Silver Creek Stream Conditions - Real Time

What are the conditions like at Silver Creek today? Now you can check stream flows, water levels and water temperatures--in real time.

Good News For Silver Creek

A cold mud snail is a dead mud snail.

The 2007 Summer Season at Silver Creek

It is an early spring at the Silver Creek Preserve—the sandhill cranes are coming back a couple at a time and the mayfly hatches have already begun. Rainbow trout are moving upstream to spawn and the snow has long since melted. As the summer approaches, we look forward to another amazing season, full of bird sightings, fish stories and beautiful sunrises. These are some just of the wonders The Nature Conservancy hopes to preserve for future generations. We are grateful to all our partners in conservation, to all of the landowners who have contributed conservation protection agreements, and to everyone who values the natural world and its many wonders. In the seasons and years to come we hope to continue our protection work while building stronger relationships in the community. Feel free to contact us at any time for information about our work, for help with your projects, volunteer information, or any other questions you may have.

We hope to see you this spring and summer!

Update on 2007 Projects:

NEW!!! Real Time Gauge-

You will soon be able to log onto the computer and find out stream flow information for Silver
Creek. We have commissioned the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to install a real-time water gauge at the sportsman’s access that will measure Silver Creek flows and temperatures. This information will be immediately available on line and will be complete early in the summer.
NEW!!! Weather site-

Check the weather before visiting the creek! The Silver Creek weather site is nearly complete. Until then, you can still check www. usbr.gov/pn/agrimet (site PICI for Picabo) for weather updates every hour!!
Kilpatrick Pond feasibility study-

This winter, The Nature Conservancy initiated an investigation of Kilpatrick Pond and the pond’s temperature and sediment issues. Gillilan & Associates of Bozeman, MT. helped us to develop restoration alternatives focused on enhancing the ecological attributes of the creek. The report is available on savesilvercreek.com or by calling the Silver Creek office.
Macroinvertibrate (bugs) study-

Nick Whitacker of the University of Idaho will be completing his master’s thesis this spring. Nick was looking at insect populations throughout the Silver Creek system and how they were affected by the 2006 flood.
Fish and macroinvertibrate sampling-

The Idaho Department Fish and Game as well as the USGS will be doing fish and macroinvertibrate sampling this year. They are on a three-year rotation and will be shocking fish both during the day and at night to gather population information. Let us know if you want to help.
Upland Restoration-

Several projects will focus on restoring upland areas where weeds have taken over, as well as restoring agricultural lands to native vegetation. The areas will be treated for weeds and then seeded with a mixture of native shrubs, grasses and forbes. We will begin with 25 acres near the office this spring, and the project will continue for several years. We hope to enhance the bird habitat as well as enhance the wildlife corridor between Stalker Creek and the Picabo Hills.
Monitoring-

We are continually learning from past projects, practices, and strategies. Monitoring is one of our most important learning tools, so we will be continuing the monitoring of conservation projects, water quality, and wildlife that have been conducted for the past several years. Let us know if you are interested in helping or would like information on how to set up a monitoring protocol for your private lands.
New Zealand Mud Snail Update-

Chris James from the University of Idaho has been working on his master’s thesis for the past two years, investigating the mudnails in Silver Creek, including their populations, distributions, and impacts. For a CD of the completed thesis or a two-page summary, please contact the preserve office.

Involvement:
● Opening Day Party- Come join us to celebrate the launch of another fabulous summer season! Open house and barbecue at the visitor center, 3:30 – 7 pm on May 26th
● A Day at Silver Creek- The preserve staff will host ”A Day at Silver Creek” on July 28th , an all-day event that will include bird watching, fly tying, a nature walk, and a barbecue.
● Weed Night - In collaboration with Blaine County, the preserve staff will host an evening to learn about noxious weeds, invasive species, and different methods of control. Working together, we can develop a plan for invasive species control throughout the valley, June 13th
● Natural History Walks - Natural history walks will take place every other Saturday throughout the summer. Please call for a schedule or check on-line at www.idahonature.org
● ‘A Watershed Event- the Silver Creek Symposium’- TNC will be holding the second Silver Creek Symposium this fall. Details will be announced. Save the date!! Oct. 27th
● Visitor Center- The visitor center will be open daily from 8:30- 1:30, May 26- Sept 28.
● Volunteering- We always welcome volunteers, for the day or week or hour. Please contact us if you are interested.
● Information- You can always find information about Silver Creek and The Nature Conservancy at www.idahonature.org. In addition, www.savesilvercreek.com, has a wealth of information about Silver Creek. Compiling historic information about Silver Creek into a useable and accessible format is an ongoing process, so if you have specific questions, feel free to contact the Silver Creek office (788-7910).

