A Quarterly Newsletter for Members and Friends of Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary

THE SANCTUARY

Page 1 Issue #3-17

From the Sanctuary By Michael Sandy

Thank you to the Summer Camp Staff for another job WELL DONE! What a great summer program. The summer staff are all back at school and the wildlife around the Nature Sanctuary are all looking for food to fatten up for winter.

The deer are leading their babies (now juveniles) around showing them what to eat. Rabbits seem to be everywhere munching on clover. Raccoons and opossums are looking high and low for the best of the persimmons and pawpaw, while skunks and turtles are eating grubs and mushrooms on the ground. We even have a snake crawling around the building in search of mice.

Soon the box turtles will be looking for a place to hibernate. They usually use the same place they used the previous year. That is why we tell people hiking the trails to enjoy the animals but not to touch or move them. When a turtle is picked up and moved to a different part of the Wildlife Sanctuary, the turtle will do all it can to get back to it’s original territory.

This is also the time of year we get a lot of phone calls from people wanting to release turtles in the Sanctuary. Releasing any animal at Martha Lafite is not allowed. The sanctuary is protected for the wildlife that live here naturally, and is not an appropriate release site. The best thing to do when you find a turtle is to help it across the street and leave it as close to where you found it as possible. That way that turtle will be able to find food and it’s home for hibernation. We know that people have released turtles in the Sanctuary without permission, and almost every winter one is found dead on the trail from exposure. The moral of the story is, “leave wildlife where you find wildlife” or at least as close as possible. I find it very sad to find a large turtle, usually without a scratch, dead on the trail. I suspect some of those were someone’s pet no longer able to be given proper care.

Please help us educate the rest of the public, turtles are great fun to watch, study, photograph, draw and even help across the street. Pets turtles should never be released into the wild, and wild turtles need to be left in their territory. Thank you.

Fall and winter special events for the family!

32nd ANNUAL FAIRY TALE FOREST Friday through Sunday, October 20 21 & 22 This non-scary Halloween event is sure to delight you and your little ones! Walk through a quarter-mile trail lit with over 100 jack-o-lanterns carved by local students. Meet fantastically fun native animal characters and a few goofy fairy tale folk who are more than willing to give away some treats and maybe a trick or two. Afterwards, go inside the Nature Center to meet real live animals, enjoy our educational exhibits, and make a cool “spooky” craft. Proceeds from this special event benefit the Nature Sanctuary and the education programs. Registration is not required. Time: Ticket table runs 5:30 to 8:00 pm Age: All (especially for little ones) Fee: $8/person Members: $5/person Children under 2 are free $25 for a family pass. (Adults and their children) Please call or visit the nature center to purchase before Saturday, October 15th.

Call to help make costumes, 816-781-8598

ELVES' WORKSHOP Saturday & Sunday, December 16 & 17 Celebrate the holidays with a visit to the Elves' Workshop! Children are invited to visit the Nature Center for face painting, treats, crafts, Santa and more! The Elves’ Holiday Store will be open for children only. Parents, please provide a list of gift recipients and shopping money. The Elves will help your child choose the perfect gift for friends or family members. Gifts are priced from less than $1.00 up to $10.00, and are wrapped and labeled compliments of the Elves. While the children are shopping, adults can browse in our gift shop, relax in the exhibit area, and snack on holiday treats. Time: Anytime from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Age: Able to shop without Mom or Dad Fee: $3/child Members: $2

Want to help prepare for the event? Look around your house for new, nearly new and slightly used, re-giftable items to donate. We need gifts for children to purchase for their family members of all ages and for their pets. Donations are now being accepted.

The mission of Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary is to provide: Engaging, hands-on environmental and natural science education for all ages Biodiversity of native plants and animals through wise management of our natural resources  Understanding that all Earth’s inhabitants are part of

complex, interdependent ecosystems, and Opportunities for quiet reflection and reconnection with the natural world

A Quarterly Newsletter for Members and Friends of Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary THE SANCTUARY

Page 2 Issue #3-17

Species Spotlight: Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax)

Another summer has passed here at Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. The children of summer camp have returned to school, the sun sits lower in the sky, and 90 degree days dim into the 70’s. Despite fall on the doorstep, the products of summer’s rains and rays remain. Fruits on the pawpaw tree begin to ripen. Sycamore leaves glide to the ground. Ironweed, with purple blooms atop tall green stalks, and masses of yellow goldenrod, are plentiful. Autumn butterflies flitter from flower to flower seeking life-sustaining nectar. The Monarch butterfly, which we often focus on this time of year, has taken flight along its annual migration to Mexico. But there are a still a great many other fascinating and beautiful butterflies to observe before the cold of winter.

