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It's early, but annual frog count shows promise
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It's early, but annual frog count shows promise
Even if I ate froglegs, I think I would pass on this one!
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy lists March 2009 Events
VANISHING VERNAL POOLS ? Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Rust Nature Sanctuary. Registration Required. This Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) program begins with an indoor session on vernal pool ecology. This will be followed by an outdoor exploration of vernal pool habitats at Rust Nature Sanctuary and other nearby locations. Co-sponsored with the Audubon Naturalist Society (ANS). ANS & LWC members: $29; nonmembers: $41. To register contact ANS at 301-652-9188, ext.16. For those who plan to become monitors in LWC’s Amphibian Monitoring Program for the 2009 season, please register with Nicole Hamilton (nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org) and the fee will be covered by LWC.
MID-WEEK NATURE WALK WITH MIKE HAYSLETT ? March 11, 3-5 p.m. Registration Required. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Mike Hayslett-vernal pool expert and head of the Vernal Pool Institute at Sweet Briar College-for an exploration of one of eastern Loudoun’s natural areas where vernal pools thrive with wood frogs, spring peepers and salamanders. During the walk, Mike will discuss this very special wetland area, the lifecycles of the animals that use vernal pools for breeding locations, and the importance of the forests that surround them. Space is limited for this walk in order to minimize the impact of human foot traffic in these sensitive habitats. Please Sign up online or contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org.
AMPHIBIANS AFOOT! March 11, 7-8:30 p.m. Event to be held at
Broadlands Nature Center located at 21907 Claiborne Parkway, Broadlands, Va. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) for a family program with Mike Hayslett-vernal pool expert and head of the Vernal Pool Institute at Sweet Briar College-for a discussion about vernal pools and their unique attributes. You’ll learn about the diversity of frogs, toads and salamanders and their interesting habitats. As you learn about them, you may discover that you have these special vernal pools right in your own neighborhood. Learn how your family can engage in monitoring and preserving these special habitats and the forests that are required for amphibian life to thrive. Nicole Hamilton, amphibian monitoring coordinator for LWC, will discuss the Loudoun Amphibian Monitoring Program and handout materials will be available. For questions, contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org.
SPRING POOLS INSTITUTE ? March 13, 14, 15. Registration Required. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy welcomes back Mike Hayslett for his popular “crash-course” workshop on vernal pools. Hands-on training begins at 1 p.m. on Friday with background instruction indoors and examination outdoors of the unique wetland at the ANS Rust Nature Sanctuary in Leesburg. Saturday and Sunday will be all-day field explorations, including visits to numerous vernal pools and other isolated wetlands around Leesburg, at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship, and other vernal pools around Loudoun County. Optional night forays are also possible, depending on rainfall. Participants will receive take-home materials and spend ample time outdoors experiencing a variety of wetland habitats. The group will likely encounter four or five species of obligate wildlife fauna, including Spotted and Jefferson Salamanders, Wood Frogs and Fairy Shrimp. Cost for this three-day foray is $49 for LWC members, $69 for non-members (meals not included). Registration must be completed by March 10 and is limited to 20 participants. Full details (schedule/itinerary, what-to-bring, background info, etc.) will be provided upon registration with LWC. To register contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org.
BIRDING BANSHEE ? Saturday, March 14, 8:00 a.m. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve for the monthly bird walk. Because of its rich and varied habitat, this part of the county is a birding hot spot. Please bring binoculars. For more information, contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
BEGINNING BIRDING WORKSHOP ? Saturday, March 21 & March 28, 9-11 a.m. This two-part workshop sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is for bird-watching beginners ages 7 and older and is led by experienced birder and naturalist, Phil Daley. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A classroom session will include learning about what to look and listen for and getting tips on identification and the best tools for doing so. This will be followed with a walk outside to see how many birds we can identify. Bring binoculars if you have them. For more information, contact Phil Daley at 540-338-6528.
