The Preserve at Bull Run's 2020 iNat Year in Review
Annual Update #1: 2020 in review
Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve
Sceloporus undulatus (Eastern Fence Lizard) Observed: Jun 27, 2020
© Michael J. W. Carr, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
Introduction
Hello everyone,
Despite the many tragedies caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many people found solace and enrichment in the embrace of the outdoors. This was particularly true for the preserve during the initial days of the pandemic prior to public closure to prevent potentially unneeded transmissions of the virus, and following our reopening with the addition of COVID-19 safety measures and distancing requirements. We are happy that the preserve's wonderous natural space can provide opportunities for visitors, especially those in the more urban heart of Northern Virginia, to experience enriching outdoor experiences.
In reviewing the nearly 4,000 observations made within The Preserve, over 80% were from 2020! This amounts to 3,141 total observations, a total of 505 "research-grade" identifications, and included 32 observers. An amazing result which is directly attributable to our visitors and acting citizen scientists! Thank you to everyone who contributed to our project over the last year, and I hope you will continue to help by sharing discoveries you encounter at The Preserve.
Antrostomus vociferous (Eastern Whip-Poor-Will) Observed: May 21, 2020
© Jacob Saucier, all rights reserved (used with permission)
The Preserve and Partnerships
The graphics below illustrate the number of observations taken at The Preserve throughout the year and a breakdown of observations based on taxonomic groupings. As you can see, our summer months were the most fruitful for our visitors, researchers, and preserve staff.
The spike in observations for June and August coincided with the involvement of preserve staff, research associates, and research fellows in The Wildlife Society 2020 Student Chapter Bioblitz. Bioblitz participants from George Mason University accumulated a sizable amount of observations from The Preserve. going on to achieve first place for total number of species observed, and third place for total number of "research-grade" observations! This was a significant, although not entirely surprising result given the immense biodiversity available within and around the Washington D. C. metropolitan area. Below is the numerical breakdown of observations per broad taxon grouping.
We here at the preserve look forward to participating in several other Bioblitz's in 2021, both as participants and organizers. For anyone interested in participating in a Bioblitz this year, please join the 2021 City Nature Challenge this April-May in an international competition between metropolitan city areas to see who has the most active citizen scientists!
Alaus oculatus (Eastern Eyed Click Beetle) Observed: Jun 10, 2020
© Joe Villari, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
iNaturalist Summary
Top five most observed species:
#1 Plethodon cinereus (Red-backed Salamander): 43 observations
#2 Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens (Red-spotted Newt): 37 observations
#3 Goodyera pudescens (Downy Rattlesnake Plaintain): 28 observations
#4 Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel): 24 observations
#5 Anaxyrus americanus americanus (Eastern American Toad): 22 observations
Top five identifiers:
#1 @mjwcarr: 250
#2 @wildlandblogger: 234
#3 @lucareptile: 173
#4 @nomolosx: 104
#5 @ericwilliams: 57
Top five observers:
#1 @mjwcarr: 1,582
#2 @jvillari: 498
#3 @wildlandblogger: 404
#4 @saucierj: 316
#5 @darwinsbeetle: 188
Celtis occidentalis (Common Hackberry) Observed: Jun 14, 2020
© Joe Villari, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
Thank you!
Thank you everyone who contributed observations and assisted in identifying our natural photography subjects. I hope to continuing seeing your input into our collection project throughout 2021!
ABOUT #BullRunMountainsNaturalPreserve
The Bull Run Mountains are the easternmost mountains in Virginia. Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is approximately 2,350 acres that serve as a living laboratory that sits in the backyard of our nation’s capital. The preserve contains 10 different plant community types and a plethora of regionally uncommon and threatened plant and animal species. In 2002, this land was dedicated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as a natural area preserve to protect the unique ecosystems found here. As the owner and manager of the preserve, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation is committed to protecting the special ecosystem found here and sharing it with the public through managed access.
Follow us on Social Media!
Instagram: @bullrunmountains
Facebook: Virginia Outdoors Foundation (Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve)
Our website: VOF RESERVES: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve
Meetup Events: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Guided Hikes Group
Comentarios
Very cool! Congrats on a big year in 2020!
Thanks!
I had no idea I'd identified photos from Bull Run, but I grew up very close to there and love it <3
I'm glad 2020 was such a big year! I'm happy I could help.
Thanks and congrats!
Nice summary! Congrats on your year.
Well done. An important initiative.
This is awesome! Loved seeing the summary of everyone's hard work at the preserve. congrats on a great year!
Very nice Michael! Maybe sometime this year, if things calm down, we can meet up and do some herping!
Excellent synopsis, I enjoyed seeing it!
neat!
Thank you!!
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