepe Valley on Kauai, we often observe Geckos at night standing on the outside of our window panes. They hunt bugs here, and we witness many battles. We can also see the eggs of pregnant geckos showing through their translucent bellies, which is quite an amazing sight. In Hawaiian Mythology, the gecko represented a smaller incarnation of the Mo’o, the giant magical lizard. The mo’o was an aumakau, an animal spirit that is tied to certain families. Both the mo’o and the gecko were guardian spirits, who protected the Hawaiian people. Mourning Gecko: Lepidodactylus lugubris The Mourning Gecko is also called the Common Smooth Scaled Gecko. It is a creamy color with darker brown zigzag pattern overlaid. The underside is beige and sometimes speckled. It is a smaller gecko, and grows to only about 3 inches in length. The skin on its back is smooth, and lacks tubercles, or spiny scales found on some other species. It has a dark line between the eyes and down to the neck. It is stouter than the Indopacific species, and has claws on all its toes. The Mourning Gecko is found throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and the rest of the Pacific, including New Zealand and Australia,; as well as in South and Central America. It was the most prominent species of gecko in the Hawaiian Islands before the introduction of the Common House Gecko around the time of World War II. Since the competition from the more aggressive House Gecko, the populations of Mourning Geckos and other older Hawaiian species have been declining. Stump Toed Gecko: Gehyra mutilata The Stump Toed Gecko is also called the four clawed gecko, because only four of its five toes have claws. This gecko has a translucent quality. It is light gray or brown during the day, and more whitish at night. It has darker spots, and a pinched ring at the base of the tail. There are light rings around the tail, and no spine. The adults grow to about 4 inches long. This is found throughout Hawaii and the Pacific, as well as in Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Mexico. It has an interesting defense mechanism. When grabbed, it twists violently, and patches of it’s skin come loose. This usually startles the predator, which then lets it go. This gecko is found in both urban rural areas; in trees, bushes and walls. Small Tree Gecko: Hemiphyllodactylus typus The Small Tree Gecko is also called the Indopacific Tree Gecko or Common Dwarf Gecko. It has a long thin nose and a flattened tail. It’s body is translucent, and covered with tiny granular scales. It does not have the warty tubercles and spines which some other gecko species have, and is also less vocal. In daylight hours, it is usually gray or brown, with a pattern of light and dark markings, and the tail has an orange underside. There are white flecks and black markings on the back, and a thin black line from the nose through the eye and across the neck and shoulder. At night, this gecko will change to a pale, whitish color.  Small Tree Geckos have a rudimentary inner toe on the forefoot, which does not have a claw. These are the small and slender, with short legs. They grow to only about 3 inches in length and are the smallest of the older Hawaiian species. They are found on all the Hawaiian islands, in South Asia and through islands in the Indian Ocean. This gecko is not found in urban areas, but in rural valleys and forested areas. They prefer undeveloped, undisturbed areas and are solitary, so are more rarely seen than other species. They hunt at night in trees, on small insects and spiders. During the day they hide behind loose bark or protected locations, where they also lay pairs of eggs.  Small Tree Geckos are threatened by loss of forest habitat, as well as competition from introduced species. Fox Gecko: Hemidactylus garnotii This gecko is also called the Indopacific Gecko, or Garnot’s House Gecko. The nickname Fox Gecko comes from the long, narrow snout. It has a flattened tail with a row of spiny scales on the lateral edges. In the daytime, it is dark gray or brown with markings, and at night it is a pale, translucent color. The belly is orange or yellow. Adults are about 4 or 5 inches long. This species is found in India, the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and Australia, as well as throughout Polynesia. It was once considered a house gecko, living in and around homes, but more recently has been displaced to more natural settings by the newer arrival, the Common House Gecko. The Invader: Common House Gecko: Hemidactylus frenatus Since this is the species that has threatened the older species on Kauai, we will also describe it here. The Common House Gecko arrived in the Hawaiian islands around the time of World War II. They are now the most common species here, not just in urban areas, but also in forested areas. They have largely displaced the Mourning and Stump-Toed Geckos. The Common House Gecko is a grayish white color. It’s back has tiny black spots or markings. It does not have tubercles or spines on its back, but its tail is ringed with rows of spines. It grows to 4 or 5 inches. These geckos are not parthenogenic, but have males and females of the species. The males are quite territorial, and may explain why they have displaced the older female only species that arrived earlier in Hawaii. The Common House Gecko will also eat juvenile geckos of its own and other species.

The Wainiha Valley, Kauai, Hawaii

I have fallen in love with this slow-paced paradise. This intriguing island has cast a mystical spell. I am enchanted, enthralled and throughly enjoying my extended stay in Kauai; learning and sharing the company of new friends in the breath-taking Wainiha Valley.

There is a primal rhythm to the days I have spent in the valley. I awake with first light and the haunting calls of a plethora of birds and wild fowl, their voices joyously lifted to the rising sun. By dark, after a full day of activity, I sleep. Life is good, the gods are smiling.

Residents of the valley tell me that visitors are either captured by the powerful magnetic draw of the valley or they are immediately uncomfortable, overwhelmed by the green intensity, the steep canyon walls and the strong energy that seems to radiate from the deep red soil. Some people find the dense humidity oppressive and the overly-friendly mosquitos tiresome. 

