Citizen Science in Action

Apollo Beach manatee observation vessels needed

2012-01-11T10:45:00.000-05:00

In mid-late Jan, two rehabilitated manatees are being released in the Apollo Beach area. Because there are concerns about these two manatees in their ability to "e-adapt" to life in the wild, Sea to Shore Alliance (a local non-profit) will be attaching radio/satellite transmitters to these two manatees and tracking them for 3-4 months. During this time, we need to make 90-min long visual observations of these two manatees 1-2 times per week.

While the weather is cold, it is likely the manatees will remain in the TECO discharge area, making it very easy to conduct these visual observations. However, if the manatees venture away from the discharge (to feed or travel), we will need to go out in a boat to locate them. Unfortuantely, we do not have a boat to use in the area until late Feb or March.

We are looking for a boat we can access (either rent, borrow, or find a volunteer willing to take me out) in the event one or both manatees disperse away from the TECO area. I realize it will be difficult to find this on a regular basis, but I can easily "cobble together" different options. Therefore, if you have access to a vessel and would be interested in assisting me, even a couple of times, please let me know. Observations are usually done on weekdays but can occassionally be done on weekends. Depending on whether we need to locate one or both manatees outside the TECO area, the "excursion" (of locating and observing the manatees) could take anywhere from 2.5 - 6 hours. I can cover costs if you are willing to use a personal vessel.

Please let me know if you are intersted or have any other ideas. You can contact me via email (jkoelsch@sea2shore.org) or phone (727 424 9957). Thank you so much!

Jessica Koelsch
Marine Wildlife Conservationist
Sea to Shore Alliance
200 2nd Ave South #315
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

727.424.9957
Fax 727.954.3390

Special Registration category announced!

2011-10-30T12:19:00.002-04:00

Special Price Break for ANEW!

The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is having a fun and educational weekend event, Friday, Nov 11 through Sunday, Nov 13. In response to concerns of cost, there is now a special 'Current Economy' registration category. The cost is just $10 per person per day, still including one child under 12 free with paying adult. Registration for this option is available online at http://anew2011.eventbrite.com as an RSVP, with payment made upon arrival at event.

This reduced price does not include meals or session supplies but entitles the participant to access the day's sessions, displays and activities. Meals and/or session supplies can be purchased separately as needed. All meals are $5/person, and includes options for vegan/gluten-free diets.

The complete schedule for the weekend, Friday, November 11 through Sunday, November 13, and original registration form are available on the blog:http://anaturaleducation.blogspot.com. Registration forms are also available at Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center during regular hours of operation, Thursday- Saturday, 9am-2pm. The original Friday/Saturday all-inclusive price, includes meals, session supplies and a goody bag, for just $75 per person for both Friday and Saturday. Plus, one child under 12 is admitted free with each paying adult! Other price options are available on the registration form.

This event is part of a Be Out There!-NWF, Get Outdoors Florida!, "Let's GO"- C&N, No Child Left Inside, and Let's Move Outside inspired initiative. Partners in this event include Hillsborough County Community College 's South Shore Campus, West- Central League of Environmental Educators in Florida , Firehouse Cultural Center , and Hillsborough County Parks , Recreation and Conservation Services. Sponsors include Cargill and Publix. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are still available. Contact Dolly at 813-363-5438 or campbayou@gmail.com for more information.

Camp Bayou is neither a campground nor a summer camp. It was an RV park before the County's ELAP program purchased the land but it is now open for day use only, open to the general public. Through volunteers, donations, membership and grants, the RCDF offers pre-scheduled programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families plus it's open from Thursday- Saturday from 9am-2pmfor passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks.

The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is a public- private partnership between the non-profit Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. (RCDF) and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. More information is on the web at http://www.campbayou.org or call 813-641-8545.
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e-Bird enhancements

2011-10-28T07:30:00.000-04:00

Sittin' on the dock of the bay...

From the eBird team:

If you haven’t been to eBird (www.ebird.org) in a while, it’s time for another look. Over the past few months we’ve updated eBird so that it’s easier to use and more useful than ever to the birding community. eBird can help you find birds through our “Alerts” or by exploring our newly revised mapping tools and bar charts. Recording and keeping track of your birds is easier than ever with a completely redesigned data entry system and our automated listing pages (My eBird). Most importantly, you’ll become part of a growing community of tens of thousands of birders around the world whose data are now being used in real science and conservation. Best of all – it’s free!

eBird Version 3 includes:

Global scope—enter and explore observations from anywhere around the world
Streamlined data entry—getting your data into the system is faster and more customizable than ever
Improved range maps—explore interactive range maps for any bird in the world
Alerts system—get customized reports about birds of interest to you in a region
eBird Top 100—find out how your totals rank among other birders in any region
Birding + Science connection—by participating, your data become available to the science and conservations communities

We’re proud of the new developments at eBird, and we hope you’ll take the time to take the new tools for a test spin. Even if you don’t enter data, you can still explore the information submitted by other eBirders. Moving forward we’ll continue to develop eBird as the ultimate tool to serve the birding community, while always ensuring that the data we collect for science is of the highest possible quality. Join the flock, become an eBirder!

Good Birding from the eBird team!

The Great World Wide Star Count starts soon!

2011-10-11T07:14:00.000-04:00

From Dennis Ward, Director of The Great World Wide Star Count

It's almost here -- The Great World Wide Star Count starts this Friday, October 14th and runs through October 28th. This Windows to the Universe program is an international citizen-science event that encourages everyone, astronomers and non-astronomers alike, to measure their local light pollution and report their observations online.

The Great World Wide Star Count is designed to raise awareness about light pollution as well as encourage learning in astronomy. No prior experience is necessary. All background information needed to participate is on the Star Count Web site (http://starcount.org), along with a downloadable activity guide with the step-by-step instructions. All observations will be available online via Google Maps and as downloadable datasets.

Now in its fifth year, people from more than 60 countries have contributed more than 12,000 observations to Star Count. Please help us spread the word to your families, friends, club members, and especially any teachers or students that you know!

Clear Skies,
dward@starcount.org
http://starcount.org
http://windows2universe.org

Stream Waterwatch

2011-10-02T16:26:00.002-04:00

Stream Waterwatch's Level I Introduction to Stream Waterwatch:

Watershed Walk and Visual Survey Training
and Level II Water Quality Chemical Training

Also, current volunteers – Please drop by if you need new chemicals with QA testing, just let us know what you need

Location: Hillsborough Community College
Plant City Campus
1206 N. Park Road, 33563 (directions below)

Saturday, October 22nd

Training starts at 10:30 am

Directions: From I-4 take Park Road (Exit 22) and head south. At the first traffic light make a left, (Cherry St.), then make a right into the first driveway, the PEPC building is in the back – we will meet in PEPC 148 –it is in the back of the building.

Please RSVP to streamwaterwatch@bellsouth.net if you plan on attending.

For directions or questions call Phyllis Green: (813) 917-0935 or e-mail us at streamwaterwatch@bellsouth.net

Water Quality Testing Questions:
Email Erik at egarwell@tampabay.rr.com
Phyllis at pgreen@hccfl.edu
Benthic Questions:
Email Peggy at pegrat307@msn.com

Report fish kills

2011-07-19T19:19:00.000-04:00

From FWC-FWRI:

Report fish kills,

even though they’re common this time of year

High temperatures and cloudy, rainy days can spell trouble for fish in Florida’s marine and freshwater habitats. These conditions can cause fish kills, which are natural occurrences that typically do not cause permanent damage to the ecosystem or to fish populations.

Nevertheless the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) needs your help in keeping track of these die-offs. FWC scientists record and monitor the location and extent of fish kills in natural lakes and estuaries to see if there are problems developing in an ecosystem that might require investigation or restorative measures.

Many factors may contribute to a fish kill. Some fish kills are complex and involve a variety of factors that may not be easily discernable. However, most common causes of kills in brackish estuaries, freshwater lakes and man-made retention ponds are well understood by scientists.

Fish kills are commonly caused by weather-related factors. Sudden temperature fluctuations or extreme temperatures can result in fish kills any time of the year. Hot weather during the summer months can cause fish kills because warm water holds less oxygen than cold water. In addition, a lack of rain during hot-weather months lowers the water levels in the system, allowing the water to heat even more, which further depletes oxygen levels.

Fish kills also can occur during extended periods with little sunshine. The process leading to these types of die-offs begins with overcast skies and rainy weather. During extended periods of overcast, rainy or cloudy weather, the biological system uses the dissolved oxygen in the water faster than it can produce it. Rain water can compound the situation by causing vegetation, such as leaves and grass clippings, to wash into the system and decompose. The decomposition process also can remove oxygen from water.

The good news is that most natural water bodies are resilient to these types of fish kill events.

Residents can report fish kills in natural water bodies to the FWC at MyFWC.com/FishKill or by calling the FWC Fish Kill Hotline at 800-636-0511. It is not necessary to report fish kills in man-made retention or private ponds to the FWC.

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To view this press release online visit http://myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2011/july/19/fish-kills/.

Red Snapper Research

2011-06-15T11:52:00.002-04:00

FWC asks anglers to help with red snapper research
Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) request angler assistance with a research project focusing on red snapper caught in Florida offshore waters. This project will provide fisheries researchers and managers with vital catch-and-release survival information needed for assessing the status of this important recreational fishery.

FWRI biologists will approach anglers at public areas along the Gulf coast of Florida, including boat ramps, fishing piers and marinas, to request participation in the study. These biologists will distribute survey cards designed to collect detailed information on fishing trips targeting red snapper. This information includes where red snapper are caught and released, the type of fishing equipment used, and the condition of the fish when released. The data will provide vital information that will help improve the management of this popular recreational fishery.

Anyone fishing for red snapper in Florida can also request a postage-paid survey card in the mail, by emailing their name and address to FishStats@MyFWC.com. To download a data sheet, visit MyFWC.com/Research/Saltwater; click on “Recreational Fisheries” and select the article “FWC Enlists Anglers to Assist Reef Fish Studies.”

In addition to completing survey cards, anglers, vessel captains and mates can assist with reef fish research by reporting tagged fish to the Angler Tag Return Hotline at 800-367-4461. Since 2009, FWRI biologists have been tagging and releasing reef fish back into the Gulf of Mexico in an effort to evaluate the survival of fish caught and released with hook-and-line recreational fishing gear. Previous studies estimate that approximately 60 percent of red snapper survive when released after being caught on hook-and-line. A similar tagging program began this year on the Atlantic coast. By reporting tagged fish, anglers will help to improve the accuracy of estimated release survival rates for this species.

For this project, biologists are inserting yellow or orange tags near the dorsal fin of the fish. Each tag has a unique number printed on the side. When reporting a tagged fish, anglers should provide the species of fish, tag number, date and time of capture, where the fish was caught, fish length, type of bait used and whether the fish was kept or released. If the fish is released, anglers should leave the tag in the fish so biologists can continue to collect data.

For more information on this and other recreational fisheries research surveys, visit MyFWC.com/Research/Saltwater and click on “Recreational Fisheries.”

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To view this press release online visit http://myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2011/june/15/snapper-research/.

Search space website reviewers

2011-06-14T07:40:00.000-04:00

From Pamela Gay of Zooniverse, FYI…
Later this week or early next week, the New Horizons Mission in collaboration with the Zooniverse will be launching a new website designed to get your help finding the object or objects that New Horizons will visit after its 2015 flyby of Pluto. This website, still in demo, is filled with images containing Kuiper belt objects, variable stars (potentially even novae), and asteroids, all waiting for you to discover and confirm their presence.
The website's designers, Pamela Gay and her team at SIUE, would love your help making sure the website is ready for the public (and your help searching the images for objects!). If you have time, can you please go to…
http://demo.icehunters.org/
…and try out the site (Zooniverse login required). If you see anything that needs changing, just click the "report software issues" link, and drop the team an email.

Hydrilla IPM survey

2011-06-13T10:27:00.000-04:00

If you frequent Florida fresh water bodies for recreation or work, We Need Your Input!
Please take a few minutes to complete the UF/IFAS Hydrilla IPM survey found online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/hydrilla
The UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department in conjunction with the St Lucie, Osceola and Citrus County Extension offices and Florida A&M University is seeking input from residents on an invasive aquatic plant: Hydrilla verticillata. This survey is being conducted as a part of a needs assessment for a joint research and extension project regarding hydrilla.
Your input is important! Your responses will help us find out what we can do to develop effective educational tools. The survey will take about 5 minutes to complete.
If you have any questions, please email Dr. Jennifer Gillett-Kaufman at gillett@ufl.edu. Thank you for participating in our survey!

