The Hyla Laughing by Michelle Cash, SCNC Naturalist In September 2020 the nature center - Athens-Clarke County
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Sandy Creek Nature Center
The Hyla
VOL. 37, No. 1 Sandy Creek Nature Center is a facility of the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department Spring 2021
Laughing by Michelle Cash, SCNC Naturalist
I
Valley StipeMaas, Intern
n September 2020 the nature center of laughter by the way, the list is large. So
Butterfly Researchers Looking started a Facebook series called “Nature why laughter at a nature center?
for Volunteers in Conservation Funnies.” The series goal is to have at
Honestly, I love to laugh. I try my best to
Efforts least one joke a week and have exactly 42
make someone smile daily.
In the Fall thousands of Monarch jokes that lead to April Fool’s Day
Sometimes it is really
butterflies travel South to Mexico 2021. (Wait until the end if
for the Winter and return to the hard to do based on
you don’t understand 42).
United States in the Spring. my mood and/
We put a call out across
However, researchers or based on
the Athens- Clarke
have found clues that the mood
some butterflies mi- County government to
of others.
grate to the Southern get people to help and
United States instead Some-
the nature center was
of traveling to Mexico. times I
flooded with science humor.
Researchers are looking for help just have
from volunteers to record any but- The purpose behind the series was to Cecile Riker gave an
overflowing joke on water.
to laugh at
terfly sightings in the Southern United bring laughter or at least a smile to
myself and
States. Those states include: Texas, people. We figured everyone could
Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, that’s the best laughter to me. Because I
use laughter for a moment to cheer
Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, can be kind of silly and if you can find hu-
themselves up and why not let the nature
and North Carolina. mor in yourself it is easy to pass that along
center help.
Join the Effort! to others. I try to find joy everywhere in
Laughter is actually beneficial to us. nature. And if I’m happy and passionate
Step 1: Create a free account with Laughter can boost the about nature that will put people at ease
Journey North at journeynorth.org/reg
immune system, lower when learning something new about
Step 2: Learn how to report mon- stress, decrease nature.
arch sightings at journeynorth.org/ pain, add joy
monarchs Therefore when I teach about
and zest
nature I try and squeeze in
Step 3: Submit monarch observa- to life, im-
tions from December–March at jour- jokes, such as “what tree
prove mood,
neynorth.org/sightings can you tell by its bark?
strengthen
Dogwood” or “what is the
relationships
Hope for the Rarest Turtle brightest star in the night sky?
and help defuse
The giant softshell turtle is the rarest Sirius because it’s seriously bright.”
turtle in the world with only one
conflict. Those
male known to exist at the Suzhou are just a few benefits
Lawson Moore shared a joke about
Continued on Page 2 iron for his Cast Iron Chef class.
Continued on Page 2
Laughing...cont. from page 1
Sometimes the material just falls in your
lap when you are out in nature. An
example is when hiking and you see
mushrooms, you can use the famous
205 Old Commerce Road
“fun guy” joke or find lichen and tell
Athens, GA 30607
the perfect way define lichen- “when a fun-
706-613-3615
gus and an algae take a likin’ to each other.” Carla Collins shared her
www.accgov.com/
Nature is full of humorous material if you holiday joy with everyone.
sandycreeknaturecenter
Located off Commerce Road, know how to look. That humor can help
441 North, 1/2 mile north of the people remember, make connections and
While enjoying the outdoors don’t
Athens bypass, on the left appreciate what you
forget to find something that
are trying to
Hours of Operation makes you smile. Then share
teach.
8:30 am to 5:30 pm that smile with someone
Tuesday ~ Saturday and see if you can share
Building closed Sunday & Monday a moment of laughter.
