Fall 2022

American Burying Beetles

Despite the oppressive heat on June 21st, I was prepared and excited to be back to Taberville Prairie.  In the summer of 2020, I worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation at the Clinton Office as a seasonal employee for the Patch Burn Grazing with Cattle Study to get more in touch with Missouri’s prairies.  I fell in love with the rolling expanse, and the hidden vibrant life amongst the native grasses and flowers.  But this would be my first burying beetle experience.
Burying beetles are part of our natural prairie ecosystem, and their numbers are in trouble.  Groups such as the Center for American Burying Beetle Conservation from St. Louis with the director Bob Merz, members from the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Springfield Zoo, Missouri Master Naturalists, Bass Pro’s Natural Museum, Wichita Kansas Zoo, and others have helped to reintroduce them back to Missouri and was present that day. 
Everyone met at the MDC Eldorado Office first to make introductions and discuss the scope of work.  Members of the Hi Lonesome Chapter that were present were Marge Lumpe, Missy Zimmerschied, Ryan Steffens and myself.  After Bob Merz talked about what we would do, everyone either drove or carpooled to the first site.
There were two separate burying beetle sites each marked with string and flags where the homes for beetles would go.  That day it was oppressively hot, but thankfully there was plenty of help, and the 1st site was not a far walk.  There was cold bottled water on standby for everyone as well.  Since there were many people present, others who were working hard could take a break easily.
We were to dig about 12 holes, each the size of a dinner plate, taking care to create a plug with the dinner plate because it would go back into the ground to protect the beetles. The hole was several inches down; an additional chamber was dug about fist deep, and a few inches up from the bottom to protect them from water.
It being my first time, I chose to walk about and help where I could. I brought people shovels when they needed it, helped with digging holes and chambers, asked them if they needed water, and provided shade with an umbrella that I had brought (My Master Naturalist umbrella of course!).
Everyone met at the MDC Eldorado Office first to make introductions and discuss the scope of work.  Members of the Hi Lonesome Chapter that were present were Marge Lumpe, Missy Zimmerschied, Ryan Steffens and myself.  After Bob Merz talked about what we would do, everyone either drove or carpooled to the first site.
There were two separate burying beetle sites each marked with string and flags where the homes for beetles would go.  That day it was oppressively hot, but thankfully there was plenty of help, and the 1st site was not a far walk.  There was cold bottled water on standby for everyone as well.  Since there were many people present, others who were working hard could take a break easily.
We were to dig about 12 holes, each the size of a dinner plate, taking care to create a plug with the dinner plate because it would go back into the ground to protect the beetles. The hole was several inches down; an additional chamber was dug about fist deep, and a few inches up from the bottom to protect them from water.
It being my first time, I chose to walk about and help where I could. I brought people shovels when they needed it, helped with digging holes and chambers, asked them if they needed water, and provided shade with an umbrella that I had brought (My Master Naturalist umbrella of course!).
When the holes were ready, I put on a pair of gloves that were provided and got a dead quail that would go into the chamber.  Then I went back to get the precious cargo.  Both male and female were separated in small square containers.  When I got my separated pair, the rubber bands that held the two plastic cases together were to go around my wrists in order to protect the beetles.
First I put the male in the chamber with the quail, before that everyone had the chance to get a picture with the cute orange and black critters.  I found him hiding under the paper towels and his mealworm snack.  Gently I grabbed him, but he was not ready to come out.  He chittered at me, the best way I can describe the noise he made.  He had no idea the freedom he was about to have! I was able to put him into the hole in the chamber.  I got the female out of her separate closure smoothly and into the chamber with the male, just as everyone else did.
This would give them a head start, with equal male to female ratios, no need to compete for mates or for food.  They could focus on secreting their fluids on the quail, and create new generations of beetles then spread out and create more homes.  The plug was placed over top and covered around the edges.  A mesh wire was laid over top and steaks were driven to pin the wire down to protect them from hungry nosey predators.
My group left after the first site was done, as there were still plenty of people to dig the second site.  As a parting gift, everyone was given a great gray colored hat that had an embroidered burying beetle on it with the words Center for American Burying Beetle Conservation.  It’s amazing all the hard work that the St. Louis Zoo, Missouri Department of Conservation, Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Roger Williams Park Zoo and many other partners and volunteers are doing to bring back this absolutely fascinating insect back to Missouri.
Thanks to Marge, Missy, and Ryan for their help and friendship. It was a memorable day.
-Andrea Goldstrom
A Busy Summer
At the State Fair, Paul and I participated in the invasive species event. This was our second year. Ryan joined us this year. Paul was quite the success with his collection of wild edibles, especially the bugs!  I again, had my pressed flowers. I was a little surprised that some of the visitors had seen me last year and had made their own press using the plans they got from me. I hope to add something interactive if we are asked back next year.

On August 30, Andrea and I attended a virtual meeting/training of International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). There were several people in attendance, and I noticed many were Master Naturalist somewhere in the state. There was a lot of discussion about the different events going on and how to address some of the difficult questions often asked. There was a lot of useful information we just may be able to put into practice at our first IDA event October 21 at Bothwell Lodge.

 
Marge had about 100 native plants to place into a new garden. The area had been home to some hedges. Mervin Wallace designed a garden and then delivered the plants and mulch on September 7th. On Sunday Donnie, Kim and I arrived at Marge’s house at 1pm. By about 2pm all the plants were in the ground. Shortly thereafter, we all got a surprise when Mervin showed up. Marge had gone for pizza. The mulching began in earnest. Mervin watered everything. By the time Ryan got there after work, the garden was done. The weather was very nice all the while. We can hardly wait to see the garden in all its glory.
-Roxanne Stockdall
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Check out our webpage: hilonesome.missourimasternaturalist.org to report your hours, find upcoming Advanced Training and Community Service opportunities. Check out the photos in the photo gallery on our home page!  Send any photos you have to Jerry Barnabee and he will get them added in.  
  Check your already posted hours to make sure they are correct.  If you have any questions or concerns, let Roxanne Stockdall know.
 
Save the Date!
Chapter Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month at 6 pm at
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Cole Camp.  

 
Upcoming Events
October 1 - MPF Evening on the Prairie, Annual Member Meeting & Prairie Dedication. Goodnight-Henry Prairie. Guided hikes at 2 and 3pm. Dedication at 4pm. A brief member meeting to elect directors. A social hour with complimentary beverages will begin at 5pm followed by a ticketed barbecue dinner. Tent camping available for the night of Oct. 1. All free except for optional, ticketed dinner.

October 4 - Chapter Meeting at 6 p.m. in Cole Camp.

October 5 - Film: Microplastic Madness (MRBO)  If you want to participate in the Panel Discussion of this movie on Oct. 5, you need to watch the movie beforehand. I think the webpage said the movie is available until Sept. 30 but please check out the MRBO website to be sure.

October 8 - Fall Global Big Day of Birding. You can bird anywhere, any time on this day.

October 21 - International Dark-Sky at Bothwell Lodge, Sedalia.  Presentations by Tim White & the Camdenton County Astronomy Club on Light Pollution and Telescopes along with stargazing & a craft. Back-up date: Oct. 22.

November 1 - Chapter Meeting at 6 p.m. in Cole Camp.

December 6 - Chapter Meeting at 6 p.m. in Cole Camp. Advanced training: Marge Lumpe

December - 2022 Christmas Bird Count. See website for details.