One such butterfly is the red-spotted purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax). The red-spotted purple is, to my eyes, neither red-spotted nor purple. It appears a lustrous blue that blends to black towards the upper tip of the wings. Its spots are not red, but rather orange, and present on the underside of the wings. A few of these spots are also visible towards the wing tips on the topside of the butterfly.

Like all butterflies, the red-spotted purple begins life as an egg and hatches into a caterpillar, and undergoes metamorphosis, forming a chrysalis and emerging as an adult butterfly. But unlike all butterflies, the red-spotted purple is a master of mimicry. As a caterpillar, its coloration resembles an inedible bird dropping. These unappetizing looking caterpillars can be found feasting upon a variety of trees and shrubs including cottonwood, serviceberry and, preferentially in Missouri, wild black cherry trees. As an adult, the red-spotted purple adopts a new disguise. It finds protection by mimicking the appearance of the poisonous pipevine swallowtail. Though the red-spotted purple is not poisonous, its similar coloration to the pipevine swallowtail is enough to ward off potential predators. The two species can be distinguished by the thin tail-like projections on the wings of the pipevine swallowtail that are lacking in the red-spotted purple and by the orange markings present on the topside of the wings of the red-spotted purple that are not present on

the pipevine swallow tail.

Unlike the aforementioned monarch butterfly, the red-spotted purple does not migrate to warmer climates for the winter, instead it braves the cold here as a caterpillar. Using a leaf and silk, Caterpillars create a safe inhabitance for the season. The caterpillar becomes inactive and reduces the water in its body to keep from freezing solid. Once spring arrives, it will resume life with the intention of becoming a butterfly.

The red-spotted purple can be seen from May as school programs wind down at The Nature Center, through October while Fairy Tale

Forest is underway. Come visit us to see if you can spot this stunning butterfly. Collin Edwards

Thursday, October 5 10:00 – 11:30 am and Saturday, October 7 11:00 – 12:30pm HOMESCHOOLERS and CHILDREN (6&up): Fall Finds We’ll look at the wonders and happenings of fall leaves and chilly winds. Age: 6 and up Fees: $5/child or $10/family and accompanying adult

Thursday, October 5 6:00 – 7:30pm Cub Scouts (Wolf): Digging in the Past Learn about ancient creatures and paleontology as we complete the Digging in the Past adventure! Rank: Wolf Fee: $5/scout

Saturday, October 7 1:00 – 3:00pm Girl Scouts (Daisies): Daisy Petal Workshop Come learn ways to “make the world a better place” and “use resources wisely. We’ll also talk more on how to “respect myself and others”. Fee: $5/Daisy

Saturday, October 7 9:00 am – 1:00 pm MLTNS GROUNDS WORK / L&R WORKDAY Come see how we maintain MLTNS and participate in this work day to help keep the wildlife habitats wild and healthy. (Get volunteer service hours.) Age: 14 and up

Tuesday, October 10 6:00 – 7:30pm Cub Scouts (Webelos): Earth Rocks Learn about the geology of Missouri as we complete the Earth Rocks adventure! Rank: Webelos Fee: $5/scout

Friday, October 13 10:00 – 11:00 am and Saturday, October 14 11:00 – 12:00pm Preschoolers: Fall Finds This time of year the leaves have begun to fall and the wind grows cold. We’ll look at the wonders and happenings of fall. Age: 3-6 years Fees: $5/child or $10/family and accompanying adult

Saturday, October 14 & 28 3:00 pm LIVE ANIMAL FEEDING Come watch our snakes, turtles and other animals do what comes natural – eating! Fee: Free, donations welcome to support animal care

Wednesday, October 18 10:00 – 11:00 am All Ages: CREEPY, CRAWLY & COOL Celebrate Halloween early by learning about the creepy, crawly things in nature that are also super cool! We'll meet some of them in person and make a creepy, crawly craft. Limit 15. Please call to register. Age: Family Fee: $5/per person or $10/family

Friday, October 20 through Sunday, October 22 Ticket will be for sale 5:30 to 8:00 pm 32nd ANNUAL FAIRY TALE FOREST This non-scary Halloween event is sure to delight you and your little ones! Walk through a quarter-mile trail lit with over 100 jack-o-lanterns carved by local students. Meet fantastically fun native animal characters and a few goofy fairy tale folks who are more than willing to give away some treats and maybe a trick or two. Afterwards, go inside the Nature Center to meet real live animals, enjoy our educational exhibits, and make a cool “spooky” craft. Proceeds of this special event benefit the Nature Sanctuary and the education programs. Registration is not required. Age: All (especially for little ones, non-scary fun evening of make believe) Fee: $8/person Members: $5/person Children under 2 are free $25 for a family pass. Please call or visit the nature center to purchase before Saturday, October 15th.

