http://www.paherp.org/forum/ PAHERP Forum » Forum: News and Updates - Recent Posts en Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:41:52 +0000 http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/naamp-route-volunteers-for-2011#post-631 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:20:05 +0000 krloucks 631@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Three states again this year.... doh! </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/naamp-route-volunteers-for-2011#post-630 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:37:00 +0000 paherp 630@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <strong>What is NAAMP?</strong><br /> The mission of the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) is “…to provide a statistically defensible program to monitor the distributions and relative abundance of amphibians in North America, with applicability at multiple scales, including state, ecoregional and continent levels.” A major goal is population monitoring for trends (eg., are frog populations increasing, decreasing, or stable?). This can be assessed at multiple geographic scales (state, region, physiographic region). NAAMP data can be used to update distribution maps for amphibian species as well as increase our understanding of breeding chronology. Initial protocols were developed by 1996, based upon previous amphibian calling survey work and the Breeding Bird Survey. More standardization was implemented in 2001.<br /> <br /> <strong>What does the survey entail?</strong><br /> Surveys are run in three separate calling periods. There are 10 stops on a route. The survey should start at least 30 minutes after sunset and end before 1 am. The listening period per stop is 5 “effective” minutes. A couple of hours is usually enough time to complete a route. Sampling periods are determined on a regional basis, to reflect when your local species are active. The Pennsylvania sampling windows are as below:<br /> <table style="width: 100%;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><br /> <thead><br /> <tr> <th style="border: 1px #000000 solid;">Date Window per Survey</th><br /> <th style="border: 1px #000000 solid;">Minimum Temperature</th><br /> </tr> </thead><br /> <tbody><br /> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; border: 1px solid #000000;">February 24-April 19</td> <td style="text-align: center; border: 1px solid #000000;">42o F</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; border: 1px solid #000000;">April 20-May 20</td> <td style="text-align: center; border: 1px solid #000000;">50o F</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; border: 1px solid #000000;">June 1-June 30</td> <td style="text-align: center; border: 1px solid #000000;">55o F</td> </tr> </tbody><br /> </table><br /> Volunteers are asked to collect data on the “first available night” when conditions are met (in a sampling period; it’s a good frog night). Basically, what’s required is that the volunteer drive the 10-stop route on a given night, listen for and identify species of calling amphibians, and record the data on a standard form. Only one observer can fill out a datasheet and it is preferred that the same person conducts all three surveys in a year. Additional observers can fill out separate datasheets.<br /> <br /> <strong>Frog Call Quiz</strong><br /> The Frog Call Quiz is a website (www.pwrc.usgs.gov/frogquiz) for learning or refreshing frog call identification skills. Part of the website is available to all people, including the Public Quiz and Frog Call Lookup. The NAAMP Quiz is for participants of the survey. Observers are asked to annually take the frog call quiz and achieve a detection index of 65 or greater. You are allowed to take quiz as many times as needed to achieve this goal.<br /> <br /> <ul> <li>Each sound file may have one or more species, include in your answer all the species you are confident are on the sound file.</li> <li>You can listen to the sound file more than once.</li> <li>Quiz is “open book” as you can use any reference materials that you might use during your surveys.</li> </ul> The Quiz website can be a tool for learning frog calls, as well as other good web-based resources. A CD of PA species calls could be provided by the regional coordinator if preferred.<br /> <br /> <strong>What do I do if I want to participate?</strong><br /> Send your contact information (name, address, email contact, phone number) to the regional coordinator (<a href="mailto:c-kgipe@state.pa.us">c-kgipe@state.pa.us</a>) along with a list of routes that you would like to run, in order of preference. Route availability can be checked on the NAAMP website at <a href="http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/naamp/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.routeAvailabilityMap">http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/naamp/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.routeAvailabilityMap</a>.<br /> The coordinator will assign you a route and send you your observer ID for logging onto the NAAMP website. You can then access the website and begin working on your FrogQuiz. Datasheets and additional training information will also be sent before the survey season begins. Once you have collected data, you can go to the data entry portion of the website and enter your survey data. You then send your completed data form to the regional coordinator for review and filing.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.paherps.