Rockin’ With The Walkingstick

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Rockin’ With The Walkingstick

By Doug Pifer

I found a walkingstick on the porch. I’ve loved these charming insects since I was a kid. Nearly three inches long, they look like animated twigs. And they rock!

Walkingsticks usually stay in the leafy canopy of shade trees, where they feed on the leaves of oak, cherry, basswood, and many other trees. Colors range from green to gray and various shades of brown among the females. Male walkingsticks are slightly smaller and tend to look more or less alike.  What‘s remarkable is how much they look like thin twigs, right down to the tiniest details.

Walkingsticks seem to know they’re invisible in the trees. They remain motionless a long time, quietly munching leaves. Now and then they sway from side to side on their legs. Rocking may change speed or duration, and stops as suddenly as it starts. Sometimes they rock while walking, which really makes me laugh. It’s as if they’re jamming to music only they can hear.

Biologists debate why walkingsticks rock. Is it a response to disturbance? Does it serve to further camouflage the insect, imitating the sway of plants in the wind? It may be how the insect adjusts its vision and gauges distance while moving from place to place. No one seems to be sure. I’ve seen this behavior in other animals: praying mantises rock while stalking prey, some shorebirds walk with a rocking gait, and spiders rock when their webs are disturbed. But nobody rocks like a walking stick.

For walkingsticks life seems simple. They eat and they prefer the company of the opposite sex. Adult males wander until they find a female. The male hooks his claspers around the female’s abdomen and then stays that way, all the time. This isn’t just about sex—they seem to prefer life in tandem. Pairs feed, rest and move about, day and night, joined together.

As a kid I raised walkingsticks one summer. I built them a cage of window screen and fed them fresh tree leaves that I periodically sprinkled with water. At one point I kept six of them together, and for the most part they got along peacefully in connected pairs. If a single male approached a pair, the guys would slug it out, the stranger trying to knock the paired male off. The females dropped eggs randomly. These I kept over winter, and some hatched the following spring.

The glossy eggs were the size of flax seed, football shaped, coffee-brown with a light tan stripe. Walking through a woods in late summer where walkingsticks abound, you can hear their eggs hitting the forest floor with a patter like rain.

Walkingsticks sometimes become so numerous they can defoliate trees with their feeding. But since these wingless insects can’t travel far, it’s generally a local problem. Foresters say walkingsticks actually benefit the woodland environment by opening up the leafy canopy. Such openings allow sun to penetrate, stimulating plant growth and creating habitat diversity.

Orange Dogs Fly North

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Orange Dogs Fly North

By Doug Pifer

On the last day of the art workshop I was leading, where a year ago I saw my first Hickory Horned Devil, I saw another rare insect. A giant swallowtail, a wanderer from the south, came sailing in to quench its thirst in the wet mud next to the barn.

The workshop was being held in a studio in Gale and Malcolm’s barn. A hose and a pan had been set up outside the door for washing and cleanup. During the week the ground had became muddy there from constant wetting. The weather had been dry, and I’d noticed considerable butterfly activity around the wet grass all week long.  But today’s butterfly was different!

I had seen giant swallowtails once or twice, although only a glimpse. Sometimes one swept into our garden, stopping to hover at a flower, then soaring off on wings big as a man’s hand. Sometimes I realized what I’d seen only afterwards. But today’s visitor seemed to be in no hurry. For nearly a half hour it lingered and unfurled its long black proboscis to sip moisture from the mud.

Giant swallowtails are the largest butterflies in the East, with a wingspan of up to eight inches. Normally they live in the South where their larvae eat the leaves of citrus trees. Occasionally abundant enough to damage orange groves, these caterpillars are called orange dogs. They’re brown and white and resemble bird droppings. When disturbed or handled, they extrude a bright orange hornlike projection from their front end that produces a strong chemical scent, presumably to discourage predators.

Giant swallowtails are irruptive, meaning they make sporadic movements into the northern states in years when their populations spike.  In the past couple years they’ve been reported as far north as Ontario and Quebec. Sometimes they live in small breeding colonies well north of the range of citrus crops feeding on such non-citrus plants as wafer ash, prickly ash, and rue.

