They are the quiet volunteers. Known up and down the Minnesota River Valley for their enthusiasm and love of nature, Art and Barb Straub seek neither fame nor recognition. Characteristically, when informed they would be the featured volunteers in the Ney Nature Center newsletter, they responded, “Oh no, don’t write about us, write about the bird count.”

The Straubs have been living, working, volunteering, and contributing in the Le Sueur-Henderson area for decades. Barb was born into the Iten family and spent her childhood years in a house on North 4th Street in Le Sueur. Art is the eldest of the boisterous, if somewhat infamous, Straub clan. In full disclosure, Art’s mother was a sister of my own grandmother. High school sweethearts, they both went off to college to earn degrees in education.

Family lore says that Art and Barb were engaged one summer while working at Green Giant. According to the story, it was the “event of the summer” because they were “such a nice couple.” Apparently my grandmother and aunt also worked there that summer and were quite thrilled about the engagement.

Art and Barb were actively involved at St. Anne’s school in Le Sueur. When I was a student, Barb was my first grade teacher and Art the principal. Art even filled in part-time as my teacher when I was in fourth grade. (He taught us science, of course!)

While retired from their formal teaching positions, they both remain passionate about education, particularly nature-based education. They have also expanded their audience, working with children and adults from preschoolers to junior high students to the elderly.

For the Ney Nature Center, they remain “on call.” They are willing and ready to help with projects and activities around the Ney. In fact, our first fundraiser featured the Straubs giving a presentation on “Spring in the Valley.” Of course, it took place in April during a major snowstorm, so the audience was left to dream of spring. Every fall, the Straubs play host to Le Sueur-Henderson area preschoolers whom they lovingly refer to as “the clean slate.”

This past fall was quite the excitement as the Straubs had a real live opossum to show the children. They even got to see its sharp teeth! One year they had a mudpuppy swimming in water for the children to observe. The Straubs trap and catch live animals at their cabin perched along the Minnesota River.

The Straubs also host civic, religious, and community groups at the NNC. They led a moonlight walk as a joint Ney-Community Education class, have hosted the Le Sueur Lions, and recently led a church group in celebration at the Ney.

Beyond their work at the Ney, the Straubs continue to teach about nature and are currently offering sessions for children at both Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter and at Bethany College in Mankato. They go into schools all across southern Minnesota – places nearby such as Green Isle and even as far as Marshall. At nursing homes they lead residents in both lessons about nature and in singing. They also remain active in their religious faith, singing and playing music for funerals. They volunteer at the JR Brown Center in Henderson.

The Straubs are birding enthusiasts. On the day of the interview, they are at the Ney Nature Center busy tabulating the results of the annual Christmas Bird Count. Every year, the Straubs invite local residents to keep tally of the birds they see on the third Saturday in December. The tallies are then submitted to the NNC where Art and Barb assemble the final count. Art can identify a bird flittering around the prairie or soaring over the river by its size, shape, call and behavior. They are commenting on who reported seeing what bird. Someone reported seeing a house wren. “Ahhh…but house wrens do not winter in Minnesota,” Art comments. “I would not believe this report,” he continues, “but the other morning the gentleman showed up at my front door with the bird itself.” Apparently, the bird had become entangled in a mousetrap. Art continues, “The Audubon Society is not going to believe this, but I have the specimen.” While the official results are not ready for distribution, it appears people saw everything from wild turkeys to chickadees to woodpeckers to pheasants. A redheaded woodpecker was spotted (unusual for this time of year) along with the aforementioned house wren.

Everyone, as well as the Ney Nature Center is indebted to the Straubs for their time, their energy, and especially their love of nature.

Over 120 bird enthusiasts and nature lovers residing near the Ney Nature Center participated in the 111th annual Christmas bird count, sponsored by the National Audubon Society. While the official bird count ran from December 14th to January 5th, NNC volunteers counted birds on Saturday, December 18th. Most exciting this year was the participation of youngsters learning the value of volunteering – in particular, Girl and Boy Scout troops and 20 members of the Le Sueur-Henderson sixth grade class.

