Canid presence scat sampling using simple transect methods
John Hayes
Delaware State University
302-659-0248
707-235-9562
johnhayes@earthlink.net
Goal: Systematically find scat samples of canid species for genetic analysis
• Primary target: gray fox
• Secondary: red fox, coyote, domestic dog and non-canid
Methods:
• Coordinate with John Hayes to receive training and be assigned a work area
• Training and field sampling days-May 21, 22, 28 & 29, 2011 June 4, 5, 11, &12, 2011 (Sat & Sun). During the week is OK if your schedule is better suited. Let’s coordinate.
• Receive training:
o Oriented to transect locations
o Field data entry forms
o How to record usable data with GPS- have your own GPS, that’s even better!
o Scat identification- difference between usable and unusable sample
o Awareness techniques to increase sample capture
o Proper collection, ID labeling and storage
• Requires 2-3 hours of training and a commitment to walk at least one transect. 2-4 or more transects would be awesome. Transects do not need to be walked all on same day.
• Walk 3km (2miles) linear transects at approximately 1.5 km/ hour (1 mile/hour) to locate scat deposits on trails and low use dirt roads on managed lands of Delaware and Eastern Shore Maryland. 40-60 transects total depending on volunteer interest. Enquire about sites of interest. We have many places to choose from.
• Use GPS to record transect delineation and sample locations. Record ID, X and Y, and notes on data form for data entry.
• We will be using simple GPS that does not have GIS on the fly capacity. All GPS data entry will be done post collection by John Hayes.
Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education
Friday, April 29, 2011
Great Worcester Herp Search, May 14
Reptile, amphibian search May 14
The eleventh annual Great Worcester Herp Search will take place Saturday, May 14 when volunteers scour county lands for reptiles and amphibians.
Sponsored by the Coastal Bays Program, Delmarva Low Impact Tourism (DLITE), Salisbury Zoo, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and Salisbury University, the search kicks off at 9 a.m. at Furnacetown off Route 12 near Snow Hill. A brief pre-hunt training session will feature live turtles, snakes, frogs, and salamanders and explain ways to identify them in the wild. It is free to the public and will be held to prep volunteers for searching four Worcester County sites in the morning and afternoon.
Last year 204 reptiles and amphibians representing 20 species were the result of the search held in Worcester County. Finds included mud turtles, worm snakes, ringneck snakes, and rough greensnakes. Box and snapping turtles were found along with five-lined skinks and seven species of frogs and toads.
In Worcester, there are approximately 19 species of snakes, 15 species of frogs and toads, eight species of salamanders, 13 species of turtles, and four species of lizards. The search will provide data to help DNR scientists better understand population trends in this declining group of vertebrates as they continue the first ever Maryland Herp Atlas.
This year’s sites include public and private parcels in the heavily forested southern part of the county in both the coastal bays and Chesapeake Bay watersheds. No animals are harmed or removed from the wild during the search.
Participants should bring a sack lunch and drinks. For Wicomico residents, a Salisbury University van will leave the Henson loading dock at the NE corner of the Henson building on the campus at 8 a.m. Please email Dr. Ron Gutberlet at rlgutberlet@salisbury.edu to let him know you’ll be hitching a ride. Groups will return from the field around 12:30 p.m. for lunch then hunt again until approximately 5 p.m. All children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Sunscreen, mosquito and tick repellant, bright clothing, and boots are a must.
For more information call Dave Wilson at the Coastal Bays office at 410-213-2297.
Email: dwilson@mdcoastalbays.org
Web: www.mdcoastalbays.org
The eleventh annual Great Worcester Herp Search will take place Saturday, May 14 when volunteers scour county lands for reptiles and amphibians.
Sponsored by the Coastal Bays Program, Delmarva Low Impact Tourism (DLITE), Salisbury Zoo, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and Salisbury University, the search kicks off at 9 a.m. at Furnacetown off Route 12 near Snow Hill. A brief pre-hunt training session will feature live turtles, snakes, frogs, and salamanders and explain ways to identify them in the wild. It is free to the public and will be held to prep volunteers for searching four Worcester County sites in the morning and afternoon.