Everglades Non-native Fish Round Up

2011-05-24T14:37:00.000-04:00

The Everglades ecosystem is home to at least 22 non-native freshwater fish species. These non-native fish may be causing detrimental changes to our native fish communities, particularly as the number of new species continues to increase. All but one of these fish were introduced illegally as the result of releases of unwanted pets and food fish, or due to the flooding of aquaculture ponds.
The Everglade CISMA is hosting the Everglades Non-native Fish Round Up to raise public awareness about the negative impacts of releasing non-native fish into Florida waters, and to encourage anglers to target these non-native species for consumption. The roundup will also gather data into non-native fish distribution and abundance that can assist in their management.
The Round Up will be a one day event open to all anglers (shore or boat) fishing in the Everglades area. Prizes will be awarded for largest fish, largest aggregate catch (weight), and will include a junior division. We also will award a "Slam" prize to the angler that catches the greatest number of non-native species.
The Round Up will be held Saturday, June 25th, 2011 in Miami-Dade County at the Miccosukee Arches (SW 8th St/SW 172 Ave). There is a $25 entry fee. Participants will receive an Everglades CISMA Non-Native Fish Round-up T-shirt as well as merchandise from our sponsors.

For more info, visit http://www.evergladescisma.org/roundup/ .

Camel woes

2011-05-18T19:34:00.000-04:00

Ok, so this is not one of the usual local or regionally relevant citizen science projects we normally post here but it is an interesting project none-the-less. Apparently Australia is overrun (in certain areas) by camels that are sometimes aggressive if they want something you have- like anything containing water. Authorities are trying to manage this invasive non-native which presents some challenges. A website has been created to report sightings of those feral menaces and provide some much needed information on the issue. Check it out: http://www.feralscan.org.au/camelscan/

Local Cit Sci news

2011-05-16T10:15:00.000-04:00

Jay Watchers needed
The Jay Watch Project in Manatee County is looking for volunteers to monitor scrub jays this summer in the Duette Preserve. Training will take place on Saturday, May 28, from 8 a.m. to noon at Little Manatee River Southfork property. Contact Melissa Cain Nell at Manatee County Natural Resources Dept. (941) 748-4501 Ext. 4605.

Your 'Tern' to Help
Chick checkers and banders are needed in Pinellas County to look for tern chicks around buildings where nesting is happening on rooftops. Checkers would work 1-2 hour shifts weekly from late May to late July. Buildings are in St. Petersburg and Largo; call Beth Forys at (727) 864-7880 or forysea@eckerd.edu for more information.

Citizen Scientist Workshop

A free training to engage volunteers in the collection of local ecological information will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 18, at the Pinellas County Extension Office in Largo. Members of groups such as Audubon and Native Plant Society, Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, and other environmental groups are needed to collect specimens and data for resource managers and scientists to assist in public decision making related to conservation. Workshop is free, but space is limited. Register online at www.pinellascountyextension.org or call Mary Campbell at 727-582-2101.

Become a TBEP "Tide Watcher"

2011-05-15T10:33:00.000-04:00

From the Tampa Bay Estuary Program:

What will coastal areas around Tampa Bay, Florida look like as the sea level continues to rise?
The Tampa Bay Estuary Program is spearheading a photo-documentary project called "Tide Watch." Local citizens are asked to become "Tide Watchers" in an effort to document flooding during the upcoming "king tides." TBEP will be working with its sister NEP's in Florida to enlist citizens in this unusual project, to raise awareness of the potential impacts of rising seas on our shorelines and communities.
King tides are extremely high tides which occur typically two times per year, in the spring and fall, when the earth, sun, and moon align and the gravitational pull is at its greatest. This gravitational force causes king tides which can push enough water to raise sea levels by as much as a foot in some areas. Fishermen will be familiar with this astronomical phenomenon which exacerbates both the low tide and the high or 'spring tide.'

In the Tampa Bay area the spring king tide is expected to be in May, 2011; the fall tide is expected to be in October, 2011.
It is no secret that scientists believe climate change will raise sea level by several inches to several feet within the next century. The king tides represent a temporary yet highly visual way to determine what impacts we can expect as sea levels rise in the future. Many local government agencies are working to incorporate science-based sea-level rise projections into future planning.
Citizens will be able to participate as "Tide Watchers" by taking photos of areas during the king tide to photo-document changes on land from the unusually high tide.
What does it take to be a "Tide Watcher?"
•All you need is a camera and a view of the rising waters.
•Take some photos of the rising water during the spring high "King Tide" and upload them to Flickr or Facebook sites or e-mail them to fltidewatch@yahoo.com.
•The tides will be at their highest during the late afternoon on Tuesday, May 17th through Friday, May 20th.
•Find specific high tide times and locations near you.

Directions:
Flickr members, log in and go to "Florida Tide Watch" group to start uploading
If you like Facebook better, upload your photos to TBEP's Facebook page
Or just send them to fltidewatch@yahoo.com
Be sure to include date, time, and location where your photo was taken in your upload information.

Great Bee Count on July 16th

2011-05-11T07:14:00.000-04:00

This year, the Great Sunflower Project would like everyone - even those of you who haven’t sent in observations – to make the effort to join the Great Bee Count of 2011 on July 16th. The best way to sample is to sample every other week but if you only count bees once this year, make it on July 16.
Now more than ever, bee populations are endangered. The more we know about pollinator service across the country, the more action will be able to be taken to preserve and enhance pollinator habitat. We’re joining together to learn more, and we’re taking time to share what we’ve observed.

This project prefers that you count bees on a particular sunflower- a variety named Lemon Queen. This is because it's nectar is more consistent across individual plants than other sunflower or nectar plants so it is better for doing scientific studies because there are fewer variables to account for statistically. In the past, I've had problems finding local sources for this seed but was delighted to find them at Lowe's this year. I hear they are also at Walmart. In most areas, it takes between 8 - 10 weeks for sunflowers to bloom from seed.

Get out and plant your seeds now to join the Great Bee Count on July 16!

State of the Birds

2011-05-11T06:59:00.000-04:00

An example of citizen science data being used to relay information. From Cornell LoO:

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and partners launched the 2011 State of the Birds website on May 3. This ground-breaking report used eBird data to determine the distribution of birds on public lands and waters. More than one-third of land and all oceans in the U.S. are owned by the American people, yet until now the importance of these public lands and waters to our nation's birds had not been quantified. For the first time, eBird data revealed that public lands support more than half of the U.S. distribution of more than 300 bird species! The report shows the tremendous importance of public lands for bird conservation and identifies the most important opportunities for public land agencies.
The State of the Birds report is an example of how the Cornell Lab partners with bird watchers, academic institutions, conservation organizations, and government agencies to gather, analyze, interpret, and disseminate scientific data for conservation. The analyses were made possible by support from the National Science Foundation, Leon Levy Foundation, and Wolf Creek Foundation, and by the generosity of members and supporters of the Cornell Lab.
Visit http://www.stateofthebirds.org/ for more info.

Jay Watch Training

2011-05-09T19:08:00.000-04:00

Volunteers are needed for the 2011 field season. Jay Watch season is right around the corner (mid-June through mid-July), and we hope you can be a part of it this year! We have some trainings coming up soon, so if you’re near scrub-jays, there is a training near you:
Saturday, May 14th, Lyonia Preserve, Deltona, Volusia County
Monday, May 23rd, Shamrock Park, Venice, Sarasota County
Saturday, May 28th, Little Manatee River Southfork tract, Manatee County
Saturday June 4th, Royce Ranch, Lake Placid, Highlands County
Thursday, June 9th, Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Tequesta, Martin County
Saturday, June 11th, Lake Kissimmee State Park, Lake Wales, Polk County
All the trainings will be from 8:00am until 12:00 pm unless otherwise noted. If you’re already trained, you do not need to attend another training but it can be helpful to refresh your skills, especially for band-reading. We will be sending you updates on the survey dates at each location as we get more information.
It's a really fun project working with such dynamic birds and interesting people. If you would like to sign up for a training or to survey a site, or if you have any questions, please call or email me at (352) 732-1225 or Claire.Sunquist@myfwc.com with your name and contact number. I hope to see you in the scrub!
If you have any questions about these upcoming trainings or any other information, please contact Claire Sunquist at Claire.Sunquist@myfwc.com or at (352) 732-1225.

Stream Waterwatch Water Quality Chemical Training

2011-05-06T07:51:00.000-04:00

Stream Waterwatch's Level I Introduction to Stream Waterwatch: Watershed Walk & Visual Survey Training
and Level II Water Quality Chemical Training
Also, current volunteers – Please drop by if you need new chemicals with QA testing, just let us know what you need
Location: Trout Creek Park
Saturday, May 21st- Training starts at 10:30 am
Directions: From I-75 exit at Fletcher Avenue, head northeast on Morris Bridge Rd. for 0.5 miles.
Look for park entrance on the left. Follow road approximately 1 mile to the parking area.
We will meet at a picnic shelter near the canoe launch on the river.
Please RSVP to streamwaterwatch@bellsouth.net if you plan on attending.
For directions or questions call Phyllis Green: (813) 917-0935
Water Quality Testing Questions:
Email Erik at egarwell@tampabay.rr.com
Phyllis at pgreen@hccfl.edu
Benthic Questions: Email Peggy at pegrat307@msn.com

Angler participation for tarpon study needed

2011-05-05T19:30:00.000-04:00

FWC seeks continued angler participation for tarpon study

Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and Mote Marine Laboratory ask anglers to gather valuable information for the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study. Participating anglers collect DNA samples from any tarpon of any size. These samples help biologists gain insight into tarpon movement and distribution.

Biologists use DNA samples to identify the tarpon’s genetic “fingerprint.” The fingerprints provide a unique and natural tag for each individual fish. Scientists compare new tarpon DNA samples with cataloged samples to determine if someone else caught and sampled that tarpon previously. Biologists refer to these fish as “recaptured” tarpon.

In 2010, anglers provided biologists with more than 3,100 tarpon DNA samples. With more samples to be processed, biologists have documented 71 recaptured tarpon since the study began in 2005. Current data indicates that approximately one out of every 100 sampled tarpon is a recaptured fish.

Angler involvement has increased significantly each year of the study. Biologists hope that more anglers will join the effort, providing even more data for the study. So far in 2011, anglers have provided hundreds of samples, bringing the total number to just over 9,000. Anglers throughout Florida submitted samples from tarpon ranging in length from 5 to 96 inches.

Anglers who would like to assist the study may obtain a free, easy-to-use tarpon DNA sampling kit by emailing TarponGenetics@MyFWC.com or by calling 800-367-4461.

Participating anglers receive an annual newsletter with updates on the study. As it becomes available, anglers also receive additional information about recaptured tarpon. Anglers who submit a tarpon DNA sample to this study in 2011 will be entered into random, bi-monthly drawings for various prizes.

For more information on the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study, visit MyFWC.com/Research, click on “Saltwater,” scroll down to “Saltwater Fish” and click on “Tarpon.”

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To view this press release online visit http://www.myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2011/may/05/tarpon-dna/.

Helping scientists predict climate changes

2011-05-04T10:24:00.001-04:00

Here's an easy way to help the scientists:

Climateprediction.net is a distributed computing project to produce predictions of the Earth's climate up to 2100 and to test the accuracy of climate models. To do this, people around the world are needed to allow the use of time on their computers - time when they have their computers switched on, but are not using them to their full capacity.
Read more about the experiments.

For more on Climate Prediction assistance, visit http://climateprediction.net/index.php

Help biologists learn about spawning horseshoe crabs

2011-04-27T19:51:00.000-04:00

From MyFWC.com/News April 27, 2011

Beachgoers can help biologists learn about spawning horseshoe crabs

This spring, mating horseshoe crabs will gather at sandy beaches throughout the state. Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute need help from the public to identify horseshoe crab spawning areas.

The best time to find spawning horseshoe crabs is around high tide, just before, during or after a full or new moon. The new moon conditions around May 3 and the full moon conditions around May 17 will create good opportunities for viewing the spawning behavior of horseshoe crabs.

The FWC asks beachgoers to report the number of horseshoe crabs they see and whether the horseshoe crabs are mating. Mating crabs “pair up,” with the smaller male on top of the larger female. Other male crabs may be present around the couple. Biologists also want to know the date, time, location, habitat type and environmental conditions, such as tides and moon phase. If possible, specify roughly how many are mating adults and how many are juveniles (4 inches wide or smaller).

FWC asks people to report sightings through one of several convenient options. Go to MyFWC.com/Contact and follow the link to fill out an online survey; email findings to horseshoe@MyFWC.com; or call the FWC at 866-252-9326.

Horseshoe crabs have been around for approximately 450 million years and are an important part of a marine ecosystem. Their eggs are a vital food source for animals and birds, such as the red knot.

