A NATURALIST’S JOURNAL
As a senior at Shepaug Valley High School in 2005, I would look forward to when “C Period” would roll around in early afternoon, a time designated to work on a personal project required for graduation. I decided to keep a naturalist’s journal and at the onset of C Period, I would hop in my […]
MONITORING CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
As notified in the previous edition of VISTA, Steep Rock Association has submitted an application for accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance, seeking recognition for excellence as a conservation organization. A vital element under review in regard to policies and practices is the stewardship of our conservation easements. Conservation easements (or “conservation restrictions”) are legal […]
BLACK BEARS branching out in LITCHFIELD COUNTY
A broad black mass foraging in a foliated landscape is becoming a common sight as Connecticut’s bear population continues to grow. This species was extirpated from the state in the 1800s, seen as a threat to livestock roaming the cleared hillsides. With farms abandoned and fields regenerated, Connecticut again offers suitable habitat for bears. High […]
RIVERINE BIRDS take advantage of LOW FLOWS
Water-obligate birds species like great blue heron, common merganser, and belted kingfisher likely associate low flows with foraging success. The drought-ridden Shepaug River has experienced decreased turbidity and increased water temperatures resulting in a lack of dissolved oxygen available for aquatic organisms. Coldwater fish like trout and sculpin become stressed in these conditions. Other more […]
SHEPAUG SNAPPERS
The Shepaug River has a robust population of snapping turtles, evident by the abundance of females observed nesting in May and June. Many find the preserve’s low-lying, sandy fields and trails as adequate sites to excavate a shallow bowl and lay about 30 white eggs. Once covering them up with soil, the female returns to […]
RED EFTS on the MOVE
The air is thick with moisture this morning. My glasses quickly fog and I remove them, decidedly better off with just sub-par vision. Thunder claps in the distance and I realize the day’s rain may arrive earlier than expected. Juvenile eastern (red-spotted) newts or “efts” are more aware of the imminent wet conditions and lie […]
MYRIAD of MUSHROOMS
Thunderstorms have moistened the warm woods, triggering many fungal species to send out their fruiting bodies through leaf litter and dead wood. Certain specimens have large caps and it is hard to believe the majority of the organism remains unseen, underground in thread-like aggregations of cells called hyphae. Some fungi like conk, turkey tail, and […]
FUZZY HEADS and FLAPPY WINGS…FLEDGING SEASON is in FULL SWING
The time has come when the young of many bird species have reached a stage in their life called fledging. This means the nestlings have developed the necessary feathers and muscles for flight, making them capable of leaving the nest; however, they are still dependent on the adults to provide care and food for a […]
AMERICAN KESTREL BANDING
A pair of kestrels have successfully nested in a box built by Steep Rock staff! Several boxes were deployed in our preserves two years ago, attached to trees within field breaks or those bordering a field edge. Interest had been documented through observations of kestrels perched on the box or looking in the cavity, but […]
WOOLLY ADELGID and the EASTERN HEMLOCK
Updated September 1, 2016 All trails on our preserves are in the process of being clipped of encroaching vegetation and cleared of woody material. Oftentimes in mixed hardwood coniferous forest, an eastern hemlock bordering a trail will branch out into the opening and need to be trimmed back. One consideration to take into account is […]