GRAY FOX: ELATION AND CONFUSION

Dear Editor,

I am very interested in knowing about places where we can hike and surround ourselves with nature, as well as visit centers with activities to promote respect for the natural world. Your publication seems to be an excellent resource for us!

The Winter 2004 issue was my first to arrive in the mail, and I am captivated by the little tree fox on the last page. Surely this is the same creature who spoke to the Little Prince about the meaning of taming and friendship. My praise to the photographer for capturing such an exquisite creature. We are working to create prairie and oak savanna on our own land. I just had no idea there was such a thing as a tree fox—amazing!

Elaine Swanson
Pickett, Wisconsin

Editors' Note: Our title left more than one person confused about the name of this animal. The words "Tree Fox" were merely the title we chose for our article about the gray fox, which has the unusual ability to climb trees.

MIDWESTERNERS UNITE!

Dear Elizabeth Plonka,

I read about you in the Winter 2004 issue ("Elizabeth Plonka: Apprentice to Many"), and just had to write and tell you that I love your attitude! All of your volunteer work is impressive and admirable, but it feels good to know that I'm not the only one who loves Midwest landscapes. The remnant prairie and savanna vestiges of southern Wisconsin really tug at my heart, and make me wonder why teachers insist on studying the rainforest without mentioning our own great places. Anyway, keep up the great work!

Peggy Traver
Monona, Wisconsin

CROW LESSONS

Dear Editor,

I am always amazed and in awe at how much wildlife is in our own back yards! 
I have seen everything from a red fox crossing Golf Road to several sightings of coyote near Perkins Woods in Evanston. In Northfield, at my sister's home, there is a family of flying squirrels living in their trees. At night they hear owls and have hawks visit their backyard during the day. Both spring and fall migration is a treat in Chicago Wilderness!

I am writing in response to Nancy Shepherdson's article, "A Murder of Crows" (CW, Winter 2004). I was troubled when so many crows were dying during 2002 and had vanished from Evanston. I kept looking for signs of their return. Last fall, I noticed a flock of crows on King Lab's playground where I am a teacher. Two hawks appeared to be playing tag with members of this family and vice versa. I was unsure if the hawks my students and I observed were in the area because of migration or not, but it was totally captivating to observe these beautiful birds zooming about! The crows continue to thrive in the area of the playground and surrounding trees along the canal. I believe there may be several family units.

Thanks again for the fantastic articles and information. It helps the public become much more aware of the natural wonders in the Chicagoland area.

Jill Fink
Evanston, Illinois

CORRECTIONS
In our Winter 2004 article on the sumac, we incorrectly described two species. Poison sumac has pinnately compound leaves and poison ivy has three leaflets. Additionally, malic acid also contributes to the tart flavor of sumac-berry tea (never use the white berries of poison sumac for this purpose). We regret the errors.