Environmental Studies on the Piedmont

Spring has Sprung!

The George Mason students are wrapping up the semester with end of the year projects.  Dr. Nord's soils class (Geol 306) was out doing surveys on the field station, and we really appreciate their efforts.  For the students,  it is so much more meaningful to collect data that can help with the planning of new projects.  They analyzed soils in areas where we may have future projects in vegetable crop production, for new vernal pools, for improved habitat for turkeys and to help find old wetlands.  Good practical stuff all around.  Kind of reminds me of days at UC Davis when we fixed tractors with bailing wire to keep things going.   Good job everyone!   And a new group of members for our field station family.

 Last weekend, we had a wonderful public night out with the amphibians.  The American toad eggs were still breeding and laying eggs, although some have already hatched in the wetlands.  The Jefferson salamanders were just starting to hatch in the vernal pools.  Once again, it looks like the springtime success of the ridgetop vernal pool is very high, with well over 1000 amphibians using it this year (calculated from wood frog and salamander egg masses).    It is still a good time of the year to listen for frogs and toads.   To learn more check out http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/index.html

After a cold evening in the field observing amphibians, we had a spontaneous tea tasting with oolongs from China.   We are going to do this more often!

To wrap up the emergence of spring, the migratory birds are in their peak right now!  I am listening to an orchard oriole that just arrived today, and watching two newly arrived ruby throated hummingbirds on the feeder (time to get them up if you have not done so!).   And flying ants are emerging for a new generation!