The butterfly’s faded, ragged appearance (I spruced it up in the drawing that accompanies this article) led me to imagine this individual giant swallowtail butterfly had actually made the trip from the sunshine state. It looked strangely tropical and exotic. A dramatic sweep of creamy spots boldly emphasized the breadth of its wings. Underneath, its wings and body were a deep creamy yellow. When the sun shone through its wings it was truly spectacular. The pattern on the upper surfaces reflecting through them made it look awash with Florida sunshine.

Its thirst finally quenched, the wandering orange dog moved on.

Bar C Ranch On Tour

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Bar C Ranch On Tour

By Annie Young

Farms are teeming with life. It’s partly why people are drawn to them. People love the idea of places where life is sprouting up, growing and crowing all around us. Bar C Ranch is overflowing with a huge diversity of life. I challenge anyone to find a farm with more variety of animals in the county. At last count, they have 74 different animals. They all have names, they all have strong characters, and they are all part of the family.

When I pulled up to Bar C Ranch my baby girl and I are greeted by happy, free range chickens. Chickens were the first animals besides cats and dogs that Jennifer, co-owner of Bar C Ranch, had growing up in suburban Northern Virginia. After she earned a degree in animal science from Virginia Tech, Wil and Jennifer dreamed of having their own traveling zoo while working together in California. As they traveled and cared for the animals, they fell in love with the lifestyle. They started small with a dog, a turkey, and some goats. The Catons moved to Clarke County in 2000. Working other jobs, they slowly built up their ranch with an eclectic menagerie of well loved animals. When the housing bubble burst, Wil took the chance to jump in full time with Jennifer. They haven’t looked back.

After the chickens greet us, a baby pot belly pig named Nacho ambles over and wants a little back scratch. Two friendly dogs give us a nod as we knock on the door. Then Morgan, Wil and Jennifer’s daughter, greets us with a huge smile. Nacho leads the way into the house. He’s learning how to use a litter box and everyone is patient as he works on gaining that skill. Jennifer lights up the room with her smile and we feel as at home as Nacho.

The Caton’s son Brody and the dogs decide to stay in the cool of the house while Jennifer, Morgan, Nacho, my baby and I head out to see the animals. We all enter the paddock with an array of animals. Little baby bottle-fed goats and sheep skitter around. A donkey mama and her adorable baby cuddle together in the corner. Cavies, a South American mammal, have their own area to roam around. But most striking and attention-seeking is the baby camel, Gabe. His long eyelashes and soft fluff of fur are immediately endearing. At nine months this baby stands six feet tall. He gets confused and tries to play with the goats. Gabe eyes up Nacho, who is still leading the way. When I gently push Gabe away from chewing on our baby carrier straps, he whines like my own baby. I do a double take to see if it is really the camel that made that baby whine. We go over to see the porcupine that has a bit of an attitude, as you might expect a porcupine to have. Jennifer strokes his long quills affectionately. All the animals have been handled, socialized and respected.

Next we visit the tortoises and reptiles. They are lovingly called the “creepy crawlies.” Morgan picks up a Tokay gecko as some girls might cuddle their kitten. She named him Sweet Pea. The tortoises amble over to check us out. Even they seem to have an open, friendly expression. Jennifer tries to demonstrate how they protect themselves by covering their faces with their scaly arms if they are intimidated. But they are not the slightest bit nervous around her, and only move their relaxed arms a bit.

Some families struggle with packing to go on vacation with a few family members. The Catons are preparing to go on the road for several weeks together and they are taking almost everyone. Imagine a modern day Noah’s Ark as they pack the trailers with over 60 animals in kennels and tanks. The family will all go together and stay in the front part of the trailer set up like a camper. They’ll head up to Pennsylvania to various township and county fairs and festivals at the end of the summer.

Most importantly, when you visit their traveling zoo, you learn so much about the animals. Although Bar C Ranch is not open to visitors, you can see them locally at the upcoming Loudon County Fair. Not only do the Catons care for their animals’ individual needs, but they are very knowledgeable about each animal. They value sharing this information with visitors so that people have a chance to connect and care for the animals and the world we share.

