Ubiquitous Nature

 

Ubiquitous by some definitions means abundant or ever present. In North Idaho, we do seem to have ubiquitous nature = wild species and spaces galore, however when you look closer… 

Reflect on the reality of so many people moving ‘here’ from ‘there’.  They, just like you, appreciate the wildness of Idaho. Some Idahoans know the importance of sharing the habitats with our wild neighbors. We accept we are a part of not apart from nature. We understand that nature heals and rejuvenates – not in some energy crystals and auras kind of way (although there is some validity to that level) but in the way that spending time in nature forces you to realize you are one very small piece in a very large puzzle.   

Nature is not an entertainment destination. Nature is not a recreational venue to be abused. Nature is not an entitlement for the privileged. Nature is not a means to an end of accumulation of resources. Nature is not ubiquitous. Nature will not remain wild, unless we the people defend and protect.

“What can one person do? Stop being one person. You don’t have to do it all. Other people are working all around the world on the same causes you believe in. Find them, join up with them. You’ll find your place in the choir. Choose what you love and devote yourself to it. That is enough."  ~Joanna Macy

Bonner County has a many nonprofits with missions involving the environment and the protection of habitat components. These charities vary in size as well as the ways they accomplish their activities but one common thread connects them all – the need to have community support.

Ecologists use an airplane as a metaphor for nature. Imagine all the components necessary to create that craft – engine, wings, metal, nuts, bolts, wiring, computers, etc. in your mind substitute all the parts of a healthy functioning ecosystem in place of the parts of the airplane. The insect kingdom is the nuts and bolts, the wiring are the rodents such as squirrels, the metal panels are the small mammals, the glass and landing gear are the birds, the computer compartments are the predators, the oil and other necessary fluids – the water and lands, the engines are the trees and other flora. Do you have that image in your mind? Take a moment to and start removing all the flora and fauna which has gone extinct. Loosen or damage all the flora and fauna which are threatened and endangered. Do you still feel safe trying to fly in that plane?    

History will clarify that the native peoples of North America were connected to nature. Nothing was taken for granted; all life was respected and honored. Yet sadly, the ‘civilized peoples’ felt this connection to nature was ignorant.  The people were gathered up and forced to forget their ways. Hubert Reeves phrased it the best when he said: “Man is the most insane species. He worships an invisible God and destroys a visible nature. Unaware that this nature he’s destroying is this God he’s worshiping.” Nature is an ecosystem. The prefix ECO comes from GREEK - “OIKOS” meaning HOUSE. Ecosystem – a ‘household’ of organisms.   An ecosystem is the house we live in. Economy refers to how we manage that house.  

 

If that analogy is insufficient to stir your soul, perhaps a more human approach will be understood. Do you remember or have you read about the 1970 Kent State University shooting? This was decades before humanities ghoulish fascination with death and calling morbid images entertainment was normalized to the point of complete desensitization and yet a young girl ran to help, she ran to do something, she reacted towards the horror in front of her. The innocence of youth and being connected to her emotions and compassion were the driving force. What is the excuse for adults to not get involved in any good and kind act? Selfish narcissism or fear because of past traumas suffered at the hands of others who were not humane humans.  

Aldo Leopold said “the last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant, what good is it?” The moral may be act for what you believe in, don’t try to dominate. Simply live and let others do likewise, work together to find peace. If we don’t remember history we are destined to repeat it. Let us not walk in the path of ignorance and follow misguided attempts of dominance.

