Grapevine biodiversity survey - THIS Friday! Short notice -- anyone want to come?
So, super short notice on this, but this Friday (24 May 2019), we're going to do a somewhat more rigorous flora and fauna survey of an area on the east side of Grapevine Lake - around 140 acres. It's basically across from Rockledge Park... We want to get some foundational knowledge of what's out there before any developments or management decisions are made.
It's a weekday, and we're planning on doing the survey all day and into the evening. We'll break it into a few different parts: a morning survey (like 9 to noon), an afternoon (like 1 – 4), and then we will do some mothing out there too (like 8 – 11ish).
Please let me know soonish if you're interested. It's going to focus a little more on making observations rather than the social parts of a bioblitz, so just FYI on that too. :)
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Here's the message from Betsy from Grapevine:
The City of Grapevine Parks and Recreation Department invites you to participate in a biological survey of Rockledge Park near Grapevine Lake on May 24th. The park includes approximately 140 acres of undeveloped, natural habitat, a portion of which will be redeveloped for recreational use in the near future. In order to properly preserve and manage this habitat, it is critical that we have as much information as possible about the different species that live here. For this reason, we would greatly appreciate your help with this biological survey.
Please see the attached map of the area where we will be gathering data. All land belongs to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is leased to the City of Grapevine. Area A, outlined in blue (~30 acres), is park property that is currently undeveloped and will likely be developed for recreational use in the near future. Area B, outlined in orange (~110 acres), is park property that is designated as Corps Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) and may be developed for recreational use as well. Area C (~118 acres) is park property that is currently open to the public for recreational use and will be redeveloped. Our main priorities are Area A and B, but we would like data for Area C as well.
To sign up, please RSVP to Betsy Marsh at bmarsh@grapevinetexas.gov. Thank you!
You can also just respond to this journal post if you want to come and what time you would like to come too. :)
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Not sure I'll be able to stay all day, but I'll be there.
I'll try to be there at 9am, traffic willing!
It all depends on my work schedule. I know I'll be able to make it for the mothing portion.
I'll be there at 9:00. I could be there earlier if it would help.
I'll be there! Not sure what time. I'm thinking maybe after rush hour dies down in the morning. Also, not totally sure I can make the mothing, but is there an electrical outlet? If so, I can bring my gear and leave it with someone if you want to use it.
I wish I could attend. Sorry, I already have plans. Thanks for letting me know, though.
Sure, why not?
I'll be there! All day from about 10 am.
Wish I could come, graduating then (yay!), but it sounds fun!
I should be driving by then, so I'll come for as long as I can. " It's going to focus a little more on making observations rather than the social parts of a bioblitz"? Well, I guess I'll bring a camera then.
Can you post the map that shows Areas A, B, & C? Thanks.
I just happened to have this week off, so I'll try to be there around 9-10 am. Sounds fun! :)
Thanks folks for the responses! Glad that several of yall can make it -- and of course, only stay as long as you'd like to.
Here is the polygon to be surveyed:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=139757
We'll have better maps at the location too (with the different Areas - A, B, C...). And we want to spread out some to get different observations/species.
We will meet at the intersection of Fairway Dr. and Pilot Point. Here's the google map:
https://goo.gl/maps/yseCsz7pNBRRZNv86
That'll be sort of like "headquarters." Betsy and some of the grapevine folks will have maps and water. I'll bring a bunch of bug nets. Betsy and others will have some gear. There will be restrooms here too.
There's no electricity on site, so the mothing will be all portable... So, Adam, the 'sun in a bulb' will have to rest for this evening. ;)
Also, save my number in your phones: 817 771 8793 -- you can send me a text or whatever so I have your contact. :)
Grapevine Lake is about 16 feet over normal conservation pool- I don't know if that will have an impact on this or not?
Sam - I'll be there at 9, and plan to stay all day and into the night. It looks like we'll be looking at the area below the dam across Fairway from Rockledge Park. @jblinde the lake level shouldn't be a problem there. The problem will occur if the Corps decides to open the dam wide open.
Also note that Fairway Dr. is closed over the dam, so all approaches will have to be made from the north.
Can't attend, but will look forward to seeing what you guys can find!
Thanks for letting me know, Sam! Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend, but please, keep me in mind or future events. I know you all will do a great job! Happy Memorial Day:)
I should be there that morning....
Thanks for the invite! Sorry, but won't be able to attend - out of town visiting my mom.
Sam - Cliff and I will be there at 9, but will probably only be able to stay until noon or so. I will also send you a text so you will have my cell phone number. Other than our cameras (and bug spray, of course), is there anything we should bring?
Sorry, can't make it, have several doctors appointments :(
Sam!! I just bought my own binoculars and snake hook, so I’m in!!
(I can come mid-morning to afternoon)
Sorry, can't make it, have to move my stuff to my new apartment
I can make it after work, so I'll see you guys after 5pm. I'll bring my blacklight setup as well!
I would so fancy doing this, but I already have Friday plans.
I don't have a portable light setup, but I can help with the moth shift.
@sambiology Are we still going to have access?
https://gograpevine.com
I'll be there for the first shift at 9 a.m.
Hey everyone! Just wanted to give an update -- so happy that several folks are able to make it out there! The weather should be nice and hot and muggy... in other words, PERFECT for bugs and plants and stuff! :)
And of course, ONLY stay as long as you'd like to. No obligations to stay for any time longer than you'd like -- feel free to come and go.
The meeting place is a bit modified -- it's here:
https://goo.gl/maps/yseCsz7pNBRRZNv86
It's essentially at the intersection of Fairway Drive and Long Prairie/Pilot Point.
You'll see my TPWD truck -- it'll be parked there the whole day/evening.
Even though the lake is up, we should still be able to manage the area, and we'll totally have access to the entire polygon (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=139757).
Bring some extra water and whatever collecting gear you need/want. All of the data will be collected through iNat, so don't forget that camera/phone and some extra batteries! :)
I’ll try to come. Probably in the afternoon. Will someone be there at 1?
I'll be there all day and all evening! I'll probably run to get lunch and dinner at noon and like 6, but all other times, I'll be there.
Bummed I can not make it - working at Polka festival & managing the farmers market this weekend.
Thanks for the invite!
Got lots of good data. Good luck to the rest of you for the evening count.
And Hi Madison!
Oh I wish I had seen this! I actually had the day off and would loved to had done it!
If they decide to add another day, please post it! I will check here more frequently so I don't miss things!
Does anyone know how I can pin this survey area so that I can put my observations inside it?
Hey all,
So glad to see some folks at the survey yesterday! If you weren't able to make it, no worries -- there will be more!
If you did come, as you put in your observations, you don't have to do anything else -- just try to get the location somewhat accurate, and they'll automatically be added to the survey place:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=139757
If you're up for some identifying, here are the observations still needing some ID's or verification:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/identify?place_id=139757
So important to realize that this data will add justification for keeping this area as natural as possible. This data's important! :)
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