Thursday, November 2 10:00 – 11:30 am and Saturday, November 4 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE

CHILDREN (6 and up) HOMESCHOOLERS: LET'S TALK TURKEY Turkeys are more than just a Thanksgiving meal! The turkey was once suggested as our national symbol instead of the bald eagle. Come learn about the turkey, try your luck at a turkey call. Call to register. Age: 6 and up Fee: $5/child or $10/family

Wednesday, November 8 10:00 – 11:00 am and Saturday, November 11 11:00 – 12:00pm PRESCHOOLERS: LET’S TALK TURKEY Join us as we learn about wild turkeys, try our luck with a turkey call, and make a Thanksgiving craft. Limit 15. Please call to register. Age: 3 – 6 years Fee: $5/child or $10/family

Tuesdays and Wednesdays (call to sign up for a convenient time) Starting Saturday, November 12, 2016, throug h Friday, April 7, 2017 PROJECT FEEDERWATCH at Martha Lafite Help track bird populations at feeders all over North America! Think you need to be an ornithologist to help out bird populations? Think again! Project FeederWatch is an effort to help track bird populations at bird feeders all over North America using individuals just like you. We are a FeederWatch site and could use some help from volunteers who have at least basic feeder bird identification skills to come and count the birds at our feeders. Call us for the best times to come and count! 816-781-8598

Friday, November 10 6:30 – 8:00 pm WINTER STARGAZING Another exciting installment of our monthly astronomy program! This month we'll start to get a good look at the winter sky. New constellations coming into view include Pleiades and Auriga. Age: 6 and up Fee: $5/adult, $10/family

MLTNS PROGRAMS AND EVENTS Call to register (781-8598)

MLTNS - CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE

Saturday, November 11 & 25 3:00 pm LIVE ANIMAL FEEDING Come watch our snakes, turtles and other animals do what comes natural – eating! Fee: Free, donations welcome to

Wednesday, November 15 6:30 – 8:00 pm OWL PROWL Join us for a “hooting” good time! During this evening program we'll hike the trail and hoot for owls. We'll conclude with dissecting owl pellets (one pellet per child or individually paid person). Remember to dress for the weather. Age: Family Fee: $6/person, $12/family

Saturday, November 18th 1:00 – 3:00pm Girl Scouts (Juniors); Get Moving Workshop: Energy in Nature Our naturalist will teach the girls about how energy makes its way through the many paths of nature. Rank: Junior Fee: $5/girl

Thursday & Friday, November 23 & 24 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! The Nature Center will be closed for the holiday, but the grounds and trails will be open to enjoy a hike or walk off some extra turkey!

Thursday, December 7 1:00-2:30pm and Saturday, December 2 11:00-12:30pm Children and Homeschoolers (6&up): Animal Tracks and Signs Come learn about animal tracks and feel the pelts of the animals that leave them behind. Limit 15 children. Please call to register, 816-781-8598. Age: 6 and up Fee: $5/child or $10/family

A Quarterly Newsletter for Members and Friends of Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary THE SANCTUARY

Page 3 Issue #3-17

Friday, December 8 10:00 – 11:00 am and Saturday, December 9 11:00-12:00pm Preschoolers: Animal Tracks and Signs Come learn about animal tracks and feel the pelts of the animals that leave them behind. We’ll take a hike to search for signs of animal life! Age: 3-6 years Fee: $5/child or $10/family

Tuesday, December 5: 6:30 – 8:00 pm OWL PROWL Barred and Great Horned owls start calling for mates during December. For this prowl we'll concentrate on the owls native to Missouri. We'll also hike a trail and hoot for some owls. Don't forget to dress for the weather. Limit 25 people. Please call to register, 816-781-8598 Age: Family Fee: $5/person, $10/family

Saturday, December 9 & 23: 3:00 pm LIVE ANIMAL FEEDING Come watch our snakes, turtles and other animals do what comes natural – eating! Fee: Free, donations

Saturday, December 9: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm WINTER WREATH WORKSHOP There's nothing like the smell of a natural winter wreath! Bring your favorite decorations or use some of ours to create the perfect holiday wreath. Please call to register. Age: 12 and up Fee: $20/wreath

Wednesday, December 13: 10:00 – 11:00 am All Ages: CHRISTMAS CRITTERS What is a partridge and why is it in a pear tree? Do all reindeer have antlers? Join us as we learn about some of the animals found in the songs and stories of Christmastime. Limit 15 children. Please call to register, 816-781-8598. Age: Family Fee: $5/child or $10/family