Trails open daily sunrise to sunset The main benefit of
laughter is health and
Nature Center Staff if you combine that with
Randy Smith, Facility Supervisor Stacy Smith
provided an educa- outdoors it is an endless health
Kate Mowbray, Naturalist
tional joke about keeping benefit. And if you ever need a laugh,
Michelle Cash, Naturalist Athens-Clarke County beautiful. log on to our Facebook page and find
Wes Garrison, Program Leader
some of our jokes or you can stop by
Carla Collins, Recreation Assistant
Britni Hendrickson, Intern
Nature the nature center and ask to speak to
News...cont. from page 1 any of us. We are full of great nature and
Valley StipeMaas, Intern
Zoo, China. Recently a female giant science jokes. Oh and before you go, why
Jane McGrath, Park Assistant
softshell turtle was discovered, giving 42? Because “The answer to the ultimate
the giant softshell turtle hope of es-
Sandy Creek Nature Center Inc. caping extinction. The giant softshell
question of life, the universe and every-
The Board of Directors meets on the turtle was captured in Vietnam at thing is 42.” Douglas Adams, The Hitchhik-
first Monday of each month the Dong Mo lake, a place where er’s Guide to the Galaxy.
(except holidays). her species was once revered as
The public is welcome. gods. The giant softshell turtle lives in
For more information about large freshwater lakes, usually grows SCNC is still being
SCNC, Inc. contact: to be five to seven feet in length
with a frog-like face, and has spot- COVID-19 Careful!
Katie Eckardt, Operations Coordinator
ting around its head. The species
scncinc@gmail.com has struggled to survive due to • Masks are mandatory in the
human impact such as: building.
To submit contributions water pollution, hab-
• The maximum number of visitors
to the Hyla, contact: itat loss, traditional
medicine, and allowed in the building at one
Kate Mowbray at
over-hunting for time is 30 for the exhibit hall and
kate.mowbray@accgov.com
meat and eggs. The 10 for the remaining parts of the
The Hyla is a quarterly publication of problems of the giant softshell turtle building (lobby, gift shop, class-
Sandy Creek Nature Center, a facility of the are similar to problems facing many rooms, restrooms).
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services freshwater turtles. The global popu-
Department. Issues are mailed to all lation of freshwater turtles has gone • Keep 6 feet of distance between
Nature Center members and are down 87% since 1970. It is great news groups.
available to visitors. that the giant softshell turtle has the
• Hand sanitizer is available inside.
hope of repopulation, but it still has
Follow a long way to go for the species to Thank you for helping keep
us on bounce back from the edge of ex-
Facebook our community healthy!
tinction.
Page 2 The Hyla - Spring 2021
There’s a Bug in Your Water Somewhat Sensitive:
Dragonfly
by Kate Mowbray, SCNC Naturalist
Order: Odonata
I f you look in your cup and find a six
legged creature floating about, you may
pour out your drink in disgust. When in
Sensitive:
Stonefly
Most people see adult dragonflies buzz-
ing through the air near bodies of water.
They’re known for their ability to catch
Order Plecoptera Stonefly
nature, finding a bug in your water isn’t insects like mosquitoes in mid-flight.
disgusting, it’s science! We search for bugs Stoneflies found in the stream are in their However, many people do not know that
in our water! Well, they aren’t all bugs so larval form. As they emerge from the water dragonflies start their life in the water.
we use the term macroinvertebrates. If you during their last stage of metamorphosis, Even in their larval form, they are pred-
break down the word, you will see “macro” they molt to become a flying insect. Stone- ators. Their gills are located internally
meaning that it is large enough to see with flies are sensitive to pollution and require and they pump water in through the back
our eyes and “invertebrates” which are high oxygen levels. Their gills are under sides. We lovingly call them “butt breath-
animals without backbones. In a stream their legs giving them a hairy armpit look! ers.”
or a pond, you can find a large variety of
Mayfly Crayfish
macroinvertebrates like aquatic worms,
Order Ephemeroptera
snails, crayfish, clams, and insects. Crayfish are not insects, they are crusta-
Similar to Stoneflies, you will find the lar- ceans that look like tiny lobsters. There are
Scientists use macroinvertebrates found val form in the water and the adults about 70 different species of crayfish in
living in a body of water to determine how in the air. They have gills covering Georgia. You may find burrows from cray-
healthy the water is. At SCNC, we monitor their abdomen to breathe. If wa- fish along our trails in wetland areas. Some
the health of the water following Georgia ter is high in sediment, it species will dig into the soil until they hit
Adopt-A-Stream methods. They divide the may stick to the water table.
