Photos by Kathy Reshetiloff, USFWS
It was a beautiful June weekend, perfect for boating or swimming or relaxing at a backyard barbeque. But not for this group assembled at the “Base Camp” of the newly formed South River Greenway in near Crownsville MD. Instead, these enthusiastic volunteers gathered to conduct a “Bio Blitz" to document in a 24-hour period as many species of plants and animals found in the streams, wetlands and woodlands of this undeveloped tract of Anne Arundel County.
Sixteen field experts and 34 volunteers came out in force with field guides, binoculars and cameras and worked 4-hour shifts to identify species of fish, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects. Trees, ferns and other plants were also diligently noted. Although many mammals kept to themselves, tracks and scat provided plenty of evidence of their use of the wildlife habitats here. More than 400 species have been identified, with more to come as the rest of the insects are identified.
This area contains 6,000 acres of forest in two contiguous blocks, 800 acres of wetlands, and 100 miles of streams that flow into the South River. The forests and wetlands harbor a large diversity of wildlife. To see more about the BioBlitz and other events, check out the Scenic Rivers Land Trust events page at www.srlt.org/pastevents.shtml.
The South River Greenway is the result of a partnership among local landowners, The Scenic Rivers Land Trust, The South River Federation, The Trust For Public Land, Biophilia Foundation, Anne Arundel County and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Chesapeake Bay Field Office.
For more information contact:
South River Greenway Coordinator