LOUDOUN AMPHIBIAN MONITORING PROGRAM (LAMP) 2009 KICKOFF ? Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m-4 p.m. Registration Required. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship to kick off the 2009 Amphibian Monitoring Program. Learn about site surveys, frog call surveys and migration mapping. All the materials you need to get started will be issued and after the presentation, you’ll head out into the field to practice your identification skills by looking and listening for different frogs, toads and salamanders. No experience is needed to become a monitor, just an interest in learning about local amphibians and their habitats. Advance sign-up is required. To register
for this orientation, sign up online or contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org. Please bring a bag lunch.
SUNDAY IN THE PRESERVE
? Sunday, March 22 1 p.m. Join the Friends of Banshee Reeks and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a free informal, family walk around the preserve. Search for the many natural wonders that make this such a special place. For information, call the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve at 703-669-0316.
BIRDING THE BLUE RIDGE CENTER ? Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m. On the fourth Saturday of each month (except December), Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy leads a free bird walk at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES). This beautiful 900-acre preserve is located on Harpers Ferry Road, Route 671, in northwestern Loudoun County. Only a few miles south of Harpers Ferry and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, the property includes meadows in the valley and heavily forested slopes on the Blue Ridge. Meet at the Neersville Volunteer Fire Station on Route 671 at 8 a.m. For more information,
contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
BLUEBIRD PREDATOR GUARD/MAKE IT-TAKE IT WORKSHOP
? Saturday, March 28. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy will teach you how to make your own Stovepipe Bluebird Predator Guards to help protect birds from snakes and other predators. All materials provided. Cost: $15 fee for materials required. Location and time TBD. Registration required. Sign up at http://www.loudounwildlife.org/SignUp.htm.
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is an all-volunteer non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the preservation and proliferation of healthy wildlife habitats throughout Loudoun County. Visit www.loudounwildlife.org or call 540-554-2542.
Council's secret cane toad abode
I don't see the reason for the secrecey, but think its good that they are giving the FrogWatch Toad-Busters a home.
We're being told to protect frogs in the Isle of Man by leaving spawn alone.
That's the message from the Department of Agriculture as the season arrives for spawning.
People are being reminded it's important frogs are allowed to reproduce in their natural sites as only one in 1,000 eggs will grow into an adult frog.
The Department also says if you move pond wildlife around the Island you risk the spread of disease.
A good piece of advice for anywhere!
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
24 February 2009
Title: Hellbender Research Technician
Agency: Purdue University
Location: Corydon, Indiana
Job Description: Two technicians are needed from May through mid-November 2009.
Technicians will assist with field surveys for Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) in
southern Indiana as well as in other states (e.g., North Carolina, Virginia, and
Pennsylvania). Tasks will include, but are not limited to: 1) surveying, 2) restraining and
handling hellbenders, 3) radio-tracking, 4) collecting and analyzing water quality and
hematology data, 5) sampling for aquatic macro-invertebrates and crayfish, and 6) data-
entry. Surveys will involve rock-flipping and snorkeling in shallow water to locate adult
and larval Hellbenders. Radio-tracking will be conducted from a kayak, canoe, or on foot.
Applications will be accepted through 31 March 2009, but positions will be filled as
suitable applicants are found. To apply submit a cover letter and resume with at least two
references via email to Shem Unger (see below).
Qualifications: Applicants should be able to work well both alone and in groups in varying
conditions. Applicants must be physically fit, able to swim, and capable of lifting at least
50 lbs because many days will consist of long periods of time lifting large rocks in the
river. A valid driver's license is required. Prior experience in the field is not necessary, but
experience using GPS, collecting and organizing data, and kayaking/canoeing is preferred.
Housing: A 29-foot trailer and an additional pop-up trailer will be provided at O'Bannon
Woods State Park. Restroom facilities (including shower) will be provided by the park.
During travel periods, a pop-up trailer will be provided, but successful applicants will be
responsible for their own subsistence.
Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action employer fully
committed to achieving a diverse workforce.
Salary: $9.00/hour
Last Date to Apply: Open until filled.
Contact: Shem Unger
sunger@purdue.edu
(765) 414-5435
Bullfrog man calls bull on theories about invasive amphibians
Personally, while I love the bullfrog, I am with Stan on this one. I don't see where control measures would keep them under control. I think total eradication is the only way to control these frogs. They lay 5000 eggs at a time, how can just culling the juveniles work?
