Town of Dune Acres

11/04/2023

TODAY’S TIDBIT – Burning Bush

Many people look at this picture and think “How beautiful!”, but those of us in the conservation world look at this and CRINGE!

If you want to see something scary on Halloween, just look at what burning bush can do to the environment. It is an invasive species; a non-native species whose introduction causes economic, human, and/or environmental harm.

In the case of burning bush, it spreads out beyond our yards into the surrounding woods displacing native shrubs and tree seedlings. Once established, burning bush grows so densely that it out-competes most native plants.

When I first moved into my home 1 year ago there was a big burning bush right in the front yard. My husband actually stopped unpacking to cut it down for me. I’m still finding burning bush popping up in the wood line all along my property.

Consider replacing the burning bush in your landscaping with one of these native plants that also have beautiful fall color: Bottlebrush Buckeye, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Chokeberry or Sweetspire.

11/01/2023

10/27/2023

In the 9.5 years open to the public, this is only the 2nd Long-Earred Owl ever to be admitted to our center. This small, migratory owl was found in the middle of the road in Portage around 4am this morning after it had been struck by a vehicle. Rescuers met staff at the center at 7am this morning where we were able to get it into care and immediately begin an exam. The damage to this birds humorus and shoulder are extensive. Vehicle collisions with smaller birds are disastrous. This year we have seen so many horrific injuries to birds due to vehicular collisions.

Birds of prey hunt along roadways because rodents and small mammals are often present there. Rodents and mammals are present there due to garbage and litter discarded by people. We, as a community, can do better to protect our wildlife by not littering. We can do better by watching the roadways while driving, paying attention, and driving the speed limit. Migration season means millions of birds are on the move right now.

Long-eared Owls roost in dense vegetation and forage in open grasslands or shrublands; also open coniferous or deciduous woodlands. They occur at elevations ranging from near sea level to above 6,500 feet. Long-eared Owls hunt on the wing, coursing back and forth low above open ground. They may also hover over prey, or hunt from perches in strong winds. They kill small mammals with a bite to the back of the skull, and often swallow their prey whole. Nesting Long-eared Owls sometimes form loose colonies, occupying nests as close as 50 feet apart. They may also share nesting areas with American Crows and Black-billed Magpies. Outside of breeding season, the owls roost in groups of up to 100 birds!!

www.humaneindiana.org/wildlife-donate

09/24/2023

Unveiling of Dune Acres’ centennial painting by artist Mitch Markovitz.

09/15/2023

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a notoriously challenging invasive tree to manage. Purdue Extension has just released a new fact sheet that not only provides information on identifying this tree and understanding its impacts, but also detailed best management guidance. Download the fact sheet athttps://extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-633-W.pdf

The Ohio State University also has an excellent factsheet on this species, available at https://woodlandstewards.osu.edu/sites/woodlands/files/d6/files/pubfiles/F_65_09_rev2013.pdf.

09/01/2023

08/22/2023

https://www.npr.org/2023/08/22/1195172505/why-some-homeowners-are-choosing-to-replace-there-lawns-with-native-plants

While some cities don't like the way the native plants look, others are encouraging the climate-friendly swap.

08/21/2023

The IndyStar showed the hellbender salamander more love in Sunday's paper, and this endangered creature sure needs it! This is an amazing partner effort with Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources and Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Check out the online article at https://nature.ly/3KJSFly

08/21/2023

https://mailchi.mp/a6d064a5acf1/da-centennial-celebration-sept23?e=3a197b4626

***Please note that paper RSVPs & payment drop off for cash/checks at Security Office are NO LONGER NEEDED if using the digital RSVP & PAYMENT LINKS BELOW! DA CENTENNIAL PARTY – SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23 @ 6pm

08/19/2023

https://mailchi.mp/3c958fb86883/fall-planting-tips

From time to time, residents ask for suggestions on native plant selection and, more generally, about how best to care for one's property in Dune Acres. The town website has a page dedicated to such matters — Natural Landscaping in Dune Acres — that includes links to a number of excellent...