Horseshoe crabs are important to humans as well. For instance, in the biomedical industry, horseshoe crab blood helps save human lives. Pharmaceutical companies use horseshoe crab blood to make sure that intravenous drugs and vaccine injections are bacteria-free. Also, research into horseshoe crab eyes has given scientists a greater knowledge of the functioning of human eyes.

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To view this press release online visit http://myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2011/april/27/horseshoe-crabs/.

Citizen Scientists Making Incredible Discoveries

2011-04-24T17:54:00.001-04:00

From NASA Science News April 22, 2011

"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known," wrote Carl Sagan.
And now you can be the one to find it, thanks to Zooniverse, a unique citizen science website. Zooniverse volunteers, who call themselves "Zooites," are working on a project called Galaxy Zoo, classifying distant galaxies imaged by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.
"Not only are people better than computers at detecting the subtleties that differentiate galaxies, they can do things computers can't do, like spot things that just look interesting," explains Zooniverse director Chris Lintott, an astronomer at the University of Oxford.
Zooite Hanny van Arkel, a Dutch schoolteacher, discovered a strange green object floating in her cosmic soup:

Read what it was in the full article at NASA Science News .

18th Annual Secchi Dip-In Begins June 2

2011-04-11T19:18:00.000-04:00

From LAKEWATCH announcement:

This is an invitation to participate in this year’s Secchi Dip-In, which runs from June 25 to July 17. This is the 18th year of the Dip-In, and the three week event in June and July demonstrates that volunteers can collect valuable water quality data. The Dip-In is a network of volunteer programs and volunteers, that together gather and provide continent-wide (and world-wide) information on water quality.
If you are a coordinator of an aquatic monitoring program that measures transparency, pH, or temperature of surface waters, would you please urge your volunteers to participate? Probably never in recent history has our environmental efforts been more under greater attack by special interests. The Dip-In won’t solve our environmental crisis, but it does provide reliable contemporary data on a continental scale on change in our waters to state and federal agencies and to researchers. We rely on existing programs because your volunteers are trained, providing assurance that the data are reliable. The Dip-In provides an event that coordinators of programs both large and small, can use to advertise their program and to explain to the public and to officials the importance of environmental monitoring.
We have a New Website Address. We now have a new website: http://www.secchidipin.org/ . Volunteers can retrieve and edit the data they have entered and coordinators can retrieve and edit data from any waterbody in their program. If you want to be designated as a coordinator, please register and then send me an email. Volunteers also have the ability to personalize their waterbody site by adding pictures. A satellite map and graphs of data for each waterbody is now available.
Presence on Facebook: We have a Secchi Dip-In site on Facebook as well. We have posted a number of photos of volunteers, Secchi disks, turbidity tubes and even data graphs on the site. You are welcome to post announcements of your program. We would be happy to provide links to your program.
Trends in Transparency: Thanks to contributions from 2010 volunteers, we added another 200 lakes with 5 or more years of data, increasing our 5-Year Club to over 2,000 waterbodies. Five years or more of submissions is critical because it takes a minimum of 5 years of data in order to make reliable statements about trends.
In an era of increasing urbanization, it is not a trivial exercise to examine whether urbanization or other disturbances are affecting our waterbodies. We have found that some waterbodies having decreasing transparency are next door to ones that may be improving in transparency, suggesting that changes are a local phenomenon. At the same time some regions of the continent are indicating considerable change, while others have few lake that are changing, indicating a regional effect as well.
We urge you to consider participating this year. Better yet, urge your volunteers to participate. We all can gain from the experience.
Dip-In Site: http://www.secchidipin.org/
Facebook Site: http://www.facebook.com/secchidipin

New permit-tagging study needs anglers’ help

2011-04-04T09:22:00.000-04:00

New Permit-tagging study needs anglers’ help

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust need anglers to assist with a study about permit in Florida waters. Project Permit participants will help biologists obtain information on this economically important fish.

Anglers can assist biologists by tagging and sampling DNA from any permit they catch and release. Participants will mark each fish with a dart tag and obtain a small fin clip from the dorsal or anal fin of the fish. The information from the tags and DNA samples will improve biologists’ understanding of permit movement and distribution. Although the program is relatively new, biologists already have documented a tagged permit that had traveled more than 40 miles along the east coast of Florida before being captured again.

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute scientists will also compare permit DNA samples to determine whether all the tagged fish come from the same genetic stock. Resource managers can use this information for regulating the permit fishery.

The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust proposed the collaborative study after obtaining a grant from Costa Del Mar, which agreed to supply funds for the tagging kits for three to five years.

Anglers who would like to participate in Project Permit can obtain a free, easy-to-use tagging kit by e-mailing ProjectPermit@MyFWC.com or by calling 800-367-4461. Each kit contains enough material to sample five fish.

For more information on Project Permit, visit MyFWC.com/Research, click on “Saltwater,” scroll down to “Saltwater Fish” and click on “Permit.”

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To view this press release online visit http://myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2011/april/04/projectpermit/.

Bird Steward Vounteers Needed

2011-04-01T21:04:00.000-04:00

Bird Steward Vounteers Needed
Bird Stewards are needed every weekend from May 21 through Labor Day wherever the birds are nesting on public beaches, including Indian Shores, Shell Key, Ft DeSoto, and Egmont Key. St. Petersburg Audubon Society will provide training. Please consider volunteering a few hours on weekends this summer to help our feathered friends have a successful nesting season. This may be a critical year, following the oil spill, so your help will be needed more than ever.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Saskia Janes at icegull@netzero.com. For information about volunteering at Egmont Key, please contact Joyce Galiadro at galibird@tampabay.rr.com. For information about northern Pinellas County, please contact Marianne Korosy at mkorosy@audubon.org. Be sure to vist our Facebook page "Bird Stewards" to keep up to date on the birds and volunteers

FWC biologists discover new species

2011-03-31T19:31:00.000-04:00

FWC/FMRI press release: For immediate release: March 31, 2011
Photos: Go to MyFWC.com/News and click on the headline for this story.
FWC biologists discover new species in Hillsborough County fisherman’s catch
Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), along with scientists from California State Polytechnic University, have identified a new marine species found in the Gulf of Mexico. A scientific publication released Thursday officially announced the discovery of Chromodoris fentoni, a type of shell-less snail known as a nudibranch (pronounced “nu-da-brank”).

FWC biologists first observed this nudibranch when commercial aquarium-trade fisherman Daniel Fenton of Brandon donated sponges and other specimens to the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) in St. Petersburg in 2009. Fenton collected the specimens from the Gulf of Mexico, off Tarpon Springs. While sorting through the donation, FWRI biologists Nancy Sheridan and Joan Herrera observed the unusual creature.

“We were not able to identify one of the nudibranchs and realized that it was possible we were seeing something entirely new,” said Sheridan. “The discovery was especially rewarding because it resulted from a cooperative effort between industry and science.”

Herrera and Sheridan sent samples to Dr. Angel Valdes of California State Polytechnic University, and he verified that this species had never been documented.

“The opportunity to work with Dr. Valdes, a world-class nudibranch expert, has been really exciting for us,” said FWRI Curator of Collections, Dr. Joan Herrera. “At FWRI, we receive thousands of specimens each year, yet it is rare to find a species that is new to science.”

The article about C. fentoni appeared in the 2011 volume of the “American Malacological Bulletin,” published Thursday, March 31. The article also notes that FWRI biologists found another species of nudibranch called Glossodoris punctilucens. This species had not been documented since 1890, except once in a photograph.

A member of the phylum Mollusca, adult nudibranchs have external gills and no shell. They typically feed on sponges, corals, anemones and other sea life. Nudibranchs come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from 1/8-inch to 2 feet in length. C. fentoni is a colorful creature with bright red markings on an off-white background. Its oblong body reaches an approximate length of 1 inch.

For more information on nudibranchs, visit MyFWC.com/Research, and search “Nudibranchs of Florida.”

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To view this press release online visit http://myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2011/march/31/nudibranch .

Stream Waterwatch training

2011-03-12T08:25:00.000-05:00

Level I Training Introduction to Stream Waterwatch –
Watershed Walk & Visual Survey Training and Level II Training Water Quality Chemical Training/Quality Assurance Testing
Location: Lowry Park on the River
Saturday, March 19th

Training starts at 10:00 am
Meet near the boat ramp on the river across the street from Lowry Park Zoo
:7525 North Boulevard Tampa, FL 33604
For directions or questions call Phyllis at (813) 917-0935.
Please RSVP to streamwaterwatch@bellsouth.net if you plan on attending.
Also, please plan on attending the Lake, Pond & Stream Night on Friday, March 25th from 6-9 pm at the Florida Aquarium. This event features displays from various local environmental organizations. It’s a family-friendly event that gives you an opportunity to learn more about water conservation, management, and other water related topics. There will also be seminars conducted throughout the night.

Shorebird Monitoring Workshops

2011-03-12T08:03:00.000-05:00

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in partnership with the Florida Shorebird Alliance, will launch the new Florida Shorebird Database website this spring. This website will replace the Beach-Nesting Bird website as the central repository for data collected about Florida's shorebirds and seabirds.
FWC staff will be conducting regional shorebird monitoring workshops between March 14 and March 31. Learn about the new Florida Shorebird Database at an upcoming workshop:
Southwest Florida
March 16th (Lee County)
March 17th (Suncoast Region)
March 18th (Sarasota Area)
Brie Ochoa
brie.ochoa@myfwc.com
863-648-3200
For more information on the new Florida Shorebird Database, please e-mail FLShorebirdDatabase@myFWC.com.

Great Backyard Bird Count soon

2011-02-09T10:15:00.000-05:00

Great Backyard Bird Count Asks for Your Help

Count Birds February 18-21
February 8, 2011—The 14th annual Great Backyard Bird Count is coming up February 18–21, 2011. People of all ages and skill levels are needed to count birds in their yards, neighborhoods, or other locations across the United States and Canada. Simply tally birds for at least 15 minutes on any day of the count, then go to www.birdcount.org and enter the highest number of each species seen at any one time.
Coordinated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon, and Bird Studies Canada, the count provides an instantaneous snapshot of birdlife across the continent for all to see. Anyone can watch as the tallies come in at www.birdcount.org. Organizers hope to receive more than 100,000 checklists during the event, with tallies of more than 600 bird species in all.
Last year’s participants reported more than 1.8 million American Robins, as well as rarities such as the first Red-billed Tropicbird in the count’s history.
For more information, including bird-ID tips, instructions, and past results, visit http://www.birdcount.org/ . The count also includes a photo contest and a prize drawing for participants who enter their bird checklists online.

Water Quality Training

2011-02-03T20:05:00.000-05:00

Stream Waterwatch - Volunteers Make the Difference

Mark your Calendars!

Stream Waterwatch's Introduction to Water Quality Training
Location: Upper Tampa Bay Park
Saturday, February 12th at 10:00 am

The Upper Tampa Bay Park is located just off West Hillsborough Ave. on 8001 Double Branch Rd. Tampa, FL (813) 855-1765.
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/parkservices/regionalsites.cfm?facilitydetailid=526&selparks=-1&selcategory=-1&zipcode=&First=11&Last=15
Come meet us under the educational building next to the educational center at the back of the park. For directions or questions call Phyllis Green: (813) 917-0935.
Please RSVP if you plan on attending to streamwaterwatch@bellsouth.net
Water Quality Testing Questions:

Email Erik at egarwell@tampabay.rr.com
Phyllis at pgreen@hccfl.edu
Benthic Questions:
Email Peggy at pegrat307@msn.com

Rusty Blackbird Blitz

2011-01-24T12:35:00.001-05:00

Last year, birders throughout the country scoured the countryside for wintering rusty blackbirds to help scientists understand their distribution and find important local concentrations (hotspots). Much was learned from the 2010 blitz- visit the Smithsonian National Zoo's Migratory Bird Center .

But there is much more to learn. This year they are doing it again with observations to be reported from January 29 - February 13, 2011. They want to blitz for several years to both locate more hotspots and determine how stable the already discovered hot spots are from year to year. Already, the information gained is being used to implement research and conservation efforts!

Stream Waterwatch Training

2011-01-22T19:05:00.000-05:00

Stream Waterwatch's Biological Training & Introduction to Water Quality Training
Location: HCC’s English Creek Facility
Saturday, January 29th at 10:00 am
The Hillsborough Community College English Creek facility is located on the north side of State Road 60, just west (about ½ mile) of the Polk County line (County Line Road). The entrance gate (one side should be open) is on the north side of SR 60 between Sam Hicks Road and the bridge over English Creek.
Please RSVP if you plan on attending to streamwaterwatch@bellsouth.net

Volunteers Make the Difference

Water Quality Testing Questions:
Email Erik at stream-waterwatch@juno.com or
Phyllis at pgreen@hccfl.edu
Benthic Questions:
Email Peggy at pegrat307@msn.com

Comet hunters!