Humans have caused habitat alteration, fragmentation, acid rain, increased ultraviolet light due to ozone depletion, pollution by toxic chemicals and heavy metals, predation from free roaming dogs & cats and introduced species competition, poaching, killing, trapping, drought, climate change, illegal transfer through pet trade or commercial collection, urbanization, improper harvesting techniques, burning fossil fuels, improper waste management, exhaust from motor vehicles, release of noxious gases like SO2, CO etc. from sources such as metal smelters, coal dust and particulates in our waterways,  air pollution leading to water & soil deforestation, leaking underground storage tanks, incorrect use of agricultural chemicals (fertilizers & pesticides), livestock grazing near waterways, solid waste disposal sites, treatment plant ‘sludge, Consider treatment plants cannot filter the toxins & the same water body where emptied is the tap water source as well, urban runoff (including salt from winter de-icing), improper logging techniques, lead poisoning from sinkers & bird shot (alternatives are available and exist). – biomagnification is the problem, feral pet populations, Release of industrial chemicals: crude oil, heavy metals, radioactive waste, including thermal pollution. Compounding issues of strip mining practices  which have currently exacerbated desert community groundwater supplies, septic systems (leaking or nonfunctional), household chemicals/ homeowner actions, street lights & outdoor advertising, etc. Each night billions of bulbs send their light pollution skyward. These bits of matter reflect the wasted light back to earth, causing wildlife damage.

The land mass of Idaho is 83,557 square miles, the 12th largest state in the lower 48.  The human population in Idaho has risen from 88,548 in 1890 to 431,866 on 1920. There were 721,519 residents in 1975. The 2011 census reported 1,584,985 humans living in 53.5 million acres. The 2020 census reported 1.8 million people sharing the same land space with the native wild animals. These wild ones are our native neighbors! Let us all learn to cohabitate, they are trying to exist with ever shrinking resources.  

The human race seems to be divided … those with empathy and those with apathy. Let nature guide your acts. Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult is…life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.   

Make a stand for wild spaces and species. Donate time, talent and treasure. For wildlife we are both their greatest enemy and their only hope. These wonderful creatures will not argue their case. They will not put up a fight. They will not beg for reprieve. They will not say goodbye. They will not cry out. They will just vanish.       And after they are gone, there will be silence. And there will be stillness. And there will be empty places. And there will be nothing you can say to change this. Nothing you do will bring them back. Their future is ENTIRELY in your hands.   

Being a Good Neighbor

 We have all heard the saying it takes a village to raise a child into a responsible adult. A parent can read all the articles they want but there is so much more support when they talk with friends who have children who share experiences. That expression is based on good neighbors helping their neighbors.

 

Idaho is full of big hearted citizens and nonprofit charities. Idaho is also a community filled with many wonders of nature – wild spaces and species. How do we become good neighbors and keep Idaho WILD? We make time to learn about our native neighbors. Winter is a wonderful time to begin your studies. The wild animal residents will leave foot prints in the snow. There are only a few bird species who remain through winter’ you will be able to commit to memory the handful by vision and hearing. Did you know the shape of a birds beak gives clues to what it eats? Did you know there are four types of tree squirrels or that striped skunks will dig up underground wasp nest?

 

Time in nature is a reciprocal relationship. When you spend time learning the names of all the feathered, furry, scaled, and even wild animals with skin you will be healing yourself. By observing what they eat and where they find shelter, you can come a good neighbor.  Your time in nature, even the briefest exposure, will relax you and help you cope with the daily annoyances.

 

The estimated human population growth into Idaho over the next five years is staggering. The best way to maintain the beauty of our glorious neighborhood is to take the pledge to present the present as a present for future generations. We do this by connecting with local charities working to help wild animals. We do this by learning about our native wild animal neighbors and then sharing what we have learned with our fellow human neighbors.   

 

One easy way to observe wild birds is to maintain a yard with native plants. It is the best way to offer a diversity of natural foods. If you decide to put up bird seed or suet feeders in the spring or summer, please continue in winter. Remember if you do use feeders, please keep them clean. Dirty feeders will spread diseases such as salmonella and conjunctivitis. When songbirds flock together and one gets sick, inevitably the others will become ill. Sadly, the diseased birds who perish can still spread the disease. If you make the decision to offer supplemental foods, rejoice in the assortment of animals who visit. Your invitation for one, rapidly turns into many.  

 

Always be a good neighbor and respect the safe distance. Do not approach, nor try to take selfies. Do not offer unnatural food items – this is for their health and yours. A wild animal who does not fear humans is in danger. Be a good neighbor and help your wild native neighbors. We love where we live, so let’s work together to keep Idaho WILD.          

