News from Scientists at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Monday, January 21, 2008
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February 4th - February 8th. Bee Species Identification The overall objective is to create a pool of researchers, technicians, and advanced amateurs who can accurately identify bees for both their studies and more importantly for others, whether for pay or not. Lack of institutional identification experience has led to many errors in native bee research and monitoring and currently limits the creation of any extensive monitoring programs. The status of most bee populations is currently completely unknown. Participants in this workshop can change that. There is no course fee; motel and travel coordination on your own. To be held at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, MD. The instructors are Rob Jean and Sam Droege. There is limited space for only 10 participants Contact: Sam Droege, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD, Telephone 301-497-5840 March 24 - March 28. Native Bee Identification, Ecology, Research and Monitoring The most important goal of this course is to provide participants the tools necessary to identify bees to species. To do that instructor ratios will be kept at 1 instructor to 6 participants and there will be an emphasis on learning to use online guides and other keys to identification along with good microscope skills. In conjunction with learning identification skills there will be 2-3 daily lectures on bee natural history, monitoring, and research techniques. We will be going out in the field throughout the week to set traps and net bees so that participants see the entire spectrum of field to microscope work. Numerous identified surplus bee specimens will be available to all participants to start their own collections and participants are encouraged to bring any bee specimens they have as instructors will be available to help with identification issues. The training will be held at USFWS National Conservation Center, Shepherdstown, WV (http://training.fws.gov/). NO course fee if you are a Department of Interior employee. If you are NOT a DOI employee there is a course fee of $850. The cost for room and board at NCTC will be separate. Rob Jean, Mike Arduser, Cory Sheffield, Sam Droege instructors. Limited to 24 participants. Contact: Sam Droege, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD, Telephone 301-497-5840 |
Book Published - THE WASHINGTON BIOLOGISTS’ FIELD CLUB: ITS MEMBERS AND ITS HISTORY (1900-2006) The 342-page book contains the history of the Washington Biologists' Field Club as well as a short biography of all the past and present members of the Club. The cumulative total of 267 members represents all branches of natural science, with a strong emphasis on biology. In addition to the scientists, members have included famous naturalists such as John Burroughs, administrators like Ira Gabrielson, and well-known artists such as Roger Tory Peterson. The book is profusely illustrated with 542 pictures from 1901 to the present. It is a hard bound with a beautiful dust jacket in color. More information about the Club can be obtained here Contact Matt Perry, 301-497-5622, Laurel, MD USGS Provides Guidance to The Nature Conservancy on Island Scrub Jay vulnerability to West Nile Virus An Experts' Workshop including USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center scientist Caldwell Hahn will be convened in San Diego, CA, Feb 1 - 2, to discuss "Conservation Management of the Island Scrub-jay" with special attention to risks posed by the spread of West Nile virus to the Channel Islands. The workshop will present recommendations to The Nature Conservancy. Mike Erwin accepts NAEP award on behalf of partners in Poplar Island Restoration project Mike Erwin was recently presented the 2006 National Environmental Excellence Award in Environmental Stewardship by the National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) in recognition of the multi-partner Paul Sarbanes Environmental Restoration Project at Poplar Island, Talbot County, Maryland. The award recognizes outstanding accomplishments and excellence by environmental practitioners adhering to the principles of NAEP. A cooperative effort between the USGS, the Baltimore District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., Maryland Environmental Services, and the Maryland Port Administration, the ultimate goal of the 15-year Poplar Island restoration is to restore roughly 220 ha of upland habitat and 220 ha of tidal wetlands, with limited areas of dike roads, perimeter riprap, and unvegetated mudflats. To learn more about the project please see: R.M. Erwin, J. Miller, and J.G. Reese. 2007. Poplar Island Environmental Restoration Project: Challenges in Waterbird Restoration on an Island in Chesapeake Bay. Ecological Restoration 25:256-262. Contact Dave Ziolkowski, 301-497-5753, Laurel, MD |
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