ML Interest Tag: habitat

Hidden Gem Find! Inside the Cathlapotle Plankhouse

by Maura O'Brien

What’s a family to do on a wide-open, weekend afternoon with no set plans? If you’re itching to give your brood a history lesson mixed with a good dash of the great outdoors and plenty of wildlife-viewing, drive 20 miles north of Portland to the Cathlapotle Plankhouse in the tranquil Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Read on to learn about this hidden gem and why you need to grab your binoculars, put on your most comfortable walking shoes and pack a picnic lunch for this memorable trip back in time.

Photo credit: Maura O’Brien

The Plankhouse
As Lewis & Clark made their way to the Pacific Ocean in 1805, they observed the Chinook village of Cathlapotle in the floodplain of the Columbia River. The explorers stopped to trade in the village, which was then home to 900 people and 14 large plankhouses, and even returned one year later on their journey eastward. Although the Chinook people eventually left the village, the Chinook Indian Nation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge partnered in 2005 to construct a modern plankhouse to help visitors understand the lifestyle, culture, and history of the people who once lived in Cathlapotle.

Today, the plankhouse is open to the public on weekend afternoons, when friendly and knowledgeable volunteers help bring this historic community to life. Kids of all ages will learn how the people of Cathlapotle hunted, how they collected food, and how they used the land in each season. And they will see first-hand the ingenious methods the Chinook used to cook their salmon, to heat their water and to build their homes.

Photo credit: Maura O’Brien

The Refuge
Once you’ve toured the plankhouse, step outside to experience the beauty of the surrounding Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1965 as a winter habitat for dusky Canada geese, this 5,128-acre expanse is now a haven for great blue herons, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, painted turtles, river otters, black-tailed deer, and dozens of other species of waterfowl, shorebirds, and mammals. Got your walking shoes on? Grab a map and a wildlife checklist from the day use permit station and hit the Oaks to Wetlands Trail, a flat 2-mile loop that’s an easy walk for little feet that doubles as a bird-watching adventure. Prefer to take in the scenery from the car? Drive a short distance to the River “S” section of the refuge on S. 9th Ave., where you’ll find a 4.2-mile auto loop that is ideal for viewing wildlife while everyone’s still strapped into their car seats.

Special Events
As the plankhouse celebrates its 10th year and the refuge marks its 50th, 2015 will be full of special events and celebrations. On Mother’s Day, stop by the plankhouse for children’s activities from noon-4 p.m., as well as a presentation by Pat Courtney Gold, a weaver, artist, and member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, who will discuss the native woman’s perspective of the Lewis & Clark expedition (2 p.m.). Otherwise, keep a eye open for Second Sunday activities—free with the price of refuge admission—on the plankhouse event calendar.

Getting There
With no reservations needed, a visit to the Cathlapotle Plankhouse and Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for a wide open, plan-free afternoon. Follow I-5 north from Portland to Exit 14; turn left on Pioneer St. and follow the road into Ridgefield until it dead ends at N. Main Ave. Turn right, and drive until you reach the refuge headquarters. The plankhouse is an easy 500-yard walk from the parking lot, just over the train bridge.

Cathlapotle Plankhouse at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Open Apr.-Oct.
Sat. & Sun., noon-4 p.m.
Day use fee: $3/car
28908 NW Main Ave.
Ridgefield, Wa
360-887-4106
Online: ridgefieldfriends.org/plankhouse

Have you been to the Cathlapotle Plankhouse? Let us know in the comments below!

— Maura O’Brien

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An Inside Peek at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Newest Exhibit

by Kelly Aiglon

Lincoln Park Zoo has been up to some monkey business. The brand new Regenstein Macaque Forest exhibit is now open, and its playful inhabitants — eight Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys — are ready to show you their little happy red faces. This new species, never before seen at the zoo, are a hoot to watch. New educational technology like live-stream video make the exhibit as much about learning as it is about fun. Read on for the scoop!

8 Fascinating Primates
Five female and three male snow monkeys have found their way to the legendary zoo by way of the Japan Monkey Centre, an accredited zoo in Inuyama, Japan, where they have resided for the past several years. Turns out, their native climate isn’t all too different from Chicago’s. The macaques are known for their tolerance for varying temperatures, from sub-tropical lowlands to sub-alpine regions. And they adjust to the varying climates in ways we humans can relate to, taking quick dips in hot springs and climbing on sun-dappled rocks for quick warm-ups. Some populations of Japanese macaques have been observed cleaning their food before eating it by rinsing it off in nearby water sources.