Others are not welcome by the spirits of the valley. To me, the valley feels like coming home.

A scared, magical place, the Wainiha Valley is a dramatically deep valley accessed by winding Powerhouse Road, and a narrow beach with colorful sands and coral reefs; an ideal spot for viewing the sunset. 

Located above Ha‘ena on Kauai’s scenic northern and windward coast near Tunnels Beach, the Wainiha Valley includes one of Kauai’s largest river systems, fed from the generous rains that bless these magnificent mountains. The area rewards the eye with spectacular views of the Wainiha River, veiled in ghostly mist, as it winds its way to the sea through a riotous canopy of guava, papaya, coconut palm, banana and avocado trees. 

 

These trees are but a sampling of the diversity of plant life in the valley. Wainiha is home to 127 species of flowering plants found only in Hawaii, 41 of which are found only on Kauai. 

Wainiha Valley is now a part the Hawaii's third-largest private nature preserve. The 7,050-acre parcel of A&B land includes a summit region of Mount Waialeale. The preserve safeguards the rich abundance of life that has evolved in the pristine ecosystem of the upper Wainiha Valley and Alaka'i Summit Plateau. Remarkable, verdant examples of healthy native lowland forest, rarely found elsewhere in the Hawaiian Islands, can still be found in Wainiha’s twin valleys. 

Crater of Mt. Wai'ale'ale, Kaua'i, Hawaii - Photo by John Fischer

The highest mountain, Mount Waialeale, at an elevation of 5,148, is located at the center of the island. The mountain takes its name from a small lake on the peak, Waialeale, a Rippling on the Water. This sacred mountain is rarely seen from the rest of the island. I have been told that occasionally at dawn, the mist parts and it may stand clear against a crystal sky, however, by early morning it is most always encased in a ghostly cloak of clouds. 

The ancient inhabitants of the island held Mount Waialeale in great reverence and showed the respect they felt in the presence of this majestic mountain. They labored to reach the peak of the mountain and there constructed an alter to Kane, the mighty god of all living creatures, the spirit of living water, the powerful god of sunlight, the proud lord of the forests and all creatures that lived within them. 

Historically, the island priests, chiefs and their entrogue made annual pilgrimages to the mountain top to pay their respect and homage to the powerful Kane.

The Alaka‘i Swamp is a rugged, wind and rain ravaged plateau cradled between the vertical canyon walls. It is a wilderness of exotic, rare plants and birds. The 12,000-acre plateau rests on the flank of Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale and at the head of Kauai’s five largest aquifers. Not only is the Alaka"l the island’s primary source of water, its rich native ecosystems include rare mountain bogs and the islands’ most diverse high-elevation rainforest; flora and fauna yet to be discovered. 

Mount Waialeale and the Alaka'l Swamp are the wettest places on the island, receiving more than 451 inches of rainfall each year. The clouds open and vent, it rains there on average of every 30-40 minutes. I was quite surprised to learn that this area of Kauai has the distinction of being one of the wettest place on the planet.

Kauai Geology

Kauai, long regarded by many to be the most beautiful lsland in the Hawaiian archipelago, is a small island of 614 square miles, 2,500 miles from the nearest continent, isolated and serene.

Kauai is an island distinct from the other Hawaiian islands. Kauai's unique separateness is in a large part due to it's location. Kauai is distanced from Oahu be a very wide and treacherous channel. Of the major islands, Kauai is the most remote.

Kauai is a land of diverse micro climates that vary from desert like arid conditions on the leeward coast to this incredibly lush tropical rain forest of the North shore. From hibiscus the size of dinner plates on the north shore, the leeward coast boasts amazingly brilliant cactus and succulents.

Set like a emerald-green crown jewel, surrounded by the aquamarine immensity of the Pacific Ocean, the 335,000 acres of Kauai are resplendent with dormant volcanoes, countless cascading waterfalls, remote canyons, and jaw-dropping vistas. The temperature averages hovers at about 78 degrees with sunshine and gentle trade winds. 

Tomorrow is another day of discovery, an adventure. Wishing you a happy sunrise.

Red Jade Vine

Tanya, a lovely, gentle lady, offered to show me some of her favorite places on the island. Tanya has lived here for over twenty years, so I was delighted that she was so kind to share her knowledge of Kauai, its rich culture and history. Our first stop was breath-taking. This incredible grove of trees with entwined with huge vines of rare red jade. Located at the entrance to Alexander Plant Nursery in Kapaa, the cathedral-like grove has been used for wedding ceremonies.

The Red Jade Vine (Mucana Bennettii) is a glorious plant, that finds a home in many of the gardens of Hawaii. The Red Jade Vine, native to New Guinea, thrives in rain forests and flourishes on the Garden Island of Kauai. The fast growing woody vine produces orange-red flowers that are three to four inches long and gracefully curved. Each stalk can have as many as a hundred flowers. 

The Red Jade Vine is spectacular! Their beauty adds grace and elegance to any garden setting. However, as beautiful as they are they are not used for leis as the flower has rough bristles or spines that will irritate the skin. 

A distant cousin, The Blue Jade Vine (also known as Green Jade) is a dramatic vine, native to the Philippines. Blue Jade has a thick woody trunk, which branches out with leaves that are a waxy light and delicate green. 