2011-01-12T18:40:00.000-05:00

Every day, amateur astronomers from around the world scrutinize the images in search of new comets. Since SOHO was launched in 1996, more than 2000 comets have been found in this way, an all-time record for any astronomer or space mission.

Read more about it at http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/12jan_cometstorm/ .
Or go to SOHO - Solar and Heliospheric Obserservatory for more on how you can look for comets too!

Bass tag reporting in Lake County

2011-01-11T15:10:00.000-05:00

From FWC news:

Reap rewards for reporting tagged bass from Harris Chain of Lakes

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists are requesting angler assistance with a research study focusing on largemouth bass in the Harris Chain of Lakes, which includes lakes Griffin, Eustis, Harris and others, in Lake County. The results of this study will provide critical information needed to improve largemouth bass fisheries.

To carry out this project, biologists have attached yellow tags along the back of the largemouth bass, just below the dorsal fin. These tags carry information detailing the reward value, a printed telephone number, e-mail address and a tag number.

So what can you do to help? If you catch one of these tagged fish, please cut the tag from the fish close to the fish’s body, then harvest or release the fish as you would normally. Please report your tagged bass by calling the number found on the tag.

Biologists would like to know the tag number, date and time of capture, where the fish was caught, fish length, and whether the fish was kept or released. Receiving this information is important for the success of this project, and rewards will be distributed to anglers who report complete capture information and return the tags to the FWC.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the largemouth tagging study, please contact basstags@MyFWC.com.

To view the most current fishing regulations for Florida, please visit MyFWC.com/Fishing.

For more information on fish and wildlife research and management in Florida, please visit us at MyFWC.com.

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To view this press release online visit http://myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/11/northeast/News_11_NE_TaggedHarrisLMB.htm.

Doing Real-World Science, But Skipping The Ph.D. : NPR

2011-01-09T08:08:00.000-05:00

Citizen science gaining momentum...

Doing Real-World Science, But Skipping The Ph.D. : NPR

Spiders in Space

2011-01-03T12:13:00.000-05:00

This may not be a classic type of citizen science but it sounds pretty cool. A comparison study on spider weaving...

From Center for Education Outreach, Baylor College of Medicine

Building upon the success of the 2009 Butterflies in Space Student Investigation, two new student life science investigations will be sent to the International Space Station in 2011.
Depending upon launch schedules, the first investigation, an orb-weaving spider comparison study, will start in March. Web-building and other behaviors of the space spiders in microgravity will be compared to those raised in classrooms in normal gravity.
The second investigation, focused on plants, will follow in early May.
Plan now to participate in the 2011 student science investigations in space. Support materials are being prepared and will become available on-line (http://www.bioedonline.org/) in early January.

Christmas Bird Count soon!

2010-11-12T08:35:00.001-05:00

From Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

Get Ready for the Christmas Bird Count
Audubon’s 111th annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will take place between Tuesday, December 14, 2010 and Wednesday, January 5, 2011. The longest-running wildlife census in the world, the count engages citizen scientists from Barrow, Alaska to Belize and beyond. Since 2000, Bird Studies Canada (BSC) has partnered with Audubon to coordinate counts in Canada.
From feeder-watchers and field observers to count compilers and regional editors, everyone who takes part in the Christmas Bird Count does it for love of birds and the excitement of friendly competition—and with the knowledge that their efforts are making a difference for science and bird conservation.

• Learn how data from the CBC helps birds.

• Participate in the CBC in the United States or Canada

Still time to count some stars...

2010-11-08T12:17:00.000-05:00

From: Dennis Ward, Director
The Great World Wide Star Count, UCAR Education and Outreach
Greetings, Star Counters!
Thanks to you and other intrepid observers, we have collected over 1,200 observations so far. Keep up the good work, and let's see if we can top 2,000 observations by Friday. The online reporting form will remain open for about a week past the end of the campaign to give everyone ample time to submit their observations.
This year's Star Count has seen some really exciting participation from around the world. We've had record numbers of observations from India, Poland, and Iceland thanks to the efforts of wonderful volunteer coordinators and translators in each country. Over the weekend, we received a Japanese version of the Activity Guide, bringing us up to 13 languages--7 of them new for 2010!
We've enjoyed the participation of quite a few schools this year, too. If your (or your child's) school hasn't participated, there's still time! Teachers-- if you want to track your student's participation, ask them to include the name of your school (but *not* their names!) in the comments. The results will be published in a spreadsheet at the conclusion of the campaign, making it easy to find their observations.

This week's special request is for photographs of people participating in Star Count. Please email your photos to starcount_info@ucar.edu and be sure to include the names and ages of everyone in the photo if possible. If we decide to use your photo on the web site or in publications, we will contact you regarding a photo release form.
Sincerely,
Dennis Ward
Director, The Great World Wide Star Count
UCAR Education and Outreach
http://starcount.org/
http://windows2universe.org/
starcount_info@ucar.edu

Citizen scientist discovers trek of humpback

2010-10-31T19:58:00.000-04:00

Gale McCollough is a school teacher who lives near the small seaside town of Hancock, Maine. From that humble location, she recently made an extraordinary discovery.
Using the photo-sharing site Flickr and a personal history of studying whale photos, she identified a picture, taken in 2001 by tourist Freddy Johansen in Madagascar, of an Antarctic humpback known to scientists as #1363. Two years earlier, researchers had spotted 1363, a female, swimming alongside another whale in Brazil. Brazil to Madagascar. That’s a distance of 6,000 miles, nearly double any documented migration by a humpback.

Check out the entire article or listen to the podcast at http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=a-citizen-scientist-changes-our-und-10-10-31

The Great World Wide Star Count

2010-10-23T18:25:00.000-04:00

From: http://starcount.org/

Greetings, Star Counters!

It's almost here -- *The Great World Wide Star Count* starts this Friday, October 29th and runs through November 12th. This Windows to the Universe program is an international citizen-science event that encourages everyone, astronomers and non-astronomers alike, to measure their local light pollution and report their observations online.

The Great World Wide Star Count is designed to raise awareness about light pollution as well as encourage learning in astronomy. *No prior experience is necessary.* All background information needed to participate is on the Star Count Web site (http://starcount.org), along with a downloadable activity guide with the step-by-step instructions (http://starcount.org/downloads.html), now available in 10 languages.

All observations will be available online via Google Earth and as downloadable datasets.

Since 2007, people from 64 countries have contributed more than 10,000 observations to Star Count. Please help us spread the word to your families, friends, club members, and especially any teachers or students that you know!

Homeschool Citizen Science Nature Series Session #6

2010-10-11T16:29:00.001-04:00

Homeschool Citizen Science Nature Series Session #6

Oct 15- Wildlife Watch and WildObs
Vocabulary:
diurnal
noctural
crepuscular
omnivore
herbivore
carnivore
estivation
hibernation
ambush predators
mimicry

Related Links:
Be Out There
Encyclopedia of Life
Florida Wildlife Extension
Children and Nature Network
Get Outdoors Florida!

Thank you all for a great series!

Media release- event 10-23-10

2010-10-10T20:31:00.007-04:00

Citizen Science Symposium 2010

Nature lovers of all ages are invited to explore the preserve to find butterflies, birds, aquatic invertebrates, frogs, and plants through hands-on activities, trail walks, displays and seminars.

Find out what it's like to be a citizen scientist at the Citizen Science Symposium from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, October 23, 2010 at Camp Bayou in Ruskin.

What will visitors do during this USA Science and Engineering Festival Satellite Event?

- Discover the aquatic critters that help us monitor the health of the river with George and learn about the Hillsborough County Streamwater Watch program.

- Walk the trail to look for different butterflies that frequent the forest with Jeri and learn about the Florida Butterfly Monitoring Network

- Stroll along the trails in search of wildflowers in bloom with Becki and learn about the USA National Phenology Network.

These are just a few of the many possibilities that may interest folks who might like to help scientists do research on a variety of subjects. Between hourly walks, there will be nature crafts and activities related to each of the citizen science programs highlighted.

Event is FREE but please RSVP at the link on http://www.campbayou.org/. Have a question? Contact campbayou@gmail.com or call 813-363-5438.

A 'solar lunch', including hot dog and iced sun tea, will be available starting at 11am for just $3.

Learn more about the USA Science and Engineering Festival: http://www.usasciencefestival.org/ . We encourage attendees to participate in the Nationwide Wordle (the best way to find out what a Worlde is, is to visit www.wordle.net ). The goal is to collect thousands of entries from across the country and turn them into a beautiful word cloud, which will be displayed on the USASEF website. Here is the question:
In your opinion, what will be the greatest discoveries and advancements science and engineering will bring us in the 21st century? (please limit your answer to 5 words or less). Here is the link: http://www.usasciencefestival.org/2010festival/nationwide-wordle .

This event is also a Be Out There! , Get Outdoors Florida, Children and Nature and No Child Left Inside inspired initiative.

Camp Bayou is nether a campground nor a summer camp. It was an RV park before the County's ELAP program purchased the land but it is now open for day use only, open to the general public. Through volunteers, donations, membership and grants, the RCDF offers pre-scheduled programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families plus it's open from Thursday- Saturday from 9am-2pm for passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks. General admission is still FREE.

The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is a public- private partnership between the non-profit Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. (RCDF) and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. More information is on the web at http://www.campbayou.org/ or call 813-641-8545.

###

Pictured: Our flyer- feel free to print and post where possible :o)

Homeschool Citizen Science Nature Series #5

2010-10-03T21:21:00.002-04:00

You'd think this bird only comes out at night

but is often seen during daylight hours.

What is it?

Homeschool Citizen Science Nature Series Session #5

October 8- Florida Bird Monitoring program and eBird
Vocabulary:
plumage
nape
tarsus
nictitating membrane
dimorphic
behavior
range
territory
dihedral
silhouette

Related links:
Macaulay Library of Animal Sounds
Wings over Florida
Jr. Birder Program
Wild Bird Die-off reporting
Florida Bird Conservation Initiative
Project Colonywatch

Homeschool Citizen Science Session #4

2010-09-28T07:38:00.002-04:00

This plant's color becomes red in the fall here in Florida- What is it?

Homeschool Citizen Science Nature Series Session #4

October 1- Mushroom Observer and National Phenology Network

Vocabulary:
fungus

mycorrhiza

lichen
symbiosis
phenology
photoperiod
deciduous
conifer
calibration
germinate

Related sites:
Fungi
Project Budburst
Phenology
Journey North
Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners
Podcast- local interview on Citizen Science

Next week:

October 8- Florida Bird Monitoring program and eBird

Homeschool Citizen Science Session #3

2010-09-20T15:26:00.004-04:00

Homeschool Citizen Science Session #3

Is this common white wildflower- a native, non-native, invasive or what?

September 24-

Trash Tracker and What's Invasive?

Vocabulary:
native
non-native
invasive
exotic
noxious
naturalize
hybridize
monoculture
biodiversity
habitat

Related links:

Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council

Invasive Plant Identification

Non-native animal species in FL

Kid's Corner- Reptile Lab

WaterAtlas- Hillsborough County

Next week: October 1- Mushroom Observer and National Phenology Network

Homeschool Citizen Science session #2

2010-09-13T15:27:00.002-04:00

Dragonfly adults spend their young lives where...?

Homeschool Citizen Science session #2

September 17- Streamwater Watch and World Water Monitoring Day

Vocabulary:
hypothesis
research
abstract
variable
analysis
conclusion
reference
bioassessment
biological indicator
macroinvertebrate
turbidity
pH

Related materials:
Steps of the Scientific Method (simplified)
Understanding Science (complete)
Water Quality Data for Camp Bayou
Florida Wetland Bioassessment Projects
Global Water Sampling Project
Macroinvertebrate photos

Next week:
September 24- Trash Tracker and What's Invasive?

Homeschool Citizen Science session #1

2010-09-08T18:11:00.003-04:00

Do you know what butterfly this is? What's special about it?

Homeschool Citizen Science session #1

September 10- Florida Butterfly Monitoring Network and The Great Sunflower Project

Vocabulary list:
protocol
baseline
transect
statistics
monitor
pollination
field marks
mimicry
proboscis
Hymenoptera
Diptera
Lepidoptera

Related materials:
Structure of a flower
Butterfly anatomy (and more)
Butterflies and Moths of North America
Children's Butterfly site
NAPPC Pollinator Curriculum
Understanding Science

Next week:
September 17- Streamwater Watch and World Water Monitoring Day

Original posting with full schedule

The Fall 2010 issue of the Camp Bayou Buzzzzz! is now available online

2010-09-06T20:48:00.000-04:00

The Fall 2010 issue of the Camp Bayou Buzzzzz! is now available online at http://campbayou.org/newsletters/2010fall.pdf . It can also be accessed from the ‘news’ link at the top of the page on www.campbayou.org .