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
24 February 2009
Title: Biological Science Technician
US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, San Diego Field Station
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/
Locations: San Diego, California and Irvine, California
Five full-time, temporary positions (1 Irvine & 4 San Diego)
GS-0404-5/7
DESCRIPTION: This is a unique opportunity to conduct research on amphibians, reptiles,
fish, small mammals, and terrestrial invertebrates in southern California.
The technician will be a part of a science team conducting research on amphibians, turtles,
reptiles, fish, small mammals, and terrestrial invertebrate species within National Forests,
State Parks, Reserves, and US Military Lands in southern California. Data collection is for
the purpose of understanding diversity, population densities, growth rates, temporal
activity patterns, exotic invasions, genetic relationships at the community and species
level, and the conservation of endangered species.
Field work includes conducting biological wildlife surveys using various methods such as
visual surveys, pitfall trapping, seining, minnow traps, and Sherman traps. The technician
will identify, catch, measure, and mark animals, as well as collect water quality and
environmental data. Previous field experience or general knowledge of amphibians,
turtles, reptiles, small mammals, fish, and terrestrial invertebrate species of southern
California is highly recommended.
The field work is often conducted in densely vegetated terrain under adverse
environmental conditions (extreme temperatures, rain, and poison oak.) The position
sometimes requires long hours in the field working days and nights, hiking, and carrying
heavy equipment. Some overnight travel may be necessary. A current valid driver’s
license is required, as driving 4WD vehicles is often necessary.
Deadline is 27 February 2009. Please apply for the position through the website at
and search under position numbers:
Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)
GS-0404-5/7
Temp/Full Time
WR-2009-0227 (San Diego)
WR-2009-0226 (Irvine)
For more information contact:
Adam Backlin
US Geological Survey, San Diego Field Station
4727 Portola Parkway, Bldg C
Irvine, CA 92620
(714) 508-4702
abacklin@usgs.gov
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
25 February 2009
DEAN E. METTER MEMORIAL FUND APPLICATION
Deadline Extended Until 30 March 2009
Dean E. (Doc) Metter (1932-2001) was a long-time member of the biology faculty at the
University of Missouri-Columbia, where he taught zoology, comparative anatomy,
evolution, and herpetology. A believer in putting knowledge to the test in the field, Doc
provided frequent opportunities for students to engage in fieldwork. In addition, he
frequently assisted his graduate students as they ventured out to collect data. Doc was a
co-founder of the Bobby Witcher Society, the legacy of which is a scholarship fund. For
many years, the interest earned served to reward outstanding herpetology students who
intended to continue their education and seek a career in vertebrate biology. That fund
now serves a similar purpose by honoring Doc's memory while helping to fund the SSAR-
administered Dean E. Metter Memorial Award.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Award is: (1) to honor the memory of Dean E. Metter; (2) to encourage
students to pursue field research in herpetology; and (3) to facilitate field research in
herpetology by providing funds for relevant expenses.
AMOUNT
Grants made from the award will be no less than $300 and no more than $1,000. Efforts
will be made to fund as many eligible proposals as possible.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in an
accredited college or university and be conducting field-based research in herpetology.
This research may occur anywhere in the world, but priority will be given to research
conducted in the state of Missouri.
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES
Expenses eligible for funding include: (1) travel expenses (e.g., mileage, airfare) associated
with the field research project; and (2) equipment for field-based research (e.g., materials
for drift fences, traps, etc.). Funds may not be used for salaries or any other personnel
expenses, travel to meetings, equipment or supplies for laboratory-based research (even if
applicable to the project), or overhead or indirect costs.
CRITERIA FOR AWARDS
The following criteria will be used to make awards:
A. Scientific merit of the proposed project:
B. Nature of the proposed project; priority will be given, in order, to proposals that fall into
the following categories:
1. Natural history studies (e.g., habitat utilization, life tables, demography, reproductive
strategies, behavior).
2. Functional morphology (i.e., relationships between structure and function, particularly
as these relate to natural history parameters).