macroinvertebrates into three categories: their gills. They
sensitive, somewhat sensitive and tolerant. need clean wa- Stonefly
Sensitive macros need highly oxygenated ter to survive. Mayfly Larvae
water that is clean. Somewhat sensitive
macros can stand warmer water which Caddisfly
means oxygen levels are a little lower but Order: Trichoptera
still needs to be pollution free. Tolerant There are a variety of caddisflies. Some are
species often breathe air with lungs rather free-living, some are net-spinning and oth- Mayfly
than gills and can live in most types of ers are case-builders. Sometimes you find Larvae
water, included polluted water. what looks like a hollow stick or a triangle
made of leaves. Other times the cases may Continued on Page 10
If you would like to learn more about
be made of tiny rocks. Each species has a
macroinvertebrates and how to sample for
particular type of case they build which
them, our next Adopt-A-Stream workshop
can help with identification in their larval
is coming up this spring. See the calendar
form.
for more details.
Caddisfly
Caddisfly
Larvae
Dragonfly
Dragonfly
Larvae
Crayfish
The Hyla - Spring 2021 Page 3
Message from the SCNC, Inc. President
anything but normal and that due to the We are all so eager for the day when we
COVID-19 pandemic, we postponed our can gather again, but the time is not here
fall meeting with the hopes of trying again yet. “Drive-by Pie” will give us a chance for
in the spring when things would certainly a fun, unique, safe and socially distanced
be better. But here we are in the spring and event, and best of all, you can still get pie!
the pandemic is still with us. Undaunted, We won’t be coming together and chat-
the SCNC, Inc. Board was determined to ting or dancing to the band, but this is
get some tasty pie to our members. a step towards normal. We will send a
Katherine We re-thought the whole celebra- link where you can watch the annual
Edison tion, and this year we will be report and messages online from
thanking you with a “Drive- the comfort and safety of home.
“Let There Be Pie!” by Pie” event on March 14 We hope you will join us in the
(3.14), also known as fun!
At SCNC, Inc. we love and appreciate our
“Pi Day!” Members
Members! And in a normal year, we hold If you’re not a
will receive invitations
a big celebration at the end of September current member, it’s
by mail to RSVP and
where we come together and thank the not too late. Sign up
reserve their choice of
individuals, families and businesses who and RSVP by March
pie. Then, stop by the
have joined SCNC, Inc. in supporting 10th, and we’ll save
Nature Center on March
the Nature Center over the past year. We some pie for you! https://www.sandycreek-
14 between 3 and 5 pm, and we will deliver
call our celebration “Pie Day” because naturecenterinc.org/membership
the packaged pie to your car or bicycle.
we thank our supporters with slices of
While you’re there, you might want to Take care, mask up!
delicious, home baked pies. We have music
take some time to explore our new Nature
and conversation and recognitions and
Playscape at the rear of the Education & Katherine
give our annual report. Loads of fun! Of
Visitor Center.
course, you know that this past year was
Update on the SCNC Playscape
H ave you visited the Nature Playscape?
This new feature at the Nature Center
is a great way to introduce children to the
interactive outdoor natural playspace.
The idea for the Nature Playscape was born
several years ago when SCNC staff and
outdoor woodlands in an environment
the Board of Directors saw the need for
where they can discover, explore, and be
an outdoor exploration space for younger
creative in a safe
children and
space. It isn’t a
their families.
playground but is
After years of The Nature Playscape is made possible
a place to foster
planning and through major funding by the Owen
outdoor activity
fundraising, that Nelson Saveland Trust, the Newland
where children
idea has come to Family Foundation, The Georgia Power
can learn to take
fruition. Outdoor Foundation, Jackson EMC, The J.A & H.G.
first steps into
experiences are Woodruff Jr. Charitable Trust, Sandy Creek
a larger part of
an excellent way Nature Center, Inc, Nature Center Mem-
nature. We have
to enjoy the out- bers and other generous individual donors.
wonderful trails
doors especially The playscape will be open later in March
and exhibits that
during the pandemic, and playscapes that during daylight hours.
everyone can enjoy, but this area is specif-
provide unique experiences for children
ically created for younger children as an
and families are becoming more common.