Staff:
The preserve is fully staffed this year. Come by to meet the staff any time or give us a call if you are interested in joining the team!

● Trish Klahr, Watershed Manager
● Dayna Gross, Preserve Manager
● Keri York, Preserve Assistant
● Andy Pelsma, Intern
● Avery McKenzie, Intern
● Ruth Douglas, Frank Hayes, Jerry and Cheryl Jeffery—our full-time volunteers.


We look forward to seeing you out here this year!!!
Contact information:
P.O. Box 624
Picabo, Idaho 83348
(208) 788-7910 dayna_gross@tnc.org

Crooked Creek: A Sage Grouse Spectacle

Steve Grourke from The Nature Conservancy's Inland Northwest Office files this report of his recent trip to The Nature Conservancy's Crooked Creek Ranch, located in eastern Idaho 20 miles northwest of Dubois:

My recent journey from the forests of northern Idaho to the sagebrushcountry to the south was an epic adventure - measured in miles behind the wheel (almost 1000 miles round trip) and strutting sage grouse (50 plus!). Joined by my colleague, Jeanne Liston, and nine Nature Conservancy members over the course of two evenings, we were captivated by the sounds and sights of Idaho's most charismatic upland game bird.

Nature Conservancy ecologist Alan Sands led our group, which was participating in the first of six Explore Idaho field trips being held throughout the summer. Prior to our pre-dawn exodus to the blinds, spread out across the lekking area, Sands gave us an overview of the natural history of sage grouse and the habitat in which they exist. He also went over our plan of action, much like a coach would prepare his team before a big game. Alan told us that we might spook the grouse and they would leave the lek when we walked into the blinds at 5:30 a.m., but they would soon return and resume their springtime mating display. He was right. Before we even zipped up the sides of our blind, the birds were back - surrounding us on all sides.

Before our eyes had a chance to focus in on the birds, our ears were in tune with the plopping sounds of the birds deflating their air sacs in hopes of attracting a female. As the sun rose behind us, we could see males strutting in front of us with fanned tails. When a male stepped too close to a more dominant bird, the subordinate was chased away by a series of rapid and aggressive wing movements.

The scene was dramatic and inspiring for all of us. After more than two hours of glassing across the landscape with our binoculars and snapping pictures with our telephoto lenses, we counted more than 50 birds from distances ranging from 200 yards to 20 feet from our blind. Despite the strong winds and temperatures in low 20s, I've got my calendar marked already for a return next year.

Moose at Silver Creek

There's still a chill in the air, but spring has definitely arrived at Silver Creek, with all sorts of wildlife showing up on the creek and wetlands. Last week, these two moose made an appearance right in front of the Silver Creek office.

Join Nature Conservancy staff for a variety of spring and summer activities at the preserve.

North Idaho tree planting

On March 30, the Ecology and Conservation Biology Club from the University of Idaho came to The Nature Conservancy's Ball Creek Ranch, located in the Kootenai River Valley north of Bonners Ferry, for another volunteer work weekend.

This time I took them to assist local residents Mark and Delia Owens, authors of the bestselling African wildlife books Cry of the Kalahari and Secrets of the Savanna. The Owens now live in northern Idaho and are attempting to restore wetlands on their property in the Curley Creek
Valley. They Owens have an NRCS Wetland Reserve Program conservation easement, as well as a Nature Conservancy-owned conservation easement on their property.

The students spent the day planting willow, and other native shrub and tree species, in and around the wetlands. The students from the Ecology and Conservation Biology Club have assisted the Nature Conservancy's staff in planting thousands of trees over the past several seasons, and their volunteer efforts are greatly appreciated.

Justin Petty
Inland Northwest Land Steward, The Nature Conservancy

Idaho Environmental Forum

Listen on-line to Laura Hubbard, state director of The Nature Conservancy of Idaho, on how land conservation organizations are using new strategies in a rapidly changing Idaho.

TNC: The Next Generation

Elsie Grourke, daughter of Erin and Conservancy staffer Steve Grourke of our Coeur d'Alene office, already has the conservation spirit. Here she shows off just some of the Nature Conservancy's merchandise, available on-line.

Planet Earth airs Sunday

Planet Earth, an 11-part miniseries sponsored by The Nature Conservancy, airs Sunday beginning 7 pm MDT. The series offers a look at the world's habitats through some of the most dramatic wildlife cinematography ever shown; many animal species and animal behaviors are captured on film for the first time.

The series runs through April, with shows themed around habitat types of the world.