3. Biogeographic studies, including elucidation of biodiversity in a given area (e.g.,
regional or national biotic surveys), efforts to determine historical events leading to
current distribution patterns, and effects resulting from introductions of alien species.
4. Evolutionary studies (establishing phylogenies based on morphological or genetic
criteria)
5. Other.
C. Relevance of the field component to the overall execution of the proposed project.
APPLICATIONS AND AWARDS
In keeping with the Society's goal of encouraging participation by the broadest possible
community, preference may be given to individuals who might not have access to other
funding sources. All applicants must be members of the SSAR. Past recipients of an SSAR
GIH award in any category are not eligible for this award. Each proposal must include the
following:
(A) TITLE PAGE giving the title of the project, the name, mailing address, office and home
telephone numbers and, if possible, fax number and e-mail address of the applicant. The
title page should include a statement indicating that applicants "will comply with all
applicable permit regulations, and adhere to all appropriate animal care guidelines in the
course of conducting funded projects."
(B) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES of the proposed project.
(C) METHODS for carrying out the project.
(D) COMPLETE PROJECT BUDGET (indicating for which expenses support is being solicited),
including a listing of all current and pending support for the project.
(E) BRIEF RESUME of the applicant.
(F) LETTER OF SUPPORT from the research advisor, which also will serve to confirm
enrollment at an accredited institution. The proposal must be typed, double spaced, and
must not exceed 1,200 words, excluding title page, literature cited, CV (resume), and
budget. Proposals should be submitted electronically as email attachments. Submit
proposals or questions regarding application procedures to the Chair of the Metter Award
Committee, Joseph J. Beatty, at
beattyj@science.oregonstate.edu
NOTE
All proposals must be submitted no later than 30 March to be considered; SSAR dues must
be paid by the preceding 31 December. Failure to meet these guidelines may result in
elimination of a proposal from consideration. Awards will be announced on or around 15
April. Successful applicants are encouraged to submit the results of their research for
publication in the Journal of Herpetology or Herpetological Review, or to present their
findings at the annual meeting of the SSAR.
A great review of a salamander program put on the 21st at the North Carolina Botanical Garden Kudos to the presenters, it sounds like you did a wonderful job, and possibly inspired a budding herpetologist!
Scientists have accused successive governments of failing to stop the spread of cane toads.
Sure, if you throw enough money at something you can accomplish anything, but weighing how much to spend on this and how much on other important things, whose to say. I do agree that if was priority number 1, there would be no toads in Australia, but what would have to be sacrificed to make that happen?
Volunteers needed for frog survey | ||
Orientation Feb. 27 | ||
The sound of frogs calling in the night is more than just a sign of spring’s arrival. Frog calls can also be an important way to determine where different species live and how populations are doing over time - and many scientists now believe keeping track of these small amphibians can provide valuable information about our natural world. “Frogs, toads and other amphibians have received more attention over the last few years as scientists and the public have become increasingly alarmed over amphibian declines and deformities. Because amphibians are aquatic for at least part of their life cycle, they can serve as important indicators of water quality and other aspects of environmental health,” said Holly Niederriter, a wildlife biologist with the Delaware Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. This spring DAMP is seeking volunteers to conduct surveys of calling frogs around the state. Volunteers with DAMP are assigned a route in one portion of the state, and they conduct surveys by listening for calling frogs at stops along the route, where they record the species they hear and general number of frogs calling. A number of routes have yet to be assigned in Delaware, particularly in Sussex and Kent counties. Potential volunteers need to have a car, access to the internet and be willing to conduct surveys along a roadside at night. An orientation meeting on Friday, Feb. 27, training CD and other information will be provided. After volunteers familiarize themselves with the calls of Delaware’s 16 frog species, they conduct three nighttime surveys between February and July each year. Each survey takes between two to three hours, not including drive time to the start point. This is a long-term project and is best suited for volunteers who are able to commit to conducting surveys for at least a few years. To find out more about volunteering for DAMP, contact Vickie Henderson, Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, at 302-943-9660 or email Vickie.Henderson@state.de.us or visit the national project website at www.pwrc.usgs.gov/naamp |
I have just listened to the DAMP CD, it is fantastic! Lang Elliot has did another wonderful job.