White-tailed Deer Pellet Group Survey

Whitetail 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.

Update:

12/2009 - Due to the fact that OPC is landlocked between Rt. 40 and water, deer populations are not able to travel through the park as well as other areas like the Bosely Conservancy. Also, we have a small sampling area (only 93 acres). Both of these facts lead us to believe that our population density will be low.

Recent Findings:

Deer population density data are reported below per square mile. Note that no data were collected July and September 2006, March 2007, and September 2009.

White-tailed Deer Population Chart .

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Calendar of EventsView all

Volunteer Opportunity: Invasinators08/01/2010 @ 11:00 am-1:00 pmBecome a part of the volunteer team of invasive plant removers and native plant restorers. Learn why non-native invasive plants are a threat to our ecosystem, how to identify problem plants, and removal and restoration strategies. Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves, and work gloves for field work in the Reserve each meeting date.
Canoe Trip: Up the Creek With a Paddle08/01/2010 @ 2:30 pm-5:00 pmAdventure up Otter Point Creek to seek the abundance of summer life in the estuary! We’ll go after grasses, sedges, and rushes and look for residents hiding among them. See how the estuary in summertime is the cool place to be…
Canoe Explorations Summer Nature Camp08/02/2010 @ 9:00 am-4:00 pmJourney on our waters as we discover the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed by canoe. Each day we will paddle a different location in the local area. Basic instruction will be provided the first day. Bring a lunch and water bottle each day (no glass).
Nature Tots & Kids08/02/2010 @ 9:00 am-10:00 amExplore and discover the natural world around us during the summer season through sensory activities, songs, movement and a short hike.
Nature's Playgroup: Session I08/04/2010 @ 9:00 am-10:00 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.