Salleyland Property Bioblitz

Dr. Whit Gibbons’ Salleyland property
June 9-10, 2018
10am Saturday – TBD Sunday
Trip Leader: Greg Ross

On Saturday, June 9th we will meet at Dr. Whit Gibbons’ Salleyland property.

This is as an overnighter for those that can take advantage of it; Saturday or Sunday only visitors are definitely welcome.  The habitat includes upland hardwoods, a second order Blackwater stream with adjoining floodplain and swamp, and Sandhill habitat with 28 acres of planted, two-year old longleaf pine. An example of the number of species of some of the taxonomic groups that have been documented to date by experts have been fishes (22), amphibians (19), reptiles (33), birds (88), terrestrial mammals (21), bats (5), odonates (32), trees (38), and other plants (75). See the Salleyland newsletter for the full list.

Dr. Gibbons is hopeful that a SCAN bioblitz of Salleyland will result in new additions to the already impressive biodiversity inventory! We are asked to take plenty of photographs and document everything of interest to be shared with him. He mentioned that having a beetle survey would be ideal, and he encourages setting out light traps in the various habitats’ margins, as these should yield a nice diversity. Another area that he would appreciate SCAN’s assistance in would be that of identifying mushrooms on the property. So, it’s time to grab your mycologist friend and bring them along!

For those interested, on Saturday, Dr. Gibbon’s has offered to lead a tour of his expansive coverboard array! For herpers, this is akin to unwrapping a gift, but certainly, any naturalist will find this a treat! On Saturday evening,various “live catch traps” will be baited and placed in different habitats. These will be collected on Sunday morning and their contents revealed, yet another treat!

What to know:
 Bring plenty of water and snacks for the trail.
 Parking may require some jockeying, but everyone should be able to be accommodated (although it may not be right at the cabin).
 Some areas are open canopy, others are shaded, consider sunscreen and/or insect repellant if so inclined.
 Regarding footwear, both dry & wet terrain, with on & off trail options are present at Salleyland. I found that mucking boots or duck boots worked well for everything, but you guys may choose to bring 2 footwear options.
 Overnighters should bring whatever they intend to eat for breakfast on Sunday morning. We’re welcome to use the fridge, stove, cookware, and coffee maker.
 There is not an established time to shut things down on Sunday, but I would ask that we respectfully follow Dr. Gibbons’ lead, we are so fortunate to have this opportunity!

Hope to see you there!
Greg Ross