Mammals (Leader: Cedar Mathers-Winn)
Look for mammal sign including tracks, scat, and beaver/muskrat constructions. Set up a camera to catch overnight mammal activity. Try to catch crepuscular mammals as they become active closer to sunset.
Bats and Nocturnal Birds (Leaders: Matt Bell, Cedar Mathers-Winn, and Frank Marchak)
Listen and watch for bats and nocturnal birds like owls and nighthawks. Matt Bell will set up recording stations to be analyzed later, but we will use an app to start to identify bat calls while we're in the field.
Birds (Leaders and possible helpers: Kevin Cox, Ken Sinay, Cedar Mathers-Winn, Allison Rognlie)
Split into smaller groups to search the wetland for bird species using scopes, binoculars (we have several to lend out if needed), field guides, and ID apps like Merlin. Team leaders will split thr group by birding ability to allow newer birders to ask questions and get more explanation from leaders while advanced birders can stay quiet and listen for bird calls. These teams will mainly stay on paths and trails.
Plants (Leaders: Matt Lavin and Aaron Clausen)
Walk around different parts of the wetland including much of the South Parcel and the edge of the Alder Swamp to identify plant species and learn about plant ecology at our site from your team leaders. These teams may go off the trail into wet and uneven terrain.
Terrestrial Invertebrates (Leader: Frank Etzler)
Walk around the wetland and identify insects and other invertebrates that live on land using iNaturalist, field guides, and magnifying lenses and learn about different insect famlies. This team may go off the trail into wet and uneven terrain.
Insect Blacklighting (Leader: Ken Sinay)
Set up a blacklight and a sheet to attract nocturnal insects. Capture, identify, and photograph insects before letting them go. We will provide hand lenses as well as some field guides and ID information. This group will stay in one location on a trail or road.
Aquatic Macroinvertebrates (Leader: Hannah Cantú)
Sample and identify aquatic macroinvertebrates while learning about the life and ecological role of these important critters, which include insect larvae, worms, snails, and crustaceans, and what we can learn from them about the state of our waterways. Members of this group who want to be more hands-on may want tall boots or waders. Others may stay on dry land during sampling and wait until the invertebrates are collected and then join the group in learning how to identify them.