HOURS OF OPERATION
Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
White-tailed Deer Pellet Group Survey
The goal of the deer monitoring study is to determine a relative population density of white-tailed deer at Otter Point Creek (OPC). Increasing urbanization of surrounding areas ultimately leads to an increase in browsing, including agricultural and landscaped plants. Overpopulation of deer can also lead to starvation due to lack of food and increased motor vehicle accidents involving deer. Once a month, volunteers return to predetermined locations and record the number of pellet groups in the park along with weather information and habitat descriptions. Data will ultimately be used as an index to compare between years, as only a relative abundance can be estimated from the data, not an accurate count.
Current Results (2006-2010)
Our current results show that on a yearly average, there are one to four deer in our Park. So far, there has been no strong increase or decrease in the population size, probably indicating that the population is fairly stable. It appears that there may be seasonal fluctuations in the number of deer in the Park; however, we do not currently have enough data to show a statistically significant difference.
This graph shows the average number of deer that can be found at the ACLEC during each season of each year of this survey project (winter = December-February, spring = March-May, summer = June-August, fall = October-November).
This graph shows the average number of deer that can be found at the ACLEC during each year of this survey project.
Calendar of EventsView all
- Nature Tots & Nature Kids02/06/2012 @ 9:30 am-10:30 amExplore and discover the natural world around us during the winter season through sensory activities, songs, movement and a short hike.
- Nature Tots & Nature Kids02/06/2012 @ 11:00 am-12:00 pmExplore and discover the natural world around us during the winter season through sensory activities, songs, movement and a short hike.
- Nature's Playgroup02/08/2012 @ 9:30 am-10:30 amLittle ones and their parents play and learn in the natural world. Stories, songs, simple crafts and discovery outings will highlight each day's theme.
- Nature's Playgroup02/08/2012 @ 11:00 am-12:00 pmLittle ones and their parents play and learn in the natural world. Stories, songs, simple crafts and discovery outings will highlight each day's theme.
- White-tailed Deer Survey02/11/2012 @ 9:00 am-12:00 pmHarford County seems to be experiencing explosive population growth - and not just with humans. So, we need your help to determine if the deer population of Leight Park is a healthy size. Join us and get the scoop on poop as we conduct pellet (deer scat) counts out on the trails to determine how many deer call us home.
What's Happening