Started in 1900, the “bird count” has become a family tradition among generations. It was a response to the Christmas “side hunt” where hunters would compete to see who could bring home the biggest pile of feathered quarry. Ornithologist Frank Chapman suggested counting birds instead of hunting them, and a new tradition was created.

Art and Barb Straub organize the annual NNC bird count. Willing families and residents within a 7.5-mile radius of the NNC are sent an invitation to participate in the bird count. Counters are instructed to observe birds during two to three periods of peak bird activity during the day. The highest single count of one species during the day then gets reported as the “count.” Results are mailed to the NNC. Shortly after Christmas, Art and Barb, along with a few helpers armed with a calculator gather at the center to open the returned envelopes and tally the results. The data is forwarded to Audubon officials where it becomes part of the “big picture” as to how our feathered friends are faring as habitat decreases, natural calamities befall migrating birds, and species are extinguished. Programs can be set into place as to preservation of our natural world.

Our family farm is located within the radius of the NNC bird count. For the last four years, we have been a few of the thousands of volunteers participating in the count. This year was no exception. My kids and I get very excited in advance of the count. We make sure our bird feeders are properly set up and filled with food. We start feeding when the snow flies and this year we had plenty of prep time before the bird count. We begin observing the feeders for a couple weekends prior to the bird count. That way we become familiar with the types of birds visiting us and their feeding patterns. On bird count day, we know who is likely to visit us and what times are best for observing the feeders. Snow or shine, warm or cold, we also take an early morning “hike” around the property to see what other birds might be out in the woods behind the house. My parents live on the property next door. This year, mom and dad also kept track of their birds.

Even though the snow was deep, fluffy and impenetrable and fewer participants stalked the woodland trails, it was a good day for bird watching. Winds were relatively calm, it was fairly clear, and not too cold. The chickadees were first to the bird feeders at our house. We also had our usual visit from the woodpeckers. By noon, we had three pheasants sitting in our wild cherry trees. My dad reported chasing 32 wild turkeys out of the yard. He also saw a red-tailed hawk. By mid-afternoon, the sparrows invaded my bird feeders. I am sorry to say that after four years, I still cannot tell exactly what species of sparrows we have on the farm. We do have a lot of them!

The bird count is a wonderful opportunity to stop and enjoy our feathered companions. The birds are in my yard every day, but with the hustle and bustle of school and work and activities, we seldom take pause to notice them. Standing in the front yard, listening to the chirps and squawks is truly a pleasure. A great day for the birds…and the rest of us also.

If you live near the Ney Nature Center and would like to participate in the annual count, feel free to contact NNC Director Becky Pollack. Next year will be the 15th for participation by the NNC. The NNC thanks all those who participated in this years bird count. To learn more about the history of the Christmas bird count please visit the National Audubon Society website at www.audubon.org.

At the Ney Nature Center we are dedicated to “learning through experience.” In that spirit, we are excited to be collaborating with the student-led TREES organization. NNC Board member Cheyenne Yates and fellow students at Belle Plaine High School formed TREES, or Totally Rad Extraordinary Environmental Students. In the fall of 2009, TREES founders began by putting flyers up in the school inviting other students to join in a new organization that would work to inform and educate others about the environment and environmental issues. Fifteen students came to that meeting and the group has been operating ever since.

TREES leader, Cheyenne Yates admits the first year was a bit of “trial and error.” They focused on three major projects: launched a newsletter with topics on environmental issues, put on an Earth Day event at Chatfield Elementary School with games, prizes, and other learning activities, and most notably, the group worked to implement composting in the school district. The composting project began relatively small, with TREES members educating students about the value and the methods of composting. They were also able to start a small composting bin in the school. While the project had some success, it was limited by the school district’s ability to handle the compost. The district has now signed an agreement with a new waste management provider that does composting, opening up opportunities for more composting activities in the schools.

