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WildMetro Offers GIS Class

2013-03-06T14:34:00.001-05:00

On Friday, February 15 and 22, John Mickleson, friend to WildMetro and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) expert, taught a two-part seminar on Introduction to GIS. Attending the class were five young volunteers for WildMetro: Danny Ulhar, Nudhbi Choudhury, Sogol Jafarzadeh, Richard Aracil, and Andrew Kaplan. John provided the attendees with the basics of navigation in a graphic user interface (GUI) like Google Earth. He also taught how to store and create information for a GIS program through the use of KML and KMZ files. WildMetro plans to use our new found GIS knowledge, skills, and ability to digitalize our extensive plant, bird, and mammal data studies throughout the New York metropolitan region. Once we digitalize the data, we will use image overlays on Google Earth to track changes in the landscape and species’ population.

Sample Image Overlay of Bird Species' Location in Pelham Bay Park

If you want to learn the basics of GIS or are interested in helping on this project, please contact David Burg at wildmetro@gmail.com.

WildMetro Launches New Insect Survey in Pelham Bay Park

2012-03-29T16:44:00.006-04:00

On Tuesday, March 27th Jeff Zirlin, Harry Zirlin, David Burg, and I (Tim Penman) went out to survey sites for a planned Insect survey in Pelham Bay Park (located in the Bronx). Over the course of the day we observed a variety of birds and insects as well as one species of salamander.

We are currently applying for a research permit from the New York Parks and Rec. Department. We will be using several techniques in an effort to catalog the Insect biodiversity of the park. We are also curious to see what effect the warm winter has had on the fauna of the park so we will be on the lookout for any unusual activity( i.e. southern species, early broods). We already encountered a White M Hairstreak( a butterfly whose name is derived from the M shaped marks on its wings) which was surprising to see at this time of year.

We will be comparing the upcoming survey to an Insect study WildMetro completed in 2003. If you are interested in helping out with this new Insect survey in Pelham Bay Park please contact us at wildmetro@gmail.com or call Jeff Zirlin at 914-874-7960. Jeff is a student at Yale University who has been collecting Insects his entire life and is heading this project along with his father Harry Zirlin, a well known amateur entomologist.

Here are some photos from our great outing on Tuesday (click to enlarge):

Great Leopard Moth Caterpillar, Ecpantheria scribonia

When alarmed, the Caterpillar curls up and displays

crimson rings which serve as a warning to predators.

Red-backed Salamander, Plethodon cinereus

White M Hairstreak Butterfly, Parrhasius m-album

Here is the complete list of the 54 species that were encountered:
Mammals

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
Grey Squirrel

Herps:
Red Backed Salamander

Birds 34 species:

Mallard
Red-breasted Merganser
Bufflehead
Black Duck
Brant
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Greater Yellowlegs
Herring Gull
Great Black Backed Gull
Great Horned Owl
Osprey
American Kestrel
Red Tailed Hawk
Morning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Common Flciker
Red Bellied Woodpecker
American Goldfinch
American Robin
Cardinal
Mockingbird
Dark-eyed Junco
Blue Jay
Carolina Wren
Brown Headed Cowbird
White Throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Common Crow
Starling
House Sparrow

Butterflies- 4 species:

Cabbage White
Yellow Suplhur
Organe Suphlur
White M Hairstreak

Moths- 2 species:

Great Leopard Moth
Forage Looper

Beetles:

Ground Beetles(carabids)- 5 species
Rove Beetles 2 secies
Hister Beetles 1 species

Notable flowers:

Trout Lily
Spring Beauty

New Facebook and Twitter Account!

2011-04-01T12:20:00.000-04:00

Become a fan of the WildMetro group on facebook and follow WildMetro on twitter for updates, news, and upcoming events! Add any events or ideas of interest to the page and twitter account as well!

Wildmetro Member Discovers a First for the New York City area!

2011-02-18T15:02:00.001-05:00

Wildmetro is pleased to say that a long-time friend and supporter discovered something interesting on our Superb Owl walk last week! Below is a picture of the fungi commonly known as Conifer Parchment that Gary Lincoff, one of the world's leading mushroom experts, says seems to be a first record for the NYC area! What a find!

