NATURE AT RISK
This is a series of articles on the fauna and flora of the Brodhead watershed that face endangerment.
American bittern
American bitterns are rare in the Brodhead watershed. The culprit: habitat degraded by humans.
Shadbush
It’s said the more common names a plant has, the more important it is to the culture of an area.
Rusty-patched bumble bee
This tiny creature’s range has shrunk to about 15 percent of what it once was.
Golden-winged warbler
This endearing dynamo has one of the smallest populations of any bird not on the endangered list.
Brook trout
“Brookies” need cold, clear, pure, oxygen-rich water to survive and thrive – and these fish are worth protecting.
Bog turtle
The adorable, tiny bog turtle is at risk from environmental factors and people who “love” them too much.