First Aid Kit for Your Pet

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First Aid Kit for Your Pet

By Dr. Catherine Reiss

One of the best ways to be prepared for your pet’s emergency is to have a basic first aid kit available. It could be a backpack or a fancy tackle box—both are great projects for kids to decorate!

Here is my list of “must have” items:

Hydrogen peroxide: Use this to induce vomiting in dogs (sorry, it’s not so easy in cats, but they also tend to be a bit smarter about what they get into). Call for dosing, as it is important not to give too much, and only with certain toxins. You can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 for any toxin exposure.

Benadryl: Be sure to call a vet for the correct dosing. However, with allergic reactions, giving this medication early can help decrease the reaction. All pets should be evaluated by their vet even after given Benadryl.

Thermometer: Normal rectal temperature for the dog and cat is between 100.5 and 102.5.

Eye flush: This is just the plain saline solution you can buy at any pharmacy.

List of emergency numbers: This list should include our primary vet, their recommendations for emergency care, directions to each doctor on the list, telephone number for the poison control line, your county animal control officer, and friends/neighbors who could help with transport, if needed.

Honey or karo syrup: Keep this for use with young or diabetic pets, in case of collapse from low blood sugar.

Transport device: Leash for dogs, carrier for cats

Quick Stop: Use this or other coagulation agent to stop bleeding from broken nails—do NOT apply to other bleeding sites. This material can be purchased at any pet store.

Bandage material: 4×4 gauze squares in sterile packages, rolled cotton bandage to hold the gauze in place, and vet wrap (called “hurt free wrap” at pharmacies) to be applied over the gauze and cotton to apply a mild pressure wrap. Be aware to not apply too tightly.

Next, I think it is also important to know what NOT to do at home without consulting a veterinarian. Do not:

  • Apply ointments to wounds.
  • Hose wounds or wash bloody/dirty pets, as it can worsen infection and cause serious hypothermia.
  • And please, do not give human pain medication! Most human medications are not safe for your pets, and they interfere with the appropriate medications that we need to give.

When trying to transport an injured or scared pet, it is important to think about your own safety as well. Painful and fearful animals can react in ways they normally would not, making it is easy for you to get bitten or scratched. You can use a large towel or comforter to gently scoop up a cat or small dog. Wrapping a leash around a dog’s mouth in a gentle way to prevent them from opening it can serve as a temporary muzzle, but be sure to remove it quickly to allow panting.

Remember, the best way to help your pet is to get to a veterinarian! There is only so much that can be done at home, and your vet is the best person to evaluate the situation and determine treatment. Prompt care is key!

Understand emergencies are always unexpected and scary for everyone involved. Having a plan and supplies ready at home can help you through a tough situation. It can also give your pet the best chance of a speedy recovery.

 

Dr. Catherine Reiss practices at Valley Veterinary Emergency & Referral Center, 210 Costello Drive in Winchester.

In public education, everyone an owner

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Few things arouse our passions and evoke our unbridled opinions like our public school systems. No surprise there. Everyone is an owner. Everyone, either directly or indirectly, pays into the system. And everyone benefits from education, either as a student or as a member of a society with an expanded knowledge base and literacy rate—at least, we hope.

Education is locally administered, but we kid ourselves if we think that’s where all the authority lies. It starts with federal requirements formulated through endless studies by consultants and data crunchers who have never spent a day as classroom teachers. There are advocacy groups representing a stunning array of interests lobbying Congress and the Administration, who, through the ages—aided by gaggles of judges—make their own imprints on what happens in classrooms.

At the state level another group of cooks messes with the stew, mandating additional requirements based on even more data and more studies and more advocacy by parents’ groups, employee associations and teacher groups, business groups, anti-tax crusaders and so on.

By the time it gets to the local level, any real debate takes place around the edges, and the best we can hope for out of administrators is a level of competence, because neither they nor the boards really have much authority.

Ask a teacher to show you the curriculum they’re mandated to follow on any classroom subject. A ream of paper per course outlines not only what must be covered, but what each student is expected to know by the end of the term—each student, regardless of household circumstances, learning ability, parental educational attainment or native language, or whether the student cares one iota about learning a darned thing.

We need to acknowledge it. Everyone who complains about the state of public education has had a hand in making it what it is. We got what we wanted—public officials who responded when we made some noise. Trouble is, we all want something.