Here are some highlights

- One of the relocated Giant’s cabins is nearly complete- see the progress

- Our 1^st Annual Fundraiser will be held in October- http://campbayou.eventbrite.com

- For all the grow-your-own foodies out there- a citizen science project for the vegetable gardener

- Announcing our Citizen Science Symposium, a satellite event for USA Science and Engineering Festival

- Holiday Open House schedule- this year we have composting and rainbarrel workshops!

As always, if you’d like your name removed from our quarterly newsletter list, just send an email to campbayou@yahoo.com .

Thanks for your support!

Dolly

Camp Bayou editor

www.campbayou.org

Citizen Science this Fall at Camp Bayou

2010-08-26T08:36:00.001-04:00

Camp Bayou will be offering a Homeschool Nature Series on 6 consecutive Fridays in Sept. - Oct. 2010. The theme for each week is a different citizen science project or two.
On Saturday, October 23, from 9am to noon, there will be a Citizen Science Symposium- a satellite event for the USA Science and Engineering Festival.

What's Blooming

2010-08-04T12:36:00.003-04:00

From Camp Bayou Nature Notes

Ok, so the term for this would probably be 'crowd-sourcing' rather than 'citizen science' but it gets you looking at your surroundings for a specific purpose. Who knows, a scientist may look at these photos some day and decide they are a good starting point for a study in.... ???
If nothing else, if you take the photo at Camp Bayou, you can enter our photo contest :o)
Anyway, take a look at this from the Florida Wildflower Foundation:

What's Blooming

This section of the website is devoted to featuring reports from around the state where visitors can view wildflowers in bloom. It is divided into three categories: Roadsides, Wooded Area and Yards. We invite you to contribute your photos. We would prefer that all photos be reduced to 72 dots per inch (dpi) and not larger than 4 to 6 inches wide.

Read the entire article at http://floridawildflowerfoundation.org/whats_blooming.html

Report Lionfish in Gulf of Mexico

2010-08-02T12:17:00.001-04:00

From Tampa Bay Estuary Program notice:

Researchers Discover Invasive Lionfish
in the Gulf of Mexico

Researchers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute collected two juvenile red lionfish (Pterois volitans) last week from the Gulf of Mexico.

With the exception of a probable aquarium release from the Tampa Bay area, the discovery of these lionfish marks the first time this nonnative species has been documented in Gulf waters north of the Tortugas and the Yucatan Peninsula.

FWC researchers found the lionfish in the catch from two separate net tows taken at distances of 99 and 160 miles off the southwest coast of Florida, north of the Dry Tortugas and west of Cape Romano. The specimens were taken from depths of 183 and 240 feet as part of a trawl survey funded by the Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program, a cooperative state and federal program.

FWC scientists believe the two juvenile lionfish, measuring approximately 2.5 inches in length, are either evidence of a spawning population on the Gulf of Mexico's West Florida Shelf or they were transported to the area by ocean currents from other potential spawning areas, such as the waters off the Yucatan Peninsula. Either of these scenarios could indicate an expansion of the range of this species in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Lionfish are nonnative, venomous fish that have been sighted in Atlantic coastal waters of the United States since the mid-1990s and have been reported more recently in the waters of the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas. Lionfish, specifically the red lionfish and the devil firefish, appear to have established populations in the western North Atlantic Ocean. These species are native to the reefs and rocky crevices of the Indo-Pacific, but were likely introduced into South Florida waters in 1992.

To report sightings of lionfish, call the nationwide reporting number (877-STOPANS) sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) or fill out an online report on the USGS website at http://nas.er.usgs.gov/sightingreport.asp.

Introduction to Stream Waterwatch

2010-07-17T17:11:00.000-04:00

Stream Waterwatch's

Level I Training Introduction to Stream Waterwatch –

Watershed Walk & Visual Survey Training

and Level II Training

Water Quality Chemical Training/Quality Assurance Testing

Location: Trout Creek Park

Saturday, July 31st

Training starts at 10:00 am

Directions: From I-75 exit at Fletcher Avenue, head northeast on Morris Bridge Rd. for 0.5 miles. Look for park entrance on left. Follow road 1 mile to parking area. We will meet at a picnic shelter near the canoe launch on the river.

Please RSVP to streamwaterwatch@bellsouth.net if you plan on attending.

NestWatch Needs Your Help

2010-07-09T18:15:00.000-04:00

From Cornell Lab of Ornithology Nestwatch program:

Will the Gulf Oil Spill Affect Birds That Nest in Our Backyards?

We've seen images of oiled pelicans, plovers, and other shorebirds and wading birds from areas affected by the recent spill. Species that nest on beaches and in coastal marshes, like plovers and terns, are being monitored by state wildlife officials. But many birds that nest in backyards all across North America, such as Red-winged Blackbirds and Tree Swallows, may winter in the coastal and marsh environments along the Gulf of Mexico where they could potentially be affected by the oil spill. We need your help to track nesting success of these birds in your own backyard and neighborhood.

Call for Data:

Birds passing through the Gulf region could carry contamination with them, creating an "oil shadow" of declines in bird reproduction hundreds of miles away from the coast. NestWatch accepts data for all North American birds. We are asking you to focus on these five backyard bird species and other migratory birds that may use the Gulf during some part of their annual cycle and could potentially be affected by the oil spill.

Frog Listening Network Volunteer Training Seminar

2010-06-21T15:10:00.002-04:00

This note from one of our Camp Bayou volunteers. Thanks Deborah!

Frog Listening Network Volunteer Training Seminar

When: Wed, June 30, 6:30pm – 9:30pm

Where: Starkey Education Center

Description: This seminar is open to the public and slightly more advanced for individuals that have experience identifying Frog and Toad calls and/or for those who would like to learn how to become and official Frog Listening Network volunteer data collector. All levels of interest are welcome to attend. Please contact larvidson@wildlandsconservation.org for more information.

Frog Listening Network (read the home page for information about volunteers)

http://www.hillsborough.wateratlas.usf.edu/FLN/Default.aspx

Here is the link for the location:

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=Starkey%20Wilderness%20Park

I called for clarification of directions and the lady told me that coming from 54, if you turn onto Starkey Blvd., just follow it until you see the County signs. Looks like you will turn right onto Wilderness Road. She said as you go into the park, you will see a kiosk on the right and the environmental center on the left, and that you can’t miss it.

Gulf Coast Oil Spill Bird Tracker

2010-06-11T20:54:00.001-04:00

eBirders can make a difference by surveying local beaches and marshes for birds. By getting out now and reporting the birds you find to eBird, your observations will provide a real-time snapshot of the region’s birdlife, helping conservationists and researchers understand where, when, and how many of each species are currently occurring on local beaches and wetlands. Team eBird has produced the eBird Gulf Coast Oil Spill Bird Tracker gadget that can be embedded in your iGoogle page for quick access to the eBird database. This gadget is driven by the eBird point maps. The data displayed is for the five Gulf Coast states since April 2010.

Stream Waterwatch Training

2010-06-08T18:49:00.000-04:00

Volunteers Make the Difference

Mark your Calendars!

Stream Waterwatch's

Level I Introduction to Stream Waterwatch –
Watershed Walk & Visual Survey Training
and Level II Water Quality Chemical Training

Location: Trout Creek Park

Saturday, June 19th

Training starts at 10:00 am

Directions: From I-75 exit at Fletcher Avenue, head northeast on Morris Bridge Rd. for 0.5 miles. Look for park entrance on left. Follow road 1 mile to parking area. We will meet at a picnic shelter near the canoe launch on the river.

Please RSVP to streamwaterwatch@bellsouth.net if you plan on attending.

Global Garlic Mustard Field Survey’

2010-06-01T10:33:00.001-04:00

Email from FLEPPC listserv:

I would like to draw your attention to the world’s largest collaborative project on invasive species; it may be of particular interest to educators, conservation groups, and resource managers.

Do you want to be part of the world’s largest scientific research project on invasive species? The ‘Global Garlic Mustard Field Survey’ is an international collaboration aimed at obtaining much-needed data on the abundance and distribution of Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) across its native and introduced ranges. In our first field season last year, we received measurements and seed samples from 65 populations, with a majority from Europe – already one of the largest systematic field surveys of an invasive species. Our goal for this summer is 150 or more, with a stronger emphasis on the southern and mid-west to western United States.

This year we are hoping to increase participation among educators, as well as land managers and ‘citizen-scientists’ who may not have much formal science training. The survey involves a simple protocol that can be followed directly or incorporated into field courses and nature surveys. A population takes two people about 2-4 hours to measure. We are also planning to develop internet-based teaching modules and tools to aid with monitoring and managing this invasive plant. The sampling protocol, along with contact information is available at the Global Garlic Mustard Field Survey website: www.GarlicMustard.org (note that you do not need to log in to the site to participate).

Ideal sampling time is 2-4 weeks after flowering finishes and ranges from early June in southern states (e.g. OK, AR, AL, GA, SC) and lower altitudes to mid to late July in northern states (e.g. OR, WA, ID, ND, MN, WI, MI, VT, ME), higher altitudes and Canada.

Please contact me if you would like to participate.

North American Coordinator
Dr. Robert Colautti
Biology Department
Duke University
rob.colautti@duke.edu

Gulf Oil Spill Tracker

2010-05-24T18:32:00.000-04:00

Not sure how long this site has been up and running but it is taking reports of impacts from the Gulf Oil Spill. Conditions to report include:
- Oil in the Water
- Oil on Land
- Wildlife
- Unaffected Area
- Trash / Debris - unoiled
- Trash / Debris - oiled
- Air Quality

http://oilspill.skytruth.org/reports/submit

According to the website it is partnership between Skytruth.org, Surfrider Foundation, and the Ocean Conservancy.

Tabs on Birds Along the Gulf

2010-05-14T07:29:00.005-04:00

From Camp Bayou Nature Notes

To aid in clean-up and recovery efforts along the Gulf Coast, bird watchers are surveying beaches and marshes and reporting their bird counts to eBird. Their data will help target critical areas for immediate help and provide long-term data to track the impact of the oil spill on the region’s birds. A new online gadget enables you to see reports as they come in. Read more.

For other ways to help with spill issues, visit Volunteer Florida Disaster Response .

Related info:

Governor Activates Florida Oil Spill Information Line

Residents and visitors can get updated information on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and Florida's response, by calling a new hotline established by Gov. Crist: 1 (888) 337-3569

The number wil provide informaton about the location of the spill, Florida's preparations, information on volunteer activities, protective tips for homeowners and businesses, and safety and health tips.

The hotline will operate from 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Nightjar Survey Network Seeks Volunteers

2010-05-13T21:10:00.000-04:00

The U.S. Nightjar Survey Network is entering its fourth year as the vital program that documents the population distribution and population trends of these declining species. Nightjars are the group of nocturnal, insectivorous birds that includes species such as the whip-poor-will, common poorwill, chuck-will's-widow, and the nighthawks among others. We would like to invite all birders and conservationists to participate in the program by adopting Nightjar Survey Routes in 2010 and beyond.

We are very grateful to the number of participants already involved in the program and for the quality of the data they have collected. Information gathered over the past four years is helping to explain how the composition of habitats in local landscapes influences nightjar abundance. In turn, these data will help reach the project's near-term goals of explaining habitat-based declines where they occur.

There is still need for longer-term data and broader geographic coverage to adequately cover the target species.

Nightjar Surveys are standardized counts conducted along census routes on bright moonlit nights. Observers count all Nightjars seen or heard for a six-minute period at each of 10 stops along the route. The entire survey will not take much more than one hour to complete and only needs conducted one time per year. We have a series of existing routes in each state that are still in need of adoption.

Please consider adopting a Nightjar Survey Route. The continuing success of U.S. Nightjar Survey Network relies entirely on volunteer participation.

Visit the U.S. Nightjar Survey at www.ccb-wm.org/nightjars.htm for location of surveys, data sheets and instructions, and how to adopt a route.