Learn more about the habitats and wildlife featured in the series, and tune in to see the wonders of wildlife that still roam Planet Earth:

PLANET EARTH airs on consecutive Sundays from March 25 through April 22, 2007, on Discovery Channel and in high definition on Discovery HD Theater.

POLE TO POLE
Airs Sunday, March 25 at 7 pm MDT

MOUNTAINS
Airs Sunday, March 25 at 8 pm MDT

DEEP OCEAN
Airs Sunday, March 25 at 9 pm MDT

DESERTS
Airs Sunday, April 1 at 8 pm MDT

ICE WORLDS
Airs Sunday, April 1 at 9 pm MDT

SHALLOW SEAS
Airs Sunday, April 8 at 8 pm MDT

GREAT PLAINS
Airs Sunday, April 8 at 9 pm MDT

JUNGLES
Airs Sunday April 15 at 8 pm MDT

FRESHWATER
Airs Sunday, April 15 at 9 pm MDT

FORESTS
Airs Sunday, April 22 at 8 pm MDT

CAVES
Airs Sunday, April 22 at 9 pm MDT

Where Did Hemingway Get His Sandals?

This and other questions are being answered as The Nature Conservancy begins a comprehensive archive of all items in the Hemingway House, as reported this week in the Idaho Mountain Express.

The home was built by Bob Topping, a well-known socialite of his day, in 1951. Ernest and Mary Hemingway bought it in 1959, and Mary continued living in the home off and on for 23 years after Ernest's death. The Conservancy were bequeathed the home in Mary Hemingway's will. The home now includes items from all owners, so tracing their history can be a challenge.

But the archive is turning up interesting items, and will serve as a valuable historic record as several Hemingway friends and relatives who knew the house well are still alive.

Marty Peterson, a Hemingway scholar currently working in the Office of the President at the University of Idaho, has played a vital role in assisting with the archiving effort. "The contents of the Hemingway House provide a snapshot of Ernest and Mary Hemingway's lives in Idaho,” he says “Scholars and Hemingway aficionados throughout the world view the house and its contents as an international treasure."

Right now, there are many stories about the house, but some of them are conflicting and often the information has been passed by word of mouth. Peterson has found items in the house that were brought here from Hemingway’s home in Cuba, and also has found items in Cuba with an Idaho connection, including two pronghorn heads Hemingway took in the Pahsimeroi Valley. Peterson will be returning to Cuba this year to seek additional information about the furnishings in Ketchum.

“The documentation will bring alive the real history of this place,” says Hemingway preserve manager Taylor Paslay, who is leading the archive. “With a computer inventory that includes the stories of each object, we will have consistent and accurate information that can be accessed by future staff and scholars.”

On Biological "Hotspots"

Macaws at a clay lick in Manu Reserve, Peruvian Amazon. Photo by Jennifer Miller

A focus of many conservation organizations over the past decade has been on "biological hotspots"--those areas that have the highest number of species. A relatively few areas of the Earth contain the vast majority of its species.

Certainly these places are special, but should they be the sole focus of biodiversity conservation?

Peter Kareiva, The Nature Conservancy's chief scientist, argues that the answer to this question should be "no" in a nature.org interview.

In the interview, Kareiva makes the point that some species have more profound impacts on ecosystems than others, such as grizzly bears. Some habitats hold relatively few species--such as northern forests--but still provide great benefits to people in the form of erosion control, water quality and outdoor recreation.

He also believes that humans should not be denied access to the natural world, whether they live near a hotspot or in an area that contains fewer species.

The argument makes sense. Certainly no one is denying the importance of those areas with huge numbers of species, such as the Peruvian Amazon (pictured above), where I visited in 2005. Manu National Park in the Amazon has more bird species, for instance, than the entire United States. And the number of birds pales beside the amazing variety and numbers of insects, to say nothing of the exuberant plant growth in every nook and cranny. The sights, sounds and smells of the Amazon remind one that life is everywhere.

Compared to the Amazon, Idaho's own biological diversity seems, admittedly, puny. But as Kareiva argues, species counts never give the whole picture. Idaho still has some of the best populations of large mammals--moose, elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, caribou, pronghorn, grizzly bear, mountain lion, wolf and more. The sagebrush country offers some of the best shrublands on the continent, with sage grouse, burrowing owls, golden eagles, badgers, ermines and many more.

The Nature Conservancy's mission focuses on protecting the great variety of native plants and animals around the world, from the species-rich areas like the Amazon to the sagebrush country of Idaho. Only by protecting the full range of these habitats can the Conservancy achieve its mission.

