Special Issue 2014 • Volume 31 • Number 1 • www.nature.nps.gov/ParkScience

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior PARKPARKScience Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Integrating Research and Resource Management in the National Parks Office of Education and Outreach

BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY: DISCOVERY, SCIENCE, AND MANAGEMENT

IN THIS ISSUE Synthetic biology, data management, health benefits of biodiversity, and other features Bioblitz science and outreach All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventories Surveying for nonvascular plants and invertebrates, including pollinators Cultural sites and biodiversity PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014 PARKScience Integrating Research and Resource Management in the National Parks

Volume 31 • Number 1 • Special Issue 2014 www.nature.nps.gov/ParkScience ISSN 0735–9462 From the Editor

Published by U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Seek, and you will fi nd Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Offi ce of Education and Outreach Lakewood, Colorado THIS INSIGHTFUL MESSAGE HAS GUIDED PEOPLE ON LIFE’S JOURNEY for millennia, and more recently it has undoubtedly led visitors to national parks Director, National Park Service Jon Jarvis in search of restoration, health, and well-being. It is also relevant to the study of

Associate Director, Natural Resource biological diversity, the theme of this issue of Park Science and a subject of great Stewardship and Science importance to the future of national parks. Raymond Sauvajot (acting) All life-forms, from the smallest virus to the largest marine mammal, help Editor and Layout defi ne, regulate, and maintain park ecosystems. Understanding the functions Jeff Selleck of these organisms—the roles they play in the production of soils, provisioning Copyeditor/Proofreader Lori D. Kranz (contractor) of water, storage and recycling of nutrients, breakdown of pollution, and many

Editorial board other ecological services—is at the core of our task in the National Park Service John Dennis—Deputy Chief Scientist, Natural Resource to preserve parks unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. Stewardship and Science The story of biodiversity in national parks is part discovery, part science, Charles Roman—NPS Research Coordinator, North and part management, and we touch on all three areas in this issue. A series of Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, University of Rhode Island articles describes the trend in parks to conduct activities devoted to the discov­

Editorial offi ce ery of biodiversity. When we commit time and resources to the search for life, Jeff Selleck we fi nd species that are new to parks and new to science, and we deepen our National Park Service NRSS/OEO understanding of familiar species. How we manage the information that comes P.O. Box 25287 from this endeavor and incorporate it into park decision making is equally im­ Denver, CO 80225-0287 portant and is also discussed in several articles. E-mail: [email protected] Much of the science related to biodiversity study is the same today as it Phone: 303-969-2147 Fax: 303-987-6704 has been traditionally, though the pool of taxonomists we rely on to make iden­

Sample style for article citation tifi cations is shrinking. Additionally, our focus has shifted to invertebrates, non- Leong, K. M., and G. T. Kyle. 2014. Engaging park vascular plants, and other less studied taxa and how we organize our fi eldwork, stewards through biodiversity discovery: Social outcomes of participation in bioblitzes. Park Science subjects we explore in several articles. Techniques for collecting, processing, 31(1):106–111. and documenting species and communicating about biodiversity are progress­ Printed on recycled paper. ing with the help of academic and conservation partners and volunteers. Data analysis now makes it possible to predict locations for species of conservation Park Science is a research and resource management journal of the U.S. National Park Service. It reports the interest, and synthetic biology has emerged as a means to create novel yet likely implications of recent and ongoing natural and social controversial alternatives to remedy species restoration and control problems. science and related cultural research for park planning, management, and policy. Seasonal issues are published In total we share more than 40 articles describing work to explore, under­ usually in spring and fall, with a thematic issue that stand, and integrate knowledge of biological diversity in national parks. I invite explores a topic in depth published in summer or winter. The publication serves a broad audience of national park you to read the stories, weigh our progress, and contemplate next steps. You and protected area managers and scientists and provides may even fi nd something of value that you didn’t know you were looking for. for public outreach. It is funded by the Associate Director for Natural Resource Stewardship and Science. —Jeff Selleck, Editor Articles are fi eld-oriented accounts of applied research and resource management presented in nontechnical language. The editor and board or subject-matter experts review content for clarity, completeness, usefulness, scientifi c and Article inquiries, submissions, and comments should style guide, an archive and key word searching of all technical soundness, and relevance to NPS policy. be directed to the editor by e-mail. Letters addressing articles, and subscription management. scientifi c or factual content are welcome and may be Facts and views expressed in Park Science are those of the edited for length, clarity, and tone. Though subscriptions are offered free of charge, voluntary authors and do not necessarily refl ect opinions or policies donations help defray production costs. A typical donation is of the National Park Service. Mention of trade names or Park Science is published online at http://www.nature $15 per year. Checks should be made payable to the National commercial products does not constitute an endorsement .nps.gov/ParkScience (ISSN 1090-9966). The Web site Park Service and sent to the editorial offi ce address. or recommendation for use by the National Park Service. provides guidelines for article submission, an editorial 3

Contents OLMSTED NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE/JOEL VEAK NPS PHOTO NPS HEARTLAND NETWORK/HOPE DODD

24 37 47

DEPARTMENTS INVITED FEATURES Biodiversity and national parks: What’s relevance got to do with it? 14 From the Editor By Glenn Plumb, Edward O. Wilson, Sally Plumb, and Paula J. Ehrlich Seek, and you will find / 2 Ben Clark, Biodiversity Youth Ambassador 17 Commentary By Sally Plumb A bold strategy for biodiversity conservation / 6 Inventory and monitoring of park biodiversity 18 By William Monahan and Kirsten Gallo Getting Started The language of biodiversity: A glossary / 8 Data management for National Park Service–National Geographic Recommended readings in biodiversity / 9 Society BioBlitzes 20 By Peter Budde and Simon Kingston National Parks and Biodiversity Discovery Benefits of biodiversity to human health and well-being 24 Introduction / 11 By Danielle Buttke, Diana Allen, and Chuck Higgins Map / 12 IUCN World Parks Conference to address values and benefits of biodiversity 29 Map supplement* / Online By Diana Allen *See www.nature.nps.gov/ParkScience /index.cfm?ArticleID=653 for a four- Synthetic biology offers extraordinary opportunities and challenges page listing of the biodiversity discovery for conservation 30 activities summarized on the map. By Kent H. Redford Notes from Abroad Synthetic biology and NPS policy 33 Restoring biodiversity in Ireland’s By John G. Dennis national parks / 120

THE BIOBLITZ Engaging citizens on a large scale in biodiversity discovery 34 By Sally Plumb Saguaro National Park 2011 NPS-NGS BioBlitz! 37 By Natasha Kline and Don Swann ON THE COVER The bioblitz: Good science, good outreach, good fun 39 A large part of the story – Acadia National Park bioblitz program / 40 of biodiversity is told in images – Wild in the city: Minnesota bioblitz events at Mississippi National River sharing the excitement of discovery, and Recreation Area / 42 documenting expert study, – Sampling understudied taxa in Great Basin National Park / 44 and detailing organisms that By Gretchen M. Baker, Nancy Duncan, Ted Gostomski, Margaret A. Horner, and David Manski distinguish natural environments Bioblitz Profiles 46 in the national parks. – Ocmulgee National Monument Butterfly Bioblitz / 46 CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 – George Washington Carver Bioblitz / 47 – Upper Delaware Bioblitz / 48 4 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

AYA ROTHWELL NPS PHOTO USGS BEE INVENTORY AND MONITORING LAB

50 62 84

THE ALL-TAXA BIODIVERSITY INVENTORY UPCOMING ISSUES Perspectives on the ATBI 50 Winter 2014–2015 – Interview with Marc Albert, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area / 50 Seasonal issue. March release. – Interview with Todd Witcher, Discover Life in America / 54 Contributor’s deadline: 15 November By the Editor The George Washington Memorial Parkway All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory: Spring 2015 Finding new species near the nation’s capital 58 Seasonal issue. June release. By Brent W. Steury Contributor’s deadline: 15 February NONVASCULAR PLANTS AND INVERTEBRATES Visit http://www.nature.nps.gov /ParkScience for author guidelines or Moving beyond the minimum: The addition of nonvascular plant contact the editor ([email protected] inventories to vegetation research in Alaska’s national parks 62 or 303-969-2147) to discuss proposals By James Walton and Sarah Stehn and needs for upcoming issues. All along the watchtower: Larval dragonflies are promising biological sentinels for monitoring methylmercury contamination 70 By Roger J. Haro The Call to Action Collect Dragonflies 74 By Colleen Flanagan Pritz, Sarah Nelson, and Collin Eagles-Smith Local experts identify insect biodiversity in Catoctin Mountain Park 78 By Becky Loncosky The Crayfish Corps 81 “COVER” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 By Amy Ruhe Background: Fall landscape, Bering Land Bridge National Preserve POLLINATORS NPS/KATE CULLEN Insets (top to bottom, left to right): Pollinators in peril? A multipark approach to evaluating bee communities Dragonfly larvae sampling, Great in habitats vulnerable to effects from climate change 84 Smoky Mountains National Park By Jessica Rykken, Ann Rodman, Sam Droege, and Ralph Grundel CHEROKEE CENTRAL SCHOOLS Great Lakes Pollinators 88 Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus) and By Jessica Rykken, Ann Rodman, Sam Droege, and Ralph Grundel bioblitz participant, Upper Delaware Insect pollinators of Denali: A survey of bees and flower flies 91 Scenic and Recreational River By Jessica Rykken ROY MORSCH Monitoring bee diversity and abundance in Boston Harbor Islands CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 National Recreation Area: A pilot study 92 By Jessica Rykken CONTENTS 5