The habitat is designed to show off the macaques’ natural, inquisitive behavior. A variety of trees (live trees, artificial trees and deadfall) allow these funny guys and gals to scamper around in interesting ways. Feeders in the form of traditional stone Japanese lanterns are scattered throughout the landscape, enticing the macaques into view so everyone can observe their behavior. Contrary to what you might think, they don’t live on bananas alone. Instead, they’re given mostly a diet of plant materials (flowers, bark, etc.), plus insects and some fruits and vegetables.

A Whole New Way to Learn
At 11:40 a.m. each day, researchers and educators will be at the exhibit and won’t stay behind the scenes. The exhibit area is equipped with webcams, and behavioral and cognitive research will be ongoing as the public is invited to watch. There are two sheltered viewing areas; one is a glass-walled research pavilion, where you can observe primatologists interacting with the monkeys via touchscreen computers. Also, a meeting space with a wall of windows looking into the macaques’ grassy outdoor habitat will provide visiting groups a private viewing area.

Because the macaques are new and still getting used to their environment, a lot of what you see will be exercises in acclimation as the staff and researchers introduce them to their new space. Soon, they will use simple tools like tokens and tactile objects to entice monkeys to make decisions and observe their world. They’ll challenge the monkeys to understand they can exchange tokens for food rewards, and test to see if they go a further distance for a better reward. An educator explains the research process as it all unfolds.

Good to Know
Even if you can’t get to the exhibit, you can see the snow monkeys in real time and learn about them from home. The zoo’s micro website will offer a virtual experience, complete with a webcam stream showcasing the snow monkeys in action at Regenstein Macaque Forest. The site will offer interactive games, videos and educational material so kids can monkey around at home.

Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St. (Parking entrance at Fullerton Pkwy. & Cannon Dr.)
Lincoln Park
312-742-2000
Admission is free (fees vary for parking)
Online: lpzoo.org

What is your favorite exhibit at the zoo? Shout about it in the Comments!

— Kelly Aiglon

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Explore: A New Park Where Nature Encourages Play

by Angela Alanis

Having a long list of parks in your arsenal is a parenting must, especially during the long summer months. That’s why we’re super excited about Bothell’s newest (and coolest!) park. With a large playground, sand and water habitat, numerous paths and play spaces in the woods and a cool lookout tower, a visit to Miner’s Corner County Park may just jump to the top of your battle plans, er, list.

Slide, Swing and Spin
A first look at this awesome playground will have everyone in your crew excited to play—even mom and dad! There’s a variety of slides, some thrilling enough for bigger kids and some more suited for the Littles. There are two climbing walls, a lookout tower, and a modern merry-go-round for tots who love to get dizzy. Upon closer inspection, every nook and cranny is jam-packed with things to spin, climb, swing, and explore. Bells to ring and drums to play will inspire little musicians, and maybe make your nice pots and pans seem a little less endearing. You will also find the always-popular steering wheels and telescopes placed throughout the playground. And an added bonus: The park is covered with cushy rubber padding, keeping those awful woodchips to a minimum and the entire park is uniquely wheelchair accessible, including the 10-foot tall lookout tower.

Sandcastles and Dinosaurs
If your little tykes love to get their hands (and feet) dirty, grab your buckets and shovels and hit the cool sandbox. In addition to plenty of sandy space to play, your amateur archeologist can look for fossils. That’s right! A dinosaur fossil is just waiting to be uncovered! (Helpful Hint: The fossil is located in the stream by the Sand Trap). There’s also plenty of room to build the perfect sandcastle, and a couple of cranes to make kids feel like big time construction workers.

Getting Back to Nature
Miner’s Corner has embraced the surrounding wooded areas and streams, encouraging kids (and even adults!) to be creative with nature. Kids will feel like they’re deep in the forest with trails winding in and out of tall trees, logs to climb over, and bugs to discover. All the while, you won’t have to worry about potential lions and tigers and bears (oh my!) or other dangers lurking along the trail, as little explorers are visible from the playground.

Water Exploration
Like anything else with the potential to get wet and dirty, the water habitat is an enticing place for tots to play. It’s naturally changing ecosystem gives new opportunities to learn and explore, not to mention splash and soak mom or dad with a bucket from the sandbox. The water garden is up to a foot deep, potentially more depending on recent rainfall, so make sure to keep a close eye on smaller explorers, especially if they’re tempted to lean a little too far over the edge.