As the group continues its second year, they are again planning an Earth Day event. They also hope to work on a conservation project with the chimney swift, and intend to build towers to provide nesting spaces. Swifts are being threatened with the removal of many old farmsteads and buildings that provide suitable nesting locations.

TREES has also been active at the Ney Nature Center. In addition to volunteer work, the group had a winter camping adventure at the NNC last winter. While camping is not currently allowed at the Ney, the group received special permission to hold this event. They spent the day snowshoeing the property, then set up camp outside for the night. Cheyenne notes that although it was cold outside, with the proper number of layers, she was warmer in the tent than she typically is in her own bed. NNC Director Becky Pollack got into the spirit and camped with the girls.

The Ney Nature Center is very pleased to be working with TREES, and are thrilled that Cheyenne is one of our NNC Board members. Our similar missions and enthusiasm make us natural partners. We look forward to watching the group grow and prosper.

It was indeed a splendid autumn afternoon for all those who participated in the second annual Fall Festival at the Ney Nature Center on Saturday, October 16th. The NNC staff and Board members planned a host of seasonal activities to celebrate the arrival of fall.

Highlights of the afternoon were the corn husk doll making, the newly created maze in the prairie north of the education building, and the tractor-pulled wagon rides around the farmsteads. The last wagon pulled out just as the moon was rising to give everyone a great view of the valley. Adults and children huddled together in the crisp night air as driver, Nick Pollack carefully guided the “people mover” around the Ney homestead. For many, this was a second or even third ride of the day.

Activities also included guided hikes, story time, scavenger hunt, family-style supper and a bonfire with hot dogs, s’mores and roasted apples. A special “thank you” to all the volunteers who assisted in any way with the planning, special activities and food. Overall, this second Fall Festival was an enjoyable event for families and nature lovers alike. If you missed it, then you must plan on attending this fall – usually the third Saturday afternoon in October. The prairie and the trees are a must in autumn, and a great way to celebrate such a beautiful season at the NNC.

The Annual Meeting of the members of the Ney Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) was held on Thursday evening, November 11, 2010 at 7:00 pm at Toody’s Sweet Treats in Henderson.

In addition to the usual reports and annual business five members were re-elected for three-year terms to the NEEF Board: Beth Beuch, Henderson; Earl Gransee, Belle Plaine; Karl Keup, Belle Plaine; Nick Pollack, Le Sueur; and Josh Reinitz, Henderson. Continuing Board members are: Orville Heitkamp, Belle Plaine; Carol Jackson, Eden Prairie; Dick Peterson, Belle Plaine; Becky Pollack, Le Sueur; Brigid Tuck, Le Sueur; James Weber, Le Center; and Cheyenne Yates, Belle Plaine.

At the December 9th Board meeting the following officers were re-elected for a one-year term: Dick Peterson, president; Earl Gransee, vice president; and Josh Reinitz, treasurer. Brigid Tuck, was elected to a one-year term as secretary. Reta Lind was thanked for her services on the Board and as secretary. We are pleased that she will be continuing in other roles as a volunteer.

Copies of the Annual Report for July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010 that contains reports on the activities for the year as well as the financial report were distributed. If anyone wishes a copy, please contact Becky at the Ney Nature Center – by phone 507-248-3474 or send an e-mail to info@neycenter.org.

As I write this on Thursday morning December 30, 2010 it is raining, in Minnesota, with 3 to 4 feet of snow on the ground and a temperature of 36° F! This comes after 6 to 8 inches of snow that helped to set a new record for December snow in the metro area, making for great outdoor winter activities such as X-country skiing. The snow came with single digit temps and wind chills below zero! We Minnesotans live with amazing weather patterns and changes that come and go quickly.

