Brett Seymoure, Ph.D. Brett is a Living Earth Collaborative Postdoctoral fellow behavioral ecologist studying the effects of lighting on animal behavior, physiology, and ecology. In particular, Brett’s research investigates how both natural light cycles (e.g. daylight, twilight, full moon, etc.) and anthropogenic lighting (e.g. LEDs, high pressure sodium, sky glow, etc.) drive and disturb organisms from the physiological level up to ecosystems. Brett’s work tests theories of visual ecology that shed light onto evolutionary biology and can inform conservation policy and land managers on how to better mitigate sensory pollution.
To learn more about Brett’s work, check out the following websites:
https://source.wustl.edu/2019/11/four-ways-to-curb-light-pollution-save-bugs/
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/22/light-pollution-insect-apocalypse
To learn more about Brett’s work, check out the following websites:
https://source.wustl.edu/2019/11/four-ways-to-curb-light-pollution-save-bugs/
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/22/light-pollution-insect-apocalypse
The Webster Groves Nature Study Society is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for the following 2021 Scholarships:
Click on the Scholarship name for the application details.
The Mickey Scudder Scholarship in Field Biology, an annual award of up to $1,000 to support the field work of a graduate student in natural history. The Scudder grant honors long time WGNSS member Mickey Scudder, who is well remembered for her infectious enthusiasm towards field work, particularly with wild birds.
The Menke Scholarship to Improve Wildlife Habitat, an annual award of up to $2,000. The Menke scholarship honors Don and Nell Menke, long-term members of WGNSS, and lifelong birders/wildflower experts, and their son, David Menke, a wildlife park ranger all his professional life.
The Bo Koster Grant for Nature Study, an annual award of up to $3,000 to support fieldwork of a college student in natural history. The Bo Koster grant honors long time WGNSS member Bo Koster, an avid birder and researcher in diabetes.
Click on the Scholarship name for the application details.
The Mickey Scudder Scholarship in Field Biology, an annual award of up to $1,000 to support the field work of a graduate student in natural history. The Scudder grant honors long time WGNSS member Mickey Scudder, who is well remembered for her infectious enthusiasm towards field work, particularly with wild birds.
The Menke Scholarship to Improve Wildlife Habitat, an annual award of up to $2,000. The Menke scholarship honors Don and Nell Menke, long-term members of WGNSS, and lifelong birders/wildflower experts, and their son, David Menke, a wildlife park ranger all his professional life.
The Bo Koster Grant for Nature Study, an annual award of up to $3,000 to support fieldwork of a college student in natural history. The Bo Koster grant honors long time WGNSS member Bo Koster, an avid birder and researcher in diabetes.
WGNSS Jim Jackson Memorial Fund
Last year we lost a beloved member of WGNSS, James P. Jackson. He was a member of WGNSS and a nature education powerhouse. To honor Jim’s lifetime of work for nature, we will be collecting donations for a memorial to Jim at Shaw Nature Reserve. Some of his many accomplishments were as follows:
Please join the WGNSS board in honoring and remembering Jim by sending your
James P. Jackson Memorial donation to WGNSS, P. O. Box 190065, St. Louis, MO 63119,
or by using the PayPal link below.
Last year we lost a beloved member of WGNSS, James P. Jackson. He was a member of WGNSS and a nature education powerhouse. To honor Jim’s lifetime of work for nature, we will be collecting donations for a memorial to Jim at Shaw Nature Reserve. Some of his many accomplishments were as follows:
- WGNSS Lifetime Achievement recipient in 2006.
- Authored five books, including Passages of a Stream and View from the Back Forty.
- Wrote more than 25 featured articles for MDC’s Missouri Conservationist.
- Wrote more than 100 articles for magazines such as National Wildlife, Audubon, The Bluebird, and American Forests.
- Holds the record for being a WGNSS member the longest, 79 years. He joined at 14 years old.
- Led bird walks at Shaw Nature Reserve as a volunteer for many years.