Page 4 The Hyla - Spring 2021
Sandy Creek Nature Center Program Guide
Spring 2021
b Kids Environmental Programs b Nature Center Hours:
Summer Camp 10. Classes will mainly be held Tuesday –Saturday
Camp information will go live on March
outdoors so dress appropriately 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
for the weather.
8 on MyRec. Registration will begin April Trails are open every day
10 at 9am for ACC residents and April 12 March reg begins Feb 27,
ends March 10; from sunrise to sunset.
at Noon for Non-ACC residents. SCNC
Staff will share details as they become April reg begins March 27,
available. ends April 7; Program Information
May reg begins May 1, All programs are held at
ends May 12 Sandy Creek Nature Center
Land Art unless otherwise indicated.
Chris Taylor is teaming up with staff to Spring Day Out of School
teach a land art class. Children will hike Virtual Programs are listed
Beach Explorers
the woods and explore their artistic side. on Page 7.
Can’t make it to the beach now? Enjoy it
Ages: 8-12 years old at the nature center. Learn about animals
that live at the beach and in the ocean, Call 706 613-3615
Dates: March 13, April 10, May 8
make an ocean themed craft and play for more information.
Time: 10:00 am–Noon
beach party games.
Fee: Preregistration required. Register on-line at
$25/ACC residents; Ages: 4-7 years old www.accgovga.myrec.com
37.50/Non-resident, Date: April 7
SCNC Members get 10% off
Time: 9:30 am–12:30 pm Please preregister no later than 1 day
Registration begins February 20 in advance for ALL programs
Fee: $10/ACC resident;
and ends March 12 unless otherwise noted.
$20/Non-ACC resident;
SCNC members Need-based scholarships are
Home School Science Registration begins March 20 available for Athens-Clarke
Shapes, Patterns, Colors and ends April 3 County residents under age 18.
See department policy for
Explore nature in search of shapes, pat- Ages: 8-12 years old refunds and cancellations.
terns, and colors.
Date: April 8
Dates: Fridays, March 12, April 9, Time: 9:30 am-3:30 pm
May 14 Fee: $20/ACC resident;
Ages: 5-7 years, 8-12 years $30/Non-ACC resident;
Time: 10:00 am–Noon SCNC Member
Fee: $4 per student/ACC resident per Registration begins March 20
class; $6 per student/Non-res- and ends April 3
ident per class. This is a drop
off program. Max per session
The Hyla - Spring 2021 Page 5
All Ages Adults
Naturalist’s Walk Adopt-a-Stream Volunteer Training
Join naturalists as we discover the beauty
Workshops
of spring. Bring binoculars, a camera, and Interested in adopting a waterway near
a sense of adventure. you? Join us for the chemical and mac-
roinvertebrate workshops to learn more
Ages: All ages about the qualities of clean water. Space
Dates: March 6, April 3, May 1 is limited to 10 people. Class will be held
Time: 10:00–11:00 am outdoors.
Fee: Free. Registration required by Ages: 13–adult
Friday before each program. Family Fishing Date: March 27
March-reg begins Feb. 20, Come out and enjoy family fishing at Time: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
April-reg begins March 20, Claypit Pond. We provide bait and cane
May-reg begins April 17 Fee: Free.
fishing poles.
Registration required; begins
Critter Tales Ages: 4-Adult. Children under 13 must March 13 and ends March 25
be accompanied by a registered
Listen to a story about nature and then adult.
we’ll bring it to life by visiting a critter or
Date: May 8
Special Event
going outdoors for an activity. A differ-
ent tale is read each Time: 10:00 am–Noon
month. This is a drop
Open House “Log House”
Fee: $2/ACC, $3/Non ACC. All partic-
in program, no regis- ipants must pre-register. Join us as we open the doors to the Log
tration required. House and explore life in earlier times.