Seasons seem to change quickly for us at the Ney Nature Center also. We are well into doing fall-type events and before we know it winter is here. As we enjoy winter, we need to begin to plan for spring, and even, summer. Sometimes, it seems, days and months and seasons just go too fast. The Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers strive to keep ahead of things in order to offer members and friends the best of what the nature center has to offer through programs and events. Of course, Mother Nature shows her finest on our trails and vistas without much of our help throughout the whole year.

The NNC Board changes some each year as does those who have a membership with the Center. We are always interested in folks who might wish to serve on the Board and committees. We welcome new memberships and new volunteers. We hope to be able to offer programs and events that retain present memberships and volunteers. Let us know what we can do to make your experience at the NNC a better one.

Finally, I would like to thank all who have made 2010, for me as President of the Board, a rewarding experience. Hopefully, I have thanked or will personally thank each of you who have made this last year a very good year.

May we all find a rewarding experience with Nature in 2011.

Happy 2011 to you! I am looking forward to a year of growth for the Ney Nature Center. Consider joining me.
We will jump-start the year by organizing a new Finance Committee and repurposing the Programs Committee. Both committees would benefit from your involvement.

Finance Committee
Treasurer Josh Reinitz is leading the effort for the Finance Committee. The New Year brings us to the halfway point of our fiscal year when we begin our budgeting process for 2011-2012. Budgeting is one of my favorite things at the NNC! Why? It generates prospective projects and goals, and helps us plan what we are going to accomplish in the next fiscal year. It paints a picture! Other tasks to be assigned to the Finance Committee include reviewing, revising, adding and implementing policies related to finances along with making possible recommendations to the Board on financial matters, like fundraisers and special projects. We are really in need of volunteers with a financial background or interest. If you would like to know more about this opportunity for involvement please let us know! The support given to our organization with your talent and time gives NEEF the potential to grow. If this isn’t a great time to get involved, when is?

Programs Committee
President Dick Peterson and Vice-President Earl Gransee are leading the repurposing of the Programs Committee. This committee has been the workhorse of all field trips and general public programs over the past several years. The Board has begun the process of transitioning this committee into a steering committee for programming. This committee will begin by evaluating current programs, reviewing what is already being done at the Ney Nature Center and at other nearby centers, and creating a vision/mission/goal for our programs. This is particularly exciting to me! It is a chance to build our programs into a unique, sought-after set of learning experiences that can be our shining star.

Volunteer Opportunities
Perhaps you’d like to participate on one of these two committees and commit to a few months of committee meetings? Other committees (and the Board) always need volunteers also. The Ney Nature Center strives to make volunteering a rewarding experience as well as rewarding for every student, hiker, snowshoer, walker, birder, geochacher, photographer, sledder, and participant at the NNC. There is work to be done – some short-term, some long-term. We have volunteer possibilities to fit many different interests and time constraints. These include small projects around the office and building to be done on a short-term basis.

Spring is around the corner (we hope!) – the time when we are busy with field trips. Volunteer opportunities for one-day sessions include help with chaperoning, assisting program leaders, answering phones in the office or checking the restrooms periodically. We need and can use extra hands! Remember that the NNC is working with the RSVP Program (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) and encourages those of you who are already working with the program to consider volunteering some time at our site.

Our park is a gem. The Ney family knew this when Ruby bequeathed the land and Don completed projects like the pond restoration. Our Board, volunteers, and Don Reak of the Le Sueur County Parks Department have worked hard to continue the vision of the Ney family. Now it is time for our programs to benefit from our gem of a park by connecting our park’s landscape to the lessons we want to teach. We would like to see a well-rounded group of individuals providing us with insight. Please join us! I invite you to contact me for more information about volunteering at the NNC. Let’s discuss the possibilities.

We look forward to great things in 2011.