The Blue Jade Vine (also called a Green Jade Vine) is a dramatic vine, native to the Philippines. The vine itself has a thick woody trunk, which branches out with elegant arching leaves that are a waxy light green. In the rain-forest ecosystem of Kauai, a vine left untrimmed can quickly reach lengths of up to 75 feet.

The flowers of the Blue Jade are extremely vivid. Dropping down from the vine itself, is a stalk of flowers that reach over 5 feet in length and can have 50 to 100 flowers. Each flower is 2 to 4 inches, curved and delicate. The flowers are a stunning blue-green and are often used in Leis. Their color is outstanding. 

Blue Jade was brought into the islands as a decorative plant. Because it is a vine, it can take over if not constantly pruned. However there is no indication of Blue Jade becoming invasive. 

On The Road To Hanalei

The energy of the island is vibrant, strong and powerful. I can feel the pulse of the earth, a strong and steady throbbing of a valiant heart. If one is calm and still, you can actually feel the surging growth of the rainforest. Some vines grow at the rate of over 100 feet per year - think of that, it is about four inches a day. You can almost watch a leaf unfold, a root to wander or a brilliant flower unfold.

I am heartened by the green living ethics and environmentally friendly practices that are part and parcel of daily life here on Kauai, Hawaii, the Garden Island. 

The grocery stores and markets I have visited strongly promote organic produce and products. They feature local produce, organic eggs and fresh seafood. A gourmet delight of the finest and the freshest. Although many items are higher priced than on the mainland, the choices are amazing. It makes it easy to choose organic for your green lifestyle. 

Eco-friendly choices are available for many products and services. Many of the the shops feature elegant designer apparel produced from bamboo, hemp, silk and the purest organic cotton. 

The Farmer's Market in Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii, held every Saturday morning, is an outstanding example of community involvement and commitment. The market is a fun and entertaining time for young and old alike. The market has a healthy, happy and contagious feeling of good cheer; friends and visitors sharing the bounty of this idyllic island paradise. Everyone is smiling!

All of the fruit and vegetable vendors sell only organically grown produce. Fresh from the fields that morning, the selection was overwhelming ; sun-flower sprouts, kale, swiss chard, carrots, tomatoes, onions, leeks and so many different varieties of fruit, many that I had never seen before. 

A kindly Hawaiian gentleman helped me choose the perfect papaya. it was delicious!

Menehune

The mythical hill people, the Menehune, also known as Nawao, are said to inhabit the magnificent mountains that overlook this breath-taking coastal valley. Local legends tell of an ancient race of "little people" that made their homes in the dense forested mountains that dominate the Wainiha Valley on the island of Kauai. 

Said to be shy and self sustaining, the Menehune hide from other humans and avoided all contact with the outside world. According to legend, there were once over 500,000 Menehune living on Kauai. Over time, these mysterious people went into hiding and disappeared from public view. A government census that was taken in the early 1800s discovered that  65 people living in the town of Wainiha put down that they were of Menehune nationality. This is the last public record that reports their existence. No one knows their current population, however there have been numerous sightings over the past 50 years. The Menehune are honored as the first people to populate Kauai.

Dwarf like, mischievous and playful, this race of small folk are reported to be incredibly strong and capable of preforming amazing feats of engineering. The mysterious Menehune are said to roam the dense forest during the night; working their magic by the light of the moon as they built homes, cleaver fish traps, ponds and aqua ducts to control the mighty rainfall runoff.

The Menehune Fishpond, built more than 500 years ago is an astounding example of this type ancient Hawaiian aquaculture. The stout lava rock wall dividing the Menehune Fishpond from the Huleia stream-bed is over 900 feet long, more than five feet high and assembled with a meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design unduplicated today. 

According to Kauai mythology this extraordinary work of art was built in one night.

It is fascinating to see the amazing rock work crafted by these gifted artisans. I am hopeful that the legends are true and that there are still descendants of these peaceful people living these halcyon hills.