Last year 204 reptiles and amphibians representing 20 species were the result of the search held in Worcester County. Finds included mud turtles, worm snakes, ringneck snakes, and rough greensnakes. Box and snapping turtles were found along with five-lined skinks and seven species of frogs and toads.
In Worcester, there are approximately 19 species of snakes, 15 species of frogs and toads, eight species of salamanders, 13 species of turtles, and four species of lizards. The search will provide data to help DNR scientists better understand population trends in this declining group of vertebrates as they continue the first ever Maryland Herp Atlas.
This year’s sites include public and private parcels in the heavily forested southern part of the county in both the coastal bays and Chesapeake Bay watersheds. No animals are harmed or removed from the wild during the search.
Participants should bring a sack lunch and drinks. For Wicomico residents, a Salisbury University van will leave the Henson loading dock at the NE corner of the Henson building on the campus at 8 a.m. Please email Dr. Ron Gutberlet at rlgutberlet@salisbury.edu to let him know you’ll be hitching a ride. Groups will return from the field around 12:30 p.m. for lunch then hunt again until approximately 5 p.m. All children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Sunscreen, mosquito and tick repellant, bright clothing, and boots are a must.
For more information call Dave Wilson at the Coastal Bays office at 410-213-2297.
Email: dwilson@mdcoastalbays.org
Web: www.mdcoastalbays.org
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Important upcomming dates!
MAEOE encourages you to grab your calendar and Save the Dates:
June 3, 2011
2011 Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit
Sandy Point State Park
9am-2pm
Every school in Maryland is invited to Celebrate, Promise and Soar at the 2011 Maryland Green School Youth Summit. This meaningful watershed education experience includes:
- 2011 Maryland Green School Awards Ceremonies
- Over 50 hands-on, inquiry-based environmental learning labs (correlated to state curriculum)
- Launch of the 2011 Bay Game
- National Geographic Explorer’s Station
- Wild animal alley
- Youth leadership trainings – students learn to organize environmental campaigns at their schools
- Elected official town hall meeting – students can question their leaders
- Tapestry of Hope
- Promises for the Future Kite Rally
Download the flyer and distribute.
Interested in volunteering? Contact greenschools@maeoe.org
June 15, 2011
Certified Maryland Green Leader Training - FREE
MAEOE Headquarters – Jessup, Maryland
9am-12pm
More information email: greenschools@maeoe.org
June 18, 2011
Orioles v. Nationals
National’s Stadium in DC (LEED Certified)
First Pitch - 1:05pm
It's the Battle of the Beltways. Cheer on your favorite team while supporting environmental education in Maryland. MAEOE receives a portion of each ticket purchased. All proceeds will be used to support Growing Maryland Green Schools. Want tickets? Email director@maeoe.org
July 15, 2011
Bowie BaySox v. Richmond Flying Squirrels
Baysox Stadium in Bowie
7:05pm
The BaySox are Putting the Bay into Baseball - Teaming up with environmental organizations to help build a more environmentally literate citizenry.
- Click Here the to purchase tickets
- Enter the special offer code: MAEOE (all caps)
- Purchase tickets
- Share with friends and family
All proceeds will be used to support Growing Maryland Green Schools. MAEOE receives a portion of each ticket purchased.
July 18-22, 2011
Grow a Maryland Green School Summer Institute
Contact: agibson@cbf.org
December 31, 2010
Bob Finton Award for Excellence in Outdoor Education Nominations Due
Don’t wait till the last minute. Nominations are accepted year round.
February 1, 2012
Maryland Green School Intent to Apply Form and Fee Due
February 9-12, 2012
27th Annual MAEOE Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Call for Presentations coming soon in June..