Registration begins April 24 and
Ages: For families ends May 7 Ages: 13-Adults (children under 13
(children must be accompanied by an
under 13 Family Program “Froggie Spring adult)
must be Fling” Date: March 20
accompa-
Join us for an evening of searching for Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
nied by an adult).
amphibians. we will search the property (3 timed sessions: 2:00 pm, 2:45
Dates: March 13, April 10, May 8 for a few. Bring a flashlight and wear pm, 3:30 pm ~30 minutes)
Time: 2:30–3:00 pm closed toed shoes. Fee: Free. Pre-registration is required.
Fee: Free. No registration required. Sign up for a time slot
Ages: 4-adult Children 13 and under
must be accompanied by a regis- Registration begins February 27
Nature’s Trading Post tered adult. and ends March 19
The trading post is open! Trade one or Date: April 30
two objects you have found in nature Forest Fantasy
Time: 7:00–8:00 pm
for points or other natural objects in our Forests are magical,
collection. Visit our website for a list of Fee: $2/ACC resident, $3/Non-ACC
especially at night. Join
approved tradable items. resident. All participants must
us for this family program
register.
full of imagination.
Ages: All ages (children under 13 with Registration begins April 9 and Enjoy building fairy houses, a
adult) ends April 29 at 5pm night hike and a few other fun
Dates: March 6, April 3, May 1 activities. Fairy illustration:
freepik user2104819
Time: 11:00 am–Noon
Ages: 3-and up. A registered adult must
Fee: Free. No registration required.
attend with children under 13.
Date: April 2
Time: 6:00–8:00 pm
Fee: $3/ACC resident; $5/Non-ACC
resident.
Registration begins March 20
and ends April 1
Page 6 The Hyla - Spring 2021
VIRT UAL Sandy Creek Nature Center, Inc. presents
P RO G RAM M I N G
Drive-by Pie!
SNAKE DAY Drive or ride to pick up
We will offer this
the pie of your choosing
event virtually - sweet, savory or both!
again this year.
Activities and videos available on the Sunday,
event day. Keep an eye on Facebook and March 14, 2021
our website for more details.
3:00-5:00 pm
Date: May 15
RSVP to Katie by March 10 at scncinc@gmail.com OR via the online
Women in Science form: www.sandycreeknaturecenterinc.org/pie-day-annual-meeting
Sandy Creek Nature Center will host a
virtual Women in Science Program this
year. We will have a variety of activities
and videos available that day. We will Indigenous Plant Use in the Piedmont
provide more details via Facebook and
our website closer to the event. by Jane McGrath, SCNC Park Assistant
Ages:
Date:
All ages
April 24
T he Native Creek people left behind
a rich oral history of the medici-
nal uses of native plant species in this
Fee: Free
area. One such species is Ilex vomitoria,
called the Yaupon holly. The “vomitoria”
classification refers to its use in harvest
ceremonies, but the stems and leaves
containing caffeine had an everyday use
for the Creeks in a tea similar to coffee.
Several other plants that you see in
our landscape were foraged by Native
Americans for culinary use. Muscadine
grapes, found in the late summer in the Yaupon holly
Piedmont area, were juiced or dried and
Dr. Patricia Bath, MD; the first female faculty
member in ophthalmology at the David Geffen used as raisins. Maple trees throughout
School of Medicine at UCLA. Georgia and Florida were used for sugar
and, although the same species existed
in the European ‘old world’, there was no
recorded use of it for sugar until coloniz-
Reminder: ers were introduced to it in the Americas.
New Registration The North Georgia piedmont that Athens
Software and Sandy Creek Nature Center lays on
is the land of the Creek tribe. Next time
ACC Leisure Services rolled out a
new registration software system you go for a walk on a trail in this area,
on November 1st called MyRec. reflect upon the legacy of our lands and
the people who have shaped it. Muscadine grapes
For more information and to
register for any Leisure Services
activity, visit:
accgovga.myrec.com.
