Herpetology Monitoring Program

Tree Frog Reptiles and amphibians (herps) are good indicators of ecosystem health due to their close association with aquatic habitats and their sensitivity to different stresses. Evidence exists linking global herp declines to habitat destruction, and possibly degraded water quality, deforestation, highway construction, and urban development. What role these factors and other potential stressors (contaminants, introduced species, climate change, ultraviolet radiation, disease, and atmospheric deposition) play in the loss of these animals has not been determined. To help answer these questions we monitor herp populations at Otter Point Creek. This baseline data will provide a better picture of species diversity, distribution, habitat preferences, relative abundance, and overall health of herps in our area. Volunteers assist with research through the following programs: the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program Calling Surveys, the Great Herp Search, Visual Encounter Survey, Coverboard Study, and the Box Turtle Study. Additionally, high school and college interns conduct projects designed to answer specific questions about our herp populations. Please visit the Turtle Telemetry page for more information about our turtles!

Update:

Currently, we're collecting data for Visual Encounter and Coverboard Studies. These studies hope to gather data on species diversity and abundance in our park, as well as noting changes over time. Three coverboards are placed in each of fourteen predetermined sites approximately 25 m by 25 m around Leight Park. Volunteers search the surface, vegetation, under rocks and log, and in crevices minimizing their disturbance. Any species found under the coverboards are listed on the coverboard data sheets; all other species found in the site are listed on the visual encounter data sheets.

As of July 2008, the following species have been found at Leight Park:

Herp 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.