June 3, 2011
2011 Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit
Sandy Point State Park
9am-2pm
Every school in Maryland is invited to Celebrate, Promise and Soar at the 2011 Maryland Green School Youth Summit. This meaningful watershed education experience includes:
- 2011 Maryland Green School Awards Ceremonies
- Over 50 hands-on, inquiry-based environmental learning labs (correlated to state curriculum)
- Launch of the 2011 Bay Game
- National Geographic Explorer’s Station
- Wild animal alley
- Youth leadership trainings – students learn to organize environmental campaigns at their schools
- Elected official town hall meeting – students can question their leaders
- Tapestry of Hope
- Promises for the Future Kite Rally
Download the flyer and distribute.
Interested in volunteering? Contact greenschools@maeoe.org
June 15, 2011
Certified Maryland Green Leader Training - FREE
MAEOE Headquarters – Jessup, Maryland
9am-12pm
More information email: greenschools@maeoe.org
June 18, 2011
Orioles v. Nationals
National’s Stadium in DC (LEED Certified)
First Pitch - 1:05pm
It's the Battle of the Beltways. Cheer on your favorite team while supporting environmental education in Maryland. MAEOE receives a portion of each ticket purchased. All proceeds will be used to support Growing Maryland Green Schools. Want tickets? Email director@maeoe.org
July 15, 2011
Bowie BaySox v. Richmond Flying Squirrels
Baysox Stadium in Bowie
7:05pm
The BaySox are Putting the Bay into Baseball - Teaming up with environmental organizations to help build a more environmentally literate citizenry.
- Click Here the to purchase tickets
- Enter the special offer code: MAEOE (all caps)
- Purchase tickets
- Share with friends and family
All proceeds will be used to support Growing Maryland Green Schools. MAEOE receives a portion of each ticket purchased.
July 18-22, 2011
Grow a Maryland Green School Summer Institute
Contact: agibson@cbf.org
December 31, 2010
Bob Finton Award for Excellence in Outdoor Education Nominations Due
Don’t wait till the last minute. Nominations are accepted year round.
February 1, 2012
Maryland Green School Intent to Apply Form and Fee Due
February 9-12, 2012
27th Annual MAEOE Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Call for Presentations coming soon in June..
Monday, April 25, 2011
Education Coordinator Needed at Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art
Introduction:
Nestled next to Schumaker Pond in Salisbury, Maryland and surrounded by wildlife in the heart of the Atlantic Flyway, the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art features the world’s largest and finest public collection of decorative and antique decoys. The museum is a premier facility for the study of art, nature and tradition for the youth, educators, scholars, artists and community it serves.
Job Description:
The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art seeks a full time Education Coordinator to assist with a growing department that serves over 14,000 youth and adults annually through programming on topics of art, nature and tradition.
Responsibilities:
Duties include development and delivery of education programs for youth and adults, scheduling and coordinating programming, assisting with special events and promotion of programs through written press releases, website updates and social media outlets. Education Coordinator reports to the Director of Education.
Qualifications:
Applicant must possess a bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) and have at least two years of experience with program delivery and working with volunteers. Knowledge of regional art, natural and cultural heritage is preferred. Applicants must possess strong organizational, writing and communication skills and be comfortable working independently and as a team with a diverse client base. Applicants should be proficient with computers. Typical workweek is Tuesday through Saturday.
Compensation:
Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits package.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and three references to:
Kim Check, Education Director at kacheck@salisbury.edu
Ward Museum, 909 South Schumaker Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804
Application review will begin on May 18, 2011. Position open until filled.
The Ward Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Nestled next to Schumaker Pond in Salisbury, Maryland and surrounded by wildlife in the heart of the Atlantic Flyway, the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art features the world’s largest and finest public collection of decorative and antique decoys. The museum is a premier facility for the study of art, nature and tradition for the youth, educators, scholars, artists and community it serves.
Job Description:
The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art seeks a full time Education Coordinator to assist with a growing department that serves over 14,000 youth and adults annually through programming on topics of art, nature and tradition.