Photos: Courtesy ~ Kauai Mythology

THE THREE MENEHUNE OF AINAHOU By ''Uncle Charlie'' Charles Kauluwehi Maxwell Sr. This story is about three Menehune (little people), that lived in a forest called Ainahou. The area is on the North side of Halekala Crater, right above the Koolau Gap. Everyone that lives in Hawaii know that the Menehune has magical powers and have created great deeds throughout the Hawaiian Islands. They were no different here on Maui. These three Menehune's names were Ha`alulu, Eleu and Molowa. They were well known by all the other Menehune living in Hawaii of possessing very unusual powers. Ha`alulu was so named by his kupuna (ancestors) a long time ago because he was always shaking, which is actually what it means, to shake or tremble. Actually when you think about it, anyone that lives in Haleakala Crater would be Ha`alulu from the cold. His magic gift was that whenever he would start shaking, he would disappear and no matter where he went, he was invisible. Eleu in Hawaiian means quick and nimble and that he was. When ever Eleu moved, he was so quick that he disappeared and that was his magic gift. As far as Molowa went, his name meant lazy, but he was not. In ancient times, the Kupuna would name people with hidden meaning. It was true in this case. The magical powers that Molowa possessed was that when ever he appeared to be lazy and sleeping, his magical self became invisible and he would be off and about doing all kinds of good deeds. One day the three Menehune walked down from the Koolau Gap, towards the Keanae area. They were catching their food for that day which was opai. It was Eleu's job to catch opai in the streams. He was so fast they could not see him, and he filled his eke (bag) in no time and called to the others who were harvesting bananas. Ha`alulu and Molowa made small holes in the middle of the banana tree with their spear, and pulled a ripe bunch down. They picked off each banana so that if any "humans" discovered the tree, they would think that it fell. Loaded with banana and opai, the three left for home in Haleakala.  As they approached a valley, they heard someone crying. They hid their ukana (supplies) and went to investigate. Eleu walked fast and he disappeared. Ha`alulu started to shake and he disappeared. Molowa hid himself in the forest and went to sleep. His spirit joined the other Menehune and they traveled towards whoever was crying. In a small clearing in the forest, they noticed a young boy and girl sitting on a rock by a stream and the little girl was crying. The little girl was broken hearted and talking to the little boy the Menehune could hear their conversation. She was sad that their Kupuna Kane and Kupuna Wahine (grandpa and grandma) were getting old and they could not fix the broken lo`i kalo (taro patches). They had also been sent to the forest to get opai for the families dinner, but could not catch any because they swam too fast. Hearing that, Eleu immediately took the upena (net) that was lying next to the little boy and entered the stream next to them. The little boy and girl were so shocked to see their net floating in midair and go by its self into the stream. The little boy stood up and the little girl's mouth was wide open. Both of them could not say a word. All of a sudden the net floated back to them and it was full of opai. Eleo set the net right next to them and went back to the other Menehune. They hugged Eleu and told him that was a wonderful thing he did. The little boy and girl could barely carry the eke (bag) that they had put the opai in and were laughing as they left the forest. Upon returning home, they had told their Kupuna what happened in the forest. Hearing the story, they knew that the Menehune had watched over their moopuna (grandchildren) and the opai was a gift to them. They all joined hands and prayed their thanks to the gods for the Menehune's help. Over dinner Eleu, Ha`alulu and Molowa were discussing the faith of the little children and their grandparents. They decided that they would go to the families lo`i , and repair it. As usual, the Menehune rule had to be followed that all work must be concluded before sunrise. The ancient Menehune rule was that if the work could not be finished in one night, it could never be completed. As the moon started to set, the three Menehune prepared the magical tools. They had an o`o (digging stick), that with the right oli (chant), would dig an entire field by itself. There was a ko`i (adz), that when shown the task of cutting stone, would cut all the stone that was needed for building walls. Seeing that the moon had disappeared, the 3 Menehune left the deep forest and went to Keanae all in their 'invisible' state. Arriving at the family's home they immediately started working fixing the broken lo`i, by building new walls around the patches. They replanted numerous patches and made sure they were at different stages of growth. Having done that they cleaned up and repaired everything around the kupuna's property. The Menehune did not know that for some time they were being watched by the little girl and boy who were hiding by the window in the house. All they saw was the Menehune tools moving all around the taro patches and plants being planted and start to grow as they watched. Like in the forest they could not see anyone using the tools. All activity stopped as dawn appeared and when the sun rose, they could see all the work was done. In waking their Kupuna they all rejoiced and that night they left a gift for the 3 Menehune's. The grandfather was a carver and he had made 3 beautiful canes out of kauila wood. He instructed his moopuna to take the canes to the forest and leave it in the clearing where the opai was caught. Leave the cane by the big rock next to the stream and say 'Mahalo' (thank you), 3 times. The 2 little children did exactly what was told of them. After saying Mahalo 3 times, when they looked toward the big rock by the stream where they left the canes, they were gone. They returned home to their grandparents and lived happily ever after. The morale of the story is, no matter how hard your life is, there is always someone that will help you to make things better. Aloha, Ahui hou (see you later)

New Additions To The Garden

The rain-forest jungle foliage of Kauai, the Garden Island is spectacular. I am absolutely amazed at the diversity of tropical plants I encounter at every bend in the road. Here are a few of my favorites that I have planted in the garden.

Succulents flourish on Kauai. Carol Ann's garden is quite moist, so I found a sunny rocky ledge on which to establish a few starter plants. I am confident they will acclimate and thrive.

I found the mysterious little plant below growing in abundance on an old wall, it has a slight tinge of pink and is quite delicate. Some of the mature plants on the wall had grown to about over 8 inches tall and about two inches wide. They seem to spread easily. I planted 20-30 "starts" in the rockery beside the fence in full sun. 

Day lilies are a long time favorite. I was pleased to find they grow rapidly and multiply in this wonderful ecosystem. I have added six established plants to the rockery. They will spread out and cover bare spots with glorious golden color.

Warmest greetings from Kauai - looking forward to seeing everyone soon. 

This baby bird is always close by when I am working in the garden. He has a joyous song that adds to the music of the day.

Pot Of Gold

A new friend, Susan, that lives here in the valley came by today to visit and brought her granddaughter, Lela, to meet me - what a very special young girl. Lela is five years old, precious and thoughtful. She brought me a gift of a very unusual Hawaiian flower known as a "Pot of Gold". 

The bloom was beautiful, about six inches across and a vibrant, sun blessed yellow. A real golden treasure. Lela's kind gesture touched my heart and made the day extra fine. Thank you Lela - it was a pleasure to meet you.

