A Tale of a Thistle One park’s conservation efforts for a rare species

Whitefish Dunes State Park

Pitcher’s Thistle Federally listed in 1973 Threatened Lake Michigan, Huron and Superior Sand Dune Environment

Plant History

Beginning Counts First count in 1989 Jim Hale Ginny Haen Volunteer counters Beach Closed Whitefish Bay Counts

Current Count Began in 2001 Dara Olson – Biology Intern Compiled past data Created signage Established count days

Dividing the Dunes Lake front dune system broken into three sections Each area broken into smaller parts or sections Drawing of each smaller segments with tally sheet on back Old Baldy counted separately

Section Drawing Sheets

Recording Sheet Size Class Blossom /Adult More than 4 leaves 4 or less leaves /seedlings Date: Names of Counters:

Size Classifications Three size classes Identify growth rates over time

Baby Size Class 4 or less leaves Seedling

Young Adult/Teen Size Class More than 4 leaves Rosette

Adults Size Class Blossom present Standing dead

Count Day

Finding Thistles

Nursery Colony

Old Baldy Count

Protection

Results over Time

Data Share compatible data Notice trends Monitor sudden changes Establish a data base record Increase conservation efforts Provide numbers

Creating your own count Bring in the experts Excite park visitors and local residents Provide long term numbers & data Show conservation efforts Create Protectors!

Volunteers Clear instructions Be flexible Age Offer food Advertise statewide

The End