Friday, July 12, 2013
By the Numbers: June 2013
If April showers bring May flowers, what do June showers bring? More showers apparently... June saw a record amount of rainfall for any month since the park opened in 2004 - over 13 inches!
Total number of visitors: 3636
Total rainfall amount: 13.044 inches
Average daily highs: 83.42 degrees F
Average daily lows: 63.84 degrees F
Mountain bike trails open: 67% of the month
The numbers for May, if you're keeping track:
Total number of visitors: 4014
Total rainfall amount: 3.331 inches
Average daily highs: 75.9 degrees F
Average daily lows: 55.61 degrees F
Mountain bike trails open: 87% of the month
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
By the Numbers: May 2013
Most visitors ever at the park for a May. Here are the May numbers:
Total number of visitors: 4014
Total rainfall amount: 3.331 inches
Average daily highs: 75.9 degrees
Average daily lows: 55.61 degrees
Mountain bike trails open: 87% of the month
And if you are keeping track, here are the numbers for April:
Total number of visitors: 3852
Total rainfall amount: 4.682 inches
Average daily highs: 71.53 degrees
Average daily lows: 48.3 degrees
Mountain bike trails open: 70% of the month
Monday, May 27, 2013
Building Bat Boxes
Bats make good neighbors: They don't take up much space. They eat a LOT of bugs. They are fun to watch zig-zagging in the sky. And even though they are up all night, we don't usually hear them. Yet many people are reluctant to encourage bats to take up residence near their home.
Bats use echolocation to hunt for insects. They emit ultrasonic sound pulses which bounce back to their large ears and gives them a "picture" of what is around them. This doesn't mean bats are blind. Their eyes are small and poorly developed so they do not see things as sharply as humans. The use of echolocation gives them the ability to hunt in the dark. Even though the sounds they emit are usually too high of a frequency for us to hear, that doesn't mean they are not loud. Those sounds can top out at 100 decibels which means if we could hear them, it would be as loud as a freight train or loud clap of thunder!
Insect eating bats can eat half of their body weight in one night. Some bats like the Red Bat can eat as many as 3,000 mosquitoes during an evening's hunt. Image how many 100 bats could eat! The Little Brown Bat and Big Brown Bat are the most common bat in the U.S. and the most frequent users of bat boxes. Little Brown Bats can eat 100 mosquitoes in an hour. Bats eat a variety of insects including mosquitoes, flies, moths, centipedes, earwigs, crickets and cicadas.
Bats are most active at night when insects are most active and competition from birds is lessened. They use the daytime hours to sleep and groom their fur. Some bats live a solitary life while others live in colonies that can number over a million. Bats prefer enclosed spaces that are dry, warm and draft-free. They may roost under the bark of trees, in caves, small cavities in trees as well as man-made structures like attics, barns and bat boxes.
Bat boxes are put up for many of the same reasons people put up birdhouses. They may enjoy a variety of wildlife in their yard or want to take advantage of the insect control that a colony of bats can provide. There are several important factors to consider when placing a bat box. Size, height, location and temperature are keys to a succussful bat box. Boxes can be easily made and there are many designs and plans available on the web. Pre-made boxes can also be purchased.
When building a bat box the main requirements are that it be over 20 inches tall, 12 inches wide with a 3-6 inch landing area at the bottom entrance and a 1/2 inch ventilation gap in the front. It can be made out of plywood or board lumber but it should have a rough interior surface or nylon screening for the bats to hold on to and be weather-tight. Bats like to be snug in their roosts so a depth of 3/4 to 1 inch is all that is needed. Multi-chambered bat houses will attract larger colonies than single chamber houses as long as the partitions are spaced no more than 1 inch apart. Larger spacing also attracts pests like wasps. Boxes that are taller and wider give the bats more choices to adjust to changes in temperature.
The exterior of the bat box should be painted. You can paint it black if your average summer temperature in July is under 85 degrees F. Lighter colors like gray, green or brown can be used if the average July temperature is not over 95 degrees F. If your average temperature in July is over 100 degrees F, the box should be painted white. Darker colors are better for areas where bats might hibernate through the cold winter, helping to keep the interior temperature warm enough. The interior can be painted to help preserve the wood but it is not necessary. Make sure any gaps along the seams are caulked to prevent drafts.
Bat boxes can be mounted to buildings or on poles. They can be attached to trees as long as there are no limbs or other obstacles within 20 feet. Of course, try not to damage the tree when mounting the box. They should be placed at least 10 feet from the ground, with 12-20 feet being best. Boxes should face south or southeast to maximize sun exposure. Bats prefer boxes that get at least 6 hours of sun per day. In warm southern climates avoid too much exposure as the very hot temperatures inside the box will make it unsuitable for the bats to roost.
