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AN
NU
AL
RE
PO
RT
2018
2019
Cable Natural
History Museum
Board of Directors
Larry Hanson, Chair
Bill McKinney, Vice Chair
Ron Anderson, Treasurer
Kathi Jensen, Secretary
Liz Aase
Joe Brady
Jack A. Carlson
Travis Cinco
Mimi Crandall
Kristin Dew
Jane Henderson
Liz Johnson
Tom Johnson
Ed Johnston
Tom Matthiae
Anne Miller
Pris Nei
Maureen Palmer
Deb Pyne
Museum Staff
Deb Nelson, Director
Hayley Matanowski, Office Manager
Emily Stone, Naturalist/ Education Director
Haley Appleman, Naturalist
Mollie Kreb, Curator/Naturalist
Norveig Olson, 2019 Pollinator Intern
Melissa Krizan, 2019 Sustainability Intern
Jane Weber, Educator
Bev Bauer, Volunteer Shop Manager
The center of focus for most of us in
recent weeks has been dealing with the changes created by the novel coronavirus and doing our best to limit its spread. While this is important, and at times all-consuming, we continue to reflect on the success of 2019 and work on several projects affecting the future of the Cable Natural History Museum.
2019 was a great year for the Museum. We experienced wonderful participation in programs and fundraising activities. Staff provided opportunities for guests to learn and be concerned about our world with experiences that were entertaining, thought provoking and stimulating. We also installed a patio and did maintenance on the Forest Lodge Library building, and provided safer, more accessible sidewalks. New landscaping completed the project and improved the look of the campus.
2020 is looking to be equally busy. Mysteries of the Night, the 2020 exhibit, is in the construction stage and will be completed when it is again safe to have groups of volunteers working in the building. Plans are underway to enhance the Wayside Wanderings Natural Play Area, known to many as the Nestel Property on Randysek Road, with a building that will provide classroom space, storage and work areas, bathrooms and a pavilion. The timeline for construction is not yet established, but we hope to make the area more user-friendly as soon as we can. We are also working with the Library Board on plans for the construction of a new library for the Cable area, and are currently waiting for the results of an engineering study to make plans to remove runoff water from the site. The challenges are great in this uncertain time, but the staff remains positive and continues to provide alternate ways to connect people with nature in our area. Please check out our website and social media pages to stay connected.
A year ago, I wrote about the ‘people who dug the well’ for the Museum. That is, the folks who got it all started and created a solid basis for the continued success of the Cable Natural History Museum. I feel even more gratitude to them today for contributing to and creating the physical plant and financial foundation that keeps us in operation. The funds earned by our investments are only part of the picture, however. We also rely on fundraisers and general programming for the remainder of the budgetary needs. Many of these events have been cancelled, altered or are questionable for 2020. We will miss the
From the Board Chair
The Cable Natural History Museum is Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums High Professional Standards Increased level of professionalism through self study & education
Credibility & Accountability National recognition of commitment to excellence & the highest professional standards
Continuous Improvement The Museum will achieve reaccreditation every 10 years
Clearer Sense of Purpose Understanding our strengths, goals & mission
Leverage and Support Access to grants, traveling exhibits & collections
Sustainability & Stronger Institution Sustained organizational development through education on best practices & standards
Larry Hanson
Board Chair
opportunities to get together in person and will work to provide virtual experiences in their place. We hope you will continue to join us and offer your financial support to the Cable Natural History Museum in their absence.
We will reopen and resume gathering to celebrate the success of the Museum as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. Until then, be safe, stay healthy and remain positive!
2,665 Visitors attended live animal
programs
101 Wisconsin Master Naturalists
trained by the Museum to date
That’s 10% of all Wisconsin
Master Naturalists trained!
72 Adults participated in 8 Master
Naturalist Advanced Training
courses
15 Solitary bees and wasps built nests
in the Museum’s observation
cabinet
85 Children participated in Junior
Naturalists
200 Specimens added to the Museum’s
collection, bringing the total to over
4,200 natural history objects
3,000 Flights across the new Curiosity
Center for Luna the flying squirrel
130 Wonderful volunteers assisted with
the collections, exhibit, programs,
special events, front desk, and
more!