Cash & In-Kind Donations
• Warren Wolf – annual NEEF audit
• GiveMN.org donors – Earl & Anita Gransee, John Heitkamp, Sharon Pinney, Danielle Buesgens, Reta Lind, Lois & Ken Ahntholz, Carolyn Heitkamp, Dick Peterson, Ethel Beuch, Sally Olson, Elaine Tohal, Tiffany Reinitz, Carol & Tom Jackson, & three anonymous donors
• Janet Straub – in honor of Michelle Burns
• Jayson Rabaey Family
• Ann Hobbs Family
• Toody’s Sweet Treats, Henderson, & especially Barb Nytes for the space & refreshments for our annual meeting
• Fall Festival desserts – Board members
• Emma Krumbee’s – pumpkins for Fall Festival
• Orville Heitkamp – Fall Festival door prizes

Programs & Volunteers
• 2010 Christmas Bird Count volunteers, especially Art & Barb Straub for their organization & leadership
• Fall Festival volunteers – NEEF Board members & staff, Jennifer Heitkamp (cornhusk dolls), TREES group
• Jeremy Bosacker – Eagle Scout project, trimming trails, stripping & repainting Ney summer kitchen
• Le Sueur County Snowmobile Trails Association & Chuck Retka – grooming X-country ski trails

Members and visitors to the Ney Nature Center will be interested to learn that an adjacent parcel of land managed by the MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is growing in size. The Ney Wildlife Management Area (Ney WMA) is located just north of the Ney Nature Center in Scott County, and its entrance is located just across State Hwy 19 from the Ney Center’s driveway.

Having the Ney Nature Center and the Ney WMA right next to each other might be a little confusing, but I’ll try to clear it up here. The land that is now the Ney Nature Center was donated by Ruby Ney to Le Sueur County in her will. Her nephew, Don Ney, donated an additional 80-acre parcel to Le Sueur County. The family also owned land across Hwy 19 in Scott County, and Don Ney donated that parcel to the DNR for use as a wildlife management area. The main difference is that the Le Sueur County land (Ney Nature Center) is a wildlife preserve and nature center and does not allow hunting, and the Scott County land is managed by the DNR for all types of outdoor recreation including hunting.

The DNR has decided to consolidate the Ney WMA with a 280-acre parcel of land directly north and formerly managed by the DNR’s parks and trails department. This land has been a state wayside for many years, and is known as the site of one of the first releases of wild turkeys in the MN River Valley in 1987. The DNR calls this move “housekeeping”, or a way to simplify management by having the two adjacent parcels of public land managed by the same department.

This move does not directly affect the Ney Nature Center, and the Ney WMA is a completely different parcel of land despite sharing the same family name. What it does mean, though, is that the Ney WMA is growing from its current 160 acres to 440 acres, and will likely receive improved parking, signage, ecosystem management, and public attention. The 280 acres being added to the WMA has not had much attention paid to it by the DNR through the years, leading to some abuse by ATV’s and trucks among others. This move by the DNR will encourage more responsible use by hikers, hunters, and birders and will streamline the management and money spent on this land by the DNR.

As a neighbor to the Ney Nature Center, I am pleased to see so much land east of Henderson being dedicated to public land. There’s the Ney Nature Center, Ney WMA, and the recent acquisition of hundreds of acres of river bottom land by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – close to 2000 acres of contiguous public wildlife land surrounding the Ney Center. Only 30 years ago I remember much of it was farm fields, so I am happy to see so much turned back to nature and preserved from now on.

I am pleased the Ney Center land does not allow hunting and is used primarily for education and low-impact nature appreciation, but I also believe everyone has a right to use certain public lands for things like hunting and fishing. I also hunt and I farm, so I understand how land is used by many people for many different things. It is truly a gem to have this much public land in my neighborhood with some reserved for hunting and some that is not. We have a great model here of how a large public space can be used by different interests and can be managed by people who care about preserving the ecosystem first, whether it be the Ney Foundation or Minnesota DNR.

Cash Donations
South West Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation – $250 in honor of Orville Heitkamp as their 2010 Good Gobbler Award recipient

Programs & Volunteers
Jim Legg – planting food plot
Robert Kahle – spraying food plot

Thank you!