A bat box does not usually need cleaning but do check it periodically for wasps or other pests and make sure the box is in good repair. Painting, repairs and pest removal is best done after bat breeding season is over in the fall and winter. It is not known if seasonal cleaning will help reduce the spread of white nose fungus but if you do not have bats hibernating in the box over the winter, it may be a good time to wash it out with a diluted bleach solution much like you would do with a birdhouse.
For more information on bats and bat boxes, try a few of these resources:
Stokes Beginner's Guide to Bats by Kim Williams, Rob Mies, Donald & Lillian Stokes
The Bat House Builder's Handbook by Merlin D. Tuttle, Mark Kiser and Selena Kiser
Bats by Gail Gibbons
Bat Conservation International - www.batcon.org
National Wildlife Federation: Build a Bat House - www.nwf.org/How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife/Gardening-Tips/Build-a-Bat-House.aspx
 |
| Common Pipistrelle |
Bats use echolocation to hunt for insects. They emit ultrasonic sound pulses which bounce back to their large ears and gives them a "picture" of what is around them. This doesn't mean bats are blind. Their eyes are small and poorly developed so they do not see things as sharply as humans. The use of echolocation gives them the ability to hunt in the dark. Even though the sounds they emit are usually too high of a frequency for us to hear, that doesn't mean they are not loud. Those sounds can top out at 100 decibels which means if we could hear them, it would be as loud as a freight train or loud clap of thunder!
Insect eating bats can eat half of their body weight in one night. Some bats like the Red Bat can eat as many as 3,000 mosquitoes during an evening's hunt. Image how many 100 bats could eat! The Little Brown Bat and Big Brown Bat are the most common bat in the U.S. and the most frequent users of bat boxes. Little Brown Bats can eat 100 mosquitoes in an hour. Bats eat a variety of insects including mosquitoes, flies, moths, centipedes, earwigs, crickets and cicadas.
Bats are most active at night when insects are most active and competition from birds is lessened. They use the daytime hours to sleep and groom their fur. Some bats live a solitary life while others live in colonies that can number over a million. Bats prefer enclosed spaces that are dry, warm and draft-free. They may roost under the bark of trees, in caves, small cavities in trees as well as man-made structures like attics, barns and bat boxes.
Bat boxes are put up for many of the same reasons people put up birdhouses. They may enjoy a variety of wildlife in their yard or want to take advantage of the insect control that a colony of bats can provide. There are several important factors to consider when placing a bat box. Size, height, location and temperature are keys to a succussful bat box. Boxes can be easily made and there are many designs and plans available on the web. Pre-made boxes can also be purchased.
 |
| Single-chamber bat houses |
When building a bat box the main requirements are that it be over 20 inches tall, 12 inches wide with a 3-6 inch landing area at the bottom entrance and a 1/2 inch ventilation gap in the front. It can be made out of plywood or board lumber but it should have a rough interior surface or nylon screening for the bats to hold on to and be weather-tight. Bats like to be snug in their roosts so a depth of 3/4 to 1 inch is all that is needed. Multi-chambered bat houses will attract larger colonies than single chamber houses as long as the partitions are spaced no more than 1 inch apart. Larger spacing also attracts pests like wasps. Boxes that are taller and wider give the bats more choices to adjust to changes in temperature.
The exterior of the bat box should be painted. You can paint it black if your average summer temperature in July is under 85 degrees F. Lighter colors like gray, green or brown can be used if the average July temperature is not over 95 degrees F. If your average temperature in July is over 100 degrees F, the box should be painted white. Darker colors are better for areas where bats might hibernate through the cold winter, helping to keep the interior temperature warm enough. The interior can be painted to help preserve the wood but it is not necessary. Make sure any gaps along the seams are caulked to prevent drafts.
 |
| Single-chamber bat house: A) roof; B) & C) front with 1/2 inch ventelation space; D) back with landing area & covered in nylon screen; E) side |
Bat boxes can be mounted to buildings or on poles. They can be attached to trees as long as there are no limbs or other obstacles within 20 feet. Of course, try not to damage the tree when mounting the box. They should be placed at least 10 feet from the ground, with 12-20 feet being best. Boxes should face south or southeast to maximize sun exposure. Bats prefer boxes that get at least 6 hours of sun per day. In warm southern climates avoid too much exposure as the very hot temperatures inside the box will make it unsuitable for the bats to roost.
