‘Devil’s Den Diary’ Category
-
Think Like a Mountain at Devil’s Den State Park
0May 3, 2012 by Devils Den
Devil’s Den State Park invites you to come and learn how to “THINK LIKE A MOUNTAIN” May 18-20 during a weekend of fun for the whole family while you discover and celebrate nature. The weekend event will feature nature programs and outdoor activities as well as programs that honor the life and times of Aldo Leopold. Leopold is considered by many to be the modern-day father of wildlife management and the conservation movement. He was a forester, philosopher, educator, writer, and outdoor enthusiast. In an essay called “Thinking like a Mountain” from his A Sandy County Almanac book, Leopold describes an encounter with a wolf while hunting the predator that later in life caused him to rethink his ideas of the importance that large predators play in the balance of nature and of whole ecosystems. He describes eloquently in the essay how the mountains surrounding the area had witnessed firsthand what happens when nature is forced out of balance by man. During his life Leopold was also credited with creating the Land Ethic principle, which is used today by most land managers and agencies. In the “The Land Ethic” from his book, he wrote: “There is a need for a …
Read More...Category Columns, Devil's Den Diary, Outdoors | Tags: Devil's Den Diary, mountian
-
White-Nose Syndrome Still Threatening Bat Population
0February 13, 2012 by Devils Den
By Rebekah Penny, Interpreter, Devil’s Den State Park Although there have been no confirmed cases of White-nose Syndrome in Arkansas, all federally and state-managed caves have been closed since 2010, including the caves of Devil’s Den State Park. The closures resulted from the threat of an extremely deadly fungal infection that has been wiping out large population of bats across the northeastern half of the United States and Canada. As researchers have only been following the disease since it was first noted in the winter of 2006 in a cave in New York, there are many more questions than answers. However, new evidence suggests that the repercussions of this deadly disease could affect us all (Consider that this fungal pathogen has been compared to the Potato Famine of Ireland). At this time, White-nose Syndrome is not believed to be a direct threat to hu- man health. However, it is wiping out bat populations. And whether you recognize the importance of these furry, flying mam- mals or believe the many misconceptions about them, there is no denying the vital and beneficial role they have to humans and ecosystems across the country. It has been estimated that bats provide over $22 billion …
Read More...Category Columns, Devil's Den Diary, Outdoors | Tags: bats, Devil's Den Diary, White-Nose Syndrome
-
Animals That Hibernate
0February 8, 2012 by Devils Den
Many of us are familiar with animals that hibernate. Squirrels, opossums, chipmunks, skunks and bats are among some of the mammals that hibernate. These animals enter hibernation in the winter to conserve energy by going into a deep sleep-like state. Hibernation can vary widely lasting several weeks or several hours a day. This is called a torpor or temporary hibernation. With a slowed heart rate and lowered body temperature, these animals have adapted to survive cold winters with little or no sustenance. The dormant state means that the animals function minimally to conserve energy. Many times these animals come out of hibernation to snack on harvested food. In the months leading up to hibernation, the animal has stored fat by eating more than usual. No one knows exactly what triggers hibernation in various animals. It might be the cooler temperatures, a change in light exposure, or the lessening of the food sup- ply. As the days begin to grow shorter and the trees are dropping their nuts and leaves, the animals at Devil’s Den State Park scurry around getting the last of their food sup- ply stored away for the winter. So before our furry friends disappear into their holes, …
Read More...Category Devil's Den Diary, Outdoors | Tags: Devil's Den Diary
-
Fall into the Park’s Busy Season
0November 11, 2011 by Devils Den
By Tim V. Scott, Park Interpreter October is one of the busiest times of the year at the park. Visitors are always amazed that the park is at 100 percent capacity every weekend and close to that during the week. Everyone is here for the same reason. The weather for camping is perfect. We open the fireplaces in the cabins. It is ideal weather for a morning hike. The area is also bustling with craft fairs, but most of all, visitors are here for the fall colors.
Read More...Category Columns, Devil's Den Diary, Outdoors | Tags: Devil's Den, Devil's Den Diary, Devil’s Den State Park
-
The CCC’s Voice of Satan
0October 27, 2011 by Devils Den
By Tim V. Scott, Park Interpreter The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp at Devil’s Den printed a newsletter named the “Voice of Satan.” It gives a unique insight into life at the park in 1936. The Voice of Satan was published every Friday. The below articles were included in the October 30, 1936 (VOL. 1 NO. 13) Halloween edition.
Read More...Category Columns, Devil's Den Diary, Outdoors | Tags: Devil's Den, Devil's Den Diary, Devil’s Den State Park
Loading ...