The Hyla - Spring 2021 Page 7
Sandy Creek Nature Center Calendar of Events
MARCH 2021
TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
2 3 4 5 6
SUNDAY
Naturalist Walk
Nature’s Trading Post, 11 am - noon
9 10 11 12 13
MONDAY
Homeschool Science, Land Art Class, 10 am - noon
10 am - noon Critter Tales, 2:30 - 3 pm
16 Pie Day
Drive-by 17 18 19 20
Open House “Log House,” 2 - 4 pm
Sun, March 14
23 24 25 26 27
Adopt a Stream Workshop, 9 am - 5 pm
30 31
APRIL 2021
1 2 3
SUNDAY
Forest Fantasy, 6 - 8 pm Naturalist Walk
Nature’s Trading Post, 11 am - noon
6 7 8 9 10
MONDAY
Spring Day Out of School: Spring Day Out of School: Homeschool Science, Land Art Class, 10 am - noon
9:30 - 12:30 9:30 - 3:30 10 am - noon Critter Tales, 2:30 - 3 pm
13 14 15 16 17
20 21 22 23 24
WOMEN IN SCIENCE - Details to Come
27 28 29 30
Froggie Spring Fling, 7 - 8 pm
MAY 2021
1
SUNDAY
Naturalist Walk
Nature’s Trading Post, 11 am - noon
4 5 6 7 8
MONDAY
Land Art Class, 10 am - noon
Family Fishing, 10 am - noon
Critter Tales, 2:30 - 3 pm
11 12 13 14 15
Homeschool Science, SNAKE DAY - Details to come!
10 am - noon
18 19 20 21 22
Calendar Color Key
25 26 27 28 29 u Kids
u Everyone
u Adults
u Special Event
Page 8 The Hyla - Spring 2021
Circles in nature- Pi day activity
by Britni Hendrickson, Intern
P
i (π) is a very important number a number that is both endless and yet no
that has been calculated throughout greater than 4? Pi is the ratio of a circle’s
history and has been known for about circumference to its diameter, or π=c/d.
4,000 years. This number was estimated by No matter how large or small a circle is,
mathematicians from ancient Egypt, this number is always the same- it is
Babylon, China, India, and was always 3.1459 etc. Because this
even referenced in the King is a constant it is very useful
James Bible. There is even to mathematicians and engi-
evidence to suggest it was neers. Pi is used to calculate
• Log cross section showing the rings
used to help build the Pyra- the area of a circle (A) in the
• Mushroom top
mid of Giza! These cultures equation A=πr^2, where r is
• Burrow or hole opening
all used slightly different ap- the radius, half the diameter
• Acorn cap
proaches to estimate pi, and all of a circle.
• Round rock
ended up around 3.1. Archimedes
Circles are common shapes in
of Syracuse (287-212 BC) made the first Come visit us in the Nature
nature! When hiking around
calculation of pi using the Pythagorean Center between 2-4 pm and
the nature center you will see
Theorem to assign polygons to circles and show us what you found for
circles everywhere if you’re
found that the value must be close to 3.14. a prize! If you want to be a
looking for them! Celebrate
mathematician we can help
Pi is equal to 3.14592653589793238… pi day at Sandy Creek Nature
you! A staff member can pro-
It keeps going on and on with infinite Center by finding circles out in
vide circular items and measuring
numbers; we call this an irrational number. nature.
tools to help you use math in a fun way!
Using computers, mathematicians have
On Saturday, March 13th, take a hike and
calculated 22 trillion digits to pi, but there Bonus circles! The rings around a tree
take pictures of the following natural
is no end in sight. Why do we care about can be counted to find out its age.
circles:
Masks on….the ground! By Kate Mowbray, SCNC Naturalist
S
ince COVID hit the community, a you noticed it dropped. Instead of wearing
mask ordinance has been in place in gloves as PPE, carry hand sanitizer and
Athens-Clarke County. I’m sure we all have wash hands with soap and water often.
that stash of masks in our cars, bags and As for take out containers, try to visit
pockets at this point. With so many masks, places that have compostable containers
it may be easy to lose one here or there. As over Styrofoam. In Clarke County, there
creates microplastics in the environment.
we walk our grounds, we have noticed a is a compost facility at the ACC Landfill.
