Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Amazing Animals of the Zumbro River Program

 The Friends of the Library held their May Hot Read program last night at the library.  29 people came to hear Kevin Strauss, education coordinator for the Zumbro Watershed Partnership, speak about the multitude of unique animals right here along the Zumbro River.


We learned about scaly, furry and winged species that we may not easily see or appreciate and what value they have in the watershed ecosystem.  Did you know that the grey fox climbs trees to get squirrels and escape predators and prefers the forests while his cousin red fox likes wide open spaces to hunt and run from his enemies. We were told how to easily distinguish venomous snakes from non-venomous.  He gave us a great rule to follow if the snakes head and body are pretty much the same they are non-venomous.  A easy rule to follow.

Strauss also talk to us about how to help keep the rivers clean: pick up trash, make sure fertilizer and soil do not make it to our rivers. Rain gardens, planting grasses, and trees slow down the flow of rainwater on its way to the Zumbro.

Through conservation efforts the animals, fish and birds are making a great comeback along the Zumbro Watershed.  We need to keep up the hard work!

No comments: