New Woods Forays with new Students

Out to the Woods (NE Gate) Monday with Randy and Pascal and 21 of the new Ecology students. Randy and Pascal introduced Woods and use of scientific method to make observations, ask questions, construct hypotheses and collect data to test. Students took diameter tapes, or pH meters to test hypotheses they generated. All made it across the Elm Bridge and back without mishap. Beautiful afternoon into the low 50's clear and sunny. Great to be out there.
Today, Tuesday, Priscilla and I returned to the NE Gate and walked to the Elm Bridge. We thought about Ligustrum and other exotics and a trial removal of some large individuals. Priscilla mentioned some exotics mapping or tracking software the Nature Conservancy uses on small reserves.. might be useful for OWP.
We walked the Northern Loop to the East Pond then south to the Beaver Dam and back to the Elm Bridge via the EW Fence Line trail. Priscilla spotted a cottontail rabbit. Lots of woodpeckers hairy and flickers, lots of robins. Bird activity was pretty substantial with mild low 50's temperature and ice storm coming Thursday.

We briefly discussed an All Taxa Biotic Inventory (ATBI) in Olivers Woods as a possible long term research/ survey/ monitoring project. Idea of running a light in the Woods with power possibly from the Wastewater treatment plant for a continuously running insect survey. Discussed tree tutorial trail set up from the NE Gate and the rodent lab exercise.