In many ways, Clarke County, Va., is a microcosm of Any County, USA. Mandated programs and courses are putting the squeeze on electives and extra-curricular activities. Performing and fine arts are especially hard hit, as is happening here. This, at a time when business leaders are crying out for creative problem solvers—not just techies. Let’s face it; these days every kid is a techie. Hand a mobile device to an infant, and she’ll text a takeout order for mother’s milk.

Another trend is the emergence of groups rallying to pick up the slack for lost funding—particularly funding supporting programs that encourage excellence and student achievement. There is a longtime effort here in Clarke County that’s getting some in wind its sails.

Both topics—the squeeze and the rally—are explored in this edition of The Observer.

Local Biz

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Battletown Animal Clinic Now Offers Grooming

Battletown Animal Clinic has provided veterinary services to Berryville residents and their pets for 30 years. Now Battletown’s patients at the clinic can drop in as customers at the clinic’s new grooming salon for pets.

Located adjacent to the clinic on Lord Fairfax Highway, Berryville, Battletown Grooming is staffed by Megan Flook and Ginny Birdsong, who together have over 10 years of experience in grooming. The high tech grooming salon offers lift tables, a large shower room, and quick dryers for a fast, comfortable experience for pets—all in keeping with the Battletown motto, “We pamper from nose to toes.”

Battletown’s medical services for pets include internal medicine, surgery, laser therapy, comprehensive eye exams, dental services, and lab services like EKGs, blood pressure screenings, ultrasound, and radiography. Battletown also offers small-animal intensive care for post-op and sick and newborn animals. In all, it’s a small-town vet offering large scale services.

“In caring for pets, we’ve always strived to be compassionate and caring,” said founder Dr. Jerry Henke, who opened Battletown in 1983. The grooming salon, he says, will offer the same level of care.

“It will be perfect for animals who are too big for their owners to bathe at home, also for those animals with sensitive skin,” said Henke.

Battletown Animal Clinic and salon is located at 3823 Lord Fairfax Highway, Berryville. Visit www.battletownanimalclinic.com for information. Call 540-955-2171 for the veterinary office. Reach the Battletown Grooming at 540-955-1151.

Otter Creek Millwork

Building booms come and go. Styles change, then revert back again. Through it all, one company has been a constant in Clarke County: Otter Creek Millwork. Founder Tom McCleod has been in the building business for over 30 years, many of them as the local certified provider of Marvin Windows and Doors.

“We do a mix of new construction, renovations, and additions,” said McCleod, adding that the additions and renovations form the bulk of Otter Creek’s business.

McCleod has worked with a range of high-end window and door manufacturers, but he is sold on Marvin. “I like the consistency in their manufacturing standards, and the support and service you get from the company,” said McCleod.

McCleod says he also likes the range of products available from Marvin, making it possible to fit every taste and budget.

About a year and a half ago McCleod’s son Matt joined the family business. “He had never had a big interest in the business,” said father Tom. “But I needed help, and he happened to be looking for a change after working at a big telecom company.” Now Matt handles sales and estimating so that Tom can focus on working onsite.

“In a small company, though, you do everything,” said Tom. “Matt does the sales, but he’ll also be on the job sometimes.”

Otter Creek is a Clarke County company, doing business also in Winchester, Frederick County and western Loudoun.

Otter Creek Millwork is located at 10 S. Greenway Avenue, Boyce, “just off Route 340, underneath the water tower.” Find them oat Facebook.com/OtterCreekMillwork, or see them online at ottercreekmillwork.com  Call them at 540-837-9351.

To Help A Box Turtle

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To Help A Box  Turtle

By Doug Pifer

I’m worried. I have yet to see a box turtle this year. Box turtles are fist-sized land turtles so named because the underside of their plastron (the flat, bottom half of the shell that rests on the ground) is hinged like the lid on a box, so it can close tightly to protect the head and forelegs.

Box turtles hibernate during cold weather in the safety of burrows under piles of leaves and brush, remaining dormant until spring, when they travel to mate and lay eggs. Box turtles spend warm summer days asleep in the shade. In the cool hours of the morning and evening, or when it rains, they wander around looking for worms, berries, snails, and carrion.