Responsibilities:
Duties include development and delivery of education programs for youth and adults, scheduling and coordinating programming, assisting with special events and promotion of programs through written press releases, website updates and social media outlets. Education Coordinator reports to the Director of Education.
Qualifications:
Applicant must possess a bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) and have at least two years of experience with program delivery and working with volunteers. Knowledge of regional art, natural and cultural heritage is preferred. Applicants must possess strong organizational, writing and communication skills and be comfortable working independently and as a team with a diverse client base. Applicants should be proficient with computers. Typical workweek is Tuesday through Saturday.
Compensation:
Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits package.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and three references to:
Kim Check, Education Director at kacheck@salisbury.edu
Ward Museum, 909 South Schumaker Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804
Application review will begin on May 18, 2011. Position open until filled.
The Ward Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Volunteer Coordinator Job Announcement
Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks is seeking a Volunteer Coordinator for the new Robinson Nature Center. The Volunteer Coordinator will develop and manage volunteer-based opportunities and programs for the Robinson Nature Center and oversees the day-to-day operations of volunteer programs. For more information and to apply, visit http://agency.governmentjobs.com/howardcounty/default.cfm. The deadline for applications is May 2, 2011.
Delmarva Birding Weekend
The Delmarva Birding Weekend celebrates the spring migration of thousands of warblers, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors. The Weekend combines boat trips, paddling treks, and expeditions by foot, and takes place April 28 through May 1, 2011.
The Delmarva Peninsula possesses an extensive variety of environments, including barrier islands, tidal wetlands, cypress swamps, upland fields and primeval forests. Field trips take place in the land and water that feed into the Delaware Bays and coastal inland bays. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the region. 204 species were tallied during the 2009 event!
Space is limited, but weekend participants can book trips through May 1 to kayak in Rehoboth Bay, search for seabirds aboard the Cape May/Lewes Ferry, and explore some of Delaware’s best birding grounds at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware Seashore State Park, and Assawoman Wildlife Area. On Friday, April 29 at 5:00 pm, a birder’s Tally Rally will be held at Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach to add species to the weekend’s checklist.
Participating birders will be helping birds by promoting bird and habitat conservation. Birders, both novice and experienced, can make an important statement about the economic value of birds and their habitats through low-impact tourism. Birders are encouraged to remind local businesses that they are here to enjoy Delmarva’s natural areas and the birds that inhabit them.
For more information, please email dlitedirector@comcast.net or call 443-614-0261. For more information about the Delmarva Birding Weekend and trip availability, please visit www.delmarvabirding.org.
The Delmarva Peninsula possesses an extensive variety of environments, including barrier islands, tidal wetlands, cypress swamps, upland fields and primeval forests. Field trips take place in the land and water that feed into the Delaware Bays and coastal inland bays. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the region. 204 species were tallied during the 2009 event!
Space is limited, but weekend participants can book trips through May 1 to kayak in Rehoboth Bay, search for seabirds aboard the Cape May/Lewes Ferry, and explore some of Delaware’s best birding grounds at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware Seashore State Park, and Assawoman Wildlife Area. On Friday, April 29 at 5:00 pm, a birder’s Tally Rally will be held at Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach to add species to the weekend’s checklist.
Participating birders will be helping birds by promoting bird and habitat conservation. Birders, both novice and experienced, can make an important statement about the economic value of birds and their habitats through low-impact tourism. Birders are encouraged to remind local businesses that they are here to enjoy Delmarva’s natural areas and the birds that inhabit them.
For more information, please email dlitedirector@comcast.net or call 443-614-0261. For more information about the Delmarva Birding Weekend and trip availability, please visit www.delmarvabirding.org.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Compost Bin & Rain Barrell Sale
Once again, Baltimore County Dept. of the Public Works and the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability are sponsoring a Compost Bin and Rain Barrel sale, first come, first serve, truckload sale for one day only! There will be no leftovers the next day.