- Was instrumental in getting lead shot banned.
- Taught high school biology for 20 years.
- Served as MDC Education Consultant for 10 years.
Please join the WGNSS board in honoring and remembering Jim by sending your
James P. Jackson Memorial donation to WGNSS, P. O. Box 190065, St. Louis, MO 63119,
or by using the PayPal link below.
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With donations using PayPal, please include a note of the purpose:
i.e., 'Jim Jackson Memorial Fund'. |
WGNSS Nature Book Club, Virtual Zoom Meetings
The WGNSS Nature Book Group normally meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Due to the Covid pandemic we will be meeting on Zoom until further notice. Email John Christensen at dwib@swbell.net several days before the meeting to receive your Zoom invitation.
March 9, 2021 – The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator, by Timothy Winegard.
Newcomers are welcome! For more information contact John Christensen.
The WGNSS Nature Book Group normally meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Due to the Covid pandemic we will be meeting on Zoom until further notice. Email John Christensen at dwib@swbell.net several days before the meeting to receive your Zoom invitation.
March 9, 2021 – The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator, by Timothy Winegard.
Newcomers are welcome! For more information contact John Christensen.
WGNSS Nature Photography Group
Led by Nature Photographer Bill Duncan!
We are accepting submissions for the 2021 WGNSS Photo Contest
Click here for more information to submit photos and the WGNSS Photo Contest Rules!
Led by Nature Photographer Bill Duncan!
We are accepting submissions for the 2021 WGNSS Photo Contest
Click here for more information to submit photos and the WGNSS Photo Contest Rules!
Entomology Group 2021
February 15, 2021 7:00 pm – Virtual Zoom with Reese Worthington
“Unexplored Niches: What Treasures Pocket Gopher Burrows Hold…and Other Beetle Projects”
Reese Worthington, entomologist and natural history biologist at the Missouri Department of Conservation will talk to us about his entomological work in northeast Missouri where he is based. Reese has worked extensively on the Scarabaeidae and Hydrochidae.
All are welcome!
We’ll meet using Zoom -- contact Chris Brown at christopher.brown1@bayer.com for the Zoom link. Then just follow the prompts. Zoom has added some extra security steps so you’ll also need to enter a password this time. It’s “WGNSS”.
Entomology Group Chair--Christopher Brown
February 15, 2021 7:00 pm – Virtual Zoom with Reese Worthington
“Unexplored Niches: What Treasures Pocket Gopher Burrows Hold…and Other Beetle Projects”
Reese Worthington, entomologist and natural history biologist at the Missouri Department of Conservation will talk to us about his entomological work in northeast Missouri where he is based. Reese has worked extensively on the Scarabaeidae and Hydrochidae.
All are welcome!
We’ll meet using Zoom -- contact Chris Brown at christopher.brown1@bayer.com for the Zoom link. Then just follow the prompts. Zoom has added some extra security steps so you’ll also need to enter a password this time. It’s “WGNSS”.
Entomology Group Chair--Christopher Brown
WGNSS ORNITHOLOGY GROUP -- Birding Opportunities
ORNITHOLOGY GROUP Chair—David Becher
WGNSS Saturday and Thursday Birding Walks are suspended until further notice, due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
ORNITHOLOGY GROUP Chair—David Becher
WGNSS Saturday and Thursday Birding Walks are suspended until further notice, due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
We are delighted to announce the
Webster Groves Nature Study Society Natural History Photo Contest 2021
Webster Groves Nature Study Society Natural History Photo Contest 2021
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Categories for the 2021 Photo Contest are:
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WEBSTER GROVES NATURE STUDY SOCIETY
Membership Application/Renewal – September 1st to August 31st
Membership Application/Renewal – September 1st to August 31st
August is the time to renew your annual WGNSS membership dues: $15 yearly with online color Nature Notes or $25 yearly with Nature Notes copies in black and white mailed. Two new options are offered this year: $300 lifetime membership, Nature Notes online. and $135 ten year membership for the price of nine years, Nature Notes online. If you have already renewed, THANK YOU!