NPS PHOTO/BRYAN GORSIRA NPS PHOTO USGS/R. K. HONEYCUTT

98 104 112

CULTURAL SITES AND BIODIVERSITY PARK SCIENCE ONLINE Biodiversity inventories and the advent of a volunteer-based www.nature.nps.gov/ParkScience/ natural resource management program at Wolf Trap 94 By Christopher Schuster • Complete catalog of articles and back Bird diversity reflects battlefield park’s natural setting 98 issues By Bryan Gorsira • Key word searching Biodiversity discovery: Exploring arthropods in two NPS • Author guidelines national monuments 99 • Editorial style guide By Jennifer Leasor, Amy Muraca, Rijk Moräwe, and Neil Cobb • Share comments on articles with the TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS author(s) • Manage your subscription Cameras and cell phones at the bioblitz 102 By the Editor Vermont Atlas of Life Field Days 102 By Kyle Jones

Camera-trap surveys in the southeastern Arizona national parks 104 “COVER” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 By Jason Mateljak Mammal diversity monitoring in Saguaro National Park, Arizona 105 Southern pygmy clubtail (Lanthus vernalis), Catoctin Mountain Park By Don Swann RICHARD ORR Camera traps for monitoring biodiversity 105 Lichen researchers, Katmai By Don Swann National Park and Preserve NPS/JAMES WALTON RESEARCH REPORTS All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory scientists, Great Smoky Engaging park stewards through biodiversity discovery: Mountains National Park Social outcomes of participation in bioblitzes 106 DISCOVER LIFE IN AMERICA By Kirsten M. Leong and Gerard T. Kyle Sorting pollinators, Denali Using monitoring data to map amphibian breeding hotspots and describe National Park and Preserve wetland vulnerability in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks 112 SHEILA COLWELL By Andrew Ray, Adam Sepulveda, Blake Hossack, Debra Patla, and Kristin Legg Boreal felt lichen, a globally Environmental DNA: Can it improve our understanding of biodiversity endangered species, Katmai on NPS lands? 118 National Park and Preserve By Andrew Ray, Adam Sepulveda, Blake Hossack, Debra Patla, and Kristin Legg NPS/JAMES WALTON 6 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014 Commentary A bold strategy for biodiversity conservation By Elaine F. Leslie

Scientists know we must protect species because they are working parts of our life-support system. —Paul Ehrlich

S WE EDGE CLOSER TO THE vide, we must step up our conservation For these activities to be successful, the centennial of the National Park efforts by increasing the number and size education, interpretation, science, and AService (NPS) in 2016, there is of protected natural areas where feasible curatorial communities must also work much to celebrate—science and stew- and improving coordination among together to provide support, share their ardship have a far more prominent role already designated protected areas such expertise, and leverage funds from local, in park management than at any time as our national parks and refuges. As regional, national, and international in NPS history—yet there is reason for biodiversity is also a potent frontier for partners. In particular, we need to devel- concern. The diversity of native species, discovery, we must tend to its welfare op persuasive and compelling awareness including the genetic material they con- through the knowledge that comes from messages that help us all to better un- tain, the natural processes with which ongoing research and then apply it to derstand the importance of biodiversity they are critically intertwined, and the our restoration and conservation efforts. and to encourage the conserving of the corridors by way of which they move, are The National Park Service, therefore, is integral components of Earth’s biologi- declining at a historically unprecedented committed to playing a leadership role cal portfolio—those that affect our daily rate. We are losing our national natural in a strategy that will benefit biodiversity lives in the food we eat and the clothes heritage—its species richness, role and conservation across the national land- we wear. The messages should strive to function, and the beauty and cultural scape, inclusive of local benefits at the engage the American public to protect connection a biodiverse landscape park and community level. and conserve biodiversity not just in provides in our environment. We must parks, but also in their own backyards acknowledge that biodiversity not only is In taking this national approach, the because they want to, not because they at the foundation of our health and well- National Park Service hopes to cultivate have to. being, but also that there are cultural and and nurture a support network—a com- historical relationships to the biological munity of practice—among our employ- No framework for biodiversity steward- connection that we just cannot afford to ees, our park neighbors, our partners, ship would be successful if it were not lose. We must act. and the American public. This will also sustainable. Climate change issues encourage parks to fully develop their must be considered and we must ensure National parks and other protected areas capabilities, to learn from each other’s the sustainable use of ecosystems and are critical preserves of biodiversity in experiences and expertise, work out best their biodiversity not only within our the face of increasing global changes; practices for biodiversity conservation parks, but beyond our park boundaries. however, they tend to be managed and stewardship, ensure the collec- largely as isolated islands within bound- tion and use of high-quality data, and Implementing such a strategy is ambi- aries of human construct. Scientific con- coordinate information management tious to be sure. It must engage our sensus cautions that land managers plan and sharing. Ultimately, this approach youth, needs to be scientifically credible, for extensively connected ecosystems will magnify and leverage the returns of and has to be simply yet passionately across broad spaces and that we ensure individual parks’ efforts, while incorpo- communicated. Our goal is for diverse the restoration of those ecosystems and rating this approach into our daily and ecological communities to persevere their keystone species. Given the alarm- long-term planning efforts. even when a species is lost to a distur- ing rate at which we are losing biodiverse bance and upsets the continuity of a ecosystems and the services they pro- living network or ecosystem. The system 7

We must step up our conservation efforts by increasing the number and size of protected natural areas where feasible and by improving coordination among already designated protected areas such as our national parks and refuges.

will be able to survive because the more the United States. We need to transform complex it is and the more interconnect- nature conservation altogether. Postage edness it has, the more resilient it will be. stamp protection must be replaced by a whole systems approach—continental Over the past decade the National Park conservation—with its inherent focus Service has invested substantially in Ser- on landscape-level connectivity and the vice-wide and park capacity building for health and diversity of species. Through biodiversity conservation and discovery a coordinated approach at this broad through multiple programs. These in- scale, no matter where our national clude the National Park Service–Nation- parks and protected areas dot the world al Geographic Society annual “BioBlitz- map, together we can ensure that our es,” the activities of the Inventory and work bestows healthy, vital components Monitoring Program, and the more than upon our national natural heritage and 100 parks that have held biodiversity and legacy, with biological integrity remain- citizen science events over the course of ing intact for future generations. It starts the last two years through the Director’s with one park at a time, thinking big, Call to Action initiative. acting boldly.

Across the United States, biodiver- These are reasons to celebrate! sity awareness is becoming a common framework for community education and action. The National Park Service About the author is perfectly positioned to build upon this leadership role to further develop Elaine F. Leslie is chief of the NPS the capacity for a wide array of federal Biological Resource Management Division science, stewardship, education and in Fort Collins, Colorado. The division has outreach, and expanded partnerships the responsibility of providing technical toward a national ethic of biodiversity expertise to parks in support of the conservation. This is an inclusive and management and protection of native integrative approach to community and species and related ecological processes park relationships and engagement on throughout the National Park System. She this issue. can be reached at [email protected].

Advancing conservation while ensuring that past investments in park research and resource management stay potent requires synergies far beyond those that exist currently in the Service or even 8 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Getting Started The language of biodiversity: A glossary Consolidated from several sources by Greg Eckert and Glenn E. Plumb

S DESCRIBED IN THIS ISSUE Bioblitz: Short-term (usually 24- to 48- quantity of environmental conditions such of Park Science, national parks hour) event that brings together profes- as climate, landforms, hydrology, soils, and Aundertake many different kinds sional species specialists and the public to communities of plants and animals. of biodiversity discovery and conserva- sample biodiversity in a particular area. tion activities that bring together various Ecosystem: Community of organisms and public groups, such as professionals and Biodiversity: Full variety of organisms at their physical environment interacting as a students from the formal education and all levels of biological organization, includ- cohesive whole. science sectors; representatives from lo- ing the genetic, species, and ecosystem cal, state, tribal, and federal governments levels. Ecotone: Boundary or transitional zone and agencies; nongovernment organiza- between adjacent ecosystems or biomes. tions, including the private for-profit and Biome: Major regional ecological commu- not-for-profit sectors; and the overall nity characterized by distinctive life-forms Endemic: Native to, and restricted to, a citizenry. An aspiration of this undertaking and principal plant (terrestrial biomes) or particular geographic region. is developing a common shared compre- animal (marine biomes) species. hension of and passion for biodiversity Genome: The total genetic constitution of discovery and conservation. For most Bioregion: Geographic area whose limits an organism. people, learning a new language is indeed are defined by natural features such as challenging, though personal experience topography, biological attributes, and Habitat: The locality, site, and particular and passion can engender conditions of environmental processes rather than by type of local environment occupied by flexibility conducive to absorption of new political boundaries. an organism; its “address” or place where words, syntax, and meaning. Knowing conditions are right for its survival. even a few words of a new language can be Biota: All of the species in a place. meaningful for eventual linguistic fluency. Island biogeography: A theory affirm- The following terms, used in this edition, Biotope: Large regional area with rela- ing that the number of species inhabit- and short descriptions are but an illustra- tively uniform environmental conditions ing an island is a function of island area tive share of the exciting and powerful and consistent assemblages of populations and distance from the mainland and is language of biodiversity! of animals and plants. determined by the relationship between immigration and extinction. Citizen science: Research science that engages the public in the scientific process, Keystone species: A species that through Adaptation: Any morphological, physi- including training in methods and analysis, food web or nutrient cycle position has a ological, sensory, developmental, and formulation of research questions, collect- “disproportionate effect on the persistence behavioral change in a character that ing data, and interpreting results. of other species” and determines the com- enhances survival and reproductive suc- position of a biological community. cess of an organism. Typically adaptation Ecology: The study of the interrelation- focuses on the process of genetic change ships among living organisms and their Niche: An organism’s lifestyle; distin- within a population resulting from natural environment. Ecology is the study of guished from habitat, an organism’s place. selection, whereby the average state of a patterns, networks, balances, and cycles character becomes better suited to some rather than of the straightforward causes NPSpecies: Database, maintained by the feature of the environment. and effects studied in chemistry and National Park Service, of park species physics. records, accessible Service-wide and by All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory the public. (ATBI): Intense inventory to identify all Ecoregion: Area of general similarity in species of all taxa within a geographic area. ecosystems and in the type, quality, and CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 9