52 Years of the Cable Natural History
Museum connecting people to
Northwoods nature through
educational experiences that
inspire wonder, discovery, and
responsibility!
2019 by the numbers
3 New enclosures for
the snakes and
salamander in our Curiosity Center
Discovering Moss
“Let’s go look for moss,” invited
Joe Rohrer, a retired botany
professor from University of
Wisconsin—Eau Claire. So our
eager group of amateur naturalists
donned puffy coats and stocking
hats before leaving the cozy
warmth of the Gatehouse at Forest
Lodge.
The moss was already out there.
Unlike most of our other plants,
moss doesn’t change all that much
as it goes dormant for the winter.
Bare twigs etched patterns across
the sky. The dead stems of flowers
and weeds melted into the sweet-
smelling drifts of maple leaves. Big
plants must make big changes as
winter approaches. Moss simply
dries or hydrates or freezes or
thaws as the weather dictates.
Simply, I say, but truly the moss
has an efficient system for turning
off its essential functions that allow
it to avoid and repair cell damage.
On this first afternoon of a 3-day
workshop about moss, our goal
was simply to tour the property and
start seeing moss. Forest Lodge
was the summer estate of Mary
Griggs Burke, founder of the Cable
Natural History Museum.
Our education began immediately.
The vibrant green cushion of moss
on a low, rounded rock in Mrs.
Burke’s overgrown Japanese
garden pulled us toward it like a
magnet. From five feet up, the
carpet looked uniform. Then Joe
knelt down. Sarah crouched in.
Elizabeth leaned over. We began
to see.
By leaning in, we were able to
discern slight variations in color
and texture. A patchwork of
mosses came into focus. (Here’s a
grammar note: when talking about
moss in general, or a group of the
same species of moss, the plural is
just moss. But when you’re talking
about more than one type of moss,
the plural become mosses.) Two…
three...four species materialized
where previously we’d just seen
green. Then Joe extricated a little
string from the cushion and held it
out to us. The creeping stem lined
with tiny leaves branched several
times at wide angles. “This is an
example of a pleurocarp moss,” he
explained, “They often form
densely woven mats.”
Then, probing into a different
section of rock, he held up a single
stalk bristling with spikey leaves.
“In contrast, this acrocarp moss is
very upright, and if there are
branches, they run parallel to each
other. They tend to look more like
a tiny forest.”
Being able to tell the difference
between these two growth forms is
the first step in identifying mosses
using Joe’s field guide: Common
Mosses of the Northeast and
Appalachians. A few years ago,
Joe’s old college buddy, Karl
McKnight, asked Joe to help with
the book, and they came up with a
pretty slick system for identifying
200 common species of moss—
184 of which occur in Wisconsin.
This is a highlighted article
from the Museum’s Natural
Connections publications.
Because mosses are mostly
known by their scientific names,
the book team made up
memorable and descriptive
common names to help us regular
folks. For instance, we all oohed
and aahed when Joe pointed out a
patch of “windswept broom moss.”
The arched tips of its long leaves
were bent all to the same side,
and even on the calm day it
resembled a fairy-sized field of
grasses blowing in the breeze.
The second step in identifying a
moss using Joe’s guide is looking
at the shape of an individual leaf.
For this, we moved indoors, and
used a digital microscope to
project fragments of mosses on
the big screen, and hand lenses to
augment our own eyes. When
viewed close-up, in good light,
moss leaves glow. The hairlike,
lance-shaped, ovate, tongue-
shaped or sickle-shaped leaves
are just one cell thick, allowing
sunlight to pass through, and
water to come and go.
With hand lenses held close, we
dove into the challenge of moss
identification. I was successful with
some, and confused by others,
and I loved every minute of
looking.
“…the already gorgeous world
becomes even more beautiful the
closer you look.”