(thank you Bonnie for this great Pine Siskin photo) 

Baby its COLD outside!

 

Baby its COLD outside

How do the native neighbors, the wild animals we humans cohabitate with, stay warm? Heat is one of the seven components any habitat must provide to ensure survival. For endotherms (mammals and birds) heat is created internally and preserved by the integument (aka fur and feathers). Because humans do not enter states of brumation, aestivation, torpor or hibernation nor do we possess a naturally grown fur coat; we must use the finite supply of fossil fuels available such as natural gas, wood, coal, and/or oil. We utilize houses made of wood, nails, concrete, etcetera to make sure the elements do not affect our well-being. The wild animals call their shelters different names such as dens, burrows, and hibernaculums.

The wild animals cohabitating with us - the native neighbors, use shelter both natural and artificial. Trees offer internal cavities when both upright and fallen. Bird and Bat houses provide escape from sun and wind. Some animals use caves, or ground burrows and for some the only thing stopping them from certain death during long cold winter is a pile of fallen leaves. G. Pinchot states an obvious fact that has become overlooked. The forest is not merely a collection of trees.

To be scientific in the most simplistic way for just a brief moment, heat is in essence a byproduct of energy which has been acquired by consumption of food. All living beings need a food source. There must be producers and consumers. The food chain is the relationship of which organism eats what organism and who eats them. The reality of nature is there is no such thing as a bad animal. To survive one must eat or be eaten.  

If food provides the means to stay warm internally, how does the animal maintain that heat? Mammals have fur coats. Hair and fur is the same thing in the name but microscopically there are differences between species. A hair strand has layers; one factor contributed is the determination of coloration. Habitat conditions determine the special adaptions each animal will have. A few examples would be long guard hairs, thick deep undercoat, and special vibrissae.    The purpose of any pelt is to disallow dirt and water to settle onto the skin. When this happens the principle of the perfect seal of air is broken and conditions such as hypothermia (the extreme reduction of core body temperature) will arise. Some animals have hair which is hollow. These animals are the coat of the deer and the quill of the porcupine. The hollow hair traps air which forms an air pocket of body heat. The exception is bats who during hibernation allow their body temperature to drop to that of their environment!  

Just like mammals, birds must have some means to protect their skin. They do not have fur they have feathers. The structure of a feather under the microscope shows the barbules interlocking together and the hollow shaft. There are many ‘categories’ of feathers, plume, semiplume, down, and so forth but basically there are three types of feathers: down, contour and flight. Down feathers are the fluffy feathers located close to the body which help insulate the bird and keep it warm. They are located beneath the contour feathers. These are the external feathers which provide that sleek streamline shape. They shed the rain water and provide an extra layer of protection from the elements – the exception is owls. They sacrifice the ‘waterproofing’ of feathers in order to fly silently. The contour feathers are stiff, but flexible, strong but lightweight. The specialized feathers with the purpose of getting off the ground, staying in the air as well as landing safely are called flight feathers. Feathers are fascinating. Flight is an amazing. Want to know more? Raptor Freedom Project created a little article about feathers and flight which we have shared onto the American Heritage Wildlife Foundation facebook page.

What about the ectotherms? How do the reptiles such as snakes and turtles and the amphibians such as frogs stay warm? The animals with scales and skin must draw heat from external sources and be able to adapt their body temperature. They conserve their energy by slowing down the metabolisms and limiting movement. Snakes do not hibernate. They simply find a place of shelter and wait for frigid temperatures to pass. Shelter can be a hollow log, a rodent tunnel, or a pile of leaves. Often these burrows will be used year after year. Without shelter survival over winter is not likely. Lizards store much of the energy they need for survival in their tails. Some species who are able to ‘release’ their tail as a defense when predators attack will starve if they cannot regenerate the tail with sufficient stored energy. Turtles will find shelter at the bottom of the pond and settle in. They draw oxygen, as a fish does with gills, through a highly vascularized appendage - their tail! This special adaption is invaluable for survival. Problems may arise if the water freezes solid as this limits the oxygen. Frogs are amazing creations. The native wood frog for example will just stop moving, they appear to be frozen solid. This is because of the high glucose in the internal organs. This glucose provides two life sustaining properties, nourishment and antifreeze.