Michael Wilson
Center for Conservation Biology
College of William and Mary & Virginia Commonwealth University
PO Box 8795 Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
phone: 757-221-1649
fax: 757-221-1650
www.ccb-wm.org/nightjars.htm
email: mdwils@wmu.edu

Be a Coast Watch volunteer

2010-05-04T18:46:00.005-04:00

From Florida Department of Environmental Protection:

VOLUNTEER FLORIDA ENCOURAGES FLORIDIANS TO BECOME
COAST WATCH VOLUNTEERS IN RESPONSE TO THE DEEPWATER HORIZON INCIDENT

~Coast Watch volunteers will serve as on-the-ground observers, reporting oiled wildlife, vegetation, and shorelines to the appropriate authorities~

TALLAHASSEE – The Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Volunteer Florida) is encouraging individuals who live along or are visiting coastal communities to watch for oiled wildlife, vegetation, and beaches by becoming a Coast Watch volunteer. Similar to the Crime Watch program, Coast Watch volunteers are community members who know the daily wildlife and plants that exist on their local beach. The “Coast Watchers” will assist BP, the state of Florida and partnering organizations in identifying beaches that need attention.

Coast Watchers will work within the coastal communities where they live or visit and commit to do the following:

· Report injured or oiled animals to the Wildlife Distress Hotline: 1-866-557-1401

· Report oiled shoreline to: 1-866-448-5816

· Report a change in Air Quality to: http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/Coast Watchers are not permitted to enter off-limit areas to obtain observations and must not make contact with oiled wildlife, vegetation, and beaches due the health concerns associated with contact.

Citizens wanting to become a Coast Watcher do not require any special training or registration. However, they should be conscious of the coastal environment in their community. If a Coast Watcher observes contaminated wildlife, vegetation, or shoreline, it should be reported immediately to the numbers above.

For up-to-date volunteer opportunities regarding the oil spill, visit www.volunteerflorida.org.

The Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, Volunteer Florida, was established in 1994 by the Florida Legislature to administer grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. The Commission grants funds to Florida AmeriCorps and National Service programs; encourages volunteerism for everyone from youths to seniors to people with disabilities; coordinates volunteerism in disaster preparedness, response and recovery; and helps to strengthen and expand volunteer engagement.

# # #

Related info from FWC:
FWC is monitoring vulnerable wildlife

Best Management Practices in Shorebird Nesting Areas

Nature's Notebook

2010-04-13T09:49:00.002-04:00

Announcing the release of Nature's Notebook, a plant and animal phenology observation program, as well as a number of improvements to the National Phenology Network website.

Using the new interface, Nature's Notebook, observers can now collect data on animals as well as plants. Fifty-eight animal profiles have been added (with more to come), to the 213 plants already on the species list.

Check it out at Nature's Notebook .

Anglers help tarpon biologists

2010-04-06T12:18:00.001-04:00

Anglers help biologists make big strides in tarpon research

Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and Mote Marine Laboratory continue to gather valuable tarpon information with the help of Florida anglers. By analyzing DNA samples collected by anglers, biologists gain insight into tarpon movement and distribution as well as their ability to withstand fishing pressures.

Biologists use samples submitted to the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Program to identify the tarpon's genetic "fingerprint." The fingerprints provide a unique and natural tag for each individual fish. Scientists compare new tarpon DNA samples with cataloged samples to determine if someone caught and sampled that tarpon previously. Biologists refer to these fish as "recaptured" tarpon.

Biologists have documented 37 recaptured tarpon since 2005. Information from these fish provides valuable insight on tarpon movement. For example, one recaptured adult tarpon traveled 88 miles in 313 days, heading north from the waters off Fort Myers Beach to Long Boat Key. A different tarpon made a similar movement in the opposite direction, confirming that tarpon move between estuaries along the west coast. Another fish, caught in June 2007 in Boca Grande, was captured in the same location nearly two years later. This demonstrates that a tarpon will return to the same body of water during the spawning season.

Angler involvement has increased significantly since the program began in 2005. In the past 12 months, anglers provided more than 2,000 samples, bringing the total number of samples to just over 5,200. Anglers throughout Florida submitted samples from tarpon ranging in length from 5 to 96 inches.

Anglers who would like to participate in this program may obtain a free, easy-to-use tarpon DNA sampling kit by e-mailing TarponGenetics@MyFWC.com or by calling 800-367-4461.

Participating anglers receive an annual newsletter with updates on the program from biologists. As it becomes available, anglers also will receive additional information about specific fish they caught such as when the tarpon is captured again or if it has been captured previously. Anglers who submit a tarpon DNA sample to this program are entered into random drawings for various prizes.

For more information on the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study, visit http://research.MyFWC.com/tarpon.

-30-

To View this press release online visit http://myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/10/southwest/News_10_SW_TarponDNA.htm.

Photo: Go to MyFWC.com/Newsroom and click on the headline for this story.

Jellywatch

2010-03-29T07:50:00.001-04:00

Have you seen a jellyfish, red tide, a squid, or other unusual marine life recently? If so, tell us about it! Marine biologists need your help to develop a better understanding of the ocean. If you’ve been on the beach or in the ocean lately, you can contribute to a long-term dataset by telling us about the animals you saw or the conditions of the beach. You can help us even more by submitting a picture of what you saw!

No registration is required, but if you would like to keep track of your sightings or become a regular contributor, sign up for an account.

Visit http://www.jellywatch.org for more information.

Marked Great White Heron sightings wanted

2010-03-29T07:28:00.001-04:00

Marked Great White Heron sightings wanted
Marked in south Florida

Avian Research and Conservation Institute (Gainesville, Florida) has color banded 42 juveniles and six adults as part of a study of foraging ranges and dispersal of Great White Herons in southern Florida. We would appreciate reports of any observations of these marked birds, which might be seen anywhere on the Atlantic or Gulf coasts or in the Caribbean. The bands are positioned high (tibia) on the RIGHT leg and are either RED or BLUE with white letters and numbers. This alpha-numeric code consists of two characters stacked vertically (e.g., T over 3). There also will be a USFWS aluminum band low (tarsus) on the left leg. An additional 26 Great White Herons were marked only with USFWS bands.

If you see one of these marked birds, please report the band color and the alpha-numeric code (as much of it as you can read), date, and location as specifically as possible. All information should be sent by email to Gina Kent at zimmerman (at) arcinst.org. All observers will receive background information on the bird they report and will be acknowledged in print.

(Source: Jaywatch e-newsletter)

Banded Piping Plovers sightings

2010-03-29T07:26:00.000-04:00

In an effort to determine where Piping Plovers wintering in The Bahamas are staging during migration, and breeding, 57 birds were uniquely color-marked this winter in The Bahamas for Environment Canada by Sidney Maddock and Peter Doherty, with help from The Bahamas National Trust.

Each bird has a black flag (band with a tab sticking out slightly) on the upper left leg, nothing on the upper right, a single color band on one lower leg, and two color bands (which can be the same color on top of each other) on the other lower leg. Colors used included: red, orange, yellow, white, light green, dark green, dark blue, and black.

Please report all sightings to CHERI GRATTO-TREVOR, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Environment Canada, 115 Perimeter Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X4 Canada (email), noting the color and location of each band on the bird, and location and behaviour of the bird (on nest or brood, foraging at migratory stop-over, etc.), as well as presumed sex of the bird if possible. Thanks for any assistance!

(Source: Jaywatch e-newsletter)

Biologists ask public to report spawning horseshoe crabs

2010-03-25T17:03:00.001-04:00

From FWC:
For immediate release: March 25, 2010

This spring, biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute need help from the public to identify horseshoe crab spawning beaches throughout the state.

The best time to find spawning horseshoe crabs is around high tide, just before, during or after a full moon. The full moon conditions around March 30 and April 28 will create good conditions for viewing the spawning behavior of horseshoe crabs.
The FWC asks beachgoers to report the number of horseshoe crabs they see and whether the horseshoe crabs are mating. Mating crabs “pair up,” with the smaller male on top of the larger female. Other male crabs may be present around the couple. Biologists also want to know the date, time, location, habitat type and environmental conditions, such as tides and moon phase. If possible, specify roughly how many are coupled and how many are juveniles (4 inches wide or smaller).

Citizens can report sightings through one of several convenient options. Go to http://research.MyFWC.com/horseshoe_crab and fill out an online survey; e-mail findings to horseshoe@MyFWC.com; or call the FWC at 866-252-9326.
Fossil records indicate horseshoe crabs first appeared 450 million years ago and have remained virtually unchanged since. The species is an important part of marine ecosystems; their eggs are a vital food source for animals and birds, such as the red knot.

Horseshoe crabs are important to humans as well. For instance, in the biomedical industry, horseshoe crab blood helps save human lives. Pharmaceutical companies use horseshoe crab blood to ensure intravenous drugs and vaccine injections are bacteria-free. Scientists have found that no other test is quite as reliable as horseshoe crab blood, which clots in the presence of infectious bacteria. Also, research into horseshoe crab eyes has given scientists a greater knowledge of the functioning of human eyes.

-30-
To view this press release online visit http://myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/10/statewide/News_10_X_Horseshoe.htm.

This season's issue of the Camp Bayou Buzzzzz! is now online

2010-03-22T18:49:00.001-04:00

This season's issue of the Camp Bayou Buzzzzz! is now online at http://campbayou.org/newsletters/2010spring.pdf .

Please let me know if you receive duplicate emails so I may update my address book.

As always, if you do not wish to receive future newsletters from Camp Bayou , just email back to this address and I will promptly remove you from the list.
Thanks!

Dolly Cummings
www.campbayou.org
campbayou.blogspot.com
twitter.com/campbayou

"I do not understand how any one can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to." Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (Cross Creek)

Stream Waterwatch's Introduction to Water Quality Training

2010-02-14T08:27:00.001-05:00

Stream Waterwatch

Volunteers Make the Difference

Mark your Calendars!

Stream Waterwatch's Introduction to Water Quality Training

Location: Upper Tampa Bay Park
Sunday, February 21st
Training starts at 10:00 am

Upper Tampa Bay Park
8001 Double Branch Rd.
Tampa, FL 33635
http://www.tampabay360.com/Attractions/Parks/UpperTampaBay.html
http://www.tampabay360.com/maps/UpperTampaBay/621

Water Quality Testing Questions
Email Erik at stream-waterwatch@juno.com

Benthic Questions or to Schedule
a Personal Benthic Training Session at Your Site
Email Peggy at pegrat307@msn.com

Call for mini-grant applications - Jan 2010

2010-01-11T11:14:00.001-05:00

From Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

Call for Mini-Grant Applicants

The Celebrate Urban Birds project at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology offers mini-grants to help museums, afterschool programs, libraries, community centers, and other local organizations fund neighborhood events. These events may involve art, gardening, science, community service or other cultural activities

We're ready to award a new round of these mini-grants which average $250-$500. If you are planning an event, you're invited to apply for a grant at www.CelebrateUrbanBirds.org. Organizations working with underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. No experience with birds is required.

Application deadline is February 15, 2010

As you may know, Celebrate Urban Birds is a free, year-round citizen science project in which participants watch birds in their neighborhoods and report what they see. This information helps scientists better understand how birds survive in cities and make use of green spaces, including parks and gardens.

I look forward to seeing all your great ideas!

Sincerely,

Karen Purcell, Project Leader
Celebrate Urban Birds

Cuban Treefrogs in Florida

2010-01-08T13:02:00.004-05:00

For many years, concerned Floridians have been reporting Cuban Treefrog sightings to Dr. Steve Johnson at the University of Florida. Cuban Treefrogs are common in suburban Florida, where they have become a huge nuisance to humans. As a result, more Floridians are now becoming informed and taking action to help manage these frogs in their neighborhoods. We believe that their efforts can make a difference, helping to reduce Cuban Treefrog populations and slow their spread into new areas. Removing Cuban Treefrogs may also help native treefrogs to survive in suburban areas -- some people report that they have seen more native treefrogs after they started to capture and humanely euthanize the invaders. Now, scientists are asking Floridians to participate in a Citizen Scientist project by taking the time to report their efforts.

You can help by telling them:
How many Cuban Treefrogs have you captured and euthanized?
When and where did you catch them?
How big were they?
Have you seen any native treefrogs?
Have you noticed anything unusual that might be of interest?

Participating can be as simple as taking photos of the frogs you euthanize and sending them in with your data sheet (a list of how many frogs you catch). You can play an important role in helping to learn more about the ecology of Cuban Treefrogs in suburban areas of Florida and the effectiveness of citizens' efforts to manage these invasive frogs. For step by step instructions go to
http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/citizen_sci.shtml.

Have You Seen a Tagged Vulture?

2010-01-08T12:55:00.002-05:00

You can help in research evaluating the movements of YELLOW or WHITE wing-tagged vultures. Each tagged bird has a cattle ear tag in its RIGHT wing and each tag has a letter and number (ie. F47 or C20) or a series of 3 letters (ie. AMJ) that may also be visible from below while the birds soar. The yellow tagged birds were marked and released in North Florida and the white tagged birds were marked and released in Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida but could be found anywhere in the Eastern United States.