Membership dues can be paid through PayPal using the 'Donate' button below!
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For membership payments using PayPal, please include a note of the purpose:
i.e., 'WGNSS Membership'. |
"Nature Notes" is our Newsletter - join WGNSS to receive the latest issues! Nature Notes features spectacular photographs and articles about botany, birding, entomology, and conservation by expert authors, and is available by USPS or e-mail.
There are significant advantages to receiving Nature Notes by e-mail:
Past issues are available for download from the Nature Note archive page.
Submit your articles, photographs, or events to Steve Turner, the Editor of Nature Notes.
There are significant advantages to receiving Nature Notes by e-mail:
- Help to eliminate mailing & printing costs while reducing your environmental impact!
- View Nature Notes in full color!
- Embedded hyperlinks allow instant navigation to e-mail addresses and websites!
Past issues are available for download from the Nature Note archive page.
Submit your articles, photographs, or events to Steve Turner, the Editor of Nature Notes.
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WGNSS Membership Form:
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All WGNSS meetings, indoor and outdoor, are Suspended until further notice, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic concerns.
Program Changes Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
The current health crisis is interrupting everyone’s daily lives, not to mention WGNSS activities. In order to help prevent the spread of the disease and to protect our members, the Webster Groves Nature Study Society Board has decided to postpone the April General Meeting and the 100th Anniversary Banquet because of the coronavirus. Dates will be determined in the future. Announcements will be made in Nature Notes, email, Facebook, and our website (wgnss.org).
Natural History Group outdoor activities are suspended until further notice.
At this moment the plan is to continue Nature Notes. Without ongoing group reports, articles will be few. Steve Turner, our editor, has requested that the members contribute their own articles on their personal nature trips, nature observations, photographs, and the like.
We will be monitoring closely to determine when we will be able to resume activities as normal.
Your WGNSS board had hoped against hope that these measures would not be necessary. Our community is headed for tough times. Cancelling our programs will hopefully help decrease the rate of spread. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone.
Healthy trails,
Lisa Nansteel
WGNSS President
Program Changes Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
The current health crisis is interrupting everyone’s daily lives, not to mention WGNSS activities. In order to help prevent the spread of the disease and to protect our members, the Webster Groves Nature Study Society Board has decided to postpone the April General Meeting and the 100th Anniversary Banquet because of the coronavirus. Dates will be determined in the future. Announcements will be made in Nature Notes, email, Facebook, and our website (wgnss.org).
Natural History Group outdoor activities are suspended until further notice.
At this moment the plan is to continue Nature Notes. Without ongoing group reports, articles will be few. Steve Turner, our editor, has requested that the members contribute their own articles on their personal nature trips, nature observations, photographs, and the like.
We will be monitoring closely to determine when we will be able to resume activities as normal.
Your WGNSS board had hoped against hope that these measures would not be necessary. Our community is headed for tough times. Cancelling our programs will hopefully help decrease the rate of spread. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone.
Healthy trails,
Lisa Nansteel
WGNSS President
The 100th Anniversary of WGNSS featured in the Webster Kirkwood Time:
Join WGNSS Nature Photography Group Field Trips!
All Photography outings are currently suspended until further notice.
Interested in participating in WGNSS Nature Photography Group activities?
Send your contact information to Bill Duncan. Visit the WGNSS Nature Photography Group website here,
check current Nature Notes, or the WGNSS Facebook page for details and updates!
All Photography outings are currently suspended until further notice.
Interested in participating in WGNSS Nature Photography Group activities?
Send your contact information to Bill Duncan. Visit the WGNSS Nature Photography Group website here,
check current Nature Notes, or the WGNSS Facebook page for details and updates!
