Steep Rock Association (SRA), a land trust recognized for excellence in Washington, CT, asks for your participation in a scientific treasure hunt on February 15, 2020 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Our group of citizen scientists will search for and collect rabbit pellets to be processed and sent in for lab analysis to determine if SRA’s Macricostas Preserve is still home to Connecticut’s only native rabbit – the New England Cottontail (NEC). NECs require large patches of early successional habitat, preferring forested thickets. The more folks willing to brave dense vegetation, the more likely we are to document this species that has become increasingly threatened by competition from the introduced Eastern Cottontail and diminished habitat availability.

This study is weather-dependent (requiring a relatively fresh snow).  Back-up dates of Sunday, February 16^th and Saturday, February 22^nd have been scheduled if snow cover on February 15^th does not meet protocol requirements. Please register through our website so you receive a cancellation notice prior to the survey date. A cancellation notice will also be posted on our Facebook page.

Participants should meet at SRA’s main Macricostas Preserve parking lot located at 124 Christian Street, New Preston, CT 06777 with warm clothing and winter boots.  Depending on snow depth, snowshoes may be advisable. All other equipment will be provided on site. All ages are welcome; however, children must be accompanied by an adult.  Registration is required and donations are gratefully accepted.  Please register here or call the office at (860) 868-9131 Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.