Can you name all seven components required for survival? Humans and the wild native neighbors alike need heat, shelter, light, water, soil, air and food. Please be kind and respectful of all living beings – the life you save may be your own. Humans are after all just one piece of this intricate puzzle called an ecosystem.

Find out more about your community supported Bonner County located professional wildlife rehabilitation nonprofits American Heritage Wildlife Foundation and Raptor Freedom Project on the web and social media. Call AHWF at 208.266.1488 to find out how you can become part of the team working to keep North Idaho WILD! 

twenty years

 

Thanks to your help, American Heritage Wildlife Foundation has been able to help the local injured and orphaned wild animals for 20 years! Pat yourself on the back for your dedication. A fellow rehabilitator of only songbirds had to close her doors in the middle of Spokane Valley after only 7 years due to lack of funds and volunteers helping. We are located in a rural location and care for all but the largest of species and we are still forging ahead with the mission to help the wild native neighbors and educate our human community. 

   

I wanted to share an excerpt from a recent email from a very large nonprofit group executive director:

 

every leader has an expiration date. There comes a time for all of us when – in taking a deep breath and a long look at where we are and most importantly where we’ve been – we realize that a new leader with fresh ideas and a different skill set is needed to take our organization to the next level.

 

I receive a lot of credit for being a great leader, but in all honesty, it is the team here at the Center and our incredible board of directors who share in the credit. We succeed as a team, always.

 

Those statements really sum it up as your founder and lead volunteer of every aspect of operations. I am emotionally, mentally, and physically tired.

I need to have others step up and exude their vibrant energy and revive my fatigued soul. While it does not seem like it, twenty years’ time has passed since the vision and the formal process began to create your local wildlife rehabilitation and community education nature center.

In all honesty, I have been working in wildlife rehabilitation longer than that. I was reflecting, not only wild animal work at three different zoos but also the fact that during the late 1990’s prior to moving out of state for a zookeeper position, I had been assisting the local Sandpoint conservation officer and accepted wild animals as patients. He even provided me with the vari-kennel crates! Wild animals have been needing my help for almost 30 years. I have been required to provide their every need – it is my divine calling.

 

Blessedly I have been supported these past several years by AMAZING friends.  I could not have gotten through without your financial support both for this mission of AHWF but also personally without your notes of encouragement and hugs.

 

In order to continue another 20 years:

We must have an active board of directors. This includes the presidency (if the members wish I will remain as the vice-president), a treasurer, and several other vacant seats.

We must have active committees – many people giving a little and working together to accomplish a lot!

 

Share with your friends (& followers) how important your support is. Your soul has been stirred by mission and vision of keeping Idaho wild – get them involved so they can experience this joy as well. Not only treasure is necessary to succeed; contributions of time and talent are also required. Consider getting involved with the American Heritage Wildlife Foundation board or volunteering or perhaps submit application for either the on-site or off-site internship positions. Details are on our secure webpage www.ahwf.org Consider getting involved with the Association of Idaho Rehabbers for wildlife support group (AIR for wildlife). This newly formed group www.airforwildlife.org which will be working with all the licensed Idaho wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

 

Duties of the aforementioned committees are:

a)      Wildlife Rescue (& transport) Team - These committee members should function in cooperation with any and all wildlife rehabilitation organizations within the state of Idaho which are in good standing and members if the Association. They arrange for transporting animals to and from facilities or veterinary hospitals as well as locating release sites. Additionally materials and supplies will be transported as needed from facility to facility. These may include surplus expired hospital items or frozen meat or . They keep records of the locations of cages and animal taxis drivers. Additionally these members shall abide by traffic laws as set forth by law enforcement when transporting wild animals from one facility to another. These members shall not attempt rescue of any wild animal without proper training and a notarized release waiver being on record. Accurate records of mileage will be maintained and provided upon delivery. Transportation costs for fuel may be reimbursed however shall not be required nor demanded.