"Here’s our find of the day - the Conifer Parchment - called Peniophora gigantea in the Audubon Guide - now being called Phlebiopsis gigantea - occurs on branches of eastern white pine! - It was right next to the long-eared owl!!!" - Gary Lincoff
Photo credit to Gary Lincoff

Make sure to stay updated and come out to Wildmetro events to be able to be a part of amazing new discoveries and opportunities like this in the New York City area!

Written by Jenny Cocciardi.

“SUPERB OWL,” Not Superbowl

2011-02-18T14:41:00.001-05:00

On the famous Sunday when thousands gather around their TV to watch football, Wildmetro and friends traveled to New York City’s largest park: Pelham Bay Park. It was a day full of nature, ice, snow, and of course, owls! Pelham Bay is known as the “hotspot” in the greater Manhattan area to spot owls (I know, wildlife in and around New York City? – Don’t be so surprised!). We started the hike on Hunter Island, and hiked our way through the evergreen groves. It was here where we first encountered two Long-Eared Owls.

What a site to see!

These owls were roosting in the winter sun, and if we didn’t have our Avian Experts at hand, the owls would definitely have gone undetected.
Photo taken by Wildmetro member Sogol Jafarzadeh.

We then traveled around to the bay and stopped for a chance to see some other birds in the area. Canada geese, bufflehead, red-breasted mergansers, and greater scaup were all spotted on the water. A killdeer shorebird, uncommon in winter and beautiful to see, was also spotted along with some purple sandpiper shorebirds!
Photo by Sogol Jafarzadeh.

It was a fun, bird-packed day full of wonderful people! Among the 20+ participants were many nature experts, including five wildlife biologists, an attorney who is a well-known amateur entomologist (and who also represents WildMetro in our efforts to protect natural areas), one of the world's leading mushroom experts, and a botanist who is the woodlands manager for Central Park. It was an international group, with people from Iran, Italy, South Africa, and Hungary. Among the non-naturalists were 3 college undergrads, several lawyers, a nurse practitioner and a family doctor. It was a day for the Wildmetro community to re-connect and make new friends, and was a day for us New Yorkers to step away from the fast-pace of the city and enjoy nature in its pristine and beautiful manner.

Photo taken by intern Jenny Cocciardi.

Here is some information on what species of owls to look out for in the greater New York City area:

· Long-Eared Owl- This owl will begin to arrive in the New York City area from late-November to mid-December and can be seen until mid-March. The long-eared owl is mottled brown in color with long ears poking out of the top of the head. They can get very big and are usually spotted to be the size of a crow. Look out for these birds near the trunk of the tree, in evergreen groves. These owls are nocturnal, however in the cold winter, it is not unusual to see a couple in trees close to each other soaking up the suns heat.

· Great Horned Owls- this owl is known to be in the area from late November to early March, as well. They are found in old pine groves and are known to be the largest of the “American” Owls. Look for a large owl varying in color from white to dark brown.

· Saw-Whet Owl- These owls are very small and can be found in the same date-range as the two mentioned above. They are earless with typical huge, yellow eyes and are brown in color. Look for these owls roosting in younger pines.

· Sometimes it is also possible to see the Snowy Owl, which can be recognized by its vivid white color, and the Barn Owl, recognized by its heart-shaped face.

Photo by Jenny Cocciardi.

Written by Jenny Cocciardi.

Jenny Cocciardi is a junior at NYU who is currently an intern at WildMetro. She is studying Environmental Science and Environmental Biology and hopes to continue her education after college in conservation biology.

Volunteer Opportunities!!

2010-01-28T19:15:00.012-05:00

We have two exciting events scheduled for Sunday Jan. 31, 2010.

Click on image to enlarge.

Van Cortlandt Park

Pelham Bay Park

Don't forget to RSVP to reserve your tools.

We hope to see you there!

WildMetro wishes you a...

2009-12-29T20:32:00.002-05:00

Time Out NY recommends "Pedal to Pelham Bay Park"!

2009-08-26T17:11:00.010-04:00

Time Out New York just added WildMetro event "Pedal to Pelham Bay Park" as a Critic's Pick for Own this City.

Click here to check it out.

WildMetro Pelham Bay Park project area: Golden Meadow, Granny Oak, and vicinity. Photos by Professor Ruth Gyure, taken August 19, 2009

2009-08-20T18:14:00.014-04:00

Early morning light at the edge of the Golden Meadow.

The Golden Meadow near the Granny Oak. Professor Gyure took these lovely photos . Dr. Gyure is an expert on microbial ecology who teaches at Western Connecticut State University.

