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!
"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. Nature Notes is available by regular post or e-mail.
There are significant advantages to receiving Nature Notes by e-mail:
Past issues from the last few years are available to download from the Nature Note archive page.
Submit articles, photographs, or events to Steve Turner, the Editor of Nature Notes.
There are significant advantages to receiving Nature Notes by e-mail:
- Eliminate mailing costs and printing waste, reducing your subscription cost and environmental impact!
- The ability to view Nature Notes in full color!
- Embedded hyperlinks allow instant navigation to e-mail addresses and websites!
Past issues from the last few years are available to download from the Nature Note archive page.
Submit articles, photographs, or events to Steve Turner, the Editor of Nature Notes.
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WGNSS Membership Form:
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WGNSS upcoming Events:
Nature Within Reach
The next time you drive or walk past a licensed child care facility or public park, you may notice a large play structure, rubber surfacing, and a few gross motor play materials. Often, nature is beyond the fenced space. However, research has shown the countless health and developmental benefits of “nature play.” Outdoor spaces that embrace natural elements like gardens, boulders, water, sticks and loose parts are proven to increase physical activity and support obesity prevention while simultaneously connecting children to their local flora and fauna.
The National Wildlife Federation, America’s oldest conservation organization, seeks to promote nature play in the spaces children access daily through the Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) program. ECHO seeks to ensure nature is incorporated in licensed child care programs and parks where children and their families spend time. Through a comprehensive community engagement process with landscape design assistance and professional development, ECHO sites support whole child development and ensure children have daily opportunities to learn in nature.
In this presentation, participants will learn about the robust programmatic work of the National Wildlife Federation, the importance of supporting child development through intentionally designed outdoor spaces, and review case studies of ECHO and nature play sites.
--- National Wildlife Federation Promotional Information
The next time you drive or walk past a licensed child care facility or public park, you may notice a large play structure, rubber surfacing, and a few gross motor play materials. Often, nature is beyond the fenced space. However, research has shown the countless health and developmental benefits of “nature play.” Outdoor spaces that embrace natural elements like gardens, boulders, water, sticks and loose parts are proven to increase physical activity and support obesity prevention while simultaneously connecting children to their local flora and fauna.
The National Wildlife Federation, America’s oldest conservation organization, seeks to promote nature play in the spaces children access daily through the Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) program. ECHO seeks to ensure nature is incorporated in licensed child care programs and parks where children and their families spend time. Through a comprehensive community engagement process with landscape design assistance and professional development, ECHO sites support whole child development and ensure children have daily opportunities to learn in nature.
In this presentation, participants will learn about the robust programmatic work of the National Wildlife Federation, the importance of supporting child development through intentionally designed outdoor spaces, and review case studies of ECHO and nature play sites.
--- National Wildlife Federation Promotional Information
Entomology Group 2020
ENTOMOLOGY GROUP
Chair—Christopher Brown
The Entomology Group will meet this season from September through April on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are virtual for the time being as the situation with Covid-19 plays out. For more information contact Chris Brown at christopher.brown1@bayer.com.
September 21, 2020: Harit Bal from Bayer Crop Science will lead a workshop on “Soil food web and ecosystem services” with particular focus on nematodes. Harit’s graduate and post-doctoral work was focused on maximizing ecosystem services provided by the soil food web in organic farming systems and using nematodes as sustainable pest management agents and as bio-indicators of soil health. Note that this will be a Zoom video call and we will rely on email to pass information along regarding accessing the meeting. Please reach out to Chris if you are not already on the entomology group email list and you would like to attend.
October 19, 2020 -- Details for the October Entomology Group virtual meeting are still coming together. Please check this WGNSS website and watch for an email update.
Virtual Presentation by James Trager!
"St Louis Entomological Movers and Shakers from the Past 100 Years.”
James Trager shares some of his extensive knowledge of ants, of which he claims to be unabashedly and inordinately fond, from his life-long study of these fascinating social insects. Anyone who has spent time in the field with James is well aware of his expertise as a naturalist and ant taxonomist.
--- Christopher Brown
Watch this Presentation on YouTube HERE.
Originally presented June 29, 2020 via Zoom
Virtual Presentation by Richard Thoma!
“St Louis Entomological Movers and Shakers from the Past 100 Years”
Watch Richard Thoma's Presentation on YouTube HERE.
Originally presented April 20, 2020 via Zoom
ENTOMOLOGY GROUP
Chair—Christopher Brown
The Entomology Group will meet this season from September through April on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are virtual for the time being as the situation with Covid-19 plays out. For more information contact Chris Brown at christopher.brown1@bayer.com.
September 21, 2020: Harit Bal from Bayer Crop Science will lead a workshop on “Soil food web and ecosystem services” with particular focus on nematodes. Harit’s graduate and post-doctoral work was focused on maximizing ecosystem services provided by the soil food web in organic farming systems and using nematodes as sustainable pest management agents and as bio-indicators of soil health. Note that this will be a Zoom video call and we will rely on email to pass information along regarding accessing the meeting. Please reach out to Chris if you are not already on the entomology group email list and you would like to attend.
October 19, 2020 -- Details for the October Entomology Group virtual meeting are still coming together. Please check this WGNSS website and watch for an email update.
Virtual Presentation by James Trager!
"St Louis Entomological Movers and Shakers from the Past 100 Years.”
James Trager shares some of his extensive knowledge of ants, of which he claims to be unabashedly and inordinately fond, from his life-long study of these fascinating social insects. Anyone who has spent time in the field with James is well aware of his expertise as a naturalist and ant taxonomist.
--- Christopher Brown
Watch this Presentation on YouTube HERE.
Originally presented June 29, 2020 via Zoom
Virtual Presentation by Richard Thoma!
“St Louis Entomological Movers and Shakers from the Past 100 Years”
Watch Richard Thoma's Presentation on YouTube HERE.
Originally presented April 20, 2020 via Zoom
WGNSS Nature Book Club 2020, Virtual 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 mailto:dwib@swbell.net several days before the meeting to receive your Zoom invitation.
September 8: The Genius of Birds, by Jennifer Ackerman
October 13: Strange Harvests: The Hidden Stories of Seven Natural Objects, by Edward Posnett
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 mailto:dwib@swbell.net several days before the meeting to receive your Zoom invitation.
September 8: The Genius of Birds, by Jennifer Ackerman
October 13: Strange Harvests: The Hidden Stories of Seven Natural Objects, by Edward Posnett
Newcomers are welcome! For more information contact John Christensen.
WGNSS NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP
Led by Nature Photographer Bill Duncan!
September 30, 2020 – Virtual meeting – Photo Show and Tell! Prepare to share and discuss nature photos you have taken during the pandemic. This meeting will be conducted via Zoom. Please contact Bill Duncan if you would like to be placed on the invitation list.
All physical Photography outings are currently suspended until further notice.
Led by Nature Photographer Bill Duncan!
September 30, 2020 – Virtual meeting – Photo Show and Tell! Prepare to share and discuss nature photos you have taken during the pandemic. This meeting will be conducted via Zoom. Please contact Bill Duncan if you would like to be placed on the invitation list.
All physical Photography outings are currently suspended until further notice.
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.
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