All sightings should be sent to the email or address below indicating the location of the sighting, tag number, species, as well as any other pertinent behavioral or other information. Any information of recoveries of tagged birds should also be sent to the USGS Bird Banding Lab: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/.

Email John S Humphrey at John.S.Humphrey@aphis.usda.gov or call him at (352) 375-2229 in Gainesville with your sighting information.

Painted Bunting Observer Team Needs Volunteers

2010-01-08T12:47:00.000-05:00

The Painted Bunting Observer Team (PBOT) Project at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) needs your assistance with these brightly colored migratory birds. The team is looking for volunteers to help with a research study in Florida to develop strategies to bring the bird’s population up to healthy and sustainable levels.

“Although past data from the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) show that painted bunting populations were declining for 30 years, more recent data, along with detailed monitoring, indicate that these birds appear to be on the rebound,” said Dr. Jamie Rotenberg, ornithologist in the Department of Environmental Studies at UNCW. “Still, the good news is tempered by uncertainty surrounding the causes for the recent rebound or whether the population is doing well on both the breeding and wintering grounds.”

“Florida is unique in that it is the only one of the four eastern breeding ground states that also supports a wintering population of painted buntings,” Delany said. In Florida, the team wants to recruit and maintain an active group of volunteers who can make observations and collect data at backyard bird feeders and can help band and monitor banded buntings, especially during the winter months.

“We hope to determine the abundance and distribution of painted buntings at backyard feeders and to detect population patterns across the coastal-inland and suburban-rural landscapes,” Rotenberg said. “We want to know if there are differences in how males and females use feeders and how important these backyard feeders are as a food resource. Already, just from last year’s data, we may be seeing a winter-range expansion for painted buntings in Florida, possibly because of backyard feeders. Ultimately, we want to find out why the species was in decline and pinpoint what is causing the new increase.” Since painted buntings readily visit backyard bird feeders, volunteers can easily participate in gathering a variety of data that can aid the project in comparing populations breeding in suburban, rural and natural habitats, from the coast to more inland areas.

The dates and locations of the workshops are being finalized, according to Rotenberg. For updates about the workshops in Florida or to become a Painted Bunting Observer Team volunteer and learn more about this project, please sign up on the project site: www.paintedbuntings.org or email the project coordinator at pbot.mns@ncmail.net.

National Weather Service: Twitter Storm Reports

2010-01-07T18:06:00.001-05:00

You can now submit your significant weather observations to the National Weather Service (NWS) via Twitter. Although advanced automated observations systems are used extensively in NWS forecast office operations, ground truth in the form of reports from the public are invaluable in the process. The idea is to help fine-tune weather forecasts. Raw reports received via these methods are unofficial and will not be posted on NWS web pages unless they are released via an official Local Storm Report (LSR). Check it out:
National Weather Service: Twitter Storm Reports

More details.

FWC News - Cold temperatures impact Fla. fish, wildlife

2010-01-07T17:53:00.000-05:00

FWC News - Cold temperatures impact Fla. fish, wildlife
To report a dead or distressed manatee, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Cold weather also can affect sea turtles. When the water temperature drops, stunned sea turtles may float listlessly in the water or wash onto shore. Although these turtles may appear to be dead, they are often still alive. It is important to report these turtles to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline as soon as possible.

The FWC, working with the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network, recovered more than 250 cold-stunned sea turtles in Mosquito Lagoon in Brevard County this past week. Sea turtle rehabilitation facilities throughout the state will house these animals until they can be released when temperatures warm.

The FWC Fish Kill Hotline has received several reports of cold-related fish kills over the past few days. Extended periods of unusually cold weather can kill fish outright by cold stress or make fish more susceptible to disease. Warm-water species, including the popular game fish snook, are particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures. Fish affected by the cold may appear lethargic and may be seen at the surface where the water may be warmer from the sun. Recreational regulations still apply with these fish.

The FWC monitors fish disease and mortality events around the state. The FWC asks the public to report dead and dying fish to the Fish Kill Hotline at 800-636-0511.

All other distressed wildlife may be reported to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Did you feel it?

2010-01-07T13:36:00.002-05:00

Citizens Contribute to Earthquake Science

Just ran across this public input opportunity which does not get as much input from Floridians (at least I hope not- we have enough to deal with hurricanes and storm surge) but is very interesting to see public comment used to help research around the world in areas prone to earthquakes.

Since the early 1990s, the magnitude and location of an earthquake have been available within minutes on the Internet. Now, as a result of work by the U.S. Geological Survey and with the cooperation of various regional seismic networks, people who experience an earthquake can go online and share information about its effects to help create a map of shaking intensities and damage. Such “Community Internet Intensity Maps” (CIIMs) contribute greatly toward the quick assessment of the scope of an earthquake emergency and provide valuable data for earthquake research.

Gravestones Talking through Time

2009-12-17T08:14:00.002-05:00

ScienceDaily (2009-12-15) -- A visit to your local graveyard can provide not only a history lesson, but a science lesson as well. Historians have long scoured old burial sites to piece together the stories of those who rest there, but today scientists are learning much more from those letters carved in stone. Gravestones are telling the story of changes in Earth's atmospheric chemistry and rainfall. Moreover, scientists are asking for your help to read the stones.

Participants are asked to take measurements using simple calipers and GPS, following a set of scientific protocols that are explained online. Data is then logged by participants directly into the scientific database via the project Web site. The project is part of the new global citizen science program called EarthTrek, which is administered by The Geological Society of America in partnership with organizations across America and around the globe.

Read entire article at Science Daily.

It’s Christmas Bird Count Time Again

2009-12-11T15:42:00.000-05:00

Audubon's annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will take place between December 14, 2009 and January 5, 2010. This count is the the longest running citizen-science survey in the world. From Alaska to Antarctica, tens of thousands of volunteers will add a new layer to more than a century of bird population information. Visit www.audubon.org/bird/cbc for more information and to learn about how to participate!

Tagged vulture sightings requested

2009-12-01T21:49:00.001-05:00

You can help in research evaluating the movements of YELLOW or WHITE wing-tagged vultures. Each tagged bird has a cattle ear tag in its RIGHT wing and each tag has a letter and number (ie. F47 or C20) or a series of 3 letters (ie. AMJ) that may also be visible from below while the birds soar. The yellow tagged birds were marked and released in North Florida and the white tagged birds were marked and released in Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida but could be found anywhere in the Eastern United States. All sightings should be sent to the email or address below indicating the location of the sighting, tag number, species, as well as any other pertinent behavioral or other information. Any information of recoveries of tagged birds should also be sent to the USGS Bird Banding Lab.

Here is more information on this vulture research. Email John S Humphrey or call him at
(352) 375-2229 in Gainesville with your sighting information.

Florida Wildflower Foundation Seeking Volunteers for Wildflower Surveys

2009-11-20T16:17:00.000-05:00

Florida Wildflower Foundation Seeking Volunteers for Wildflower Surveys

This year the Florida Wildflower Foundation completed spring, summer and fall surveys of naturally occurring wildflowers along the five-county St. Johns to the Sea Loop trail (Putnam, Volusia, Brevard, Flagler and St. Johns counties), which will soon become the state’s first Wildflower Trail.

In 2010, the Foundation plans to survey other wildflower-profuse areas in the Panhandle and in North, Central and South Florida. The surveys will identify showy areas of native wildflowers in order to document species and suggest management practices. This research also will help us promote Florida’s native wildflowers as economic and intrinsic community assets.

First, though, we need the assistance of residents and visitors to find wildflower sites throughout the state. They can help by sending the following information by Dec. 1 to the Foundation at wildflower.research@gmail.com:

1. Approximate locations of any showy roadside or trailside (paved bike or foot path) native wildflowers seen in Florida during spring, summer and/or fall.

Include:

a. The scientific or common name of the plant species. If the name is unknown, describe the flowering plants’ characteristics (i.e., color, height, growth habit, etc.).

b. The road’s name, as well as a nearby intersection or another landmark that will help us locate the site.

c. The geographic region (defined below) and the city and/or county in which the site occurs.

d. The approximate date of the sighting. If the date is unknown, please include the season.

e. A description of the habitat (i.e., wet ditch, sand dune, pine forest, etc.).

f. Digital photos, if possible.

2. The names and locations of public lands (state, national, city and county parks; water management district holdings, etc.) that have great native wildflower displays, along with species names and approximate bloom dates.

Garden or civic clubs that have planted roadside or trailside native wildflowers can help by sending the planting’s location and a species list.

Geographic regions are defined as:

Panhandle: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Jackson, Washington, Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Wakulla, Leon, Jefferson.

North Florida: Madison, Hamilton, Columbia, Baker, Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam, Clay, Marion, Alachua, Levy, Bradford, Union, Gilchrist, Dixie, Lafayette, Suwannee, Taylor.

Central Florida: Citrus, Sumter, Lake, Volusia, Seminole, Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Hernando, Sumter, Citrus, Manatee, Hardee, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Indian River, De Soto, Sarasota.

South Florida: Charlotte, Glades, Martin, Lee, Hendry, Palm Beach, Collier, Broward, Dade, Monroe.

Florida Wildflower Foundation

PO Box 941066

Maitland, FL 32794-1066

407-353-6164

www.floridawildflowerfoundation.org

FWC News - Painted Bunting Observer Team needs help from volunteers

2009-11-17T18:15:00.000-05:00

Want to help the painted bunting?

The Painted Bunting Observer Team (PBOT) Project at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) needs your assistance with these brightly colored migratory birds.

The team is looking for volunteers to help with a research study in Florida to develop strategies to bring the bird's population up to healthy and sustainable levels.

FWC News - Painted Bunting Observer Team needs help from volunteers

Stream Waterwatch training

2009-10-29T06:07:00.000-04:00

Stream Waterwatch

Volunteers Make the Difference

Mark your Calendars!

Stream Waterwatch's Introduction to Water Quality Training &

Water Quality Assurance

Location: HCC’s English Creek Facility

Saturday, November 7th at 10:00 am

The Hillsborough Community College English Creek facility is located on the north side of State Road 60, just west (about ½ mile) of the Polk County line (County Line Road). The entrance gate (one side should be open) is on the north side of SR 60 between Sam Hicks Road and the bridge over English Creek.

Please RSVP if you plan on attending to streamwaterwatch@bellsouth.net

Water Quality Testing Questions

Email Erik at stream-waterwatch@juno.com

Benthic Questions/or to Schedule a personal benthic training session at your site

Email Peggy at pegrat307@msn.com

Sending Science Down The Phone: New Technology Will Map Research Across The World

2009-10-21T22:08:00.000-04:00

ScienceDaily (2009-10-21) -- New mobile phone software will help epidemiologists and ecologists working in the field to analyse their data remotely and map findings across the world, without having to return to the lab, according to research. The authors of the study say the software will also enable members of the public to act as 'citizen scientists' and help collect data for community projects.
Read full article at Science Daily.

The Growth of Citizen Science | The New York Academy of Sciences

2009-10-20T20:14:00.001-04:00

The Growth of Citizen Science | The New York Academy of Sciences

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European Amateur Science Society Makes Major Dinosaur Discovery

2009-10-12T06:44:00.001-04:00

For several years, a European amateur science group was on the trail of dinosaur prints and last spring they made a significant discovery.
European Amateur Science Society Makes Major Dinosaur Discovery

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Biologists ask anglers to report tagged largemouth bass

2009-10-09T12:30:00.001-04:00

For immediate release: October 9, 2009

Biologists ask anglers to report tagged largemouth bass

Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and the University of Florida need assistance with a statewide largemouth bass research study. This year-long project is an interactive way for the public to help biologists obtain critical information necessary to manage the largemouth bass fishery for quality and trophy-sized fish.

From this study, biologists hope to learn how frequently bass are caught and harvested. They also hope to learn more about the size range of fish caught.

Beginning this month, biologists are tagging largemouth bass with small, yellow tags along the back of the fish just below the dorsal fin. These tags carry a printed telephone number, e-mail address, tag number and reward value. Anglers should carefully examine all bass caught in Florida lakes for reward tags, as biologists will tag fish in numerous lakes throughout the state.

Biologists encourage anglers to remove these tags by cutting them as close to the fish as possible and then treat the fish as they would normally. Once anglers remove a tag, they should immediately report it to the FWC Angler Tag Return Hotline at 800-367-4461 or e-mail TagReturn@MyFWC.com.

Anglers participating in the study will receive a reward for each largemouth bass tag they return to the FWC. When reporting the tag, anglers should provide the following information: the species of fish, tag number, fish length, date and time of capture, name of the lake where the fish was caught, and whether the angler kept or released the fish.

Anglers should mail the tags to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Attn: LMB Tagging Study, 601 W. Woodward Ave., Eustis, FL, 32726.

