Much of the past week has been spent in Literature Research about forest composition of Michigan and considering how we can connect what we have learn about our sites with established information. For sure this has meant several hours on the computer reading many papers about Jack pine, Red pine, and Northern Hardwood forests communities.
Friday was spent making tables and trying to see trends regarding our data. There is still much to do this coming week. Finally our soil data has arrived too - so we can start to consider how that data fits into what we have uncovered. Late in the afternoon on Friday a group of middle school girls walked into Earth Hall with a Rubbermaid container and a Caterpillar. They asked the secretary if anyone at the Institute could help them. Over hearing their question, I jumped into action! They were a bit surprised when I opened the container to see the rather large (3 inch) caterpillar. "Is it poisonous?" asked one of the girls. I immediately responded, "No, it is a Spurge Hawk Moth which eats Leafy Spurge. When the moth emerges it will have a 5-7 cm wing span".
The Spurge Hawk Moth has been used in several states in attempts to slow down the movement of Leafy spurge, an invasive herbaceous plant. This plant loves disturbed areas like roadsides and abandoned fields. They departed for home with a plan to release the Spurge Hawk Moth Caterpillar on some leafy spurge near their home.
Our research team has seen these Caterpillars out in the field on our oil pad sites. Several of our sites are dominantly covered with Leafy spurge - it is also the only plant that was found on all our sites.
This moment of sharing with these young girls about the Spurge Hawk Moth and Leafy Spurge reminded me of my love for Teaching. I am enjoying my time at Au Sable, but am starting to look forward to another great school year. The facilitation of learning is such a great and wonderful vocation!
No comments:
Post a Comment