MLTNS PROGRAMS AND EVENTS CONTINUED Call to pre-register (816-781-8598). Saturday, December 16 & Sunday, December 17: Anytime from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. ELVES' WORKSHOP Celebrate the holidays with a visit to the Elves' Workshop! Children are invited to visit the Nature Center for face painting, treats, crafts, Santa and more! The Elves’ Holiday Store will be open for children only. Parents, please provide a list of gift recipients and shopping money. The Elves will help your child choose the perfect gift for friends or family members. Gifts are priced from less than $1.00 up to $10.00, and are wrapped and labeled compliments of the Elves. While the children are shopping, adults can browse in our gift shop, relax in the exhibit area, and snack on holiday treats. Age: Able to shop without Mom or Dad. Fee: $3/child Want to help prepare for this event? Look around your house for new, nearly new and slightly used, re-giftable items to donate. We need gifts for children to purchase for their family members of all ages and for their pets. Donations will be accepted from now until December 10th.

Saturday, December 24 & 25 & Sunday, January 1 & 2 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!! The Nature Center will be closed for these holidays, but the grounds and trails will be open for you to enjoy a hike or walk off some extra desserts!

MLTNS - SHARING NATURE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary says thank you! to: THE CORPORATE SPONSORS Hawthorn Bank, Hallmark Cards Inc. Corporate Philanthropy, East Clay Rotary, Brant’s Clothing, Commerce Bank,

Backyard Bird Center

THE MEMBER SUPPORT

Kingfisher Level: Glenn & Judy Longworth, Chris & Renee Valentine, Kenneth & Joyce Oyen

Monarch Level: Irene Thomas, James & Robyn Simpson, Vera Thomas, Stewart Russell & Catherine Raine, Sallie E Smith, Steve & Lori Calder, Terry Larsen & Rebecca Hill-Larsen, Gary & Dolores Swenson, William & Carla George, David & Sandi Cole, Rebecca & Rob Groebe, Tom & Trina Henke, Holly & Paul Schenke, Tom & Mona Riggs, Kandice & Larry Wepler, Erik Gallimore

Bluestem Level: Dr Carol Plum & Steven Wilson, Trish Hughes, William & Doyne McKenzie, Marvin Silvey & Sandra Bowlby, Ken & Diana Ludwig, Don & Carol Fletcher, Raymond Dahlberg, David & Jennifer Ferguson, Judy & Bill Chastain, Denis & Susan Wendl, Anette Wilson, Carolyn & Tim Frame, Pete & Nancy Rucker, Lee & Judy Minor

Bluebird Level: Boese Family, Frank & Pat Roth, Aubrey Deitrick, Allen & Sue

Scoggan, Mr & Mrs Dan Triplett MD, Fana Vogelbaugh, Lisa Owens & Craig Weltig, Karen Orrill, Martha Galutia, David & Marilyn Lindsey, Diana Balthasar, Norma & Jerry Nicholson, Jennifer & Chad Harrison, Daniel Reece & Tabetha J Reece, Calvin W Nelson, Amanda McDowell, Fred & Vickie Collison, Robert & Clara Beth Saunders, Arlon & LaDonna Ebright, Carlyle Raine, Thomas & Patsy Schmutz, Alfred & Theresa Hupp, Bill & Patsy Lorimer, Maggie & Charles Jackson, Nancy M Mose

Coneflower Level: Dr Will Adams, Molly Suddarth, Roberta J Keiter, JoAnn Eldridge, Mary E Wieshaar, Ruth Simmons, Lisa Shartzer

Ladybug Level: Kyle Driggers, Suzanne Gough, Alma Beile, Gail Doerr, Jutta Brill, Rose Mary Kelley, Dorothy Richey, Andrea Lee, Lynne Lund

MEMORIALS Memorial donations have been received in loving memory of : Paul Boese Bud and Barb Coker, Jess Coker & Renee Stuebgen, Sam Coker & Heather Letzkus, Rachel Coker & Alex Cooley,

Maryan Kiehl, Steve & Sandy Lee, Bob Boese, Mikaela, Quentin, & Kira Lee, Dale Bermond, J Dennis Fetter, Marlyn Smith, Carla S & James Coats, RT & Lauri Beth Buck, Kevin & Sheila Koenig, Douglas & Carol Edwards, Melba Mier, George & Mary Smith, Janice Tilman, Cynthia Lizabeth & Terry Wayne Holt, Daniel J Eber & Valarie G Eber, Robin Hathaway, Ronald J Eber & Arlene F Eber, Tracy L Wilt & Phillip L Wilt, Karen J & Robert P Erwin Jr, Danny M & Kathy J Boese, Marie E Brown & Adam J Brown, Eric & Davinne Glenn, Theresa Lauritsen, Noah & Melody Eber, Ron H & Patricia J Fisher, Margaret Brinkman, Karen L Tinnin, Memorial donations have been received in loving memory of: Myra Unger From: Scott Cozad Trust Memorial donations have been received in loving memory of: Robert F Schaeffer From: Evie Ausen