– Robin Wall Kimmerer,
Gathering Moss
Emily Stone
Naturalist/
Education Director
“Discovering Moss” was recently featured in Outdoors Unlimited, a publication of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Emily currently sits on the board of this professional organization.
Insect, Animal, Art
This is a highlighted article from the Museum’s
Cabinet of Curiosities publications.
I find myself seeing insects in a different light lately.
Sure, the sun's rays might now cast longer shadows off the tattered wing of a butterfly, and the sight of a bumble bee hovering over late-blooming goldenrod is becoming more and more infrequent as we lose hours of daylight. But that's not what I mean by a different light. After recently taking part in facilitating an art class where I used a microscope to gain a closer view of butterfly wings, I can appreciate their beauty from another perspective. A scale, proboscis, the hairs on a leg--all necessary parts for these insects had once been inherently glanced over when inventorying a pinned beetle, wasp, or moth specimen. Now my eyes are opening up to the beauty of insects--and in more ways than one. Insects became highly regarded when the Museum's exhibit committee met last winter to develop an exhibit featuring native pollinators. We blew up photos to show off their amazing adaptations and painted connections between pollinators and the flowers that they partner with. We were delighted to learn that so many more insects than we had originally thought--even flies and beetles--are part of pollinating plants that we use for food, medicine, and textiles. I wager we all grew to appreciate the beauty of species we had just become acquainted with through our research. Even after the exhibit was completed, our fun with insects continued from there. Later on in the summer, the Museum hosted a pastel painting class. Artists used photos that we took of butterfly wings to create beautiful abstract pieces. To be honest, I never thought to look at insects with an artistic eye quite like that before. Most artists who visit museums for inspiration are transfixed by the megafauna--taxidermy mammals and birds. Those animal mounts are quite the appropriate subjects, but insect specimens are just as fit. An artistic appreciation for insects certainly extends far beyond abstract paintings. As a curator, I naturally began to think that if insects can be such an overwhelming influence on our culture, then why not celebrate our collection? I had become so fascinated by these small creatures this summer that I decided I wanted to share their value with our visitors.
First of all, insect collections allow us to learn about what has happened in the past, and help us to make predictions about the future. They're a resource for science and for understanding the ever-changing world around us. And yet we understand the world through a variety of lenses. The impact of insects on human life has been acknowledged not only through science but through visual arts, literature, language, and even religion. I ended up developing a display of our insect collection to highlight their aesthetic value. I drew inspiration from creative, sometimes even cringey, insect art installations like those created by artists Jennifer Angus, Damien Hirst, and displays found at museums in Costa Rica and China. I think that this focus on insects in the art world is a beautiful thing. It's another way to get us thinking about insects, and hopefully about how important they are when alive. The estimated number of species of insects currently rivals that of any other group of organisms on earth, and the biomass of all living insects likely exceeds that of all terrestrial animals. Unfortunately, insect populations are at a staggering decline and that's something for all of us to be seriously concerned about. Beyond lending to artwork, insects are valuable as pollinators of plants that are used for food, clothes, even medicine, as
decomposers of dead organisms which are recycled back into the soil, and as agricultural pest control. They hold a great deal of economic, cultural, and intrinsic value, so let's celebrate that.
Mollie Kreb
Curator/Naturalist
The Insecta display and will remain available to visitors through 2020. A virtual version is currently available on the Museum’s website.
With a hearty appetite this fall, Carson the
Red-tailed Hawk will do just about anything to earn her food. Entering the office on my glove used to be a scary experience. Her head would swivel quickly as she looked for an escape route. She would crouch with her wings held stiffly, ready to take flight. But after a few repetitions, she learned that the office isn't a scary place, after all. Now she sits comfortably on my glove as we step through the door and she seems to think, "oh boy, I'm going to get some food!"
We slowly expanded Carson's comfort zone into the rest of the Museum: the classroom, the exhibit hall, and even the back work room. She is always eager to step on my glove the next day, a sure sign that she is not afraid of where we might go.