Botanical Illustrations

The Nature Conservancy in partnership with the Sawtooth Botanical Gardens is hosting an afternoon of Botanical Illustrations on Saturday, March 10th. This interactive class will be from 3 pm to 5pm. Refreshments and supplies will be provided, compliments of the botanical gardens. Dayna Smith, Silver Creek Preserve Manager and Landscape Architect, will be teaching the course and focusing on fun ways to incorporate botanical illustrations into your life. Pencil and colored pencil will be used and she will focus on adding illustrations to your journaling, as well and make greeting cards and other materials from your drawings. The combination of art and science at its finest!!

Call 788-7910 for details.

The Bear in Winter

Justin Petty, the Conservancy's North Idaho land steward, reports:

This morning I had the opportunity to tag along with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Jesse Lewis to retrieve and replace a Global Positioning System (GPS) collar on a 300-pound hibernating black bear. Jesse, who is finishing his thesis work at the University of Idaho, squirmed down into the den with the very-much-awake bear and tranquilized him. The male bear was in fantastic shape and was quite a bit larger than they anticipated, which made removing him from his den "challenging". It was an awesome experience.


The data Jesse is collecting gives us a glimpse into the routines, needs, and potential hazards these bears are faced with. I look forward to seeing the results from the collars removed this season.

The Conservancy's Justin Petty poses with tranquilized black bear.

Silver Creek Activity Schedule

As the red-winged blackbirds' arrival suggests, spring is indeed just around the corner. And that means another full schedule of activities at Silver Creek Preserve, from bird walks to art lessons, from volunteer opportunities to barbecues.

Check out this season's offerings. And check back frequently, as more activities will be added as throughout the year.

Is It Spring Yet?

The red-wing blackbirds came back to Silver Creek Preserve this past weekend! The first sign that spring is on its way, no doubt. Like clockwork, the red wing blackbirds come back to the Preserve around Presidents Day weekend and make their presence heard with their distinct and beautiful song.

Silver Creek is a wonderful place to visit this time of the year as the birds start to come back and mate. In March, you can see the sandhill cranes returning as the trumpeter swans leave, waterfowl in their full mating colors, black cap chickadees, bald eagles, gold finches, dark eyed juncos, song sparrows, and marsh wrens, to name a few. Don't forget to look for the Northern Harriers performing their acrobatic mating ritual. This is truly an amazing site.

In April and May, the Preserve comes to life even more with the arrival of: cliff, tree, and barn swallows, yellow headed blackbirds, ruby kinglets, western meadowlarks, vesper sparrows, northern flickers, willow flycatchers, bullocks oriels, yellow warblers, and cedar waxwings, to name a few. See the complete Silver Creek bird list.

A Place Salmon Would Die For

The Pahsimeroi River is one of the most important rivers in Idaho for spawning salmon. Read about The Nature Conservancy's conservation efforts in this special valley that benefit people and salmon.

Happy Valentine's Day

Send your valentine a gift this year that will show you care while also protecting the Earth's last great places. The Nature Conservancy offers several gift options, including free e-cards and gift memberships.

Looking to buy some flowers? Consider buying organic, from a producer that utilizes ecologically friendly practices and is dedicated to improved farm working conditions.

From all of us at The Nature Conservancy of Idaho, we hope you have a very happy Valentine's Day.

Hemingway Archive Project Begins

The Nature Conservancy has announced the launch of its Hemingway House archival project to document all historical and cultural items in Hemingway’s Ketchum home by mid-summer of this year. The Conservancy has owned the home—Ernest Hemingway’s last—since 1986. The archiving project is the second part of a three-phase effort to restore the home to its condition during Hemingway’s ownership.

The archiving began with a $20,000 donation from Zions Bank earlier this month.
Conservancy staff member Taylor Paslay will lead the inventory, which will begin with photo documentation of all items in the home, filed into a catalog by computer.

“We’re going to photograph and describe everything from furniture to small knick knacks,” says Paslay, who has worked since September 2005 as steward of the preserve, which includes the home and a eleven-acre natural area along the Big Wood River.

Part of the challenge, Paslay says, is determining the historical context for each of the items. There are objects in the home from Bob Topping, the original owner; Ernest and Mary Hemingway; and The Nature Conservancy’s staff, who used the preserve as an office for several years.

To determine the authenticity of various artifacts, Paslay will conduct interviews with people who knew the house the best and some who knew Ernest quite well.

“As with any historical property, the history really becomes more valuable when you have the stories and information from those who actually lived it,” says Paslay. “We have an opportunity here to gather the information on the house from those who knew it best.”