  

The "Pot Of Gold" and the fragrant orchid were from her Grandmother, Susan's flower patch. Orchids of almost every variety flourish along Kauai's warm tropical coast and magnificent mountain forests. Their alluring beauty makes them one of the most coveted flowers in the world. The cascading sprays and delicate allure of these quintessential flowers are the high light of many local gardens. This prize spray that graces Susan's garden boasted 34 individual flowers. Magical!

Greetings From Kauai, Hawaii

I am enjoying getting back in touch with the soil. After a rather tedious and cold winter in Montana, Tropical breezes, golden sun and lush greenery of Kauai. What a treat. 

I am visiting a friend that has a delightful garden. I am planting and pruning. What fun! I am amazed at the many shades of green in the foliage - what a variety of shades and hues. 

 

Trees In Australia

Trees To People Ratio

By Green Living Tips

How many trees are there per person on this planet? Find out in this article. When you consider all the functions that trees fulfill, it's nowhere near enough.

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How many trees per person?

I'm a self-confessed treehugger. I have literally hugged trees. The first time was during my late teens after a couple of years of being stuck in a city. I finally got out into the country and hugged the first tree I came across; I was just so relieved to be away from the concrete and steel. 

Fast forward 20 years and I've been privileged enough to finally acquire a patch of dirt of my own with thousands of trees. I haven't hugged them all as it's far too time consuming :).

The land was very cheap as it's not much good for most traditional agricultural/commercial purposes due to poor soil and little rain - it's reasonably harsh country, but to me, it's an invaluable chunk of Australia. Last cleared in the 60's, the bush has fought back and reclaimed most of the block - and I aim to keep it that way.

Here's a shot of sunset last night. A camera (more accurately, my camera skills) doesn't do the beauty of moment justice.

Mallee trees at sunset

I'm constantly in awe that these Mallee trees grow with so little rain, endure temperatures ranging from below freezing to above 45 degrees celcius (113F) in the shade and have next to no nutrient-rich soil - much of the ground is limestone. They thrive in all that for many, many decades. But there's something they can't resist - man. Much of this state (South Australia) has been denuded of Mallee trees in under 200 years.

While I've had the block, I've also often wondered what the tree to person ratio was globally given how many trees we've destroyed in this part of Australia. 

They play such an important role in our lives - shelter, food, fuel, furniture, paper, cleaning up the carbon dioxide our cars and industries spew, providing us with oxygen; the list goes on.

The answer - an estimated 61 trees per person.

According to this article and based on NASA data, in 2005 there were over 400 billion trees on this planet and there's over 6 billion of us. Given everything we use trees for, that's a piddling amount and I suspect a similar number crunching exercise done in a decade from now would show it to be less again (unless we wake up).

Unfortunately, At least 80,000 acres (32,300 ha) of forest disappears from Earth each *day*! It certainly doesn't need to be this way as unlike oil or coal, trees are an easily renewable resource.

In 1966,  Ronald Reagan, who went on to become President of the USA  reportedly said the following when opposing an expansion of Redwood National Park: "A tree is a tree. How many more do you have to look at?"

A lot more Ronnie, way, way more.

Do you have a spare spot in your back yard? Consider planting a tree, or get active with groups that plant trees on public lands. If time isn't something you have but you can spare a few bucks, consider sponsoring  the planting of trees or the financial support of tree planting groups. A few respected organizations include:

Australia: Trees for Life
USA: Trees for the Future
UK: The Woodland Trust
Canada: Tree Canada

Tree sponsorship could also make a great gift for someone you care about.

We really need every tree we can get.

The Plight of the Sad-Faced Elephants

Courtesy: The Environment Watch

Do you think elephants are sad-faced? Actually, they have a lot reasons to be. Not just the “Dumbo” type of reason but by the way they are being inhumanely treated. Today, they are under the endangered species list; Asian elephants are classified as full-fledged endangered while African elephants are classified as threatened-endangered.

So big and so majestic and yet these gentle creatures are subjected to cruel treatments very few of us are aware of. The African Elephants During the 70’s up to the late 1980’s, the world market’s demand for the elephant’s ivory tusk was high. The market price commanded as much as $90 per pound because the smooth texture of these ivory tusks was very ideal for exquisite artistic creations. They were used for decorative carvings, religious images, handles, piano keys, jewelry, and other exquisite ideas of artisanship. Besides, during that era, plastic as an alternative smooth material was yet unheard of.

These ivory tusks are actually the elephant’s extra teeth, which it uses for digging deeply into the ground in search of food to sustain its humongous body. What we see of its tusks is only a 2/3 part while the remaining part is embedded deeply in the elephant’s skull. Hence, poachers slaughtered these elephants in order to get those precious ivory tusks. In those days, it was common to see herds of elephants killed in multitudes in the plains of Africa, their carcasses left to rot in the heat of the African sun for vultures to feast on. It was only in 1989 when the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) unanimously voted to ban the international trade for ivory tusks, that these killings were put to a temporary halt. 

The government of Kenya finally found a support for their local laws in banning the sale of products from their wildlife preserves. It was only temporary of course since poachers still found a way to smuggle the ivory tusks out of the African countries. As recent as 2006, several contraband items containing ivory tusks were confiscated in several Asian key ports and on different occasions. 

