Is stewardship of wildlife for you?

MILLBROOK — The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies recently presented a three-part video series entitled, “An Ecological Approach to Wildlife Stewardship,” helpful to those who want to live in line with nature.

Aired in three parts, on Sept. 30, Oct. 7 and Oct. 14, they can be viewed on the Cary Institute’s website, free of charge, and are a fascinating study of how to be at one with the natural world.

The first presentation was “Wildlife Ecology and Management,” which looked at life from an ecological perspective. Julie Hart, of the Dutchess Wildlife Conservancy and a former Cary Institute scientist, spoke of the region’s history, from being covered in ice from 8,000 to 12,000 years ago to its revitalization when erosion caused soil to form during the reforestation period. When people arrived and stripped the land, hunted the wildlife until in the mid 1800s, about 80% of the land had been cleared and many animals and other wildlife fled or nearly reached extinction. Since the 1950s and ‘60s, another reforestation has taken place, bringing back many forms of wildlife. 

The series also discussed planning, and why it’s so important. It discussed animals to study when studying conservation. and its food sources. One food source may be fallen trees, or dead trees. Hart said if they are not too close to one’s home to be a danger, to let them stand. If fallen, let them lie. They provide shelter, nesting space and are a habitat for many insets that birds and other small animals eat.

Kaylee Resha, of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), agreed with Hart’s ideas and had her own information and advice, pointing out that the NWTF also studies other smaller animals. She agreed research should be done on animals, their habits and their needs. They said there’s inter-connectivity among all species of animals, plant life and humans, and a change in one impacts the others.

The Cary’s Mike Fargione spoke about the use of cameras in identifying wildlife and studying their behavior. He presented a video explaining the technical issues of using a trail camera.

The second workshop was about threats to wildlife. Unfortunately, Hart pointed out, most animals, insects and birds end their lives being eaten by other species, or even their own. Whenever change takes place, it can affect the availability of food, habitat or shelter. The harm it can cause to some species, or the good it can cause to others, can run the gamut.

The series addressed property management from an ecological view. It can entail actively working the land to create a specific habitat type. Nature can change vegetation over time. Property management can be used to create a desired wildlife habitat. In New York, this is important because there is a lack of timber harvesting causing a lack of age diversity in forests. Timber harvesting can help in thinning forests, allowing new growth, and possibly generating money, which can go back into the management process. With property management, a realistic goal is  vital, as is research. Invasive plants and species can be eliminated or managed, as can pathogens and forest pests, but they all must be identified to be managed, as they can all constitute a threat to food, shelter and the safety of wildlife.

The third part of the series was mainly about how to live with wildlife, how to mitigate damage caused by wildlife and who the most obvious culprits might be. Fargione presented some very practical advice and information, like what damage do certain animals cause?  How can the damage be controlled, eliminated or managed? He spoke of fencing of all types, what is allowed when it comes to hunting or trapping bear, deer, beavers and other animals. Pesticides were also covered in this section. Also mentioned, restrictions that may apply due to local ordinances or “good neighbor” policies. He also suggested applying controls early so wildlife doesn’t learn bad habits. 

He said it is possible to live with nature and animals, to cohabitate with them, but it takes knowledge, willingness and most of all, a realistic plan for becoming a steward of wildlife.