Social Networks and Biodiversity

Is it possible that a so-called smart-phone can help us preserve rare plants and animals?

If you love nature, you might be interested in "saving" biodiversity (all plants and animals).  And if you are reading this blog, it is likely that you   A.) have an interest in nature   B.) would like to see it conserved for future generations.

So, you may wonder how can a computer help save this?

Ashland Wetlands Biodiversity:
Hickory Hairstreak on Butterfly weed, Asclepiaa tuberosa 

I photographed this unusual butterfly on a "bio blitz" back 2008.  A bio-blitz is a form of citizen science;   volunteers spread out to study and catalogue the biodiversity of a given area.  It gives us an "snapshot" of the nature occurring in our local park, forest or wetland on a particular day.

A traditional bio blitz takes a lot of effort to organize, but now we can record data every day, conveniently on a smart-phone.

OBS-link

 One of Ohio's most prestigious biological institutions held a conference at the Ohio Historical Center in Columbus, yesterday. The overall theme of the conference was the use of technology in the reporting of data.

Key note speaker, Scott Loarie of Carnegie Institution

Scott Loarie gave a compelling program titled, "Can Social Networks Save Biodiversity?"  He had several well documented examples to share.

Most of his stories included photos or data provided by non-professionals, your basic citizen scientists- who are quite frequently kids!  We lovers of nature seem to have an inborn need to know, or what-the-heck is this bug (or plant, or animal) I just saw?

iNaturalist.org provides a place to post those photos and ask questions.  This citizen science group has  unearthed several exciting finds and helped log information regarding the range and populations of countless species.  Birders may be more familiar with the concept, due to our use of eBird.org  for bird population data gathering and processing.

GLEDN- Great Lakes Early Detection Network

Another new and exciting program for the Great Lakes was outlined by Kathy Smith, of The Ohio State University, Extension.  It is for reporting invasive species, like Emerald Ash Borers, garlic mustard, and even feral hogs!

Imagine if all of our garden, tree and flower friends logged in and added to this data base!  We could quickly get a clear idea of threats to botany throughout Ohio.  From Flora-Questers in Shawnee to The Biggest Week warbler freaks in Northwest Ohio, we already have an army of citizen scientists in the field.

Consider downloading a reporting app and joining the ranks of volunteers.  This information could prove most valuable as our climate continues to change and scientist look to preserve species unable to adapt or move to favorable habitat.

Technology is opening a whole new world of citizen science, and I hope you consider adding your knowledge and experience to the mix!  

Wetlands, Conservation and Waterfowl

Wetlands-
as vital to our ecosystems' health as kidneys are to a human's. You may not dwell on their importance, until they are compromised or cease to function.

The keynote speaker at OOS/Columbus Audubon's excellent Waterfowl Symposium illuminated the point with a photo presentation on the century's worst man-made ecological disaster. Quite a claim to fame, achieved by the one and only Saddam Hussein of Iraq.

Dr Alwash has been involved in engineering the re-flooding of the southern Iraq marshes, the cradle of mankind and the likely location of Eden. The marsh people of Iraq have thrived here for centuries, co-existing with the land and utilizing the marsh reeds for most of their needs, from fuel to building supplies, until Saddam intentionally left them high and dry. In order to punish the marsh people for rebelling against his power, Saddam drained the marshes- destroying their lives and livelihood.

Today efforts are being made to reintroduce water to this region, once again allowing the marsh reeds to grow and thrive. For the full story, you can go to National Geographic on line and read Iraq's Eden: Reviving the Legendary Marshes.

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.......... Photo from Wiki

And while Americans tend to dismiss all reed grasses as undesirable invasives, even the worst of these harbor an abundance of species, from insects, to frogs and birds. And with proper management some very desirable diversity will thrive along the edges of these areas, i.e. Cleveland Museum's Wakerobin Trail.

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If you are interested in learning more about wetlands diversity be certain to follow this link to the FOWL organizations link where you will find a registration for an upcoming Managing Wetlands for Biodiversity. Greg Lipps will cover the fauna, while Dr Jim Bissell and John Mack will handily address the flora.

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And while you are thinking about wetland conservation... don't forget to purchase your Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp to help purchase wetlands. They are not just for "Ducks!" And to support biodiversity in Ohio, look for this Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp. We will be selling them on the upcoming GMAS trip to Killdeer Plains. So click on our website for details, and plan to meet us there March 6th, 2010. Hope to see you there!