A bat box does not usually need cleaning but do check it periodically for wasps or other pests and make sure the box is in good repair. Painting, repairs and pest removal is best done after bat breeding season is over in the fall and winter. It is not known if seasonal cleaning will help reduce the spread of white nose fungus but if you do not have bats hibernating in the box over the winter, it may be a good time to wash it out with a diluted bleach solution much like you would do with a birdhouse.
For more information on bats and bat boxes, try a few of these resources:
Stokes Beginner's Guide to Bats by Kim Williams, Rob Mies, Donald & Lillian Stokes
The Bat House Builder's Handbook by Merlin D. Tuttle, Mark Kiser and Selena Kiser
Bats by Gail Gibbons
Bat Conservation International - www.batcon.org
National Wildlife Federation: Build a Bat House - www.nwf.org/How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife/Gardening-Tips/Build-a-Bat-House.aspx
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
By the Numbers: April 2013
We'll see if our April showers bring May flowers. Here are the numbers for April:
Total number of visitors: 3852
Total rainfall amount: 4.682 inches
Average daily highs: 71.53 degrees
Average daily lows: 48.3 degrees
Mountain bike trails open: 70% of the month
If you are keeping track, here are the numbers for March:
Total number of visitors: 3,496.5
Total rainfall amount: 2.746 inches
Average daily highs: 55.6 degrees
Average daily lows: 34.03 degrees
Mountain bike trails open: 90% of the month
Total number of visitors: 3852
Total rainfall amount: 4.682 inches
Average daily highs: 71.53 degrees
Average daily lows: 48.3 degrees
Mountain bike trails open: 70% of the month
If you are keeping track, here are the numbers for March:
Total number of visitors: 3,496.5
Total rainfall amount: 2.746 inches
Average daily highs: 55.6 degrees
Average daily lows: 34.03 degrees
Mountain bike trails open: 90% of the month
Friday, April 12, 2013
By the Numbers: March 2013
Seems like March came and went in a flash but we've still got the numbers:
Total number of visitors: 3,496.5
Total rainfall amount: 2.746 inches
Average daily highs: 55.6 degrees
Average daily lows: 34.03 degrees
Mountain bike trails open: 90% of the month
For those keeping track, here are the statistics for February 2013:
Total number of visitors: 2,191
Total rainfall amount: 4.582 inches
Average daily highs: 45.32 degrees
Average daily lows: 29.81 degrees
Mountain bike trails open: 78.3% of the month
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Look for Lyrid Meteor Shower to Peak April 22nd
The Lyrid meteor shower will peak this year on April 22, 2013. This annual meteor shower typically puts on a good show with an average of about 10-20 meteors an hour. Sometimes though it can have “surges” of activity that peak as high as 100 meteors an hour. The Lyrids also tend to produce pretty bright meteors that have long, very visible trails. But you will have to set the alarm clock for the wee hours of the morning to get the best views.
Look for the meteors to originate from the Northeastern portion of the sky, in the constellation Lyra. The moon will be waxing gibbous and will set late, so the best time to watch for them will be right before moonset. For our area that will be sometime between 3:30am and 4:30am. If you can't bring yourself to get up that early, you may be able to catch some of the meteors earlier in the night even with the Moon’s light.
The Lyrids will occasionally produce fireballs and they have put on truly incredible shows. During a meteor shower in Richmond, Virginia in 1803, it was reported that there were over 700 meteors falling at the peak of the Lyrids. Huge bursts of activity such as the 1803 shower are called meteor storms.
If you want to get the best seat for the show, here are some basic tips: Get away from the city lights, get a nice, comfortable reclining chair, plenty of layers of warm clothes and blankets, snacks and some hot cocoa or coffee. Some other items include a red-filtered flashlight, star charts and a camera on a tripod. Give your eyes time to adjust to the dark to see the meteors more easily and in higher numbers. Avoid areas were car headlights might pass by and turn down the brightness on your mobile devices or turn them off.
 |
| Four hour time-lapse exposure of meteor shower. |
The Lyrids will occasionally produce fireballs and they have put on truly incredible shows. During a meteor shower in Richmond, Virginia in 1803, it was reported that there were over 700 meteors falling at the peak of the Lyrids. Huge bursts of activity such as the 1803 shower are called meteor storms.