Ancient Granny Oak, 350 to 450 years old. It is a white oak (Querqus alba). D. Burg for scale.

David Burg and WildMetro intern Adrian Ruiz clearing invasive porcelain berry vines. Adrian is a senior at SUNY Binghamton and a native of both Mexico and Suffolk County, Long Island.

Mysterious rock formation. Said to have been sacred to native Algonquin tribes.

Joe-Pye weed (Eupatorium sp.) in a hidden pocket of rare wetland plants.

Check our Flickr account for more pictures.

Pedal to Preserve Pelham Bay Park August 30th

2009-08-18T17:19:00.004-04:00

9AM, Meeting at Bike & Roll, Pier 84, Hudson River Park, 557 12th Ave. @ 43rd Street, Manhattan, across from Circle Line.

12PM, Meeting at Bronx Victory Memorial in Southern Section of Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, close to end of 6 train.

Environmental and biking organizations from 5 boroughs are joining together to gain much needed attention for NYC's biggest park - Pelham Bay - home to wild turkeys, terrapin turtles and the famous 400-year old Granny Oak. At 9AM the East Coast Greenway Alliance and Time's Up New York are teaming up to lead a 25-mile one-way bicycle ride to Pelham Bay Park along existing and proposed portions of the East Coast Greenway in Manhattan and the Bronx. At noon, bikers will arrive at the Bronx Victory Memorial and WildMetro, a local environmental organization, will coordinate a clearing out of invasive species and trash of the park, to follow with a nature walk through the park. Be sure to pack a lunch!

Tour of the Museum of Natural History!

2009-08-06T11:47:00.006-04:00

August 6, 2009

The huge crygenic vats used to preserve the DNA samples.

Last week two WildMetro interns, Paige Reidy and Megan Szrom, were able to get a behind the scenes tour of the Museum of Natural History! Paige and Megan met up with the Earthwatch crew (a non-profit worldwide organization that involves volunteers with scientific research. This crew was led by Dr. Catherine Burns and conducted small mammal research in and around the New York City area.) at the Museum to get a tour of the DNA laboratories. DNA is collected from all over the world and placed in huge cryogenic vats that are kept at a chilling -170 ºC by liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen’s odd chemical properties were demonstrated to us by the head of this DNA laboratory. She poured liquid nitrogen onto the floor and we watched as it spread out over the floor and then simply evaporated. These DNA samples can come from a tiny insect or a huge land mammal! It is extremely important to keep these samples frozen in order to keep them viable long into the future.

The head of the lab opening up the vats.

Pelham Bay Park work day on July 26th

2009-07-20T14:32:00.002-04:00

Come remove invasive plant species in Pelham Bay Park on July 26th from 9 am to 12 pm (You are invited to bring a picnic lunch for after).

Pelham Bay Park is a beautiful oasis of woods and coastal wetlands. Unfortunately it is being degraded by various invasive plant species.

Work gloves and tools will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. As always, summer outdoors can mean exposure to sun, poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitoes, so we highly recommend a broad brimmed hat, long sleeve shirt and pants, and of course sturdy shoes. Use bug spray and sun screen at your own discretion.

We will be meeting in the Southern Zone of Pelham Bay Park at the parking lot off Middletown Rd. The meeting place is easily reached by car from the Country Club/Pelham Bay Park exit of I -95 (northbound only!) or by public transportation. Take the 6 subway train or 12 bus to the Pelham Bay station, or check the internet for other options.

Please RSVP for this event at earthtenders@gmail.com and feel free to bring friends. You can reach David Burg at (917)846-8300 if you have further questions.

Logistics
Location: Pelham Bay Park
Time: Invasive species removal 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Meeting place: Parking lot by the track

Thanks! And we hope to see you this weekend!

Pelham Bay Park work day on July 12!!

2009-07-08T12:03:00.002-04:00

A rare native rose that has been able to flourish thanks to the efforts of our Earth Tenders volunteers.

July 8, 2009

Come remove invasive plant species in Pelham Bay Park on July 12 from 9 am to 11 am and/or 11 am to 1 pm.

Pelham Bay Park is a beautiful oasis of woods and coastal wetlands. Unfortunately it is being degraded by various invasive plant species.