Recommended readings in biodiversity By Glenn E. Plumb

Cardinale, B. J., J. E. Duffy, A. Gonzalez, D. U. Lavergne, S., N. Mouquet, W. Thuiller, and HE GLOSSARY OF E. O. WIL- Hooper, C. Perrings, P. Venail, A. Narwani, O. Ronce. 2010. Biodiversity and climate The Diversity of son’s 1992 book, G. M. Mace, D. Tilman, D. A. Wardle, A. P. change: Integrating evolutionary and TLife, identified more than 200 key Kinzig, G. C. Daily, M. Loreau, J. B. Grace, A. ecological responses of species and terms and notable individuals important to Larigauderie, D. S. Srivastava, and S. Naeem. communities. Annual Review of Ecology, a cogent discussion and understanding of 2012. Biodiversity loss and its impact on Evolution, and Systematics 41:321–350. the evolution of biodiversity. By 2008 the humanity. Nature 486:59–67. de Manzancourt, C., E. Johnson, and T. G. glossary of Chivian and Bernstein’s Sus­ Chapin, F. S., E. S. Zavaleta, V. T. Eviners, Barraclough. 2008. Biodiversity inhibits taining Life: How Human Health Depends R. L. Naylor, P. M. Vitousek, H. L. Reynolds, species’ evolutionary responses to changing on Biodiversity (see McNeely et al. 2008 D. U. Hooper, S. Lavorel, O. E. Sala, S. E. environments. Ecology Letters 11:380–388. and Pimm et al. 2008 for the reference) Hobbie, M. C. Mack, and S. Diaz. 2000. McNeely, J. A., E. Sterling, and K. J. Mulongoy. conveyed recent growth in biodiversity Consequences of changing biodiversity. 2008. What individuals can do to help science through its more than 1,600 impor- Nature 403:234–242. conserve biodiversity. Pages 407–429 in E. tant terms and concepts. The commentary Davies, R. G., C. D. L. Orme, V. Olson, G. H. Chivian and A. Bernstein, editors. Sustaining by Plumb et al. in this volume (see pages Thomas, S. G. Ross, T. Ding, P. C. Rasmussen, life: How human health depends on 14–16) also discusses the extent to which A. J. Stattersfield, P. M. Bennett, T. M. biodiversity. Oxford University Press, Oxford, scientific narrative about biodiversity has Blackburn, I. P. F. Owens, and K. J. Gaston. UK. proliferated in recent years. Within this 2006. Human impacts and the global Myers, N. 1993. Biodiversity and the growing scientific literature, the following distribution of extinction risk. Proceedings of precautionary principle. Ambio 22:74–79. recommended readings represent a very the Royal Society B 273:2127–2133. small, though satisfying, selection that Pimm, S. L., M. A. S. Alves, E. Chivian, and A. Folke, C., S. Carpenter, B. Walker, M. Scheffer, Bernstein. 2008. What is biodiversity? Pages may be of interest to the readers of Park T. Elmqvist, L. Gunderson, and C. S. 3–27 in E. Chivian and A. Bernstein, editors. Science, and address basic concepts and Holling. 2004. Regime shifts, resilience, and Sustaining life: How human health depends principles, syntheses and integrated states biodiversity in ecosystem management. on biodiversity. Oxford University Press, of knowledge, nexuses with evolution, and Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Oxford, UK. specific considerations across different Systematics 35:557–581. ecosystem types. Pimm, S. L., C. N. Jenkins, R. Abell, T. M. Brooks, Grant, F., J. Mergeay, L. Santamaria, J. Young, J. L. Gittelman, L. N. Joppa, P. H. Raven, and A. D. Watts, editors. 2010. Evolution C. M. Roberts, and J. O. Sexton. 2014. Barnosky, A. D., E. A. Hadly, B. A. Maurer, and and biodiversity: The evolutionary basis of The biodiversity of species and their rates M. I. Christie. 2001. Temperate terrestrial biodiversity and its potential for adaptation of extinction, distribution, and protection. vertebrate fauna in North and South to global change. Report of an electronic Science 344(6187). doi:10.1126 America: Interplay of ecology, evolution, and conference, March 2010. 98 pp. Accessed 17 /science.1246752. geography with biodiversity. Conservation July 2014 at http://www.epbrs.org Biology 15:658–674. /PDF/Evolution%20and%20Biodiversity Santamaria, L., and P. F. Mendez. 2012. Brito, J. C., R. Godinho, F. Martínez-Freiría, _longversion_final.pdf. Evolution in biodiversity policy—Current gaps and future needs. Evolutionary J. M. Pleguezuelos, H. Rebelo, X. Santos, Hooper, D. U., E. C. Adair, B. J. Cardinale, Applications 5:202–218. doi:10.1111/j.1752 C. G. Vale, G. Velo-Anton, Z. Boratynski, J. E. K. Byrnes, B. A. Hungate, K. L. Matulich, -4571.2011.00229.x. Accessed 17 July 2014 S. B. Carvalho, S. Ferreira, D. V. Goncalves, A. Gonzalez, J. E. Duffy, L. Gamfeldt, and at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111 T. L. Silva, P. Tarroso, J. C. Campos, J. V. M. I. O’Connor. 2012. A global synthesis /j.1752-4571.2011.00229.x/full. Leite, J. Nogueira, F. Alvares, N. Sillero, A. S. reveals biodiversity loss as a major driver of Sow, S. Fahd, P. Crochet, and S. Carranza. ecosystem change. Nature 486:105–108. 2014. Unravelling biodiversity, evolution and threats to conservation in the Sahara- Kerr, B., M. A. Riley, M. W. Feldman, and B. J. M. Sahel. Biological Reviews 89(1):215–231. Bonhannan. 2002. Local dispersal promotes doi:10.1111/brv.12049. Accessed 17 July 2014 biodiversity in a real-life game of rock-paper- at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111 scissors. Nature 418:171–174. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 /brv.12049/pdf. 10 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

“GLOSSARY” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 “READINGS” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Wamer, R. M. 2014. Conserving marine Phenology: Timing of seasonal or peri­ Taxonomic working group (TWiG): biodiversity in areas beyond national odic biological events, generally tightly Self-organized group of taxonomists and jurisdiction: Co-evolution and interaction coupled to climate, such as flowering and other scientists with particular expertise with the law of the sea. Frontiers in Marine migration. and interest in specifi c taxa. Science 1:6. doi:10.3389/fmars.2014.00006. Accessed 17 July 2014 at http://journal Phenotype: The physical expression (out­ Taxonomy: The theory and practice of .frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389 ward appearance) of a trait of an organ­ describing and naming organisms and /fmars.2014.00006/full. ism, which may be the result of genetics, classifying them into hierarchical series Wilson, E. O. 1988. Biodiversity. National environment, or an interaction of the two. of groups that emphasize their phyloge­ Academy Press, Washington, D.C., USA. netic, and now genetic, interrelationships. Population: A group of organisms of one Evolution now drives taxonomy, empha­ . 1992. The diversity of life. W. W. Norton, New York, New York, USA. species, occupying a defi ned area, and sizing “descent with modifi cation”; that is, usually isolated from other similar groups. life-forms evolve in family trees. The National Park Service typically man­ About the author ages populations of a species, not the Voucher: Representative specimen of whole species. an organism used to confirm a species’ Glenn E. Plumb is chief wildlife biologist identity in a biological study. Vouchers with the NPS Biological Resource Range: All of the habitat areas where a are usually entire preserved specimens, Management Division in Fort Collins, species is usually found. though they may consist of photos, sound Colorado. He was working as a cattle ranch recordings, or tissue. manager for The Nature Conservancy Species: Groups of individual organisms when, in 1988, he fi rst read E. O. Wilson’s that can interbreed, resulting in fertile Biodiversity. He has worked for the off spring. (Advances in analytical tech­ About the authors National Park Service since 1993 in “wild nologies have allowed other concepts to life” biodiversity conservation. He can be emerge, but they are beyond the scope of Greg Eckert is restoration ecologist reached at [email protected]. this glossary.) and Glenn E. Plumb is chief wildlife biologist with the NPS Biological Resource Species richness vs. species diversity: Management Division in Fort Collins, Species richness is the actual number of Colorado. Correspondence can be directed diff erent species in an area. Species diver­ to the editor at [email protected]. sity is an indirect measure that also takes into account the frequency of occurrence of species (e.g., rare vs. common).

Subspecies: A group of interbreeding natural populations diff erent taxonomi­ cally and with respect to gene pool char­ acteristics, often isolated geographically from other such groups within a biological species.