Marty Peterson, a Hemingway scholar currently working in the Office of the President at the University of Idaho, has played a vital role in assisting with the archiving effort. "The contents of the Hemingway House provide a snapshot of Ernest and Mary Hemingway's lives in Idaho,” he says “Scholars and Hemingway aficionados throughout the world view the house and its contents as an international treasure."

Right now, there are many stories about the house, but some of them are conflicting and often the information has been passed by word of mouth. Peterson has found items in the house that were brought here from Hemingway’s home in Cuba, and also has found items in Cuba with an Idaho connection, including two pronghorn heads Hemingway took in the Pahsimeroi Valley. Peterson will be returning to Cuba this year to seek additional information about the furnishings in Ketchum.

“The documentation will bring alive the real history of this place,” says Paslay. “With a computer inventory that includes the stories of each object, we will have consistent and accurate information that can be accessed by future staff and scholars.”

Interviews will be conducted this spring.

The Nature Conservancy recommitted to the Hemingway House in August 2005, when it announced plans to hire a caretaker and restore the home. Last year, as part of the first phase of the restoration, a patio was installed, windows were repaired and the exterior of the home was painted. The plumbing, roof and electricity were also all repaired and are in good working order.

“The Conservancy is about protecting Idaho’s special places for nature and people, not historical preservation” says Laura Hubbard, state director for the Conservancy’s Idaho Chapter. “The Hemingway House was bequeathed to us, and we have a duty to protect the cultural and historical value of one of America’s most beloved literary figures. Our work there is being funded by those with a particular interest in Hemingway, and it is not taking away from our conservation mission.”

The third phase will include a restoration of the home’s indoor elements, including the drapes and carpeting.

“A house naturally shows wear and tear after more than 50 years of use,” says Paslay. “It is our responsibility to ensure that not only the ongoing maintenance of an older home, but also the restoration to ensure that it retains its historical and cultural value. That requires resources, and we’re fortunate that this community values the home.”

Hubbard says that contributions like the one from Zions Bank will ensure that the Conservancy can continue to engage in restoration of the home. “It is great that corporations like Zions are playing a role in preserving the Hemingway legacy in Ketchum,” she said.

Zions Bank spokesperson said that bank officials recognize the Hemingway legacy as an important aspect of the local community. “Since 2005 Zions Bank has had a presence in the Wood River Valley, and we’ve been dedicated to the community and to preserving the arts and the history in the area,” said Wanda Allred, Zions Bank’s Wood River Valley office branch service manager. “Zions is proud to make this donation for the archival project as part of the maintenance and restoration of the Ernest Hemingway home.”

Donations are still welcomed by the Conservancy for the continuation of the project.

Editor's note (September 2012): The Hemingway House no longer has a full-time caretaker. The Conservancy does not offer public tours of the home.

Into Africa

The Nature Conservancy is about to launch its work in Africa, with programs being established in several countries. In this new column, the Conservancy's lead scientist Sanjayan reflects on the fate of a cattle-killing lion in Kenya--and the challenges of private land conservation on this rapidly changing continent.

Ermine Encounter

At first glance, it looked surreal, even improbable: A flash of white so pure it made the falling snow appear dirty. The sleek creature flitted through the sagebrush before offering a good look, but suddenly it reappeared only feet away: An ermine.

"Ermine" is the name given to the white phase of the short-tailed weasel. Common throughout North America, weasels are nevertheless difficult to spot. They never exist at high population densities, and rarely reveal themselves to humans. Seeing one in the white winter phase is a rare treat, something I had never seen before.

Short- and long-tailed weasels turn white in latitutdes where they are likely to get snow. This is a genetic trait: Move a southern weasel to Canada and it still remains brown.

While difficult to spot, the ermine is hardly shy around humans. Indeed, this one spent ten minutes circling around my friend and I, often coming within five feet of us for a close inspection. Its silky white coat contrasted with a brilliant black tip on its tail, and two beady black eyes. I suspect it was a "once in a lifetime" sighting.

I spotted this interesting little creature recently was in a wild stretch of land off the Owyhee Backcountry Byway. The area is grazed by cattle but I have rarely seen other visitors to this favorite spot.

At one time, the "sagebrush sea" that covers much of southern Idaho was considered monotonous and barren. But anyone who takes the time to explore sagebrush country knows that it is rich in wildlife. Nearly every visit to the Owyhees brings a new sighting, something unexpected.

That's why The Nature Conservancy is working to protect healthy sagebrush across southern Idaho, including in five-million acre Owyhee County. By working together, we can protect this special place so that future generations can encounter the amazing wild country and interesting wildlife--like the ermine--that is found in the southwestern corner of Idaho.