The 2020 WGNSS 100th Anniversary Spring Banquet is Postponed. A new date is not yet determined.
photo by Gwyn Wahlmann
Webster Groves Nature Study Society General Meeting
First Wednesday each month, 7:00 p.m. at Webster Groves Library
First Wednesday each month, 7:00 p.m. at Webster Groves Library
Events page photo slideshow credits:
Tower Rock in Misssissippi River by Casey Galvin - 1st place in Habitat category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Honey Bee on Bloodroot flowers by Abby Lee-Fairbanks - 1st place in Botany category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Waterfall, by Ryan Fairbanks - 3rd place in Habitat category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Peregrine Falcon, by Casey Galvin - 1st place in Birding category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Ice on LaBarque Creek, by Nels Holmberg - 1st place in Habitat category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Bronze Tiger Beetle by Ted MacRae - Grand Prize 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Summer Tanager by Mike Thelen - 2nd place in Birding category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Beach Wolf Spider by Ted MacRae - 1st place in Entomology category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Least Sandpiper by Casey Galvin - Honorary Mention in Birding category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Missouri Evening Primrose by Anne McCormack
Victoria Glade with Fremont's Leather Flower and Indian Paintbrush by Anne McCormack
Ruby-throated Hummingbird male by Casey Galvin
Wild Hydrangea with Harvestman by Anne McCormack
Red-spotted Purple Butterfly on Paw Paw by Anne McCormack
Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly on Eastern Blazing-Star by Anne McCormack
Duck Creek by Casey Galvin
Join WGNSS!
Webster Groves Nature Study Society
PO Box 190065
Saint Louis MO 63119-6065
Tower Rock in Misssissippi River by Casey Galvin - 1st place in Habitat category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Honey Bee on Bloodroot flowers by Abby Lee-Fairbanks - 1st place in Botany category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Waterfall, by Ryan Fairbanks - 3rd place in Habitat category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Peregrine Falcon, by Casey Galvin - 1st place in Birding category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Ice on LaBarque Creek, by Nels Holmberg - 1st place in Habitat category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Bronze Tiger Beetle by Ted MacRae - Grand Prize 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Summer Tanager by Mike Thelen - 2nd place in Birding category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Beach Wolf Spider by Ted MacRae - 1st place in Entomology category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Least Sandpiper by Casey Galvin - Honorary Mention in Birding category, 2013 WGNSS Photo Contest
Missouri Evening Primrose by Anne McCormack
Victoria Glade with Fremont's Leather Flower and Indian Paintbrush by Anne McCormack
Ruby-throated Hummingbird male by Casey Galvin
Wild Hydrangea with Harvestman by Anne McCormack
Red-spotted Purple Butterfly on Paw Paw by Anne McCormack
Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly on Eastern Blazing-Star by Anne McCormack
Duck Creek by Casey Galvin
Join WGNSS!
Webster Groves Nature Study Society
PO Box 190065
Saint Louis MO 63119-6065
Dr. Robbin Moran is the Nathaniel Lord Britton Curator Emeritus of Botany, at the New York Botanical Garden. He has published four books and over 160 scientific papers on fern systematics. His research involves the classification, evolution, and geography of ferns. Every year until his retirement, he taught a fern and lycophytes course at Eagle Hill, and he also taught botany courses in Costa Rica through the auspices of the Organization for Tropical Studies.
In addition, Dr. Moran is one of the worlds leading experts on Charles Darwin. After the Origin of Species was published in 1859, Charles Darwin wrote six books completely dedicated to plants. This talk briefly describes what each book contains and why they were important. Did you know that Darwin was the first person to demonstrate that some plants attract, trap, and digest insects? Come hear about Darwin and plants—you won’t think of him as a just a zoologist anymore.
In addition, Dr. Moran is one of the worlds leading experts on Charles Darwin. After the Origin of Species was published in 1859, Charles Darwin wrote six books completely dedicated to plants. This talk briefly describes what each book contains and why they were important. Did you know that Darwin was the first person to demonstrate that some plants attract, trap, and digest insects? Come hear about Darwin and plants—you won’t think of him as a just a zoologist anymore.