Taxon (pl. taxa): Unit or category used in the biological system for classifying related organisms. Taxa are ranked in descending order from kingdom to subspecies and include groups such as phyla, families, genera, and species. 11

National parks and biodiversity discovery

By the editor

HE MAP ON PAGES with a population of 250,000 Christmas bird counts, and less cational and park bonding 12–13 locates national or more is illustrated too. Five publicized inventories. experiences for a multitude of Tparks that have under- of the 119 parks on the map volunteers and park visitors. taken biological diversity dis- are located in a city of this size We summarize the biodiversity covery research and monitoring and another 49 are within a discovery activities for each of In biodiversity discovery, a rich work since around 1996. Many 100-mile (161 km) drive—a the parks shown on the map at and dynamic enterprise is tak- of these activities were funded, reasonable day trip—of such a http://www.nature.nps.gov ing shape in our parks, and organized, and carried out by city. Thus nearly half of the /ParkScience/index.cfm? with continued focus and the parks and their partners, parks on the map are relatively ArticleID=653. The parks on resources, there is potential to and many involved public par- close to population centers, the list are cross-referenced do more. For the onetime, ticipation. The activities com- which underscores the ability with the map grid for ease of independent, or less formal monly focused on understudied of parks to appeal to urban location. We invite you to inventories an opportunity taxa such as insects, fungi, and and suburban residents to par- review this online list and exists to build on the informa- other groups of invertebrates ticipate in these types of improve it by sharing news of tion they produced and put it and nonvascular plants. The events. your park’s biodiversity discov- into a broader, more complete information produced by this ery activities that we missed, context by planning follow-up work augments the systematic Developing the map was not adding detail to those that are activities that address knowl- and program-funded vertebrate without challenges. Criteria for sparse, and clarifying misinter- edge gaps and involve the pub- and vascular plant inventories what constitutes biodiversity pretations. To log your input lic. Parks that have already car- led by the NPS Inventory and discovery have not been please write to editor Jeff ried out an activity can add to Monitoring Program that defined precisely and reporting Selleck at [email protected]. their knowledge of park biota began in the 1990s. of these activities varies, com- and increase their public out- plicating the synthesis. The story of biodiversity discov- reach by tweaking and repeat- The map also denotes the Addition ally, most of the work ery in our national parks is ing the events. Parks that have types of biodiversity discovery has not been fully documented exciting and continues to yet to get involved can draw activities conducted. This or analyzed from a national unfold. Small and large parks from the considerable experi- includes onetime and indepen- perspective. We have chosen to across the National Park System ence of those that have already dent taxonomic investigations. be inclusive1 because biodiver- increasingly are taking part in done so and design an activity More and more, however, bio- sity discovery is a scalable, these scientific activities that that meets their needs and logical survey work is being cumulative process. Small, one- capture the public’s imagina- matches their goals. combined with an opportunity time, and less formal activities tion and enthusiasm. Moreover, to engage the public in mean- have the potential to inform urban and suburban residents Biodiversity discovery is a con- ingful and satisfying park stew- our knowledge of biodiversity, are participating in biological cept in shared stewardship, and ardship experiences. These bio- as do large, coordinated, and surveys and biodiversity conser- it seems to be working. If the logically focused public activi- repeated events. Plus, partici- vation, concepts typically asso- trend continues, particularly ties are flexible in scope and pation in citizen science–orient- ciated with textbooks and after the NPS centennial cele- design and require special plan- ed activities is not limited to more remote parks. bration in 2016, it would not ning. They encompass relatively taxonomists or other scientists; be surprising to see another small and easily managed park anyone can take part, make a The graph on page 13 illus- 50–100 national parks plan inventories focused on particu- discovery, and help bring trates that these events have and carry out a biodiversity dis- lar taxa or habitats, larger-scale meaning to an observation. proliferated since the first covery event over the next collection and festival-style Nevertheless, we may have bioblitz was held at Kenilworth 5–10 years. Considering the events such as the NPS– overlooked some activities for Park and Aquatic Gardens in recent growth in this enterprise National Geographic Society lack of knowledge, for example Washing ton, D.C., in 1996, and and the potential for more, we BioBlitzes, the more compre- breeding bird surveys, particularly since the NPS Call may well want to revisit this hensive and longer-term All- to Action item 7: “Next topic in Park Science around Taxa Biodiversity Inventories, Generation Stewards” was that time to continue to gauge and coordinated, multipark sur- 1 Fifteen parks have plans for a “bat announced in 2011. Numbering our progress. veys and related research. blitz,” “paleoblitz,” or camera-based 109 in the last four years, bio- activity later this year. Likewise, four additional parks plan to carry out drag- diversity discovery activities are The driving distance between onfly larvae sampling in October 2014. increasing our knowledge of parks and the nearest U.S. city They are not shown on the map. park biota and providing edu- CONTINUE TO MAP 12 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

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National Parks and San Juan Island NHP1,6 1 North Cascades NP5,6,7 1 Biodiversity Discovery Ebey’s Landing NHR5 3,7 Olympic NP SEATTLE 1996–2014 WASHINGTON Glacier NP5,6 5,7 1 Mount Rainier NP North Lewis and Clark NHP 0 100 200 Kilometers Voyageurs NP7 6 PORTLAND NORTH DAKOTA Grand Portage NM7 Isle Royale NP MAINE 0 100 200 Miles MONTANA 7 Knife River Indian Villages NHS Apostle 1,5,6,7 Islands NL6 Acadia NP 2 John Day Pictured Rocks NL6,7 2 Fossil Beds NM7 Marsh-Billings- MINNESOTA Rockefeller NHP5,7 OREGON Saint Croix NSR7 7 Crater Lake NP1 1,3,6,7 Saint-Gaudens NHS N.H. IDAHO Yellowstone NP Sleeping Bear MINNEAPOLIS–ST. PAUL Mississippi NRRA1 VT. 3,5,6 Dunes NL6 BOSTON Boston Harbor Islands NRA Redwood NP6 Craters of the Moon Grand Teton NP5,6 SOUTH DAKOTA 6,7 5 NEW YORK MASS. Cape Cod NS NP & NPres WISCONSIN Cape Krusenstern NM6 WYOMING Upper Delaware SRR1,4 CONN.R.I. 4,5 9 MICHIGAN Bering Land Bridge NPres Kobuk Valley NP MILWAUKEE 7 Niobrara NSR NEW YORK CITY 6 3 3 CALIFORNIA Fossil Butte NM6 Fire Island NS PENNSYLVANIA 1,6 NEVADA IOWA CHICAGO CLEVELAND Gateway NRA (also N.J.) NEBRASKA Indiana Dunes NL2,4,5,6,7 Cuyahoga Valley Forge NHP1,5 6 7 PHILADELPHIA N.J. ALASKA SACRAMENTO Timpanogos Cave NM 5 OMAHA Valley NP Point Reyes NS1,5,6 Dinosaur NM John Muir NHS5 Rocky Mountain NP1,2,4,5,6,7 OHIO MD. 9 2,4 1,6,7 UTAH INDIANA DEL. Yukon-Charley Rivers NPres Muir Woods NM SAN FRANCISCO Great Basin NP ILLINOIS WASHINGTON, D.C. 2,4,7 DENVER Golden Gate NRA 7 5,6 3,5,7 5,6 Shenandoah NP Assateague Island NS Yosemite NP 5 Colorado NM 5 Capitol Reef NP Kings Canyon NP 5 KANSAS Cedar Breaks NM1,4 Canyonlands NP COLORADO SPRINGS MISSOURI W.VA. 5 ST. LOUIS VIRGINIA 4 6,7 FRESNO 6 6 COLORADO Sand Creek Massacre NHS 4 Denali NP & NPres 5 Zion NP Bryce Canyon NP VIRGINIA BEACH Sequoia NP Great Sand Dunes NP & NPres5,7 Tallgrass Prairie NPres5 KENTUCKY Pipe Spring NM4,5 Glen MARYLAND Death 5 5 1,6 LAS VEGAS Canyon Mesa Verde NP WICHITA Mammoth Cave NP7 6 Catoctin Mountain Park Valley NP 5 1,5 7 Blue Ridge Parkway Grand Canyon NP NRA Yucca House NM5 George Washington Ozark NSR Chesapeake and Ohio Canal 6,9 6 1,4 5 NORTH 1 Wrangell–St. Elias NP 5,6,7 Mojave NPres Carver NM Fort Donelson NB NHP (also D.C., W.Va.) Channel Islands NP NASHVILLE Great CAROLINA ANCHORAGE LOS ANGELES 5 Canyon de 5,7 5 3,5 Bandelier NM Smoky Fort Washington Park RIVERSIDE Wupatki NM Chelly NM TULSA CHARLOTTE Lake Clark NP & NPres6,7 7 OKLAHOMA TENNESSEE Mountains NP3,4,6,7 Monocacy NB7 Santa Monica 1,5 Pecos NHP 2,4,6,7 Joshua Tree NP ALBUQUERQUE SOUTH 4,5 Mountains NRA 5 OKLAHOMA CITY MEMPHIS Piscataway Park ARIZONA El Malpais NM ARKANSAS CAROLINA Petrified Forest NP6 Congaree NP1,5 5 6 WASHINGTON, D.C. 5 Kenai Fjords NP PHOENIX Chickasaw NRA1,4,7 5 Chattahoochee River NRA National Capital Parks 7 NEW MEXICO ATLANTA Katmai NP & NPres 4 Arkansas Post NMem 1 (Kenilworth Park and Ocmulgee NM 1,7 6 TUCSON 8 Aquatic Gardens) Organ Pipe Cactus NM Fort Bowie NHS 1 2,4,5 Fort Pulaski NM 2,4 Saguaro NP Chiricahua NM8 MISSISSIPPI Rock Creek Park 5 8 ALABAMA GEORGIA Coronado NMem EL PASO Carlsbad Caverns NP 6 VIRGINIA TEXAS Cumberland Island NS George Washington Timucuan EHP6,7 1,3,6 JACKSONVILLE Birthplace NM Big Thicket NPres3,4,6 LOUISIANA Fort Matanzas NM6 George Washington Memorial 6 1,3 6 NEW ORLEANS Parkway (also Md.) 5 HOUSTON Jean Lafitte Canaveral NS6 Manassas NBP Big Bend NP7 NHP & Pres2,4,7 ORLANDO Wolf Trap NPPA3,5 HAWAII United States Territories FLORIDA AMERICAN SAMOA GUAM PUERTO RICO VIRGIN ISLANDS