Saturday, April 30,2011, 9 am - 3:00 pm at the auxiliary parking lot of The Avenue at White Marsh 8125 Honeygo Boulevard (behind the movie theater, across Town Center Drive)
The Earth Machine Compost Bin: 2 pieces fits in all cars.
Systern Rain Barrel: 1 piece, large size, fits in most cars.
There will be six lines to pay cash, check and credit cards. Two lines will be cash only.
See more details including pricing at www.bcrecycles.com or contact 410-887-2000, press 0 for an operator.
Saturday, April 30,2011, 9 am - 3:00 pm at the auxiliary parking lot of The Avenue at White Marsh 8125 Honeygo Boulevard (behind the movie theater, across Town Center Drive)
The Earth Machine Compost Bin: 2 pieces fits in all cars.
Systern Rain Barrel: 1 piece, large size, fits in most cars.
There will be six lines to pay cash, check and credit cards. Two lines will be cash only.
See more details including pricing at www.bcrecycles.com or contact 410-887-2000, press 0 for an operator.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Position Announcement: Undergraduate/Graduate 2011 Summer Research Internship @ Anita C. Leight Estuary Center
Anita C. Leight Estuary Center
Otter Point Creek Component
Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve - MD
Application Deadline: All applications must be received by April 15, 2011.
Background: The Otter Point Creek Alliance and the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland (Maryland Reserve) are co‑sponsoring two summer research internships for the summer of 2011. Internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students to conduct a summer research project within the Otter Point Creek Component of the Maryland Reserve. The Maryland Reserve is one of 28 Reserves throughout the country that serve as field laboratories for the betterment of coastal zone management through research, education, and stewardship.
Site Description: The Otter Point Creek Component is one of three sites that comprise the Maryland Reserve. It contains 704 acres of upland and riparian forest, tidal freshwater marshes, streams, creeks, submerged aquatic vegetation, and open water. Otter Point Creek is located in the tidal headwaters of the Bush River in Harford County, Maryland. Staff from the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center oversees all efforts and activities at Otter Point Creek. Students are encouraged to work with staff to coordinate the use of laboratories, field equipment, and other amenities (canoes, boats, storage space, etc.) in support of their research project. Students are also encouraged to incorporate education and volunteer opportunities, if applicable, in their research efforts.
Research Topics:
Otter Point Creek is an ideal site for a broad range of research topics with a diversity of habitats (tidal freshwater marshes, SAV beds, and riparian and upland forests). Students can work with the Reserve’s Research Coordinator, Park Naturalist and the Park Manager on one of the following topics:
* Beaver Habitat Sustainability Study
* Mapping of Phragmites patches and wild rice at Otter Point Creek
* Study the marsh colonization process at the HaHa branch mudbank
* Short-term sedimentation study at the HaHa branch marsh
* Physical characterization of the vernal pool including size, GPS location, vegetation, soil parameters, etc.
Qualifications:
Internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who are capable of working independently with minimal supervision. Students should be self-motivated, have good communication and writing skills, and be comfortable working in physically challenging environments.
Application Requirements:
Qualified applicants should submit the following:
1) a short proposal (five or less single spaced pages that includes a title, hypotheses, methods/ procedures, objectives/goals of study, and references)
2) copies of unofficial transcripts
3) two letters of recommendation and
4) a one-page resume.
All applications must be received by April 15, 2011.
Internship Requirements
The successful applicant is expected to develop an expanded detailed proposal, conduct independent research, and provide a final report, public presentation and newsletter article for the Otter's Tale, about their project within one year of completing their project.
Financial Support:
The Otter Point Creek Alliance will provide a stipend totaling $2,000 in four equal installments of $500. Final payment is made upon the receipt of the final report. In addition, the Chesapeake Bay Reserve will provide up to $500 for supplies and/or sample analysis. Interns should figure on working a minimum of 20 hours a week for a minimum of three months during the summer of 2011.