Another litter problem is take out contain-
growing number of masks on the ground. Check plastic containers to see if they can
ers. Many restaurants have seen a spike in
A majority are found along the greenway be recycled. You may even be able to find a
take out requests. It’s great that people are
and in the parking lot. way to reuse those containers.
able to support their local establishments
Masks and other PPE (Personal Protective but the containers should be disposed of As we continually hear, we are in this
Equipment) have been a growing litter properly. together. Not only should we try to stop
problem all around the world. Just as any the spread of COVID but we need to try
How do we help with this problem? For
litter can get washed into our waterways, to stop the spread of COVID related litter.
one, try to wear reusable masks other than
PPEs are also ending up in our streams, We appreciate your help when you visit the
disposable. These are often made of cotton
rivers and oceans. Many PPE contain nature center to take all of your belongings
cloth so they will eventually break down
plastic which doesn’t decompose like paper with you or dispose of them properly in
if they get lost. You are also more likely
does. Even worse, plastic degrades and the trash or recycle bins.
to miss it and look for it along the path if
The Hyla - Spring 2021 Page 9
There’s a Bug in Your Water...Continued from Page 3.
Looking Back at
Catching Leaves Helgrammite or Dobsonfly
Order: Megaloptera
worm.
Snails
by Michelle Cash, SCNC Naturalist One of the scariest looking
There are many types of snails that can
insects you can pull from the
D
uring a winter class, naturalist Kate be found. The snails in the tolerant
water is the Helgrammite. It has
Mowbray and I led a group of kids for group breathe with lungs from the
large pinchers on the front and later-
a class. We spent most of that class outside. air which helps them to survive in
al appendages that make it look like
I remember we were almost finished with polluted water. Gilled snails are
it has more than six legs. As adults,
the hike and the kids were ready to go back in the sensitive category. To tell
the males have very large pinchers.
inside, but something magical happened the difference, hold the snails
Dobsonfly
on the way back to the building. Cranefly with the apex (pointy end) of the
Order: Diptera shell at the top. The aperature (opening)
We exited Kingfisher trail and had just
direction will help you determine if it is
gotten on The Greenway. The Greenway Cranefly larvae are
Cranefly a gilled or lunged snail. Can you spot the
was covered in leaves and the wind was very strange looking
difference in the picture?
blowing more leaves off the trees. As the organisms. The larvae don’t
leaves fell to the paved trail the kids started have any legs. Because they are a Midge Fly Larvae
running and catching leaves. true fly, the larvae Order: Diptera
can be called mag-
It was pure joy. These kids were running, Some midge fly larvae are called “blood
gots. Adult craneflies
trying to catch leaves, helping each other worms” because of the red color. This
look like
figure out the path of the floating leaf as comes from hemoglobin in their
giant mosquitos but they
it fell to the paved trail. It was magical to bodies that allows them to live in
cannot bite and usually
watch. Because as adults we lose that belief low oxygenated water. They aren’t
drink nectar.
in magic, we lose that innocent look at life, all red. Some may be brown, white or pink.
and we forget to just enjoy catching leaves. They are shaped like the letter “c” and have
Tolerant:
prolegs on the head and tail end.
I loved every minute of that hike and that Leech
moment was magical because it was a People worry about leeches in the water.
simple activity that brought smiles and Not all leeches are blood suckers though,
laughter to our group. I remember Kate some eat invertebrates or decaying matter.
and I said something along the lines of Even if they do bite, they do not carry
“we should have just tried to catch leaves diseases and most people don’t even feel
instead of all the planning we did for that them. They can easily be mistaken for
day.” Sometimes a moment is all it takes worms but if you watch how they move, Midge Fly
to bring us back to our childhood or to Larvae
you’ll notice they don’t wriggle like a
the innocence of being in the moment and
enjoy the simplistic life. This Spring while
you are out and the wind blows, see if you
can catch a leaf and enjoy that moment. Dobsonfly
Larvae
Gilled
Snail
Leech
Lunged
Snail
Page 10 The Hyla - Spring 2021Donors and Contributors
Thanks to all the following members who joined or renewed during this past quarter.