Work gloves and tools will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. As always, summer outdoors can mean exposure to sun, poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitoes, so we highly recommend a broad brimmed hat, long sleeve shirt and pants, and of course sturdy shoes. Use bug spray and sun screen at your own discretion.

We will be meeting in the Southern Zone of Pelham Bay Park at the parking lot off Middletown Rd. We will have two sessions- beat the heat at 9 am or come at 11 am if you want to sleep late. The meeting place is easily reached by car from the Country Club/Pelham Bay Park exit of I -95 (northbound only!) or by public transportation. Take the 6 subway train or 12 bus to the Pelham Bay station, or check the internet for other options.

Please RSVP for this event to earthtenders@gmail.com and feel free to bring friends. You can reach Maria Harvey at mariaharvey01@hotmail.com or (646)938-9266 if you have further questions.

Logistics

Location: Pelham Bay Park

Time: Invasive species removal 9:00 am – 11:00 am; 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Meeting place: Parking lot by the track

An area lush with the rare native rose.

By Paige Reidy (WildMetro Summer Intern)

Turtles and Earth Tenders workday on July 11!!

2009-07-08T11:53:00.006-04:00

Alley Pond Park

Come remove invasive plant species in Alley Pond Park on July 11 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. We are working in a beautiful section of wild meadow at Alley Pond Park, not far from tidal water and small ponds. At noon, following the invasive removal, Brooklyn College biology student Caesar Rahman will give a turtle talk concerning his WildMetro research study of red eared sliders and other turtles in Alley Pond Park. Caesar was recently awarded a prestigious Polgar Fellowship for his work with turtles in the New York Metro region. The talk will feature live turtles so participants can get to see them up close and personal. The talk will conclude by 2 pm.

This program is free and open to the public. Those who can only attend for the work session or the turtle program are welcome. Those participating in both should bring their own lunch and drink.

Work gloves and tools will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. As always, summer outdoors can mean exposure to sun, poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitoes, so we highly recommend a broad brimmed hat, long sleeve shirt and pants, and of course sturdy shoes. Use bug spray and sun screen at your own discretion.

We will be meeting in the APEC parking lot at 10 am. The address is 22806 Northern Blvd, just off the Cross Island parkway. Check the internet for public transportation.

Please RSVP for this event to earthtenders@gmail.com and feel free to bring friends. You can reach Caesar at caesar_rahman2004@yahoo.com if you have further questions. On the day of the event you can also reach us by cell phone at (917)846-8300.

Logistics

Location: Alley Pond Environmental Center

Time: Invasive species removal 10:00-12:00 PM; Turtle Talk 12:00-2:00 PM.

Meeting place: APEC parking lot

By Paige Reidy (WildMetro Summer Intern)

Urban Wildlife Ecology & Management: An International Symposium on Urban Wildlife & the Environment

2009-07-01T16:27:00.004-04:00

July 1, 2009

This conference was held at the University of Massachusetts in beautiful and quaint Amerst, MA between June 21 and June 24. The last conference of this type to be sponsored by the Urban Wildlife Working Group of The Wildlife Society was held in 1999 in Tucson, Arizona.

David Burg attended the conference on Monday, June 21 and then returned on Wednesday, June 24 with two volunteers, Caesar Rahman and Paige Reidy. Much of the focus on Wednesday was on urban herpetology (a topic that Caesar is extremely interested in- he is doing his own turtle and terrapin research in both Jamaica Bay and Alley Pond Park in Queens!)

The conference brought together many professionals from around the world specializing in the areas of urban planning, landscape design, public policy, and ecology. With an issue as complex as urban wildlife management it is important to pursue an interdisciplinary approach, employing many different solutions to these multi-faceted problems. The planery featured talks by Dr. Richard T. T. Forman of Harvard University, Dr. James Miller of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Michael Feller, Deputy Chief of the City of New York Parks and Recreation Natural Resources Group.

By Paige Reidy (WildMetro Summer Intern)

Ongoing Work at Pelham Bay Park

2009-07-01T16:08:00.018-04:00

July 1, 2009

The Golden Meadow

Since WildMetro’s inception in 2002 work has been performed (through the Earth Tenders program) to remove invasive plant species throughout Pelham Bay Park. Earth Tenders is a hands-on management project involving local communities caring for intact natural areas. Much of this work involves removing alien species, buth there is also some clean-up, patrol, and education efforts. No chemicals are used, and no planting; systems recover if threats are removed.

