Keeping Current

The Shortest Month: A Look at February's Phenology

February in the Kinnickinnic Watershed marks the continuation of winter (in fact, on the 2^nd, a certain groundhog confirmed another 6 weeks!). February brings longer days, an increase in bird song, and a shift in mammal activity. The snow cover remains and the weather can be unpredictable, with Arctic blasts bringing subzero temperatures, while periodic thaws hint at the changing season soon to come. Swift currents in parts of the Kinnickinnic River keep water open, providing critical habitat for wintering waterfowl. Birdsong begins to return in earnest this month, as black-capped chickadees add their sweet “fee-bee” call to the landscape, signaling early courtship. Downy and hairy woodpeckers, ramp up their drumming on hollow trees to establish territories. If you’re lucky, you may even hear the deep hoots of great horned and barred owls. Coyotes are especially vocal this time of year as February is their peak mating season; you may even spot their tracks on the snowy fields of Kelly Creek. Squirrels become more active, digging up buried caches of acorns and walnuts. White-tailed deer continue foraging and often congregate in areas with thick cover to escape the piercing winds. Though winter still holds its grip, the lengthening days and subtle stirrings of wildlife remind us that life remains!

Find something cool while exploring the Kinni? We would love to hear about it! Email me at Jane@kinniriver.org for a chance to have your story highlighted on social media or next month's e-newsletter.

Jane Taylor

Social Media & Community Outreach Coordinator

jane@kinniriver.org

Property Management

Progress continues with burning logging slash piles on the Headwater Preserve in preparation for prairie restoration. We started with over 75 piles of slash to burn and now have less than 25 to go. Thanks to all the volunteers that contributed over 450 hours to help clean up and manage the burns so far. Several work parties are scheduled for February 5, 19, and 26^th to complete the burning of the slash piles. Please consider signing up for a volunteer work event on our website.

At Kelly Creek Nature Preserve, work will begin this winter on controlling woody invasive species throughout the property. A grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will fund 50% of the cost. KRLT has contracted with Zumbro Valley Forestry LLC to do the work.

As spring arrives KRLT plans to begin prescribed burning the one-acre access lane at the Headwaters Nature Preserve, the five-acre access lane at Drewiske Nature Preserve, and 1/3 of the grasslands at Kelly Creek Nature Preserve. These burns will help restore or invigorate our prairies.

Conservation Easements

At the end of 2024, 60 acres of forests and farmland in the South Fork of the Kinnickinnic sub watershed were protected through a conservation easement. In addition, we are currently working on obtaining another 20-acre easement on the lower Kinnickinnic River Canyon. This will bring the total land protected by KRLT conservation easements to 2,160 acres.

Marty Engel

Land Stewardship Manager

marty@kinniriver.org

In preparation for Prairie Restoration, we will be burning logging slash and brush piles at the Headwaters Nature Preserve this winter. We have about 25 brush piles to burn and could use as much help as possible. Lunch will be provided for those who spend the day, please list in your sign-up if you have any dietary restrictions.

Where

We will be meeting at the Headwaters Nature Preserve Parking Lot off of 70th Avenue in Roberts, WI.

When

8:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Please feel free to help for half a day.

Wednesday, February 19th.

Wednesday, February 26th.

Welcome to the Kinni Explorers Program! A place where muddy boots and adventurous minds are encouraged. We invite you and your little explorer to join Explorer Jane and Explorer Molly as they guide you through different topics involving nature and the outdoors!

This is an exciting new program, and we are eager to witness its evolution and growth! We have a goal of having at least 35 families involved in shaping this program, and we need your help! We value your input and look forward to creating a program that truly caters to the needs and interests of our Kinni Explorers. Are you interested in providing feedback about the program?

Here is what you can do:

1. Watch a Kinni Explorer video.

2. Try out the suggested activity.

3. Take a peek at the activity sheet.

4. Fill out a survey about the program and your Kinni Explorer(s) will receive a free t-shirt while supplies last!

Click Here To Fill Out The Survey!

Seeking Participants: Exploring Nature-Based Solutions for Loneliness in Western Wisconsin

The KRLT was thrilled to be part of the inaugural open call grant cycle for the Inclusa Foundation. The Foundation aims to build diverse and inclusive communities where all individuals can live more connected lives through innovation, programs, and partnerships that positively impact overall health and well-being.

KRLT will explore nature-based interventions for older adults, fostering social connectedness and improved mental health. In partnership with the University of Wisconsin–River Falls Social Work Department (UWRF), is investigating how nature-based interventions (NBIs) can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Loneliness is a growing concern that affects both physical and mental health, especially in older adults. The program will work with aging and Indigenous populations in St Croix and Pierce counties to understand overall concerns of social isolation and loneliness among adults aged 55 and older in Western Wisconsin.

This project taps into the region’s natural resources and rural traditions by offering guided outdoor activities, gardening, and animal interactions to foster social connections and improve overall well-being. The study takes a participatory approach, working closely with community members and local organizations to create culturally relevant and accessible programs. By incorporating feedback from participants, the research aims to develop sustainable solutions that strengthen community bonds and help combat loneliness. We’re calling on local residents to join this important study and contribute to shaping healthier, more connected communities.

Please contact Shawyn Domyanich-Lee

University of Wisconsin – River Falls

Phone: 715-425-4893

Email: Shawyn.domyancich-lee@uwrf.edu

Want to grab a cup of coffee? I would love to sit down and hear more about your connection to the Kinni and what inspires you to be involved with KRLT! Hope to hear from you soon.

KRLT staff are busy planning exciting things in the new year, such as Nature Night, new merch, prairie burns, and much more! We look forward to sharing updates with you, so thank you for staying connected to what's happening in the Kinnickinnic River watershed. With the ending of the year KRLT's newest Annual Report is available. Click here to view it!

Do you know someone who shares our love for the Kinni? Encourage them to consider becoming a member! With each new member, our community connections grow stronger, and we can make an even greater impact in protecting the Kinnickinnic River. For more information about memberships, click here!

Have questions about KRLT Memberships? Give me a call at 715-301-0753.

Together, we can protect the Kinni,

Molly Barritt-Luebke

Donor and Community Relations Manager

molly@kinniriver.org

Click Here to Become a Member or Renew Your Membership!

Kinnickinnic River Land Trust

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