The ivory tusks found were still fresh with blood and bits of flesh at the time of confiscation. It could end on a happy note that the African nations have provided wildlife reserve areas where these elephants are protected from poachers. However, as these elephants are huge and with equally huge appetites, the funding for these reserves could not meet the resources needed to maintain the growing number of elephants. Thus, the government and the wildlife officials decided that culling measures be implemented to lessen the demand for wildlife reserves. 

Culling is how they call their selective and regulated method of deciding which elephant should stay and which elephant should be killed. The tusks of those who were culled was again the subject of trade on the grounds that the proceeds will be used to fund the wildlife reserves. This move gained support from the local farmers, since they were not too happy with the way elephants invaded and destroyed their cultivation once the reserves’ food provision could not satiate the elephant’s large appetite. 

The only problem is the poachers and the smugglers found another opportunity to continue with their trade. This time though, the massacred elephants were found deep in the forests. The poachers too were well prepared, since they have set-up camps in the woods. They came complete with high-powered guns and rocket launchers in case anyone, including the forest rangers, interfered with their poaching activities. If only these gentle giants could run as fast and as agile as their other jungle counterparts could, they would have eluded these poachers. 

Alas, they are big and slow as well as traveled in herds, which made them easy targets for the poachers. Hence, this is the plight of the sad-faced African elephants. The Asian Elephants The Asian elephants are different. They are endangered not because they are victims of poaching. In fact, greater value is given to a living Asian elephant since they are literally used as beasts of burden. The value of two ivory tusks is nothing compared to the number of logs it can haul in a day’s work. In Burma, elephants haul and pull logs in steep inclines and steadily rising grounds at times covering a distance of about two miles. They strained and pulled logs, sometimes crying out in pain since each pull managed to open up the sores on their flanks.

As a reporter empathized while watching the elephant, it was accordingly a scene too difficult to witness. Finally, after about an hour and a half, the elephant will complete its task of dragging illegally felled logs. Here in Burma, the elephants are fed, bathed and cared for as well as trained, scarred and marked. The upkeep of a healthy herd of elephants is important for Burma’s logging industry which up to now carries a way of life long forgotten from the rest of the other regions. As ironic as the life of the African elephants, Asian elephants found in Burma can be sustained by large forest reserves because Burma is the only place in Asia with the largest remaining wild lands. 

Unfortunately, they live in a country meted by sanctions by the international community, hence, the country is isolated from the rest, and only a few organizations can help regarding the issue of elephant conservation. The life of an elephant both in Africa and in Asia is hard. If the two could communicate, one would probably ask the other,” Where do you prefer to live? “In a vast land where you are not allowed to roam too far, lest the poachers will kill you or here in an equally vast land where you are cared for in captivity because they need you to be strong for tomorrow’s work?” Now you know why elephants have sad faces. 

Read a related article entitled: "Poaching: Still a Threat to Elephants despite Internation Ban on Ivory Sales", via this link: http://www.brighthub.com/environment/science-environmental/articles/23517.aspx

Earth Hour

Earth Hour is an annual international event created by the WWF (World Wildlife Fund), held on the last Saturday of March, that asks households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change. Based on an idea successfully executed in Thailand in 2005, it was pioneered by WWF Australia and the Sydney Morning Hearld in 2007 and achieved worldwide participation in 2008.

Earth Hour will next take place on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8:30 pm, local time.

All’s set for Earth Hour on March 28

FOR one hour this Saturday night, at 8:30 o’clock, businesses, homes and even national landmarks in the Philippines will join more than 377 great cities of the world across 74 countries in turning off their lights as a reminder of the urgent need to curb our energy consumption and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions to save the earth, so far the only known inhabited and habitable body in the universe.

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said Philippine participation in Earth Hour this year is a simple powerful message about the need for action on global warming. “Turning off the lights for an hour sends a very powerful message to the world leaders that people want policies and regulations put in place that can achieve meaningful emission reduction to help fight climate change.”  

Reyes said that last year, the country ranked ninth in the world in terms of number of people that responded to the Earth Hour calls over the Internet.

The “lights out” initiative by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), which began in Sydney in 2007 as a one-city environmental campaign, has evolved into a grassroots action that has captured the attention of
the citizens of the world. In 2008, 371 cities across 35 countries turned their lights out in a united call for action on climate change.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has called Earth Hour “a way for the citizens of the world to send a clear message. They want action on climate change.”

“It promises to be the largest demonstration of public concern about climate change ever attempted. People will be telling their representatives to seal a deal in Copenhagen, a deal at the climate-change talks that will protect people and the planet,” he added.

Ban said the deal that emerges from Copenhagen must be ambitious, fair and effective, and based on sound science. “We are on a dangerous path. Our planet is warming. We must change our ways. We need green growth that benefits all communities. We need sustainable energy for a more climate-friendly, prosperous world. This is the path of the future. We must walk it together.”

Earth Hour occurs the day before the first round of crucial United Nations negotiations of 2009 on the new climate-change agreement takes place in Bonn, Germany.  

Aside from Manila and other cities in the the Philippines, the list of cities confirming their participation in Earth Hour 2009 are London, Beijing, Rome, Moscow, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Athens, Buenos Aires, Toronto, Sydney, Mexico City, Istanbul, Copenhagen, Las Vegas, Brussels, Cape Town, Helsinki, among others.

Earth Hour will also see the lights go out on some of the most recognized landmarks on the planet, including Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Table Mountain in Cape Town, Merlion in Singapore, Sydney Opera House, CN Tower in Toronto, Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, and the world’s tallest constructed building, Taipei 101.