Carson was ready for the next step this week: traveling in the van. Her only van experiences in recent years have been long trips to the vet. I wanted to curate more positive associations with travel before she starts helping Aldo the kestrel with outreach programs around northwest Wisconsin.
To keep things easy and fun, I loaded Carson's crate into the van and drove a simple loop around the block. She seemed completely unfazed when I opened the crate door to deliver a chunk of quail. We will continue taking practice trips, going farther each time, until traveling in the van is normal for her. With her quick progress, she should be ready to make an appearance in Ashland in January!
Comfort Zone
Haley Appleman
Naturalist
The Museum also cares for Aldo the American Kestrel. Both birds star with Haley in our popular Talon Talk Live Raptor Programs which are held year-round.
This is a highlighted article from the
Museum’s News From the Mews publications.
Financial Overview
20%
15%
16%11%
25%
7 %6% Contributions
Memberships
Fundraisers
Programs
Endowments
Museum Shop
Misc. Income
2019 Revenue
Contributions $102,512
Memberships $74,876
Fundraisers $83,234
Programs $57,121
Endowments $128,000
Museum Shop $36,683
Misc. Income $31,994
Total $514,420
77%
7%
2%5%
9%
Operating
Exhibits/Programs
Interest & Fees
Fundraising
Plant Expenses
2019 Expenses Operating $352,301
Exhibits/Programs $31,915
Interest & Fees $6,787
Fundraising $22,522
Plant Expenses $41,267
TOTAL $454,792
The Museum is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Our operational budget is funded by memberships
and donations, grants, program fees, endowment interest, and fundraising events.
20%
15%
16%11%
25%
7 %6% Contributions
Memberships
Fundraisers
Programs
Endowments
Museum Shop
Misc. Income
77%
7%
2%5%
9%
Operating
Exhibits/Programs
Interest & Fees
Fundraising
Plant Expenses
Thank You to Our Supporters!
Volunteers at the Museum perform a range of important educational and administrative duties
vital to the Museum’s operations.
Liz Aase
AlistairAlesch
Ron & Patty Anderson
Bev Bauer
Sara Balbin
Kathy Bergin
Krista Berry
Sarah Boles
Joe Brady
Margie Braun
Brenda Brueske
Jack & Juels Carlson
Dave Carter
Travis Cinco
Gary Crandall
Jesse Crandall
Mimi Crandall
Dianne DeRoma
Debbie Detzner
Sandra Devanie
Kristin & Tom Dew
Nancy Douglas
Carol Elliker
Tom Fitz
Chris Frasch
Eileen Furlong
Nathan Garrett
Mark & Jodi Gillman
Sue Grady
Brontё Gross
Drew Guttormson
Katie Hancock
John & Susan Hand
Vivianne & Larry Hanke
Gretchen Hannaford
Larry & Teri Hanson
Cari Hartman
Allen & Sandra Harvey
Lane & Bobby Hinkfuss
Barb Howe
Mark Jansen
Michaelene Jansen
Phil & Kathi Jensen
Tom & Barb Johnson
Liz Johnson
Ed Johnston
Tom Kaiser
Jodi Kingdon
Kevin Kiss
Steve Kolbe
Tom & Diane Kraemer
Jackie Kruse
Inga Larson
Monte & Kay Lewis
Roman & Ursula Lucyk
Dan Malesevich
Jane Mandli
Tom Matthiae
Bill & Beda McKinney
Diane Menard
Marge Mergen
Kay Meyer
Pat Mertig
Shelly Milford
Jim & Anne Miller
Rita Miller
Kerry Myhra
Pris Nei
Brad Nelson
Kelly & Kerri Nelson
Carolyn Owen
Maureen Palmer
Donna Post
Cindy & Rich Powers
Deb Pyne
Sara Qualey
John Radloff
Diana Randolph
Bob Rasmussen
Eric Rasmussen
Hans Rasmussen
Julie Ray
Bill & Rudy Rehak
Sue Rosa
Judy Rowley
Jennifer Rutten
Jim & Nancy Schemensky
JoAnne Schultz
Jan Sharp
Paulette Smith
Laurie St Aubin-Whelihan
Laurel Sukup
Sarah Szymaniak
Dave & Kasse Tomasula
Felicia Toohey
George Tuttle
Joe Tuttle
John Uffenbeck
Jane Weber
Carol Werner
Mary Wichita
Adrian Wydeven
Ned & Kathy Zuelsdorff
Memorial Gifts support the Museum’s mission and allow us to provide natural history education to
thousands of individuals every year. The following individuals were honored by donations to the Museum.