If you want to get the best seat for the show, here are some basic tips: Get away from the city lights, get a nice, comfortable reclining chair, plenty of layers of warm clothes and blankets, snacks and some hot cocoa or coffee. Some other items include a red-filtered flashlight, star charts and a camera on a tripod. Give your eyes time to adjust to the dark to see the meteors more easily and in higher numbers. Avoid areas were car headlights might pass by and turn down the brightness on your mobile devices or turn them off.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Bats and Bugs Highlight Summer Programs at Little River Park
Here's the list of the programs that the park will offer for May through August 2013. We are excited to try some new topics like bat boxes and papermaking. And have a chance to play in the river in July to look for bugs and other water critters.
Tiny
Trekkers (age 2-4)
Tiny Trekkers
is a series of programs designed for young children ages 2 to 4 years old
accompanied by an adult. Trekkers learn about nature through stories,
activities, crafts and games.
Things with Wings
When: Monday,
May 6th, 10am-11am
Tuesday,
May 7th, 10am-11am
Where: Large
Shelter
Cost: $2.00
per participant
Description: Trekkers discover what bugs are flying around
the park. In addition to a story and a buggy craft, we’ll be releasing some
live ladybugs into the garden.
Crawling Critters
When: Monday,
June 3rd, 10am-11am
Tuesday,
June 4th, 10am-11am
Where: Large
Shelter
Cost: $2.00
per participant
Description: Lots
of legs, enormous eyes, they skitter and scurry. Trekkers learn some of the
cool ways bugs move, listen to a story and make their own little critter.
Buzzy Bees
When: Monday,
July 8th, 10am-11am
Tuesday,
July 9th, 10am-11am
Where: Large
Shelter
Cost: $2.00
per participant
Description: The
garden is humming this month with Trekkers and buzzing bumblebees. Discover what the noise is about with bee stories,
crafts and activities.
Hungry Hummingbirds
When: Monday,
August 5th, 10am-11am
Tuesday,
August 6th, 10am-11am
Where: Large
Shelter
Cost: $2.00
per participant
Description:
Trekkers try to keep up with the hummingbirds zipping around the park.
Participants will learn how they get their food and fly so fast.
Discovery
Club (ages 5 and Up)
Discovery
Club programs are geared toward children ages 5 & up accompanied by an
adult. Programs focus on learning about nature and science through hands-on
activities and exploration.
Bat Box Building
Date: Saturday,
May 25th
Time: 7:00pm
– 9:00pm
Location: Small
Shelter
Cost: $5.00
per box
Description: Bats
are good neighbors – they can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour. Learn
about these nocturnal animals and construct your own bat house to take home.
Ladybug Release
Date: Saturday,
June 22nd
Time: 6:00pm
– 7:30pm
Location: Small
Shelter
Cost: $5.00
per family/couple/individual
Description: Help
us release thousands of ladybugs into the garden. Find out all about these
beneficial insects and why scientists need help studying them. Make a ladybug
habitat and bring a few bugs home.
What’s Below?
Date: Saturday,
July 27th
Time: 10:00am
– 12:00pm
Location: Small
Shelter
Cost: $5.00
per family/couple/individual
Description: We
may not notice them at first but a closer look below the surface of the water
reveals many bizarre and interesting creatures. We’ll hike to the river and
examine the specimens we net and scoop out of the water. Please note that it is
about a 2 mile round trip hike.
Papermaking for Kids
Date: Saturday,
August 24th
Time: 10:00am
– 12:00pm
Location: Small
Shelter
Cost: $5.00
per family/couple/individual
Description: Kids will use different types of recycled
paper, leaves, flowers, and seeds to produce their own paper. Find out about how
trees become paper and forest conservation.
Special
Events/Programs
Little River Under the Stars
Date: Friday,
May 10
Time: 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: Play Meadow
Description: The folks from Morehead Planetarium and CHAOS
(Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) bring out the big
telescopes and guide us through the night sky. Please call the park after 5pm
the day of for cloud cancellation info: (919) 732-5505.
National Trails Day
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Description: Join
us for the 21st anniversary of America’s largest trail celebration! Park staff
will lead an interpretive hike along portions of the Ridge, North River Loop,
and Homestead Trails. Learn about the historic features along the trails as
well as some of the flora and fauna found in the park. Or just come out and
enjoy the trails! Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy after the hike.
Environmental
Education at Little River
The Little
River Regional Park offers a variety of nature programs for all ages. Regularly
scheduled programs and special events are listed below. Park staff can also
arrange programs on a variety of topics for schools, scouts, or other groups.
For more information, call the park office: (919) 732-5505. Registration
is available online: https://server3.co.orange.nc.us/. Pre-registration is
required and closes three days prior to the program date.
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