Recently, intensive work to restore a native meadow, named the Golden Meadow by David Burg, has been performed. Once restored, this meadow will provide a new habitat to many native bird and insect species. The meadow is located next to what locals call the Granny Tree – a four century old White Oak tree. This tree is truly an amazing sight having successfully survived the industrial expansion due to its location on a wealthy landowner’s estate. An article was even published about the Granny Tree in a South African magazine!

Contact WildMetro if you’re interested in getting involved in the restoration process of this beautiful meadow in Pelham Bay Park or if you’d like some information on other invasive removals occurring in various parks throughout the 5 boroughs.

The "Granny Tree" as its called by locals.

By Paige Reidy (WildMetro Summer Intern)

June 13th Earth Tenders outing at Forest Park a success!

2009-07-01T16:07:00.006-04:00

July 1, 2009

On June 13^th 15 volunteers joined Dan Mayer as he led them into beautiful Forest Park in Queens to clear out Japanese Knotweed, an invasive plant species. The volunteers met at 10 am and hiked through Forest Park to the work location. After 4 hours of work the volunteers had cleared about an acre of land that can now be re-inhabited by native species. Great job to all the volunteers and thanks for making this event a success!

By Paige Reidy (WildMetro Summer Intern)

Forest Park Earth Tenders event this Saturday!

2009-06-09T22:43:00.005-04:00

Come remove invasive/exotic plant species in Forest Park on June 13th from 10 am to 2 pm!!!

Forest Park is a beautiful oasis of woods, ponds, and glacial topography, right in the middle of Queens. Unfortunately is is being degraded by various invasive plant species. We will be removing one of the more aggressive species, Japanese knotweed, from a section of the park, on Saturday June 13th.

Gloves and tools will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you want. There is some poison ivy so it is highly recommended you wear pants and of course sturdy shoes. Something to drink and food is also recommended.

We will be meeting at the intersection of Forest Park Drive and Woodhaven Blvd. at 10 am. You can get there easily by car from the Jackie Robinson Parkway or take the J train to Woodhaven Blvd. and walk uphill to Forest Park Drive.

Please RSVP for this event and feel free to bring friends. You can reach Dan at dmayer76@yahoo.com or 917-623-4700 if you have further questions.

Picture by Giseli Akaboci

Upcoming Orchard Beach workday on June 7

2009-06-02T16:52:00.012-04:00

June 2, 2009

Orchard Beach Meadow

WildMetro Earth Tenders volunteers will be working to clean up and remove invasive plants from the Orchard Beach Meadow in the Bronx on Sunday, June 7, from 10am to 4pm. We are working to protect this beautiful meadow because of the many rare species it harbors, including a special gamma grass community and a moth that may be found nowhere else on earth. This workday is meant to compliment a canoe-based cleanup being held at roughly the same time. Several WildMetro volunteers will be participating in that effort which is being organized by the park rangers and Hutchinson River Restoration.

Most participants for both events will be meeting at the parking lot at Rodman's neck, just off the traffic circle leading to City Island. Our work site is a fairly short walk in from this meeting location. The canoe trip is leaving from a location down the road. People driving should arrive early, this is a small parking lot that fills frequently. The location is also at a bus stop (City Island and Orchard Beach busses). The busses also stop at the Pelham Bay Station, last stop on the 6 train. It is a free transfer from the subway to the busses. Call the WildMetro office (212 308 9453) or email (earthtenders@gmail.com) to RSVP.

Participants should dress for outdoor work. Long sleeve shirt and pants, sturdy footwear, and a broadbrim hat are strongly recommended. Bring bug spray if you wish, as well as your own food and beverage. Work gloves and tools will be provided for those who request in advance. The site is close to Orchard Beach so those who wish should bring swim suits, though the water is still rather cold.

Wild Earth Day in NY

2009-05-02T11:34:00.023-04:00

April 26, 2009

The 2009 Earth Day at Grand Central Terminal was a success again! Held on April 24 and 25, thousands of people attended and had the opportunity to learn how to protect our planet. WildMetro was one of dozens of exhibitors. There was also free live music for kids and adults and various other activities.

Pat Woodward, Dan Mayer, David Burg, Anne Toomey, Jared and Michelle Cole, and Simon Adell were among the volunteers at the WildMetro table. Over a hundred new volunteers signed up for variouos WildMetro projects.

Picture by Giseli Akaboci