Send complete applications to:
Kriste Garman, Park Manager
Anita C. Leight Estuary Center
700 Otter Point Road
Abingdon, MD 21009
For more information contact:
Kriste Garman at 410‑612‑1688 or ksgarman@harfordcountymd.gov
Otter Point Creek Component
Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve - MD
Application Deadline: All applications must be received by April 15, 2011.
Background: The Otter Point Creek Alliance and the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland (Maryland Reserve) are co‑sponsoring two summer research internships for the summer of 2011. Internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students to conduct a summer research project within the Otter Point Creek Component of the Maryland Reserve. The Maryland Reserve is one of 28 Reserves throughout the country that serve as field laboratories for the betterment of coastal zone management through research, education, and stewardship.
Site Description: The Otter Point Creek Component is one of three sites that comprise the Maryland Reserve. It contains 704 acres of upland and riparian forest, tidal freshwater marshes, streams, creeks, submerged aquatic vegetation, and open water. Otter Point Creek is located in the tidal headwaters of the Bush River in Harford County, Maryland. Staff from the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center oversees all efforts and activities at Otter Point Creek. Students are encouraged to work with staff to coordinate the use of laboratories, field equipment, and other amenities (canoes, boats, storage space, etc.) in support of their research project. Students are also encouraged to incorporate education and volunteer opportunities, if applicable, in their research efforts.
Research Topics:
Otter Point Creek is an ideal site for a broad range of research topics with a diversity of habitats (tidal freshwater marshes, SAV beds, and riparian and upland forests). Students can work with the Reserve’s Research Coordinator, Park Naturalist and the Park Manager on one of the following topics:
* Beaver Habitat Sustainability Study
* Mapping of Phragmites patches and wild rice at Otter Point Creek
* Study the marsh colonization process at the HaHa branch mudbank
* Short-term sedimentation study at the HaHa branch marsh
* Physical characterization of the vernal pool including size, GPS location, vegetation, soil parameters, etc.
Qualifications:
Internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who are capable of working independently with minimal supervision. Students should be self-motivated, have good communication and writing skills, and be comfortable working in physically challenging environments.
Application Requirements:
Qualified applicants should submit the following:
1) a short proposal (five or less single spaced pages that includes a title, hypotheses, methods/ procedures, objectives/goals of study, and references)
2) copies of unofficial transcripts
3) two letters of recommendation and
4) a one-page resume.
All applications must be received by April 15, 2011.
Internship Requirements
The successful applicant is expected to develop an expanded detailed proposal, conduct independent research, and provide a final report, public presentation and newsletter article for the Otter's Tale, about their project within one year of completing their project.
Financial Support:
The Otter Point Creek Alliance will provide a stipend totaling $2,000 in four equal installments of $500. Final payment is made upon the receipt of the final report. In addition, the Chesapeake Bay Reserve will provide up to $500 for supplies and/or sample analysis. Interns should figure on working a minimum of 20 hours a week for a minimum of three months during the summer of 2011.
Send complete applications to:
Kriste Garman, Park Manager
Anita C. Leight Estuary Center
700 Otter Point Road
Abingdon, MD 21009
For more information contact:
Kriste Garman at 410‑612‑1688 or ksgarman@harfordcountymd.gov
Photo Contest
2011 DNR Photo Contest
Enter your photos into the 2011 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest, sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Park Service and Maryland Public Television. Contest winners receive prizes and have their photos published in the Maryland Natural Resource 2012 winter issue as well as the 2012 Maryland Natural Resource Calendar.
http://dnr.maryland.gov/photocontest/
Enter your photos into the 2011 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest, sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Park Service and Maryland Public Television. Contest winners receive prizes and have their photos published in the Maryland Natural Resource 2012 winter issue as well as the 2012 Maryland Natural Resource Calendar.
http://dnr.maryland.gov/photocontest/
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