Community Scientists head out to the creek after dusk to listen to frog calls, identify the species and rank the chorus according to the number of calls that are heard. This helps researchers monitor amphibian populations, which also provide an indication of water quality. Data collected from this survey is submitted to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Nature Trackers program.

To survey ants, Community Scientists place bait on small plastic dishes along a transect. This bait is left out for several hours. The trays are then collected in plastic bags and refrigerated. The ants are then taken to the lab where they are identified and counted using microscopes. The ant survey allows researchers to monitor ant species diversity and abundance.

A team of Community Scientists assesses streamflow and sample macro-invertebrates (dragonfly larvae, caddisfly larvae, and others), fish, and other aquatic organisms alongside biologists from the San Antonio River Authority (SARA). The macro-invertebrate samples are taken to the CNC lab where they are identified and counted using microscopes. Macro-invertebrates are biological indicators of water quality.

During the butterfly survey, community scientists walk a steady pace throughout the nature center’s four habitats: prairie, marsh, riparian, and woodland. Over the past several years species of record have been documented for the first time in Kendall County. Butterflies are often good indicators of the presence of certain hard-to-locate plant species, like Spice Bush.

During Wildlife Field Research week, we invite you to participate in our iNaturalist Bioblitz. During this week long survey, participants are encouraged to pick a wildlife topic of interest (birds, butterflies, dragonflies, flowering plants, beetles, etc,) then scour the park photographing specimens. To participate in the Bioblitz, community scientists are encouraged to download and use the iNaturalist app on their own smart device (iPhone, Android, tablets, etc.) to photograph and share their wildlife sightings. Participants are also welcome to use their digital cameras to take photos of specimens and then upload them to the iNaturalist website. To learn more about how to use the iNaturalist app or website, to view your sightings, and to participate in this community science endeavor, please see the website Tutorial Page at:

https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/getting+started

A team of photographers and nature enthusiasts takes photos to document changes in the prairie structure over time. By comparing photos from successive years, CNC land managers and researchers have a visual reference that helps them to inform management practices and data interpretation.

Plant enthusiasts and beginners alike survey several transects in the prairie to determine vegetation type, including forbs and grasses, and to assess ground cover. Using this data, researchers can assess changes in plant composition over time.

Riparian woody vegetation assessments are conducted in the fall along transects crossing Cibolo Creek. Woody plants are identified and their trunks are measured to assess annual growth rates. The data from this survey helps to assess changes in riparian woody plant diversity and facilitates invasive plant occurrence tracking for use during the spring invasives removal project.

Community Scientists set and bait “Sherman” traps along transects in the tallgrass prairie and woodland at the Nature Center. The following morning, the traps are checked for small mammals. Captured mammals are documented and a small clipping of hair is removed from the animal to mark that it has been captured. The animal is then released unharmed. This survey enables researchers to monitor the diversity and health of the small mammal population.

Community Scientists search for reptiles under rocks, within tall grass, throughout the woodland, and in Cibolo Creek. Anoles, skinks, whiptails, and other lizards, as well as ribbon snakes, blotched and diamondback watersnakes and many other species are recorded during this survey. The water snakes are caught when possible, then pit-tagged and released. This survey helps researchers monitor the diversity and health of the reptile population.