Our Master Naturalists conduct research and outreach projects in the community. Summaries can be found below!
Learn about Charcoal in Connecticut as featured on NPR
This project was created by Master Naturalist, Lance Hansen
This project was created by Master Naturalist, Lance Hansen
Click here to read more about the Success Rates of Eastern Bluebirds
Remote Camera Wildlife Monitoring
“The project that I elected to conduct in the conjunction with the 2015 Level I Master Naturalist Program was that of a remote camera (“trail cam”) monitoring wildlife activities at a location within Warner Swamp in Bolton, CT for a 1 month period. My primary goal was, hopefully, to record the activities of Bobcats in that vicinity. I had fastened a 1’ square section of carpeting saturated with catnip solution within the sight line of a single, stationary trail cam on a tree. I had also spread a 2’ square, 2” deep layer of fine sand beneath the carpeting at the base of the tree in hopes of recording tracks of any animal(s) investigating the scented carpeting. The camera recorded the frequent activities of Turkeys and Whitetail Deer in the area. The only image that was captures of an animal investigating the scented carpet by the camera was that of a Coyote. One images (with poor resolution) does appear to be that of Bobcat. The image seems to suggest a short tail on the single view of the hindquarters of a somewhat obscured animal near the outer periphery of the cameras range. No distinguishable tracks were recorded on the sand. This month long surveillance did not conclusively record the presence of Bobcats in that specific area although there have been reports of occasional Bobcat signing in the general Warner Swamp vicinity. Obviously continued attempts using remote camera monitoring and other methods will be required to document the use of the area by Bobcats.” –Ray Hardy, Bolton
Self Guided Tree & Shrub Walk
“[The three of us] and a member of the Master Gardener program (Uconn Extension) worked in the Palmer Arboretum in Woodstock, Connecticut. We identified all of the trees and shrubs planted in the arboretum and on the neighboring town green. The arboretum was established 100 years ago and some of the trees were planted at that time while others were introduced at later dates. We used tree and shrub identification books, records of the arboretum that included partial tree lists and receipts from local nurseries, computer resources and local knowledge. We selected 26 trees and shrubs that are the most significant or interesting plants and have developed a numbered trail guide that will be available on-sight for self guided walks. This guide includes information about each plant that is intended to appeal to a range of visitors from serious gardeners to curious teens and wondering kids. We are also planning to complete a map of the arboretum that will be stored with the full list of trees and shrubs at the Woodstock Historical Society. The hope is to establish a phone link with the two hall phone where a visitor can access a recording of additional information about the history of the Arboretum, invasive species, bird and animal sightings and other topics of interest.”
–Philippa Paquette, Woodstock Michael Ellsworth, Eastford Cheryl Dzuira-Duke, Woodstock
–Philippa Paquette, Woodstock Michael Ellsworth, Eastford Cheryl Dzuira-Duke, Woodstock
Urban Pollinator Garden
“My community outreach project was to establish an urban pollinator garden, on a busy street corner, at the site of The Covenant Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry in Willimantic CT. The Soup Kitchen established in 1981 is a comprehensive feeding program that provided over 138,000 meals last year. It receives food donations from local farms, supermarkets, university food services and community members and organizations. Using guidelines established by The Pollinator Project, I created a garden to help revive the health of pollinators and to promote the important role they fill providing “1 in every 3 bites of food” we eat. The garden gave me a unique opportunity and venue to share information with a diverse community of staff members, guests and neighbors. People were very enthusiastic and stopped to ask questions, proudly share their knowledge base or just to cheer me on whether on foot or from their car. This project ties in to other food related initiatives in my community and my intention is to expand on that into next year.” –Fran Bowen, Willimantic