b)      Welcome wagon Committee – This committee will welcome incoming new members by introducing them and getting them involved in the Association as well as the various licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities who hold active membership status.

c)      Supplies and Inventory committee – these members’ research best prices for supplies, food, etc. and share their findings with the nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation facility managers. These members ensure an ample supply of such items is on hand based on the expected seasonal needs of the organization, coordinates the collection of natural foods and maintains records of the locations of freezers and other designated supplies. Records shall be maintained of surplus and shortages.  They directly assist the wildlife rehabilitation organization managers.

d)      Public Relations committee - members prepares news releases regarding AIR activities; prepares and mails newsletter and all general interest information to members; prepares posters, fliers, etc., for activities such as fund-raising activities, they assist with maintaining social media presence, including creation of a youtube channel designated for wildlife rehabilitation awareness.  They are tasked with encouragement to join the association; this includes identifying wildlife rehabilitators who are not currently members of the association. 

e)      Fundraising committee  - members shall proposes and coordinates fund-raising programs such as garage sales, etc., and pursues whatever grant and gift opportunities may be available. Also, develops promotional materials for sales of hats, T-shirts, and sweatshirts, and coordinates sales which will create funds to support the wildlife rehabilitation organizations which hold Association membership status. Additional ideas for fundraising shall be specially created artwork and books or online campaigns. 

f)       Animal Records committee members shall maintain lists of species and quantities processed at the recognized licensed permitted wildlife rehabilitation facilities which are Association of Idaho Rehabbers for wildlife active members. These committee members shall report to the members or the board of directors as needed or requested on issues relating to percentages released, causes for admission, genus and species etcetera. 

g)      Outreach and correspondence committee - members shall be involved with assisting the AIR active members with any type of correspondence as deemed necessary. Makes calls necessary to coordinate or assist various programs as proposed by other committees.

h)      Projects planning committee - members maintain close contact with the Association active members and identify the necessary projects. These committee members organize and coordinate the solicitation of supplies necessary for construction and maintenance of cages and other major projects when the needs arise at the licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities which are active members of the association.

i)        Education committee - members get directly involved with providing presentations regarding AIR and wildlife rehabilitation activities and goals to schools, civic and private groups, etc. to assist community in better understanding role of AIR and the importance of wildlife rehabilitation. Prepares training materials and conducts training sessions at the direction of wildlife rehabilitation facility managers. Additionally a template for online wildlife trivia is in place (through mentimeter established by AHWF ) and can be utilized to educate and entertain.

j)        Wildlife Health – committee members shall research infectious and/or non-infectious diseases, human related causes for wildlife admissions to rehab centers, or advancements in wildlife rehabilitation techniques.

k)      Licenses and regulations committee – members shall remain aware of and report as needed the assorted dates for hunting and fishing. These members will also strive to keep aware of any poaching activities and encourage members to take action to apprehend the perpetrator of the crime(s).  Future laws effecting wildlife and alterations to existing sporting activities shall also be identified including regional restrictions of certain species.

l)        Standards of operation committee – these members are tasked with keeping current on latest means of intake, handling, feeding, and treating animals as well as euthanasia practices. Creating documentation reflecting this data relating to wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife health, and captive wildlife topics along with announcing continuing education opportunities shall be shared with those active wildlife rehabilitator members. The committee shall also assist with drafting training materials and creating training sessions including developing an Idaho Wildlife Rehabilitation Study Guide with exams in order to prepare the next generation of Idaho wildlife rehabilitators.  This shall be done under the close working agreement with staff from any one or more of the licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities who are Association of Idaho Rehabbers active members.  

m)    Other committees will be created on an as needed basis (ad hoc).

 

Sincerely and with much gratitude,

 

Kathleen

Kathleen St.Clair - McGee

American Heritage Wildlife Foundation founder & board of directors president

https://www.ahwf.org

208.266.1488

Find us on the facebook, instagram, twitter, linked in, youtube, vimeo, and the web.

Association of Idaho Rehabbers for wildlife founding member.

https://www.airforwildlife.org

 

“In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.” – B. Dioum