In Memory of
Don Anderson John & Marla Nachtsheim
Thomas Brilla Jim Ludwig & Ellen Jensen
Georgene Stratman
Travis Cinco’s Father Jim & Barbara Jabrosky
Julie Louis & Jenny Harris Lowell & Elizabeth Garrett
Connie Junker Edward Amundson Shirley Leaf
Beverly Lehl Gary & Pris Nei
Barb Marek Ruthan Gagner
Marjorie Matthiae Tom Matthiae
David Middleton Lavonne Middleton
Bradley & Jerry Olson Sandy Olson
Vira & Frank Palombi Roberto Palombi & Mary Smallwood
James Pettersen Charles & Helen Mortensen
Marl Reeder Virginia Woolworth
Paul & Irene Regorrah Jeff & Brenda Smits
Ruth & Jim Weaver Lisa Weaver & Eric Knutson
In Honor Of
Chuck & Dorothy Behling Jim & Nancy Wasserstrom
Jack & Bobby Brose Chris Anzalone & Ann Brose
Travis Cinco & John Pershing Mike & Diane Doyle
“The Grandchildren” Brad & Maureen Palmer
Ed & Adrian Hilz Anne Storan & Hans Kott
Jeremiah & Ana Menk Steven & Mary Menk
Business Memberships Museum Memberships help to support our exhibits, programming, collections, and fostering
stewardship by engaging visitors with the natural world. Business and individual members benefit
from free Museum admission, reduced rates for programs, discounts in the Museum Gift Shop and more!
Business Members
Advance Printing
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
Anderson Hager & Moe, CPAs
Andry Rasmussen & Sons
Apple Awards, Inc
Art Beat of Hayward
Ashland Ford Chrysler
Bear Country
Blakeman Plumbing & Heating, Inc
Cable Chiropractic Clinic
Cable Community Farm
Cable Hayward Area Arts Council, LTD
Cable Lumber & Home
Century 21 Woods to Water Realty
CF Web Services, LLC
Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA)
Chippewa Valley Bank
Como Oil & Propane
Coop's Pizza
Delta Diner, LLC
Don Johnson's Hayward Motors, Inc
Dragonfly Studio
Edmunds & Company Log Home Res-torations
Elkins & Sons Elite Crete of Wisconsin
Hawksford Dental Care
Hayward Community Credit Union
Heart Graphics & Communications, Inc
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Joanne Cleary Insurance
Johnson Financial Group
Johnson's Resort
King Realty, Inc
Lakewoods Resort & Forest Ridges Golf Course
Lee's Trees
Loon Saloon
Mainstream Boutique
Mark Rasmussen Excavating, Inc.
Marketplace Foods & Liquor
Marsh & McLennan Agency
McKinney Realty
Mogasheen Resort, Inc
My Villa Home Decor
Northern Native Plantscapes
Norvado
Parker Electric
Redbery Books
Rondeaus Shopping Center
Rookery Pub Fine Dining
Sawmill Saloon & Mooselips
Scott Byrd Construction
Start Line Inn & Start Line Services
Telemark Vacation Condominiums
The Brick House Café & Catering
Town of Namakagon
Treeland Resorts
Trimmer Trees, Inc
Whispering Pines Gift & Gallery
Winter Greenhouse
Xcel Energy
Cable Natural History Museum PO Box 416 13470 County Highway M Cable, WI 54821-0416 [email protected] www.cablemuseum.org
Connecting you to the Northwoods