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/NAAMP-Introduction.doc"><strong>Download Printable Document </strong></a> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-613 Sun, 26 Sep 2010 21:41:52 +0000 krloucks 613@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>We let them know that herp timing would be better in the spring. PEEC is busiest in the spring so I doubt they will do one then. None-the-less, we still had good success for late September, good weather, though rain would have been better for amphibians and snakes were scarce. Erin is going to work on a post with pics. We gave PEEC almost 700 pictures. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-612 Sun, 26 Sep 2010 18:38:21 +0000 paherp 612@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Wow that is not bad for the time of year in a 24 hr period. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-611 Sun, 26 Sep 2010 10:43:20 +0000 krloucks 611@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Participants<br /> Kyle Loucks<br /> Millside<br /> NoTread<br /> Erin Dailey<br /> Doug Warner<br /> Plus a couple of add ons along for the ride. Very structured event. We were chauffered to our destinations by van.</p> <p>I forget how many from each species but I will list what we found.</p> <p>Snakes<br /> Eastern Milk Snakes<br /> Northern Water Snakes<br /> Eastern Garter Snake<br /> Eastern Ribbon Snake dor<br /> Northern Brown Snake dor<br /> Northern Ringneck Snake<br /> Northern Redbellied Snake dor</p> <p>Lizards<br /> Northern Fence Lizard</p> <p>Turtles<br /> Eastern Painted Turtles</p> <p>Frogs<br /> Green Frogs in abundance<br /> Bullfrogs<br /> Pickeral Frogs<br /> Wood Frogs<br /> Spring Peepers<br /> Northern Gray Treefrogs<br /> American Toads</p> <p>Salamanders<br /> Spotted Salamanders<br /> Eastern Newts<br /> Slimy Salamanders<br /> Two-Lined Salamanders<br /> Dusky Salamanders<br /> Long Tailed Salamanders<br /> Redbacked Salamanders<br /> Northern Red Salamander</p> <p>Screech Owl<br /> Some of these species were found on the NJ side during this trip. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-608 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:45:33 +0000 krloucks 608@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Should be interesting. Looking forward to meeting up with folks. Not the best conditions as it has been dry. Hopefully we will give them feedback and the next blitz will be in the Spring... more herp friendly. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-607 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 23:54:12 +0000 paherp 607@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>I am excited to see what you guys find. A shame I can not make it out. I am glad that we can help be a part of the bliz. I'll be looking for the post for sure. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-606 Sun, 19 Sep 2010 23:13:16 +0000 krloucks 606@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Ok folks... almost last call if anyone wants to join us... PEEC, The Pocono Environmental Education Center is really excited that PAHERP is participating in their first bio blitz. While the end of September may not be ideal, I'm sure our contributions will be worth the effort.</p> <p>Any questions? I think most of you have my phone number, if not, let me know.</p> <p>Kyle Loucks<br /> Erin Dailey<br /> Doug Weiss (NAHFA)<br /> Jeff Slawson (NAHFA)<br /> Andy Wolf<br /> Doug Warner<br /> Larry Laubach(NAFHA) </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-592 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:45:59 +0000 krloucks 592@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Dont have to lead... if you can come along that would be great. I should have 6-8 folks so far, from PAHERP and NAFHA. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-591 Sat, 21 Aug 2010 23:52:21 +0000 Rattler 591@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Would be cool to join but that is bad timing for us. Also, I dont think i know enought to guide other people. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-590 Sat, 21 Aug 2010 20:33:17 +0000 krloucks 590@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Any other takers... I have 6 so far. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-588 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:44:34 +0000 paherp 588@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Great can't wait to see the outcome of this. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-587 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:38:40 +0000 flip3238 587@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Next time im on facebook shoot me a message...have seen about everything in there and will point u where i can! </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-586 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:24:11 +0000 krloucks 586@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Wheels are in motion... I have been given locations and so am reviewing the habitat for potential species. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-585 Sat, 07 Aug 2010 23:08:55 +0000 krloucks 585@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>So far</p> <p>Kyle Loucks<br /> Erin Dailey<br /> Doug Weiss (NAHFA)<br /> Jeff Slawson (NAHFA)<br /> Andy Wolf<br /> Doug Warner<br /> Larry Laubach(NAFHA)<br /> Ben Rochat (NAFHA </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-582 Sat, 07 Aug 2010 01:42:42 +0000 krloucks 582@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Getting a group together... who's in? </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/delaware-water-gap-bioblitz#post-581 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:05:23 +0000 paherp 581@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in association with the National Park Service will be running a 24 hour biodiversity survey of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. </p> <p>The event is occurring Friday, September 24th into Saturday, September 25th. Dormitory housing is also available for $10 a person if you are interested. </p> <p>If this event sounds like something you would like some more information about please visit <a href="http://www.peec.org/bioblitz/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.peec.org/bioblitz/index.html</a> or send an email to <a href="mailto:bioblitz@peec.org">bioblitz@peec.org</a>. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/forum-update#post-519 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 22:16:18 +0000 paherp 519@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Forums have been updated. Finally :) </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/new-look#post-439 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:13:02 +0000 paherp 439@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>The DB is now switched let me know if you see any bugs. </p> <p>Thanks guys. :)</p> <p>Forum will be next at some point. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/new-look#post-438 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:34:24 +0000 Rattler 438@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>I agree. Looks inviting and educational. I think you should put more emphasis on the county species locator. It kinda blends in to much.I think that will be one of the first thing people will look for when they come to Pa herp id a critter. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/new-look#post-436 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:07:23 +0000 Daileye1 436@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>I think it looks very clean and the movement adds a layer to make it not so stagnant. (My $.02) </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/new-look#post-433 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:53:39 +0000 paherp 433@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>What do you guys think of the new look on the main site? Database and Forum to come. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/county-species-application#post-374 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:58:04 +0000 paherp 374@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Thanks everyone. I'm glad you are finding it useful. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/county-species-application#post-373 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:52:16 +0000 Daileye1 373@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Played with the new application today. Its SWEET! Thanks. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/county-species-application#post-372 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:05:21 +0000 dw6245 372@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Really great app. This will really cut down on my research time and help me better target those elusive lifers. Thanks </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/county-species-application#post-371 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:35:59 +0000 Rattler 371@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Good job, will be very useful. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/county-species-application#post-370 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:04:30 +0000 paherp 370@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Long awaited and finally hear. Thanks for all who tested and gave information. </p> <p><a href="http://www.paherp.com/paherp-launches-county-species-application" rel="nofollow">http://www.paherp.com/paherp-launches-county-species-application</a> </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/geocaching-anyone#post-194 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:57:31 +0000 paherp 194@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>Put a brochure in it :) I run across them from time to time and have a few on my GPS I was going to look for a while back, but never made it to them. One I did look for for a few mins, but never found it. A fun activity I think I could get in to more if I had the time, and would open up new places I am sure to herp. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/geocaching-anyone#post-193 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 22:29:41 +0000 Rattler 193@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>I was actually out a couple of weeks ago with my daughter looking for snakes and came upon a geocach with a dollar in it. It was a pile of rocks in a pyramid. I hope the people looking for it dont dislike snakes because where they have the geocache located is very close (within yards) to a prime basking area. </p> http://www.paherp.org/forum/topic/geocaching-anyone#post-191 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:53:06 +0000 paherp 191@http://www.paherp.org/forum/ <p>PAHERP Challenge. Bald Eagle State Park in Center County. </p> <p><a href="http://www.paherp.com/paherps-geocache-challenge" rel="nofollow">http://www.paherp.com/paherps-geocache-challenge</a> </p>