Avian Research with Andrew Wolfgang

Andrew Wolfgang is currently working on two different avian based research projects.   The first project involves using avian species as indices of habitat restoration success.  Andrew surveyed several stream sites, including a recently restored stream site and model stream sites.  Andrew then used his survey results to set up a monitoring protocol to evaluate habitat restoration success between restored streams and model streams.  Andrew then quantified his analysis using EstimateS statistical software.  EstimateS accounts for survey uncertainty when assessing species richness, community similarity and species diversity.  Comparisons made with these statistics are then easily translatable to other survey efforts.

Andrew’s second project involves using the Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter device to remotely record bird calls from the field.  Currently, Andrew has been analyzing song recordings using the Wildlife Acoustics Song Scope program to evaluate whether this program can accurately identify bird calls and songs.

Deer Baiting & Soil Testing Research

Meta Griffin and Tristan Conrad have now moved into the second part of their research project. They have collected all their soil samples and are now drying them for analysis. During the Spring semester, both Meta and Tristan will be testing baited and non-baited soils for specific chemicals to determine if illegal baiting activity can be detected with soil analysis.

Conservation Biology Class at Camp Snyder

On Monday November 11th, the Conservation Biology class at Millersville University visited a new Preserve recently purchased by the Lancaster Conservancy; Camp Snyder. Mike Burcin, CEO and Educational Coordinator with the Conservancy, gave a tour of the area to the Conservation Biology class and discussed current stream restoration efforts being conducted and future projects to be pursued on the Preserve. Mike also discussed how the Conservancy identifies sites to protect and the different management issues that come up when working with the public and local governments with protected areas.  Photos by Rebecca McCabe.