MIAMI Big Cypress NPres7 Biscayne NP2,4,6 7 7 Buck Island Reef NM6 Pu‘uhonua o Hönaunau NHP7

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Legend Abbreviations Activity Types

1 Urban Park (5)* EHP Ecological and Historic Preserve NP National Park Bioblitz(es) (focal taxa/habitat or general) NPPA National Park for the Performing Arts 2 NPS–National Geographic Society BioBlitz Park Relatively Near City (49)† Mem Memorial NPres National Preserve 3 All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory NB National Battlefield More Distant Park (67)‡ NRA National Recreation Area 4 Educational programs, biodiversity fair NBP National Battlefield Park 5 § NRRA National River and Recreation Area Other (count, survey, monitoring, photographic/ City Nearest Park (38) * NHP National Historical Park NS National Seashore digital documentation, observation, training) NHR National Historical Reserve NSR National Scenic Riverway(s) *Located in a city with a population of 250,000 or NHS National Historic Site Multipark projects more. NPS considers Ocmulgee NM to be an urban Pres Preserve 6 Pollinator inventory (native bees) park, though it is not in a city of this size. NL National Lakeshore SRR Scenic and Recreational River 7 Environmental mercury in dragonfly larvae † NM National Monument Within a 100-mile drive of a city with a population 8 of 250,000 or more. NMem National Memorial Automated camera/photo sampling ‡ More than a 100-mile drive away from a city with (mammals) 9 a population of 250,000 or more. Note: To review the listing of biodiversity discovery activities that informed production Acoustic monitoring of wood frogs to § City nearest park(s) with a population of 250,000 of this map please visit www.nature.nps.gov/ParkScience/index.cfm?ArticleID=677??. determine breeding phenology or more. Locations approximate. NATIONAL PARKS AND BIODIVERSITY DISCOVERY 13

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National Parks and San Juan Island NHP1,6 1 North Cascades NP5,6,7 1 Biodiversity Discovery Ebey’s Landing NHR5 3,7 Olympic NP SEATTLE 1996–2014 WASHINGTON Glacier NP5,6 5,7 1 Mount Rainier NP North Lewis and Clark NHP 0 100 200 Kilometers Voyageurs NP7 6 PORTLAND NORTH DAKOTA Grand Portage NM7 Isle Royale NP MAINE 0 100 200 Miles MONTANA 7 Knife River Indian Villages NHS Apostle 1,5,6,7 Islands NL6 Acadia NP 2 John Day Pictured Rocks NL6,7 2 Fossil Beds NM7 Marsh-Billings- MINNESOTA Rockefeller NHP5,7 OREGON Saint Croix NSR7 7 Crater Lake NP1 1,3,6,7 Saint-Gaudens NHS N.H. IDAHO Yellowstone NP Sleeping Bear MINNEAPOLIS–ST. PAUL Mississippi NRRA1 VT. 3,5,6 Dunes NL6 BOSTON Boston Harbor Islands NRA Redwood NP6 Craters of the Moon Grand Teton NP5,6 SOUTH DAKOTA 6,7 5 NEW YORK MASS. Cape Cod NS NP & NPres WISCONSIN Cape Krusenstern NM6 WYOMING Upper Delaware SRR1,4 CONN.R.I. 4,5 9 MICHIGAN Bering Land Bridge NPres Kobuk Valley NP MILWAUKEE 7 Niobrara NSR NEW YORK CITY 6 3 3 CALIFORNIA Fossil Butte NM6 Fire Island NS NEVADA PENNSYLVANIA Gateway NRA (also N.J.)1,6 IOWA CHICAGO CLEVELAND NEBRASKA Indiana Dunes NL2,4,5,6,7 Cuyahoga Valley Forge NHP1,5 6 7 PHILADELPHIA N.J. ALASKA SACRAMENTO Timpanogos Cave NM 5 OMAHA Valley NP Point Reyes NS1,5,6 Dinosaur NM John Muir NHS5 Rocky Mountain NP1,2,4,5,6,7 OHIO MD. 9 2,4 1,6,7 UTAH INDIANA DEL. Yukon-Charley Rivers NPres Muir Woods NM SAN FRANCISCO Great Basin NP ILLINOIS WASHINGTON, D.C. 2,4,7 DENVER Golden Gate NRA 7 5,6 3,5,7 5,6 Shenandoah NP Assateague Island NS Yosemite NP 5 Colorado NM 5 Capitol Reef NP Kings Canyon NP 5 KANSAS Cedar Breaks NM1,4 Canyonlands NP COLORADO SPRINGS MISSOURI W.VA. 5 ST. LOUIS VIRGINIA 4 6,7 FRESNO 6 6 COLORADO Sand Creek Massacre NHS 4 Denali NP & NPres 5 Zion NP Bryce Canyon NP VIRGINIA BEACH Sequoia NP Great Sand Dunes NP & NPres5,7 Tallgrass Prairie NPres5 KENTUCKY Pipe Spring NM4,5 Glen MARYLAND Death 5 5 1,6 LAS VEGAS Canyon Mesa Verde NP WICHITA Mammoth Cave NP7 6 Catoctin Mountain Park Valley NP 5 1,5 7 Blue Ridge Parkway Grand Canyon NP NRA Yucca House NM5 George Washington Ozark NSR Chesapeake and Ohio Canal 6,9 6 1,4 5 NORTH 1 Wrangell–St. Elias NP 5,6,7 Mojave NPres Carver NM Fort Donelson NB NHP (also D.C., W.Va.) Channel Islands NP NASHVILLE Great CAROLINA ANCHORAGE LOS ANGELES 5 Canyon de 5,7 5 3,5 Bandelier NM Smoky Fort Washington Park RIVERSIDE Wupatki NM Chelly NM TULSA CHARLOTTE Lake Clark NP & NPres6,7 7 OKLAHOMA TENNESSEE Mountains NP3,4,6,7 Monocacy NB7 Santa Monica 1,5 Pecos NHP 2,4,6,7 Joshua Tree NP ALBUQUERQUE SOUTH 4,5 Mountains NRA 5 OKLAHOMA CITY MEMPHIS Piscataway Park ARIZONA El Malpais NM ARKANSAS CAROLINA Petrified Forest NP6 Congaree NP1,5 5 6 WASHINGTON, D.C. 5 Kenai Fjords NP PHOENIX Chickasaw NRA1,4,7 5 Chattahoochee River NRA National Capital Parks 7 NEW MEXICO ATLANTA Katmai NP & NPres 4 Arkansas Post NMem 1 (Kenilworth Park and Ocmulgee NM 1,7 6 TUCSON 8 Aquatic Gardens) Organ Pipe Cactus NM Fort Bowie NHS 1 2,4,5 Fort Pulaski NM 2,4 Saguaro NP Chiricahua NM8 MISSISSIPPI Rock Creek Park 5 8 ALABAMA GEORGIA Coronado NMem EL PASO Carlsbad Caverns NP 6 VIRGINIA TEXAS Cumberland Island NS George Washington Timucuan EHP6,7 1,3,6 JACKSONVILLE Birthplace NM Big Thicket NPres3,4,6 LOUISIANA Fort Matanzas NM6 George Washington Memorial 6 1,3 6 NEW ORLEANS Parkway (also Md.) 5 HOUSTON Jean Lafitte Canaveral NS6 Manassas NBP Big Bend NP7 NHP & Pres2,4,7 ORLANDO Wolf Trap NPPA3,5 HAWAII United States Territories FLORIDA AMERICAN SAMOA GUAM PUERTO RICO VIRGIN ISLANDS

MIAMI Big Cypress NPres7 Biscayne NP2,4,6 7 7 Buck Island Reef NM6 Pu‘uhonua o Hönaunau NHP7 Park Science in conjunction with NPS Biological Resource Management Division September 2014

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120 109 100

80

60 (Graph) Since the advent of the bioblitz in 1996, national parks, their partners, and the public have planned and carried out biological diversity discovery 40 33 25 activities with increasing frequency. The graph illustrates growth in this type of research and stewardship work over five periods in the last 19 years, 20 14 8 particularly since 2011. That year the National Park Service set numerous goals

Parks Undertaking Biodiversity to be achieved by 2016, the NPS centennial, including a challenge to conduct Discovery Activities over Period 0 1996 to 1999 to 2003 to 2007 to 2011 to biodiversity discovery activities in at least 100 parks, at least 5 of which are 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014 located in an urban area. Map Supplement—1 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Biodiversity Discovery Activities 1996–2014

Map Supplement

This list summarizes biodiversity discovery activities undertaken by national parks from around 1996 to 2014. It was developed in conjunction with and provides detail to the map and synthesis article on pages 11–13. Parks are cross-referenced with the map grid by letter and number for ease of location. Activity types are indicated according to the categories listed in the legend. We recognize that some listings may be incomplete or inaccurate. We invite you to help improve this list by sharing news of your park’s biodiversity discovery activities that we missed, adding detail to those that are sparse, and clarifying misinterpretations. To log your input please write to editor Jeff Selleck at [email protected].

