The Skaneateles Conservation Area (SCA) is a portion of land situated equidistant between the towns of Skaneateles and Marcellus. It is comprised of three distinct sections acquired at different times. Altogether, these areas span roughly 600 acres, according to the Skaneateles Conservation Area website. Although they have been state-owned for decades, little is known about their species ...more ↓
The Skaneateles Conservation Area (SCA) is a portion of land situated equidistant between the towns of Skaneateles and Marcellus. It is comprised of three distinct sections acquired at different times. Altogether, these areas span roughly 600 acres, according to the Skaneateles Conservation Area website. Although they have been state-owned for decades, little is known about their species composition. Few data exist cataloguing the presumable wealth of species besides observations made by a small number of interested, proactive individuals. Still, it is not entirely devoid of research: several ongoing projects exist at the SCA, including wildflower and American chestnut restoration. Citizens of Skaneateles and Marcellus also use the SCA for hunting, fishing, and recreation. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of its existence. Because relatively little is known about the organisms in the area, it is quite difficult to move forward with managing any aspect of the SCA for fear of disrupting or damaging a keystone species or risk exacerbating a current, known or unknown problem. For example, Monarch butterfly caterpillars require milkweed to survive and grow into adulthood. Because the public is largely unaware of this, milkweed is being trampled indiscriminately. As such, compiling data on what species exist where in the area will not only garner public interest, but provide a valuable framework for future projects such as planting milkweed.
A Bioblitz is an event that:
-Aims to catalogue species in a given area
-Pairs members of the community with experts in the field to help identification
-Is typically 24-48 hours long
-Is typically accomplished by walking the property and recording any species seen
By organizing a Bioblitz, we aim to:
-Produce a comprehensive list of species that can be used as a knowledge base for future conservation efforts.
-Stimulate public interest, involvement, and appreciation for the SCA through knowledge of its organisms.
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