I worry because all their travels expose turtles to people.

People and turtles have an uneasy relationship: we love and destroy them.  Native Americans in the Northeast revered turtles, but also ate them and used their shells for ceremonial rattles and talismans. Historians believe natives removed turtles from widespread areas to a point where they never recovered. Europeans built roads and broke up the forests, making the countryside much more attractive to the box turtle’s natural enemies, those egg-eating skunks and raccoons. Today, vehicles on highways kill far more turtles than the Indians ever did.

Even when we love turtles, we hurt them. For example, two people found box turtles along a highway. A thoughtful woman saw a box turtle whose shell had been broken, took it to a wildlife center, and drove on to where she was going—never thinking to tell them where she found the turtle. A kind man brought a highway-stranded turtle home, thinking it might make a cute family pet. Box turtles like to be fed but don’t like captivity. Feeling sorry for the turtle, his family released it in their backyard.

But didn’t both stories end up all right? Not for the turtles.

Wildlife rehabilitators can mend broken turtles. But they must know where to release them, otherwise the turtles have to languish in a permanent home for “rescued” box turtles. Box turtles are homebodies who prefer to stay in a home range of less than two acres. If they don’t find their way home they keep going, not necessarily in a homeward direction. Eventually they cross a busy highway where their journey will end.

To really help this beautiful turtle when you see one crossing a highway, safely pull your vehicle to the side of the road and walk back to the turtle—be sure to obey all traffic rules. Pick the turtle up behind the front legs, and carry it to the side of the road where it seemed to be headed, holding it well away from you (the worst most box turtles will do is to release a stream of urine). Set the turtle down well away from the highway, then walk away.

If the turtle appears injured, contact the nearest wildlife rehab center. Blue Ridge Wildife Center, Tilthammer Mill Road, in Millwood, serves Clarke and surrounding counties (540-837-9000, www.blueridgewildlife.org). Be sure to leave directions to where you found the turtle, so they can release it nearby after it recovers!

Life is sweet at Wild Hickory Farm

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By Annie Young

Living off of ingenuity and creativity, Travis and Joyce Miller have always valued being self reliant. They lived simply, gardened, canned, and cut sustainable firewood before it was a trend to “go green.” Their newest venture is bringing sweetness to people across the country—even around the world. Falling Bark Hickory Syrups, formally Wildwood Hickory Syrup, is a thriving small business tucked into the ridge along the Shenandoah River in Clarke County.

Two years ago the Millers decided to experiment with taking products to farmers markets. After trying a few other products, they found a process to make syrup from hickory bark. Hickory bark extract was once used by the Iroquois to help with arthritis pain. Hickory has the highest magnesium content of any plant source.

Shagbark hickory is the Millers’ species. This hickory naturally sheds its bark so no tree is harmed in the making of the syrup. The extraction process they use begins with sourcing the bark locally, starting in their own back woods. Then they clean, roast, filter, and age it, then combine the extract with turbinado sugar to create the syrup. The syrup is made in small batches carefully overseen by Travis or Joyce. A hydrometer is used to carefully monitor the sugar content. Travis and Joyce do all the work from bark to bottled syrup. They call themselves the “international production team.”

“The business has taken on a life of its own,” said Joyce. Now they are developing new products. They started making vanilla flavored syrup from organic vanilla beans. That led to making and selling vanilla extract. Other products include brandy vanilla syrup and seasonal barrel-aged rye whiskey syrup using barrels from Catoctin Creek Distillery. The syrup is aged 100 days in the used barrels. It is made and sold at Christmastime. The Millers also have honey bees, and produce a line of flavored honeys with orange, vanilla, lemon, cinnamon, lavender, chili, and lime. Is your mouth watering yet?

The syrup and honey aren’t just for breakfast. Syrups can be used for grilling glazes, marinades, sauces, salad dressing, and baking. Recipes and ideas are available on their website. Joyce’s favorite is the original flavor on ice cream. Ben and Jerry’s must have heard about this one—the Millers were surprised to find themselves shipping syrup to their Burlington, Vermont factory.