Legend Park Name (Map Location) ƒ Year(s) | Activity Type | Focal Taxa/Habitats | Participation | Highlights Individual Park Projects 1 Bioblitz(es) (focal taxa/habitat or general) 2 NPS–National Geographic Society BioBlitz 3 All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory 4 Educational programs, biodiversity fair 5 Other (count, survey, monitoring, photographic/digital documentation, observation, training) Multipark Projects 6 2013–2014 | multipark pollinator inventory | native bees | scientists from NPS, USGS, Harvard University | 46 parks | ~685 species 7 2013–2014 | multipark environmental mercury study | dragonfly larvae| ~300 citizen scientists | 700 larvae collected in 6 odonate families 8 2013–2014 | multipark six-week automated photographic sampling, educational programs | mammals | I&M network, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Student Conservation Association interns, public | 30 species 9 2012–2014 | breeding phenology through acoustic monitoring | wood frogs | Alaska Region, citizen scientists, student intern

Acadia NP (O2)6,7 Big Thicket NPres (K6)6 ƒ 2003–20141 | annual 24 hr targeted taxa bioblitzes | ants, aquatic insects, ƒ 2006–20143,4 | ATBI, educational fairs and programs, seminars | amphibians, beetles, butterflies, flies, macrofungi, moths, spiders, true bugs, other aquatic true bugs and ectoparasites, butterflies and moths, fishes, fungi, insects | amateur entomologists and mycologists, school groups, public, lichens, mussels, orchids, pseudoscorpions, slime molds, tardigrades, academic institutions, state government, naturalist organization | 20 species terrestrial arthropods, vascular and nonvascular plants | professional scientists, of butterflies, 300 species of moths, 226 species of aquatic insects public, students | 2,761 species, 103 new to park, 1 (crayfish) new to science 5 | | ƒ ongoing hawk migration observation volunteers in conjunction with 6 Cornell Lab of Ornithology Biscayne NP (N7) ƒ 20102,4 | large, 24 hr bioblitz and fair (NPS-NGS) | marine species focus | Apostle Islands NL (K2)6 with National Geographic Society, scientists, educators, public | 824 species tallied, 324 new listings for park Arkansas Post NMem (K5) ƒ 2012–20134 | biodiversity fair | mammals, herpetofauna, nighttime species | Blue Ridge Parkway (M4)6 I&M network scientists, public Boston Harbor Islands NRA (O2)6 Assateague Island NS (N4)6 ƒ 2013–20145 | 4.5 hr pilot photo voucher bioblitz | flora and fauna | 13 public ƒ 20125 | science field day/survey | marsh and bay biota, mole crabs, water | 248 photo insect observations; 52 species, 23 new for Thompson Island quality | educators, schoolchildren ƒ 2005–20103 | ATBI | invertebrates, intertidal species, mammals |

7 entomologists, professional and citizen scientists, high school students, Bandelier NM (H5) academic partners | 1,777 species ƒ 1992–20145 | surveys, monitoring | ground-dwelling arthropods: beetles, crickets/grasshoppers, selected true bugs, spiders and other arachnids; Bryce Canyon NP (G4)6 | species-habitat associations and shifts because of climate change 300 6 species | University of New Mexico Buck Island Reef NM (F7) 6 Bering Land Bridge NPres (B3) Canaveral NS (N6) ƒ 20134,5 | science engagement through videography | loons | high school Canyon de Chelly NM (H4) students, educational and nongovernmental partners ƒ 2005–20073,5 | inventories, ATBI | arthropods and other taxa | inventories of Big Bend NP (I6)7 three habitats: mixed conifer forest, pinyon-juniper woods along canyon rim, riparian woodlands | volunteers, schoolchildren, professional scientists Big Cypress NPres (N7)7 Canyonlands NP (G4) ƒ 5 | survey | insects | entomologist NATIONAL PARKS AND BIODIVERSITY DISCOVERY Map Supplement—2

Cape Cod NS (O2/3)6,7 Ebey’s Landing NHR (F1) 5 | | 6 ƒ 2004 monthly collecting forays (April, May, June, September) vascular Cape Krusenstern NM (B3) plants | professional and amateur botanists, public Capitol Reef NP (H4) El Malpais NM (H5) 5 | | | ƒ 1998–2005 inventories rare plants NPS, BLM, and other agencies; ƒ 2007–20085 | ATBI | cave arthropods, bats, and other vertebrates | Canon USA grant university researcher through CESU | 59 arthropods, 3 bats, 3 other Carlsbad Caverns NP vertebrates; many arthropod species new to science 5 | | | ƒ 2006–ongoing survey moths lepidopterist Fire Island NS (O3)6 Catoctin Mountain Park (N4) Fort Bowie NHS (H5)8 ƒ 2008–20135 | inventories | bees (93 species), damselflies and dragonflies (28 species), ground-beetles (103 species) | contractors | two odonates of Fort Donelson NB (L4) conservation concern, 42 bees new to county, 1 bee new to Maryland, park ƒ 2013–20145 | targeted inventories, various techniques | plants and all insect list expanded from 364 to 588 species animal species: photography; owls: audio calling; bats: echolocation recording; nighttime biota: infrared photography and night-vision scopes; Cedar Breaks NM (G4) bioluminescent species: UV illumination and high-intensity chemical lighting 1,4 | | | ƒ 2013–2014 weekend “bioblast” bat, bird, bug surveys live | volunteers, citizen scientists identifications only, no specimens collected; educational fair to celebrate biodiversity at 10,000 feet; public participation; local universities, retired Fort Matanzas NM (N6)6 entomologist Fort Pulaski NM (N5) Channel Islands NP (F4)6,7 ƒ 20131 | 12 hr bioblitz | nonnative plants | park staff, 27 public (high school ƒ 2009–20145 | inventories | ants, beetles, lichens | local taxonomists, in students, area naturalists) | new exotic species identified cooperation with The Nature Conservancy Fort Washington Park (N4) Chattahoochee River NRA (M5) ƒ ongoing5 | video and direct observation monitoring | bald eagles | citizen scientists 5 | | | ƒ 2011 inventory pollinators (bees) principal investigator, academic and 6 federal partners | 8 species new to state, 1 new to science Fossil Butte NM (H3) 6 Chesapeake and Ohio Canal NHP (N4) Gateway NRA (N3) 1 1 | | | ƒ 20141 | bioblitz | invasive species ƒ 2007–2008, 2010 bioblitzes, ATBI all taxa, 3 focal areas scientists, 50 ƒ 20061 | 30 hr bioblitz | algae, amphibians, arachnids, bryophytes, fungi, preregistered public insects, reptiles, select flowering plants, slime molds| with The Nature George Washington Birthplace NM (N4)6 Conservancy ƒ 2007–2009,1,3 20121,3 | bioblitzes, ATBI | arthropods, including terrestrial | Chickasaw NRA (J5)7 and aquatic insects, birds, fungi, vascular and nonvascular plants | ƒ 20111,4 | 24 hr bioblitz, educational programs | 800 species | 40 scientists professional and amateur scientists, partners, schools 377 arthropod species identified Chiricahua NM (H5)8 George Washington Carver NM (K4) Colorado NM (H4)6 ƒ 20131,4 | bioblitz | aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, small mammals, ƒ multiple years5,6 | survey | insects | university researcher vascular plants, water mites | 4 professional scientists, 20 volunteers; 15 attended a related educational program | 141 species, 89 of which were Congaree NP (M5) new to park ƒ 1995–present1 | ~1 hr training followed by 3–4 hr guided observation | birds, butterflies, moths | naturalist partners, citizen scientists (average 75 George Washington Memorial Parkway (N4) per year) ƒ 2006–20141,3 | 30 hr bioblitz, ATBI | algae, amphibians, arachnids, ƒ 2006–20071 | spiderblitz, three 3 hr sessions | arachnids | professional bryophytes, fungi, insects (including microwasps), reptiles, select flowering scientist, public plants, slime molds | students, 59 citizen naturalists, academic institutions, ƒ 5 | survey | freshwater mussels | professional scientists, conservation partner museum | 378 genera (comprising 377 species) of insects volunteers Glacier NP (H1)6 Coronado NMem (GH5)8 ƒ ongoing5 | focal taxa inventories | butterflies, diatoms, ferns, mayflies, mollusks, mycobacteria, vascular plants Crater Lake NP (F2) ƒ 20141 | 24 hr bioblitz | moths and butterflies| entomologists, public Glen Canyon NRA (H4) ƒ 20091 | bioblitz | animals, plants | professional and amateur scientists | with Craters of the Moon NM and NPres (G2/3) The Nature Conservancy 5 | | | ƒ 2014 inventory pikas and natural sounds citizen scientists ƒ 20045 | surveys | amphibians, arthropods, reptiles, small mammals, vascular Cumberland Island NS (M6)6 and nonvascular plants | professional scientists Cuyahoga Valley NP (M3)7 Golden Gate NRA (E3)7 ƒ 20142,4 | large, 24 hr bioblitz and fair (NPS-NGS) | all taxa | with National Death Valley NP (F4)6 Geographic Society ƒ 2007–20081 | bioblitz | invertebrates | taxonomists, school groups Grand Canyon NP (G4) Denali NP and NPres (C4)6,7 ƒ 20075 | inventory | ground-dwelling arthropods | professional scientist 5 | | | Dinosaur NM (H3) ƒ 1999–2004 surveys aquatic annelids park staff, professional scientists, ƒ multiple years5 | survey | insects, other arthropods | entomologist public Map Supplement—3 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

BIODIVERSITY DISCOVERY ACTIVITIES 1996–2014 (CONTINUED)

ƒ ~20045 | surveys | amphibians, arthropods, reptiles, small mammals, Kenai Fjords NP (C5)6 vascular and nonvascular plants | professional scientists ƒ 2001–20035 | inventory | terrestrial and riparian invertebrates | professional Kings Canyon NP (F4) | 5 | scientist | 1,127 taxa collected ƒ 2014 inventory DNA analysis of harvestmen (arachnid) ƒ ongoing5 | Christmas bird count Grand Portage NM (K2)7 ƒ 2002–20045 | inventory | cave invertebrates | contractor | about 30 new