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP Brant’s Clothing, Crowley Furniture, Inc, Hallmark Cards, Incorp. Hawthorn Bank, East Clay Rotary

GIFT MEMBERSHIPS From: Denis & Susan Wendl to: Lora & Shawn Rhodus, Landon & Lexi Rhodus

SPONSORSHIpS AND GRANTS: American Century Investments, Liu Wenhui, Fringe Festival KC

NUTS AND BOLTS: Michael & Meredith Klamm, Richard Moore & Linda Hezel, Katrina & Tom Henke Charitable Fund, Debra Ahern & Steven Wolcott, Waiva Worthley & Kenneth Alpern, Dorothy Richey, Marcie Milz, Waiva Worthley & Kenneth Alpern, Steven & Mitzi Mathews, Patricia Ward for Seth Ward Birthday, Niki Kampman for Seth Ward Birthday, Group Donation for Seth Ward Birthday.

VOLUNTEERS These volunteers assisted with one or more of the following projects: accounting, animal care, bird feeding, committees and board work, displays, grant applications, land and resources, newsletter preparation and folding, program and event planning,

preparation and assistance, reception, recycling and volunteer training.

Paula Bargar, Dixie Baldwin, Eli Eber, Carol, Kaitlin & Doug Edwards, Eagle Scouts, Annika Fuller, Frank & Pat Gannon, Jacob Goodman, Julie Goodman, Michelle Hammack, Immacolata Manor My Day, Jeannette Lawson, Lucy Lovier, Latter Day Saints Missionaries, Tammy Maples, Master Gardeners, MO Master Naturalist, Opal Fields, Gordon Risk, Esther Ray, Leah Rhuele, Susan Robb, Pat & Frank Roth, Sue Scoggan, Susan Seyboth, Doug Smith, Sharon Caylor, Jacklyn Drewry, Winnetonka High School, NHS-Liberty High School & Liberty High School –Key Club, Rebecca Groebe, Amy Petersen, Vicki Catt, Leah Davis, Bob Lawson, Kara Diffen, Fiona Burroughs, Sara Blattel, Jordan Carlson, Vickie Rabideaux, Gage Rabideaux, Dan Vlamis, Dylan and Margaret James.

SUMMER CAMP STAFF Cayla Adamson, Kaitlin Edwards, Annika Fuller, Rebecca Groebe, Dylan James, Melissa Pittman.

Evening Programs Owl Prowl and Astronomy

Page 4 “THE SANCTUARY” A Quarterly Newsletter for Members and Friends of Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary Issue #3-17

More info at the website www.NatureSanctuary.com

Call 816-781-8598

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Donate, become a member or renew membership online https://squareup.com/market/MLTNS ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

Come out and take a hike with us. Martha lafite Thompson nature sanctuary 407 n La Frenz Road Liberty, Missouri 64068 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President ....................... Anne Nickel President elect .................. Bill George Secretary ...................... Debra Ahern Treasurer..................... Kent Peterson Christi Carlson, Joe DeBold, Steve Karol, Amy Petersen, Paul Schenk, Waiva Worthley

MLTNS STAFF Director .................... Michael Sandy Naturalist .................. Collin Edwards Admin. Assistant ........ Daranya Rasa Maintenance ............... Frank Gannon Thank you to our Volunteer Staff

THE SANCTUARY MARTHA LAFITE THOMPSON NATURE SANCTUARY 407 N LA FRENZ ROAD LIBERTY, MISSOURI 64068 TO CURRENT RESIDENT or

Non-profit Org. U.S. postage paid Permit #50 Liberty, MO

..................................................................................................................................................................................................

Hours THE NATURE CENTER THE SANCTUARY AND TRAILS Always April through September Tuesday - Saturday open daily 8am - 8pm 9am - 5pm October - March open daily 8am - 5pm

The Nature Center is closed on major holidays. Hiking trails are open every day unless weather hazards or maintenance dictate closing. Please stay on the trails, thank-you.

MLTNS - “THE NATURE SANCTUARY” - Liberty, MO

October 20, 21 & 22

I love

shopping

with

Santa’s

Elves!