For Aspiring Athletes
If you have a budding Lebron James, the Sports Court has a full size high school basketball court perfect for a pick-up game or round of HORSE. Hoops not your thing? There are areas for an intense round of foursquare or even hopscotch. The spacious Sports Lawn is so brand spanking new that the grass still needs a bit more time to grow before it can open up to little feet. But when it does, it will be the perfect place for soccer, football, ultimate Frisbee, or even a family picnic.

Good to Know
1) Miner’s Corner is part of Snohomish County’s “Pack It In, Pack It Out” initiative, meaning there are no garbage cans in the park. Be prepared to take any empty snack bags or juice boxes home with you to throw away. The bathrooms are the exception, there are cans to toss your paper towels and stinky diapers.

2) Need a place for your summer gathering or next birthday bash? The large Picnic Shelter can be reserved, and is already complete with electricity and picnic tables, and can fit up to 50 guests.

3) If you think your little waterbug may get too excited about the water habitat, you may want to throw an extra shirt in your bag. Actually on second thought, throw in some extra pants and socks too!

Miner’s Corner County Park
22903 45th Ave. S.E.
Bothell, Wa 98021
Online: snohomishcountywa.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Miners-Corner-57

Will you be exploring Miner’s Corner Park this summer? Tell us about your experience a comment below. 

–Angela Alanis, words and photos

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Meet Shedd Aquarium’s New Stingrays

by Matt Kirouac

If you’ve said it once, you’ve said it a thousand times: “Look, but don’t touch.” This summer, save the phrase for the china shop and cut loose at Shedd Aquarium. Its Stingray Touch exhibit, opening Friday, May 17, invites kids of all ages to reach out and caress what are thought to be some of nature’s dangerous creatures. Along with learning about different stingray species and their wild habitats, you’ll see just how docile and friendly these ocean swimmers can be.

All About the Rays
Stingrays are graceful, entrancing creatures — the ballerinas of the sea, you might say. Shedd captures their beauty and intrigue in a massive pool set in a tent along the Aquarium’s south terrace. Close to 40 cownose and yellow stingrays dart in the re-created ocean habitat. The cownose rays can reach up to three feet from wing tip to wing tip and are typically found throughout the western Atlantic and Carribean, although some of these resident rays were born onsite through Shedd’s breeding program. Yellow rays are a bottom-dwelling species that make their home in the tropical western Atlantic.

Despite their stereotype, stingrays are actually quite tame. In the wild, they use their stinging barbs as a defense mechanism, but without the threat of predators, they have no use for them. Shedd’s animal health team trims the barbs in a simple, painless manner similar to how we clip our fingernails. That makes them safe to touch.

A Peek at the Pool
Stingrays have mesmerized Shedd guests for years in various permanent exhibits. Freshwater rays can typically be found in Amazon Rising, while blue spotted rays, ribbontail rays and fiddler rays glide through Wild Reef. Southern rays, yellow rays and cownose rays have their own special home in Caribbean Reef. But never before has the public been given a chance to touch stingrays at the Shedd, which is why the new exhibit is so special.

Stingray Touch’s oblong 80-by-22-foot pool holds 18,000 gallons of water and a waterfall, making it the largest outdoor exhibit in Shedd history. The pool has varying depths, with yellow rays slinking along the bottom of the pool, and cownose rays gliding at the surface. Colorful stingray-like structures dangle from the ceiling of the exhibit, and soothing music sets the soundtrack.

As you enter the exhibit, Shedd staffers dish interesting facts about stingrays. (Did you know, for example, that a stingray’s mouth, nostrils and gill slits are on its underbelly?) Then you have the opportunity to reach into the pool as the cownose rays swim by. Go ahead — touch the soft skin on their “back.” And don’t forget to brag about the experience to grandma afterward.

The Fine Print
Stingray Touch is open from May 17 through the fall. Tickets are a $5 optional add-on ($3 for Shedd members) to the Shedd Pass ($28.95 per adult and $19.95 per child ages 3-11). Tickets are included in the Total Experience Pass ($37.95 per adult or $28.95 per child ages 3-11). Advance tickets are available now through Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. The aquarium is open 9:00 am- 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, and 9:00 am-6:00 pm on weekends and holidays. Since it is an outdoor exhibit, Stingray Touch may not be open in inclement weather and rays will be moved to an indoor 45,000-gallon habitat behind the scenes for their safety.

Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Museum Campus
312-939-2438
Online: www.sheddaquarium.orgx

What is your favorite animal to check out at the Shedd Aquarium? Let us know in the Comments section below.

— Matt Kirouac

Photos: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez

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