6 species (combined with those reported for Sequoia NP) Grand Teton NP (H2/3) ƒ 5 | roadside acoustic surveys | bats ƒ 20045 | surveys Knife River Indian Villages NHS (J2)7 Great Basin NP (G4)6,7 ƒ 2009,1 2011–20131 | annual 24 hr targeted taxa bioblitzes | arachnids Kobuk Valley NP (B3)9

(2 orders and several families new to park, white cave mite may be new to 6,7 science), bees and wasps (65 species), beetles, flies (47 families, 19 species Lake Clark NP and NPres (C5) new to park) | professional and amateur scientists, public, volunteers | Lewis and Clark NHP (F1) average 60 participants per year ƒ 20121 | bioblitz | macroinvertebrates | 300 participants Great Sand Dunes NP and NPres (I4)7 Mammoth Cave NP (L4)7 ƒ 5 | survey | insects | entomologist Manassas NBP (N4) Great Smoky Mountains NP (M4/5)6,7 ƒ 1995–20145 | annual breeding bird surveys | birds, grasslands, shrublands | ƒ 1998–present3,4 | ATBI, grant-funded projects involving TWiGs, bioblitzes, local Audubon chapter | designation as Important Bird Area, 10 species of educational programs, workshops | ~130 focal taxa projects over 17 regional conservation concern; butterflies, bees, plants also documented years, including algae, annelids (including oligochaeta), ants, aphids, aquatic bugs, bacteria (hemlock, plant, soil, waterborne), beetles (leaf, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP (N/O2)7 long-horned, wood), butterflies, cave and karst biota, crickets, diatoms, ƒ 2013–20145 | Atlas of Life field day, pilot digital documentation | bees, dry cliff plants, elk stomach biota, ferns and fern viruses, fish, flies (biting, birds, moths, plants | 40 workshop/program participants | 90 observations/ bloodsucking, crane-, horse-, moth-, tephritid), flat worms, forest litter, photographs by smartphone submitted to iNaturalist freshwater invertebrates, fungi and microfungi (including pyrenomycetes), Mesa Verde NP (H4) grasshoppers, hemlock insects, homoptera, hymenoptera (including wasps), ƒ 1999–20075 | invertebrates and other arthropods | university entomologists insect viruses, internal bird parasites, leeches, lichens, microspore parasites, | state range extensions, pinned collection mosquitoes, moths (clearwing, micro-, noctuidae, owl-), pauropoda, ƒ inventory5 | spiders | fire-burned areas | museum partner planthoppers/leafhoppers, pollinators, slime molds (including myxomycetes), ƒ inventory5 | ground-dwelling arthropods, spiders | comparison of burned soil mites, spiders, springtails, stream microbes, tardigrades, thysanoptera, and unburned pinyon-juniper forest | graduate student tree-canopy life, vascular plants, violets, viruses (plant), waterborne spores, water mites | partner-led, long-term study; researchers; volunteers; student Mississippi NRRA (K2) participation through research learning center; public events | 18,038 ƒ 2011–20131 | annual 24 hr focal-area bioblitzes | birds, fish, fungi, insects, species total; 7,636 species new to park, 923 new to science | 400+ mammals, plants | 100 participants in 2013, local university and museum | participants in 2013 322 species in 2013 Indiana Dunes NL (L3)6,7 Mojave NPres (G4)6 5 | | | ƒ ongoing monitoring, counts birds, plants of concern 21 citizens, area 7 naturalists | 52 bird species tallied Monocacy NB (N4) ƒ 20092,4 | large, 24 hr bioblitz and fair (NPS-NGS) | all taxa | with National Mount Rainier NP (F1)7 Geographic Society | more than 1,200 species tallied ƒ 2004–20075 | annual forays at different park locations | vascular plants | Isle Royale NP (L2)6 botanists, public ƒ survey5 | caddisflies, mayflies, stoneflies | entomologist Jean Lafitte NHP and Pres (L6)7 ƒ 20132,4 | large, 24 hr bioblitz and fair (NPS-NGS) | all taxa | 458 species Muir Woods NM (E3) 2,4 | | | tallied | with National Geographic Society, 1,500 adults, 1,500 children, 100 ƒ 2014 large, 24 hr bioblitz and fair (NPS-NGS) diverse taxa with scientists | Louisiana milk snake, mud minnow National Geographic Society 7 John Day Fossil Beds NM (F2)7 National Capital Parks (Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens) (N4) ƒ 19961 | 24 hr bioblitz | NPS and USGS scientists

John Muir NHS (E3) 7 ƒ 2011–20135 | phenology monitoring | 50 high school students Niobrara NSR (J3) North Cascades NP (F1)6,7 Joshua Tree NP (FG5) 5 1 | | terrestrial, aquatic, and aerial ƒ ongoing | inventories | insects, lichens | independent researchers ƒ 2011–2013 36 hr “biodiversity hunts” 5 insects at park oases | university taxonomists and students, local naturalists, ƒ 2002–2007 | annual forays at different park locations | vascular plants | public education programs | range of 40–105 citizen scientists/event | new botanists, public families, genera, and species to park Ocmulgee NM (M5) ƒ 1994–present5 | checklist updates, counts, inventories, surveys | ƒ 20131 | 2-day butterfly bioblitz | 480 participants | butterflies (28 species), amphibians, breeding birds, butterflies, lichens, mammals, including bats dragonflies (5 species)| field identifications only (i.e., specimens not collected) and rodents, reptiles, terrestrial arthropods, including insects, vascular plants | park staff, academic institutions Olympic NP (F1)7 ƒ 1968–present5 | Christmas bird count | National Audubon Society ƒ 20083 | ATBI | fungi, insects, lichens, liverworts, microbes, mosses, spiders | ƒ 1991,5 1993,5 1999–20015 | surveys | bats | UCLA, Bat Conservation Int’l before large-scale Elwha watershed restoration | park staff, academic institutions Katmai NP and NPres (B5)7 Organ Pipe Cactus NM (G5)6 NATIONAL PARKS AND BIODIVERSITY DISCOVERY Map Supplement—4

Ozark NSR (K4)7 Sleeping Bear Dunes NL (L2)6 Pecos NHP (I5)7 Tallgrass Prairie NPres (J4) 5 | | | | 6 ƒ 2009–2013 annual count butterflies 70 participants 2013: 50 species Petrified Forest NP (G5) (3,070 specimens), 5 species new to park 6,7 Pictured Rocks NL (L2) Timpanogos Cave NM (H3)6 Pipe Spring NM (G4) Timucuan EHP (M6)6,7 ƒ 2011–20124,5 | surveys, educational programs | bats, especially migratory species | academic partner | 18 species identified, 600 public participants Upper Delaware SRR (N3) ƒ 2013–20141,4 | 24 hr bioblitz | all taxa | 2013: 50 scientists, amateur Piscataway Park (N4) naturalists, 25 volunteers, 250 educational program attendees | 1,024 4,5 | | ƒ 2013–2014 videography, educational programs bald eagles species in 2013 6 Point Reyes NS (E3) Valley Forge NHP (N3) 1,5 | ƒ 2002–2014 24 hr bioblitzes, counts, forays, grants, 2- to 3-day ƒ 20141,5 | “Summer of Bugs” (two 24 hr bioblitzes and a summer- | inventories algae, benthic invertebrates, crabs, diatoms, eelgrass, long “photoblitz”) | terrestrial invertebrates | university partner with fish, fungi, intertidal biota, invasive species, lichens, mollusks, oysters, public participation | catalog bugs present in two seasons; includes | phytoplankton, sea squirts, shellfish, stream butterflies taxonomists, macrophotography workshop and use of iNaturalist to log photos students, 15–100 public and scientists per year depending on event ƒ 20095 | “Crayfish Corps” | inventory and manual removal of nonnative Pu‘uhonua o Hönaunau NHP (B7)7 rusty crayfish| volunteers from schools, summer camps, corporate groups, conservation organizations, families, park neighbors | native-to-nonnative Redwood NP (E2/3)6 crayfish ratio is 4:1 5 | | | Rock Creek Park (N4) ƒ 2003 inventory crayfish 1 undescribed species and 1 new to state ƒ 20072,4 | large 24 hr bioblitz and fair (NPS-NGS) | amphibians, aquatic Voyageurs NP (K2)7 insects, birds, fish, fungi, mammals, microbes, plants, reptiles, and terrestrial invertebrates (including insects) | with National Geographic Wolf Trap NPPA (N4) Society | more than 650 species tallied ƒ 20133,5 | photo inventory, ATBI | birds, insects (including pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths), plants | volunteer and federal biologist, professional and Rocky Mountain NP (I3)6,7 volunteer naturalists, public, local naturalist organizations | 100 bird species, ƒ 20122,4 | large, 24 hr bioblitz and fair (NPS-NGS) | all taxa | with National thousands of photo insect and plant observations Geographic Society, 5,000 public, schoolchildren, scientists, partners | 490 species total, 138 new to park (including 2 mammals) Wrangell–St. Elias NP (D4/5)6,9 1 | | | ƒ 2008–2009 2-day mycoblitz fungi professional and citizen scientists, Wupatki NM (G4) local naturalist organization ƒ 2012–ongoing5 | ATBI cave arthropods, bats, and other vertebrates | 5 | | ƒ 2008–2009 waterblitz water sampling at 168 and 140 park locations, university researcher through CESU | 1 bat and at least 2 arthropod species | respectively scientists, public new to science ƒ survey5 | caddisflies, mayflies, stoneflies | entomologist Yellowstone NP (H2)6,7 Saguaro NP (G5) ƒ 20091 | 24 hr bioblitz, public event | various taxa | taxonomic working 5 | ƒ 2012–2014 student monitoring of 10,000 saguaro cacti and other plants groups, public and animals ƒ 2007–20091,3 | aquatic molecular ATBI | aquatic DNA of Yellowstone Lake, 2,4 | | | ƒ 2011 large, 24 hr bioblitz and fair (NPS-NGS) all taxa with National various taxa | largest study of environmental DNA: 7 billion base pairs of | Geographic Society, 5,500 public, schoolchildren, scientists, partners 859 DNA sequenced | academic institutions species tallied, 400 new to park, 1 may be new to science 7 7 Yosemite NP (F4) Saint Croix NSR (K2) ƒ 2007–20143 | ATBI with annual targeted taxa and habitats | bryophytes, Saint-Gaudens NHS (O2)7 caves, cliff lichens, high-elevation lakes | park staff, taxonomists, contractor, American Alpine Club | 500 lichen species new to park, some new to Sierra San Juan Island NHP (F1)6 Nevada and North America, a few new to science; more than 300 bryophyte ƒ 20141 | 2-day bioblitz | all taxa | students to help run event species identified 5 | | | Sand Creek Massacre NHS (I4) ƒ 2004–2010 inventory vertebrates park, academic, and federal scientists | ƒ 5 | survey | insects | entomologist repeat of early 1900s Grinnell Survey ƒ 2002–20045 | inventory | cave invertebrates | contractor | 1 new species Santa Monica Mountains NRA (F5)6,7 ƒ 2009–20144 | annual biodiversity festival (1.5 days) | 2,000 people Yucca House NM (H4) 5 | | | ƒ 20082,4 | large, 24 hr bioblitz and fair (NPS-NGS) | all taxa | with National ƒ 1 year survey insects entomologist Geographic Society, 2,000 public, schoolchildren, scientists, partners | more Yukon-Charley Rivers NPres (D3/4)9 than 1,700 species tallied Zion NP (G4)6 Sequoia NP (F4) ƒ 20145 | inventory | DNA analysis of harvestmen (insect) ƒ ongoing5 | Christmas bird count ƒ 2002–20045 | inventory | cave invertebrates | contractor | about 30 new species (combined with those reported for Kings Canyon NP) ƒ 5 | roadside acoustic surveys | bats Shenandoah NP (N4)7 14 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Invited Features