So where can you find some syrup for yourself? Falling Bark Hickory Syrup has partners with over 125 vendors including farmers markets, craft festivals, restaurants, and now, regional Whole Foods. They ship to every state and, occasionally, to places outside the U.S. You can find them in Clarke County at The Cookie Guys, Locke Country Store, Mt. Airy Farm Market, and Moose Apple Christmas Tree Farm.

Historic venues like Mt. Vernon, Morven Park, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, and Monticello also carry their product in their gift shops. A signature label is made to fit the historic museum or home, but the product remains the same sweet, smoky flavor.

Local restaurants L’ Auberge Provencale, One Block West, Tuscarora Mill, Patowmack Farm Restaurant, and Ashby Inn also serve it. The chefs enjoy having a new local ingredient to highlight in their menus. Some restaurant bartenders even put it in cocktails. Wild crafting is very popular with chefs as the “Eat Local” movement expands.

Other local farms have partnered with them, as well. Oak Hart offers it with their CSA, and Liberty Hill takes it to market with their products.

This year the Millers hope to double production. Family, including their two sons, help more and more as demand increases. And they are continually meeting people and making new connections. Each time they talk to customers, they say, they never know where that transaction may lead. But they never forget their roots, family and community support.

“We thank everyone for supporting us from the tiniest to the largest. Our lives have changed,” said Joyce. As you enjoy drizzling or downright pouring the unique flavored syrup on your food, remember what the Millers say, “Life is sweet, syrup happens!”

For information on where to find Wildwood Hickory Syrup or to order online, visit www.fallingbarkfarm.com, or call 540-327-0387. Look for them at the Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival in June.

The Mysterious Bloodroot

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The Mysterious Bloodroot

By Doug Pifer

If you tramp the woods in early spring while it’s still freezing at night but the days start to warm up, you might run across a colony of one of my favorite spring wildflowers. Your timing has to be just right, because the milk-white flowers of the bloodroot last only a couple weeks.

Bloodroot is among the earliest spring ephemerals—delicate, low growing wildflowers that carpet the woods just before the trees leaf out, and then go dormant for the summer. It gets its name from the fleshy rhizome that spreads just below the ground, creating colonies of plants. Picked, cut, or broken, the reddish rhizome “bleeds”—exuding dark sap the color and texture of blood.

For many years we were tenants in a farmhouse at the end of a long lane that wound uphill through the woods. There among the limestone outcrops, bloodroot bloomed every spring. First a few flowers, then the entire colony would whiten the woods like a lingering snow patch between the rocks. Since then the farm was sold and the entire hill—woods, rocks and all—was bulldozed and leveled to create a gigantic warehouse. Our flowers are no more.

The bloodroot’s beauty is both graphic and sculptural. First a rolled up leaf pokes through the leaf littered soil like a gray-green, rolled up cigar. Before it completely unfurls, a single stem and flower bud pokes up along the center. The flower opens about 5 inches above the ground while the leaf is still curled around its stem. Eight to sixteen white petals radiate from the bright yellow reproductive parts. On sunny days, the petals make a sunburst up to 4 inches across. Otherwise the flower remains closed. Individual flowers last only two days, and in a week or two the whole show is over for the year. A seed capsule forms atop the spindle-straight stem while the lobed leaves, still dull green, open to the size of a human hand. Their texture is pebbly on top, veiny underneath.

By summer, the bloodroot’s leaves wither, and the seed capsule turns yellow and falls to the ground. The plant goes dormant but the cycle is far from over.

Seeds of bloodroot have a fleshy coating that attracts ants. The insects carry the seeds into their underground colonies where they eat the fleshy part. The seeds then germinate, having been planted and fertilized with “frass” (a rich combination of insect parts, ant poop, and ant garbage) by the ant colony.

Known as Sanguinaria to scientists and herbalists, bloodroot’s medicinal value isn’t well studied or understood. Native Americans reportedly used it to cure rheumatism, as face paint, and as a love potion. (If a young man secretly marked the hand of his intended with bloodroot juice, she’d agree to marry him in two weeks).

Bloodroot components have been used commercially in mouthwashes and toothpaste, but full strength juice can damage the skin. Several folk healers have gotten into trouble in recent years after administering Sanguinaria as a cancer cure.