What's Happening - August 2005

2005 Photography Contest

If you are into taking pictures as an armature or as a professional, you will want to get in on the fun of our 2005 Photography Contest! Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in two categories as well as Honorable Mentions at the Judge's discretion.

Just download and print (514k) the contest rules and entry form. Grab your camera and start snapping! Don't wait. Wildwood Lake Sanctuary is beautiful anytime of the year, especially now. Your picture could be our next winner!

Carp at Wildwood Lake

Visitors to Wildwood Lake Sanctuary may have noticed the large numbers of carp floating lifeless on the surface of the lake. When this fish problem was first noticed, Dauphin County contacted the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission immediately. After studying the issue, the Commission has assured the staff and public that the problem is NOT pollution-related. Rather, it arose as the tragic consequence of several natural factors.

The area’s recent lack of rainfall brought water levels down a few inches below normal, causing a lower oxygen level in the water and additional stress for the carp. Spawning compounded this stress, causing some fish to die. Also, fish become more active during spawning season and sometimes swim into objects, which can lead to injury or infection, and even death. Lower water levels and lack of coverage from water lotus leaves have made the die-off even more noticeable.

The Friends assure the public that the fish and our other creatures are being closely monitored and well cared for here at Wildwood. A sign was also posted on the door of the Olewine Nature Center to explain the carp kill to the public. We expect the number of healthy and active carp to rebound quickly.

American Lotus Blooming!

The American Lotus will be in bloom starting the third week in July and winding down the second week in August. The swamp-rose mallow (relative of the popular backyard perennial Hibiscus) will bloom at the same time producing an extensive series of colors throughout Wildwood wetlands. The North Boardwalk is an excellent trail to see the lotus, and it is wheel chair accessible. From the Olewine Nature Center, it is one-mile to the bird blind at the end of the North Boardwalk (best viewing area). Maps available inside the Nature Center.

Monarch Butterfly Project Update

The Friends of Wildwood, as a group, has adopted a project to help with the recovery of the Monarch Butterflies by encouraging the planting of their one and only natural food source, Milkweed. Monarchs eat Milkweed as they develop from an egg into an adult butterfly. A number of factors including recent changes in farming practices have dramatically reduced the amount of Milkweed now available for Monarch Caterpillars to consume. Individuals can make a difference by giving this well-known creature a helping hand and planting Milkweed in areas all along their annual migration route. Seeds are currently available through Country Market (www.countrymarketnursery.com) or through the University of Kansas Monarch Watch program (monarchwatch.org). The Friends will also have a supply of seed packets available at the Nature Store in the Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center available upon request. Read more about how you can help create a Monarch Way Station in your own back yard at monarchwatch.org.

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