Courtesy: Business Mirror

Beavers In Montana

By: Marlene Affeld

 

Have you ever seen a 100 pound wet rat? The first time I spotted a large male beaver on Cedar Creek, (Mineral County, Montana) that’s exactly what I thought it was. I looked again, perhaps the gangly creature waddling down the bank was a bear cub. My next thought was, where is Mama Bear? 

 

Meeting the beaver was a unique and rather unsettling experience. Movies and cartoons have often portrayed beavers as industrious, cheeky and tenacious. Beavers are all of that, however; in the wild they are also just plain ugly.

 

Continue Reading Beavers In Montana

Handsome Fish Hunters - Osprey In Montana

By: Marlene Affeld

Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus), when hunting on the wing, seem to glide effortlessly over the water. Smaller than an eagle, an osprey is still an impressive raptor. With wingspans of up to 72 inches and up to 24 inches in length and a weight of almost 5 pounds, the osprey is a wonderful addition to Montana’s rich abundance of bird life. 

Handsome fish hunters, the osprey has a distinctive white head and belly with rich, dark brown feathers gracing its back. The under side of the wings are also snow-white except for dark patches and barred-brown flight feathers. Ospreys vocalize with a series of piercing whistles and chirps that become more intense if the nest is approached. Osprey nest just about anywhere in close proximity to water that provides safety and an abundance of food.

 

Continue Reading Handsome Fish Hunters - Osprey In Montana 

Global butterfly decline

Where are all the butterflies?

I was watching a butterfly the other day, totally mesmerized. I enjoy watching the activities of many insects and animals, but I wondered why I found this butterfly's antics so engrossing.

Then it dawned on me; it was because I haven't seen one for months.

Continue reading..

Earth Friendly Products Can be Found at Nandu Green

Great Barrier Reef - Queensland, Australia

By: Marlene Affeld

Dangerous, haunting and stepped in mystery, the Great Barrier Reef holds a claim on the soul of the adventure traveler. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is considered one of the finest natural wonders of the world. 

Located in the Coral Sea, roughly parallel to the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia, lies the largest coral reef system in the world, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. 

Some portions of the Great Barrier Reef began to grow more than 2 million years ago, but the majority of the reef began to develop about 500,000 years ago. The current, living reef structure is believed to have begun growing about 20,000 years ago. The reef is the earth’s largest single structure built by living organisms, an impressive tribute to the sustainability of our planet.

The Great Barrier Reef is a complex, fragile ecosystem literally built by billions of living organisms known as coral polyps that together form vast colonies and secrete the calcium carbonate (limestone) deposits that over thousands of years have built the reef. Barrier reefs grow parallel to the shoreline and are separated by wide lagoons from the mainland. 

This magnificent natural wonder encompasses 900 islands and over 2,900 individual reefs. The stunning reef structure expands over an area of 133,000 square miles (344,400 square kilometers) a land area larger than the UK and Ireland combined. The reef stretches for over 1,600 miles (2,600 kilometers) from the Tropic of Capricorn, north to southern New Guinea. The reef is farthest from the Australian coast at its southern end (approximately 100 miles from shore) and closest at the north end (about 7 miles from the coast).

The amazing Great Barrier Reef lies on the edge of the Australian continental shelf, and the waters off the outer margins of the reef drop to a depth of more than 3,280 feet (1,000 meters). 

Rivaled only by the Rainforest, this aquatic paradise supports an incredible rich diversity of life. However, don’t let the beauty fool you - there are many dangers on the reef including snakes, sharks and poisonous seaweed. Always dive or snorkel with a professional guide. Be aware, be safe!

• 400 Species of hard and soft corals
• 240 Types of shrimp
• 4000 Types of mollusks
• 1500 Species of marine fish
• 500 Species of seaweed
• 600 Species of echinoderms & sponges (sea cucumbers, starfish and sea urchins)
• 6 Species of marine turtles
• 30 Species of whales, dugongs and dolphins
• 20 Species of poisonous sea snakes
• 135 Species of sea worms
• 124 Species of sharks
• 200 Species of sea birds

If you dream of incredible adventure in a tropical paradise, pack your gear and head for The Great Barrier Reef!

Related Reading

• Reef Plants and Animals
• Dangers On The Reef - Don’t Let The Beauty Fool You!

Wordless Wednesday

I am really hoping to see a robin soon. I think everyone in Northwestern Montana is ready for spring!

Research Details Decline of Australia's Great Barrier Reef

By Phil Mercer - Voice of America News Sydney 02 January 2009

A diver swimming over Australia's Great Barrier Reef

Researchers in Australia say the growth of coral on the country's iconic Great Barrier Reef has fallen since 1990 to its lowest rate in 400 years. 

Scientists at the Australian Institute of Marine Science say their research is a troubling sign for the world's oceans. 

They have found that the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest expanse of coral, has been growing more slowly over the past two decades than at any time over four centuries. 

Researchers say that could threaten a variety of marine ecosystems that rely on the reef. It also may signal similar problems for other environments around the world. 

Glen De'ath from the Australian Institute of Marine Science says the reef is threatened by pollution and the effects of climate change.

