From our Wildlife Specialist, Joe Lehman

Can some animals predict our future weather patterns?
For centuries people have looked at animal behavior to forecast the weather. Sailors watched the movements of dolphins and sea birds, if they were heading toward a bay then a storm was approaching. Native Americans would check spider webs for spiders, if no spiders were found this would tell them ran was coming. Then again, it may be that animals do this all the time and people only took note or remembered this when bad weather came. But even today I hear of local residents who are convinced that many animals can forecast the weather. Some animals in southeastern Ohio come to mind.
One popularly believed predictor of the winter has turned out to be fiction rather than fact. Until recently, it was thought that the caterpillar known as the woolybear would be different colors in reaction to the coming winter; being darker in color the colder the winter would be. This has proven false. Instead, the different color bands are due to the developmental stage the caterpillar is in, and the black woolybears are actually a different species of caterpillar.
Squirrels are one. Squirrels spend a period of time from August to December hunting and hiding nuts for the coming winter. The level of activity is said to predict its severity. If they are always busy gather and storing then it is said we will have a harsh winter. Squirrels are also said to build their nests higher in the treetops if they expect a lot of snow.
Another animal is the Asian beetle, which is a recent immigrant to this country. This beetle is sometimes confused with our native “Lady Bug”, but is orange rather than red, and has fewer spots. Over summer the Asian beetle spends its time foraging, but in October and November, it begins looking for a place to hibernate for the winter. In mild winters, a crevice in tree bark or crack in an outbuilding will suffice. But for extremely cold winters the beetles need a warmer place to call home. The beetle seems to know if needs to find a hiding spot in homes and other heated buildings.
Hornets also come to mind. They seem to be able to predict severe weather patterns up to 6 months in advance. With that knowledge, they build their nests at different heights. If they sense a mild winter, the nest will be closer to the ground, but in cold, snowy winters, the nest will be built higher up in the trees.
Although not yet common in Ohio, the bear can also be observed to predict the coming winter. It is said that in milder winters they will sleep closer to the entrance of their den and their fur is not as thick, as apposed to a in severe winter they hibernate deep in their den and wear a thick coat.
Keep your eye on the activities of different species this fall and winter. They may be able to give us a “heads up” on the coming winter weather. And even if not, you’ll learn some interesting things about these animals and learn to enjoy and appreciate them more.

The Kennedy Family; Ed and Sandra, along with sons, Joshua and Dustin, with district technician Van Slack.
During the annual meeting, the Conservationist of the Year award was presented to Ed Kennedy of Kennedy Farms. The Guernsey SWCD partners with Farm Credit Services to recognize producers who have shown a commitment to conservation of natural resources on their operations. Mr. Kennedy was presented with a sign, provided by Farm Credit Services, to display on his farm to show his accomplishment.
Ed Kennedy raises corn and soybeans in a rotation along with oats, wheat and some hay. In 2006 he diversified by adding a swine finishing facility. The manure generated from the finishing facility is utilized on crop fields where oats and wheat are grown. Kennedy follows a comprehensive nutrient management plan which is beneficial both economically and environmentally. Over the years an agrichemical handling facility and roof runoff management has also been added. Ed has also worked with the district on plans for installing systematic tile drainage and grassed waterways to protect and conserve soil and enhance crop production.
Please join us in congratulating the Kennedy family for their efforts in conserving our precious natural resources.

Election Results

Blaine Neilley was re-elected to the SWCD board of supervisors during the annual meeting on November 4th. His term will begin on January 1st, and runs for 3 years.
Our sincere thanks to all who voted, whether by absentee ballot, or by coming to the election site.

ANNUAL ELECTION APPROACHES

The annual meeting and election of supervisors is set for November 4th at the Secrest SR Center on High St in Senecaville. The election runs from 6PM to 7:30PM. The banquet and meeting begin at 7PM.
If you would like to attend the banquet, tickets are $10 and can be purchased from any board member or at the office. Deadline to purchase is October 29th.
If you would like to vote, but cannot come to the Secrest Center on Thursday evening, you may vote by absentee ballot. Ballots can be requested by phone, mail, or by coming to the office during business hours.
There is one board position open this year. The candidates on the ballot are:
Russ Ables
Blaine Neilley
Daniel Speedy
For more information about the candidates, you may call the office.

Planning a Successful Timber Harvest

OSU Extention and Guernsey and Noble SWCDs are hosting a timber harvest tour on Saturday, October 23rd. Click to enlarge and print this flyer.

Paul Bunyan Show next weekend

Come see us at the Paul Bunyan Show, October 1st,2nd & 3rd. Friday and Saturday from 8-5PM, and Sunday from 8-3PM. The PBS is held at the Guernsey County Fairgrounds

HEY KIDS!!!

Come to the SPOOKTACULAR NATURE NIGHT

at Moore Memorial Woods on Thursday, October 21 from 5:30 to 8PM. We're hosting a night hike for children six to sixteen.

There will be pumpkin painting, a weenie roast, and wildlife specialist Joe Lehman will lead a hike to call owls, and discuss the exciting things that happen in the woods while the kids are usually doing homework, watching TV, and sleeping. Space is limited to the first 30 kids. Bring an adult with you, since supervision is required, and besides, they will have as much fun as you will!

Call the district to get registered before October 15th, and get directions to the woods.

There is no charge, but you do need to register to attend.

Guernsey County Fair Educational Display

Here is the display board showing some of the agricultural activities 400 thirdgraders from Guernsey & Noble county learn about each year during our program, Ag School Days.
Note the picture in the center with all the names of sponsors and supporters of this very important program.

All the "buzz" locally about Spotted Knapweed prompted this display showing some of the common invasives species in Ohio.

The macroinvertebrate display shows some of the species of insects that can be found in ponds and streams. The presence of these species can indicate the relative health of the water supply, as some species are more sensitive to polutants and to the oxygen level in the water.

What is an invasion plant species?

An invasive species is one that spreads and establishes over large areas and persists. Invasiveness may be characterized and enhanced by robust vegetative growth, high reproductive rate, abundant seed production, high seed germination rate, and longevity. They may crowd out and replace native species to the detriment of plant diversity.
Below is purple loosestrife, a plant that has escaped from cultivation in gardens. It now invades northern Ohio's wetlands, marshes, ditches, riverbanks and wet meadows, forming nearly pure stands. It spreads aggressively by underground rhizomes, and can produce up to a million seeds per plant.

Plan to attend the Paul Bunyan Show!

Don't forget - mark your calendar for the Official Paul Bunyan Show held at the Guernsey County fairgrounds on October 1,2,& 3, 2010.
The district will be there and have its building open for you to visit and get information on forestry and woodland management in the county.

Guernsey County Fair approaches

Don't forget to stop by the Backyards for Conservation display at the Guernsey county fair during the week of September 13th. The district will have its outdoor display of plants to attract wildlife to your own backyard. We also have a small pond and waterfall.
Inside the garden building you'll find a display of macroinvertebrates, the "bugs" that live in our streams and ponds. By recognizing the types of "bugs" you can get a good idea of the quality of the water.
We will also have a display of different invasive plant species that plague Ohio and Guernsey county.
Stop by and talk to our staff and enjoy the displays!

Look who met us at the front door this morning