Fire monitoring is going well! We only have two forest plots left to complete!
Like most things, fire monitoring plots require some maintenance as time goes on. The poles marking the transect get removed or knocked down and tree tags become ingrown over time, which isn't unreasonable considering these plots were originally established in the nineties. So, we look out for these incidences and try to keep the plots in good repair for future studies. For science!
Blue Hill Overlook
This week, there was still trail maintenance that needed to be done from last week's storm. I walked Blue Hill Trail with the YCC (Youth Conservation Corps) picking up small debris and watching for larger trees that would need to be cut up later.
Blanding's Turtle
I marked my first Blanding's Turtle this week! This female turtle was gravid, meaning she was full of eggs that she'd probably be laying soon. We could actually feel the eggs; it was really cool!
Killdeer Nest
There is a killdeer nesting on the Wildlife Drive! Other cool animal sightings of the week include a sandhill crane pair with their colt, a pair of turkeys with their poults (they look like baby dinosaurs, so cute) more snapping turtles, and a COYOTE. So much nature!
Froghopper Nymph Cover
When I was out pulling invasive species with Sally one afternoon, I stumbled across a few plants with patches of foam on their stems. Being of a science background, I quickly wondered, who has been throwing foam parties on the refuge, and why wasn't I invited...? It turned out that the residue in question was a form of protection produced by froghopper nymphs, more commonly known as spittlebugs. Spittlebug nymphs tap into plants and use their sap to make a foam casing. The resulting cover protects the young bugs from predation as well as unfavorable temperature fluctuations. Pretty cool!
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