"Certainly they are under severe stress and some reefs will eventually be lost," he said. "We believe the decline is due to two factors. One is the increasing ocean temperatures that are well documented and this stresses the corals and bleaches them. The other thing, though, is increasing ocean acidification." 

The Australian team surveyed 328 large coral colonies and found their skeletal records showed that the deposit of calcium carbonate by these creatures has declined by more than 13 percent throughout the Barrier Reef since 1990. 

Coral reefs are sensitive undersea structures, made by tiny animals called coral polyps. Reefs are important breeding grounds and shelters for fish and other sea life. 

Theses delicate ecosystems also protect coastlines, are critical sources of food for millions of people, attract tourists and may house plant and animals that can be used to treat disease. 

The biggest system is Australia's Great Barrier Reef, a collection of 2,900 reefs stretching along the northeast coast in a marine park the size of Germany. 

Thinking of Spring

It's bitter cold today in Montana. The roads and walkways are thick with ice and the overcast gray of the day has me wishing for Spring. 
I especially enjoy the return of the summer birds. It is a delight to awaken to the sound of their song. So I am thinking of adding some more bird houses and have been doing a bit of online research that I wanted to share with you, my readers. Let's think Spring and please leave your comments and suggestions for attracting more birds to our backyards. I look forward to hearing from you.

Nestbox Monitoring: Why and How

Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff 

Cavity-nesting birds depend heavily upon man-made nestboxes these days. The reasons are many, but among them is increased competition for natural cavities. The introduction of aggressive non-native species such as house sparrows and starlings as well as urban sprawl and development have reduced the number of available natural cavities.   Our growing interest in the use of nestboxes helps seasonal species like bluebirds, purple martins, wrens, and tree swallows tremendously. However, if we place a man-made nestbox, there are many reasons we need to monitor and maintain it, especially during nesting season.

Continue Reading Thinking of Spring

Think Spring - Butterflies & Garden Delights

Hoary Marmots of Montana

By: Marlene Affeld

 

The Hoary Marmot, largest of the North American sciurid rodents, is a fascinating, charismatic animal. Marmot population biology, their impact on the ecosystem, physiology and behavior is studied world wide. The only holiday in the United States to be named after an animal, is named for a marmot - Groundhog’s Day. Closely related to tree squirrels, prairie dogs and groundhogs, hoary marmots are the largest ground dwelling squirrels in the world. 

Sociable, communicative and entertaining to observe, marmots often grow to the size of a large domestic house cat. 

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Glacier National Park

By: Marlene Affeld

The most visited place in Montana, Glacier National Park is a crown jewel in America’s National Park System. The park derived its name from the more than 50 perennial ice fields within its 1600 square miles of pristine wilderness that spans the Continental Divide. The park has over 200 alpine lakes, 700 miles of maintained hiking trails and almost 1000 miles of creeks, rivers and waterfalls. 

Mystical, primal forests, rugged majestic mountains and wildflower blanketed alpine meadows are all part of one of the largest, bio-diverse and intact ecosystems to be found in the lower 48 states. In 1979, the United Nations designated Waterton - Glacier International Peace Park as the world’s first International Biosphere Reserve. Further honors were bestowed upon the park in 1995 when UNESCO honored the park’s international significance by designating it a World Heritage Site.

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Montana's Magnificent Trumpeter Swans

By: Marlene Affeld

Majestic and regal, the snow-white Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) is a spectacular sight. Trumpeter Swans belong to the avian order Anseriformes, family Anatida, along with ducks and geese. Flaunting a wingspan of over seven feet and a height of four feet, the Trumpeter Swan is the largest native waterfowl species not only in Montana but in all of North America. With an average body weight of 25-30 pounds and large males weighing over 35 pounds, the Trumpeter Swan is the heaviest bird in North America and is considered one of the heaviest flying birds in the world. 

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"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." ~ Native American Proverb 

Montana's Mountain Lions

By: Marlene Affeld

Cougars or mountain lions, also known as pumas, are large, powerful and aggressive predators. Found throughout Montana, a large male may weigh 130-190 pounds while females average 90-130 pounds. Stretching up to nine feet, nose to the tip of their tail, cougars are tawny colored with a dark tip at the end of the tail. Young cubs have spots which slowly fade. A cougar has a lifespan of up to 20 years.

Cougars were first hunted and killed for a bounty in Montana beginning in 1879. In 1971 the Montana legislature classified the cougar as a game animal and as a result lions have regained much of their previous historical distribution in the mountains of Montana. Prior to the arrival of the white man, mountain lions were at one time the most widely distributed land mammal in the western hemisphere ranging from northern Canada to the southern most tip of South America. Now they are found mainly in the western United States, with a strong population in northwestern Montana. 

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Montana's Wild Turkeys

By: Marlene Affeld

Watching a flock of wild turkey move across a Montana meadow is a fine sight. They forage, yelp and gobble, oblivious to the plight of millions of their domesticated brothers doomed to grace holiday tables. If you are a wild turkey living in Montana, it is highly unlikely that you will ever wind up in the oven.

Once non-existent, Montana’s wild turkey population is flourishing. Distinguished from other birds by their impressive size, iridescent bronze-colored plumage and naked bluish head, wild turkeys are a prized addition to the state’s diverse upland game bird population. 

Although the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopova) is native to North America and was an important staple in the Native Indian diet across most of America, it is only in the last fifty years that the succulent bird could be found in Montana.

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