January 18, 2010
The team assembles!
Method of collection using a kick net
Above: netted macros taken to a table for sorting
Above:Students begn the tedious process of sorting invertebrates into sampling trays for analysis
Above: a volunteer Id’s and records the number of each type macroinvertebrate collected
Above: Sometimes ID requires careful scrutiny. Here a student uses a field microscope to properly ID a specimen
Sampling tray (above) Hellgramite larva (below)
Students from Lake Braddock High School practice utilize acquired skills in AP Environmental Science this year to collect macroinvertebrates in Popes Head Creek. A sample of size of 700+ macroinvertebrates were collected. Prior collections indicated a rich diversity of macroinvertebrates in comparison to other Fairfax County streams. However, diversity doesn’t always equate to “good” stream quality. The abundance or dominance of pollution tolerant species over less pollution tolerant species collected indicate a poor rating for stream quality on this occasion.
Below: Awaiting the results of the survey
Groups finished with their sampling observe from the comforts of the frozen stream bank awaiting the final results.
January 9, 2010
(photo by Tony Bulmer and Jim Dewinig Fairfax County Park Authority)
Fairfax County Naturalist discovers these and other mammal traffic indicators along a stream in Sully Woodlands.
November 17, 2009
Great specimen caught and released Nov 15, 2009. One of my favorite local amphibinans
Found near intersection of Henderson and Yatesford Road just above Bull Run Marina
November 9, 2009
This unforutnate deer was discovered caught between the fence post nearBalmoral (Compton Road) in Novemeber 2009.
October 25, 2009
Above: Lead Back Salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
(Thamnophis sirtalis) Eastern Garter Snake
(Desmognathus fuscus)Dusky Salamander
Red Back Salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
Two lined Salamander (Eurycea bislineata)
Well didn’t exactly find skinks on this sunny October morning but were successful at finding three different species of salamanders and one species of snake. Pictured are three from the genus plethodon (Red and Lead back sal),one from Euryecea (Two lined salamander) and one Desmonagthus (Dusky Sal). The snake is a Thamnophis sirtalis or Eastern Garter Snake. Overall a productive program.