Patron Individual Peter Hawman Kursti Ropp
Louis & Sharla Manglass Linda Chafin Nina Hellerstein Leanne Smith SCNC, Inc.
Pat McAlexander Scottie Henderson Jennifer Smith-Garvin Board of Directors
Contributing Taylor Perkins Denise Horton Carol Sorrow
Ted LaMontage
Betty Stoker Vince Howard Niki Spear Executive Committee
Nancy Lindbloom Dale Hoyt Darcie St. Onge
Captain Robert Ira Loftin Special Gifts Katherine Edison, President
The HUB Bicycle Shop Betty Stoker
Katie Eckardt & Marie Babcock Katherine Kemp Howard Sugiuchi
Alison Huff, Vice President
Patrick Cunniff Cynthia Bean Lynn Knasel Judy Thomson Rachael Hawthorn, Treasurer
David & Beth Roberts Margaret Bjornsen Vicki Krugman Lee Verner Tammy Kemper, Secretary
Sheila Sanders Ivie Bowman Ted LaMontagne Martha Vickers
Jane Boyd Margie Lee Ellen Walker Board of Directors
Family Emily Carr
Susana Bluhm Captain Robert Ira Loftin Jan Watts Emily Carr
Linda Chafin Summer Louise Sandy Whitney
Alex Bond
Jean Cleveland
Gary Crider
Lee & Emily Boyle Barbara Michalove Ed & Sue Wilde
Angela Clifton Manita Dean
Liz & Mike Conroy Kate Mowbray Mark Williams
Katrina Conway Justin Oguni Smith Wilson Larry Dendy
Kay & Stu Fors
Ellen Cunniff Halley Page Avis Winfield Mack Duncan
Natasha Ganem
Erin Dean Rozy Park Virginia Zort Susie Haggard
Craig & Susan Gieler
Larry Dendy Eileen Paulin
Robb & Carole Holmes Peter Hawman
Katie Eckardt Bill Pierson
Lacy Lamons
Katherine Edison
Rachael Hawthorn
Clint & Mary Moore Georgia Power
Shari Ellis Tish Pyron
Gwen Lott
Steve & Nancy Moorman Mary Lou Neuhauser
Jacqueline Elsner Mark Ralston
Lilian & Harvey Ouzts
Kay Fors Frances Raskin Halley Page
Mary Paramore
Mark Fowkles David Riddle Mark Ralston
Kathy Roulston
Susie Haggard Greater Gwinett Road Runners
Howard & Jean Schretter Eugenia Thompson
Barbara Hawman Eugenia Robertson Thompson
Maurice & Caren Snook Susan Williams
Our Corporate Partners
SCNC Inc. Membership
Thanks to these great sponsors who support Sandy Creek Nature Center, Inc. is the nonprofit organization which
Sandy Creek Nature Center annually. founded the Nature Center in 1973. Memberships
help provide funding for educational programs and capital
improvements. You may renew your membership here, or go to
sandycreeknaturecenterinc.org and renew online.
r Individual ($25) r Sustaining ($250)
r Family ($35) r Patron ($500)
r Contributing ($100) r Sponsor ($1,000)
r Benefactor ($5,000 +)
Name: ________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
Barnett City_________________________State_______Zip____________
Taekwondo
Academy Phone(s): ______________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________________
r Check r Visa r MC Exp. Date: _______________
Card Number:
We will call or email to get the security control number on the back of the card.
Thank you for your contribution.
The Hyla - Spring- 2021 Page 11Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 118
Athens, GA
205 Old Commerce Road 30601
Athens, GA 30607
Phone: 706-613-3615
accgov.com/
sandycreeknaturecenter
Huge THANK YOU
A Quarterly Newsletter of Sandy Creek Nature Center
The Hyla
to the Hub Bicycle Shop for donating the
bike repair station at the northern terminus
of the Greenway.
Brian Malloy, owner of The Hub,
and Randy Smith. SCNC Facility
Supervisor, at the new bike station.You can also read