To learn more about FWC research projects, visit http://research.MyFWC.com.

To view this press release online visit http://research.myfwc.com/news/view_article.asp?id=33334.

Waxing Moon Night Hike- 10/23/09

2009-10-03T13:20:00.000-04:00

Friday, October 23, 2009

Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: Camp Bayou

City/Town: Ruskin, FL

Walk the trails, without flashllights, just after sunset. End at the campfire for s'mores and star-gazing. Final night for the Great World Wide Star Count. We'll be looking for Cygnus as well as other timely constellations. If possible, bring a reclining beach chair to make it easier to gaze skyward. $5 donation requested per person. 20 person limit.

RSVP at campbayou@yahoo.com. Directions at http://www.campbayou.org/ .

BTW, we are looking for donations of reclining beach chairs so we can keep a supply on hand for future star-gazing events. Contact Dolly- campbayou@yahoo.com .

Help Project FeederWatch Track Backyard Birds

2009-10-01T11:08:00.000-04:00

Help Project FeederWatch Track Backyard Birds

Bird watchers needed to help scientists discover changes in bird populations

For Release: October 1, 2009

Ithaca, NY—What happens in the backyard should not stay in the backyard—at least when it comes to bird feeders. By sharing information about which birds visit their feeders between November and April, backyard bird watchers can help scientists track changes in bird numbers and movements from year to year, through Project FeederWatch, a citizen-science program from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada.

Project FeederWatch begins on November 14 and runs through early April. Taking part is easy. Anyone can count the numbers and kinds of birds at their feeders and enter their information on the FeederWatch website. Participants submitted nearly 117,000 checklists last season. Since 1987, more than 40,000 people from the United States and Canada have taken part in the project.

“To get the most complete picture of bird movements, we always need new sets of eyes to tell us what species are showing up at backyard feeders,” says David Bonter, leader of Project FeederWatch. “Participants always tell us how much fun it is and how good it feels to contribute to our understanding of birds by submitting their sightings.”

Project FeederWatch is for people of all ages and skill levels. To learn more and to sign up, visit www.feederwatch.org or call the Cornell Lab toll-free at (866) 982-2473. In return for the $15 fee ($12 for Cornell Lab members) participants receive the FeederWatcher’s Handbook, an identification poster of the most common feeder birds, a calendar, complete instructions, and Winter Bird Highlights, an annual summary of FeederWatch findings.

Participant Nancy Corr of Harrisburg, Oregon, sums up her Project FeederWatch experience: “Thanks for the wonderful opportunity to share our love of birding and to participate in something meaningful!”

Ranger Rick Six-Year-Old Helps Cornell Lab and NSF With U.S. Ladybug Recovery

2009-09-25T17:53:00.001-04:00

How a motivated six year old helped Cornell researchers and the National Science Foundation locate a colony and obtain specimens of rare vanishing ladybugs.
Ranger Rick Six-Year-Old Helps Cornell Lab and NSF With U.S. Ladybug Recovery

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Minimal Citizen Science

2009-09-24T13:19:00.001-04:00

Some may not call this citizen science but non-scientists are volunteering the results of their efforts to monitor an important health and science issue:

From FWRINEWS-LISTSERV.

For immediate release: September 24, 2009

Wildlife officials to test hunter-harvested ducks for avian influenza virus

Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services will collect samples from hunter-harvested ducks to test for highly pathogenic avian virus – H5N1. Sampling will occur at various times during the migratory game bird hunting season this fall and winter.

Biologists will obtain samples at several duck-hunting hot spots throughout Florida, including the PotashCorp Wildlife Management Area in White Springs, Stormwater Treatment Area 3 and 4 (also referred to as STA 3/4) in Palm Beach County, and the T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area in Fellsmere.

Hunters will not need to surrender their ducks, and participation is voluntary. Biologists will obtain the samples by swabbing the ducks' respiratory and digestive tracts. Scientists at a diagnostic lab will test the samples for the virus that causes avian influenza and for other diseases.

The sampling is part of a continuing international surveillance effort to determine if migratory birds carry the highly pathogenic H5N1 Asian strain of virus that produces avian influenza in North America. The USDA hopes to collect 44,000 samples nationwide this year, including more than 1,000 samples from Florida. To date, scientists have processed more than 100,000 samples nationwide; none tested positive for the virus, including the 681 collected at check stations in Florida's wildlife management areas.

While it is extremely unlikely that hunters could contract avian influenza from wild birds in Florida, officials recommend taking common-sense precautions to reduce the risk of contracting any disease from wildlife. For instance, do not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead; wear rubber gloves while cleaning game; clean game outdoors and stay upwind of game while cleaning; and do not eat, drink or smoke while cleaning game.

It is also important to wash hands with soap and water immediately after handling game or cleaning bird feeders. Wash tools and work surfaces used to clean game birds with soap and water, and then disinfect them with a 10-percent bleach solution.

In addition, hunters should separate raw meat, and anything it touches, from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to avoid contamination.

The FWC recommends cooking game birds thoroughly. Meat should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill disease organisms and parasites.

For more information about avian influenza and the FWC's monitoring program, including how to report observations of dead birds, visit MyFWC.com/Safety; click on "Health Advisories," then "Avian Influenza."

To view this press release online, visit http://research.myfwc.com/news/view_article.asp?id=33164.

Project Budburst Citizen Science

2009-09-23T19:39:00.001-04:00

From The Project BudBurst Team
Fall is here. Celebrate the change of seasons with Project BudBurst! Don't let our name fool you. We welcome observations of all plant phenophases throughout the year. Now is a great time to get outside and make observations of seeds ripening, leaf color change, leaf droop, and other interesting changes. You can 'jump' in to Project BudBurst at any time during the year. So, you don't have to wait for spring to participate in this national climate change field campaign. Help us reach our goal of 5,000 reported observations of our new fall phenophases (leaf color change, leaf drop, and all leaves withered).We need your help - Climate change scientists are very interested in the observations you are making. All information necessary to participate can be found at on our web site -- www.budburst.org
Share Project BudBurst with a friend and compare your observations.

The Fall 2009 issue of the Camp Bayou Buzzzzz! is now online

2009-09-20T16:49:00.002-04:00

The Fall 2009 issue of the Camp Bayou Buzzzzz! is now online at http://campbayou.org/newsletters/2009fall.pdf.

Stream Waterwatch Trainings

2009-09-16T18:02:00.000-04:00

Volunteers Make the Difference

Mark your Calendars!

Stream Waterwatch's

Introduction to Water Quality Training and

Introduction to Biological Training

Location: HCC’s English Creek Facility

Friday, September 25^th at 6 pm

The facility is located on the north side of State Road 60, just west (about ½ mile) of the Polk County line (County Line Road). The entrance gate is on the north side of SR 60 between Sam Hicks Road and the bridge over English Creek.

Please RSVP if you plan on attending to streamwaterwatch@bellsouth.net

Water Quality Testing Questions

Email Erik at stream-waterwatch@juno.com

Benthic Questions/or to Schedule a personal benthic training session at your site

Email Peggy at pegrat307@msn.com

Firefly Watch Update

2009-09-11T18:54:00.002-04:00

From e-newsletter Firefly Watch Update
Museum of Science, Boston

Greetings,
After receiving last month's update, many of you emailed to tell me about your firefly season. It is interesting that the verdict seems to be split: as many of you wrote in saying you had really a good year as those who reported disappointing seasons. As an optimist, I am happy for those of you who had good results, and I am looking forward to an active year in 2010 for the rest of us. As always, remember that even "no data" reporting is helpful to our researchers.
Thanks for all of your emails.
Don Salvatore
fireflywatch@mos.org

View and Explore Data

FROM THE FIELD

Habitats reporting: 980

Fireflies spotted: 29,000+

Registered habitats: 1,938

Use Your iPhone to Help Scientists Track Crickets in NYC

2009-09-03T21:19:00.002-04:00

Use Your iPhone to Help Scientists Track Crickets in NYC

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FWC News - FWC seeks hunters to complete deer rut survey

2009-09-02T19:30:00.001-04:00

FWC News - FWC seeks hunters to complete deer rut survey

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Tools Let Public Contribute To Massive Interactive Online Biodiversity Encyclopedia

2009-08-26T09:08:00.002-04:00

Great opportunity for citizen scientists:
ScienceDaily (2009-08-26) -- Experts and citizen scientists alike have fuelled explosive growth of the interactive encyclopedia. The Encyclopedia of Life's inventory of Earth's species -- now 150,000 pages of vetted information, en route to 1.8 million (one page for each known species) -- is shedding light on everything from conservation strategies for endangered species to climate change. It will also help slow the global spread of disease-bearing or invasive pests. Scientists are also outfitting EOL with tags to help scour the data for the secrets of long life. As detailed below, EOL may one day help advance human longevity -- explaining, for example, why certain species, even those within the same family, live longer than others, opening promising new avenues of aging research.

Read the entire article at Science Daily.

Calling All Amateur Astronomers: Help Solve a Mystery

2009-08-25T07:55:00.002-04:00

Calling All Amateur Astronomers: Help Solve a Mystery

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Tracking Alien Species With Smart Phones

2009-08-20T09:00:00.002-04:00

From National Geographic:

July 30, 2009—New smart-phone applications may enable the public to help scientists monitor invasive species and collect data in a fraction of the time it normally takes.
Watch the video.

Floridians: Report fish kills in summer

2009-08-18T12:53:00.001-04:00

From FWC news:
Fish kills common during summer, but need reporting
August 18, 2009
The recent rains and cloudy skies are causing problems along the Withlacoochee River and in lakes around Citrus and Sumter counties.
Residents are reporting fish kills in various areas, and fisheries biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) think the number and severity of fish kills could increase over the next several weeks.
"We've already had reports of fish kills in the Inverness and Floral City areas as well as various locations on the Withlacoochee River. These kills are a result of low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels," said Allen Martin, regional fisheries biologist for the FWC's Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management in Lake City. "And it could get worse in the coming weeks if we get tropical storm or hurricane activity."
What do heavy rains and cloudy skies have to do with fish suffocating from a lack of oxygen?
Ironically, a lack of sunshine in the Sunshine State heralds the beginning of problems. The process starts with overcast skies, hot summer days and rainy weather.
Photosynthesis creates most of the oxygen that fish breathe. The process allows waterborne microscopic plants to use sunlight to produce and add dissolved oxygen to the water. However, when overcast skies persist for several days, there is often not enough sunlight to power the oxygen-making process that supports fish life.
Heavy rain and wind from thunderstorms add to the problem by stirring up bottom sediments that mix with good-quality water near the surface, compounding the problem. Rainwater runoff can also wash large amounts of decaying plant and animal material into the water body. In the decay process, bacteria use dissolved oxygen in the water to break down plant and animal matter, further lowering oxygen levels.
"We are seeing this occur in the Green Swamp area," Martin said. "The rains are releasing a pulse of poor-quality (low DO) water into the Withlacoochee River that is then flowing into the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes."
Fish can often be seen coming to the surface of the water and gulping air. Ultimately, the fish die and float to the surface.
"The size of the fish kills depends on how low the oxygen levels are. They can range from only a few individuals being affected to massive kills, where thousands of fish die."
Many different species of fish have succumbed to current fish kills, including largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie and catfish.
The good news is that most water bodies do not suffer repeat performances every year. In fact, most water bodies go years without suffering a major fish kill. Fish populations usually replenish themselves naturally from surviving fish.
"In spite of summer fish kills, most Florida lakes are in relatively healthy shape, and fish populations remain stable. Angling success generally is not affected over the long haul, even after events that might appear serious to the untrained eye," said Martin.
Still, it is important for biologists like Martin to keep track of the location and extent of fish kills in natural lakes and estuaries to see if there are serious problems developing in an ecosystem that might require investigation or restorative measures.
Floridians can report fish kills in natural water bodies to the FWC's Fish Kill Hotline at 800-636-0511, the FWC's Lake City office at 386-758-0525 or online at MyFWC.com/Contact. It is not necessary to report fish kills in man-made retention or private ponds.

Submit Your 2009 FrogWatch USA Data!

2009-08-14T20:37:00.000-04:00

From FrogWatch USA e-newsletter:

The FrogWatch USA Web site and database will be
moving to AZA from the National Wildlife Federation soon,
and will be under construction in the fall. Therefore, please
submit all data that you have before 21 August 2009.
Data collected after that date and through the fall can be
saved until the database is re-launched at AZA or we can
enter it directly into the database if you send it via email
(preferred) to: frogwatch@aza.org or via regular mail to:
Shelly Grow
FrogWatch USA Coordinator
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
8403 Colesville Road, Suite 710
Silver Spring, MD 20910