COMMENTARY Biodiversity and national parks: What’s relevance got to do with it?

By Glenn Plumb, Edward O. Wilson, Sally Plumb, and Paula J. Ehrlich

ECENTLY, THE DIRECTOR OF Discovery matters of discovery can be tightly coupled with the National Park Service (NPS) the diversity of life that has been entrusted asked the National Park System What connects national parks, biodiver- to the National Park Service. Think about Advisory Board Science Com- sity, and relevance? The public perception it. The diversity of life that has been en­ Rmittee to answer three questions: What of the centenary National Park Service trusted. Think about it again. Think about should be the goals of resource manage- is increasingly focused on the nation’s the great archetypal stories of journeys ment in the National Park Service? What biodiversity, though this vocabulary is of discovery and of being entrusted with policies for resource management are not yet universally practiced. Technically, the diversity of life. Biodiversity is not an necessary to achieve these goals? What ac- biodiversity is the diversity of life across asset or a currency simply to be carefully tions are required to implement these poli- the ecosystem, species, and genetic levels. packaged for passage through a purported cies? Broad in scope and implication, these Personally, only the most inattentive of Anthropocene. For the National Park questions and their answers are intended park visitors do not find themselves tak- Service and its visitors and stakeholders, to help chart the course of NPS resource ing a short breath in wonder and delight biodiversity discovery and conservation stewardship. This dialogue generated a call when first encountering a park’s diversity are the journey. Exhilarating. “to steward NPS resources for continuous of life: majestic trees, expansive prairie, change that is not yet fully understood, tender wildflowers, teeming wild fish, in order to preserve ecological integrity charismatic wild predators and prey, a Words matter and cultural and historical authenticity, hatch of the salmon fly, marine mammals, provide visitors with transformative ex- migratory birds and butterflies on their Let’s take a step back from the edge of the periences, and form the core of a national long journeys, cold-blooded amphibians profound, draw a short breath, and think conservation land- and seascape” (Na- and reptiles, coral reefs, and the colorful about our current state of affairs. Just as of tional Park System Advisory Board 2012). extremophiles of acidic hot springs. The old, we continue to record and pass along Within this context, the next century for diversity of life lives on in its full exuber- our rules, accomplishments, aspirations, the National Park Service will be influ- ance, we intend and hope. and paths through written narrative. In enced by a combination of system-level the past three decades, the scientific and drivers and stressors such as advancement We believe that old and young alike who nonscientific narrative about our growing of climate and land use change, responses experience biodiversity fully at the level of understanding and anxiety about the eco- to such changes, and how stakeholders species in a national park are more likely logical consequences of the accelerating perceive the agency’s relevance. This essay to believe in the importance of conserv- loss of biodiversity, especially at the spe- considers not the relevance of biodiversity, ing life in general, and to actively become cies level, has exploded globally. From this but rather the relevance of the National a current- or next-generation steward. emerging understanding of the ecological Park Service as seen through the lens of The power of biodiversity discovery in centrality of biodiversity in the human participants in national park biodiver- such moments is becoming central to condition, this discussion has expanded to sity discovery and conservation experi- the perceived transcendence of national include the aesthetic, ethical, sociological, ences. Simply put, without relevance, the parks. One needs only see the light of dis- and economic consequences of the loss National Park Service will have a difficult covery in a child’s eyes at a park bioblitz of diversity of life. Distinctly, Nobel Peace time championing meaningful biodiversity to become a believer in the value of living Prize–winner Eric Chivian and colleague conservation. nature. Such transformative experiences Aaron Bernstein (2008) undertook the first 15

our parks through societal involvement in Biodiversity is not an asset or a currency simply to be fun and educational biodiversity discovery carefully packaged for passage through a purported activities and has challenged park staffs to conduct such activities in at least 100 Anthropocene. For the National Park Service and its parks from 2011 to 2016. Parks can thereby visitors and stakeholders, biodiversity discovery and develop new, engaging relationships with diverse audiences, especially children, in conservation are the journey. the discovery of life in our parks. In the past 16 years, biodiversity discovery activities in parks have identified approximately 21,500 species new to park species lists, and have provided hands-on science experiences for in-depth synthesis of the fundamental and dispersal; and providing for genetically more than 39,000 people of diverse ages, profound relationships between biodiver- diverse wild life populations. races, and backgrounds (NPS 2014). The sity and human health. Though we face scientific gains from biodiversity discovery many challenges to improving the human are incalculable, species specialists will tell condition, conservation of the diversity of Who cares matters you. Public involvement and education can life remains within our collective capacity. also be catalytic, yielding an exponential Conceivable. In addition to this foundational work of increase in awareness of and motivation protection, the National Park Service ad- for stewardship of biodiversity. Imagine the Words are important. Certain words speak vances biodiversity conservation by raising number 39,000 with a few more zeroes. volumes when used, and are poignant awareness through effective engagement by their absence. Relevance can indeed of our citizens. As global threats increase, Consider, for example, the middle school become biased by a deft turn of phrase. national parks are becoming critical re- student from Connecticut who attended Notwithstanding the rapidly growing serves of biodiversity. Yet current societal the 2013 NPS–National Geographic Soci- global interest in biodiversity, a quiet read- trends include the disconnection of youth ety BioBlitz at Jean Lafitte National His- ing of NPS Management Policies (2006) from nature and low park visitation by torical Park and Preserve in Louisiana (see reveals that “biodiversity” or “diversity” minority groups and underrepresented sidebar on page 17). He became so inspired is not to be found in the table of contents communities. If something is not seen as by the experience that he subsequently co- or glossary, and is mentioned obliquely relevant, it is not considered important. ordinated a bioblitz that engaged his entire only four times amidst this 170-page tome. school. As stated by one of his teachers, Intriguing. We suggest that public education and “City kids who live in some of the most involvement in biodiversity discovery at crime-ridden and drug-ridden housing Despite this lack of specific biodiversity our national parks are vital to conserving projects in the Northeast, and who need guidance, the business of biodiversity our national biodiversity for the future. to appear ‘tough’ so they can survive, are conservation takes place day to day in Biodiversity discovery in national parks, for now talking biodiversity.” national parks through a wide array of example via a public bioblitz, has proven to resource protection and management, generate transformative visitor experiences Participation in biodiversity discovery can including restoration of native species and that both educate and inspire through be life-changing in unexpected ways. Con- ecosystems, control of invasive species, direct public involvement in the discov- template, for instance, students from inner- integrated pest management, and inven- ery of living organisms in the parks, of city Los Angeles who were bused to the 2008 tory and monitoring. The National Park which it is estimated that 80–90% remain NPS–National Geographic Society BioBlitz Service is actively engaged in the business unknown. Because biodiversity discovery at Santa Monica Mountains National of protecting a wide range of habitats, activities often require only excited minds Recreation Area. Before a single species such as prairie, tundra, ocean, mountains, and willing hands, they appeal to children had been identified, a bigger discovery was forest, desert, rivers, islands, reefs, man- and nonscientists as much as they do to made: these children were seeing the ocean groves, and coastal wetlands; conserving experts in the subject matter. The NPS for the first time. Extrapolate this handful of ecological processes such as predation, Call to Action item 7, “Next Generation children to the millions of people who have competition, and disturbance; preserving Stewards,” envisions a new generation of not yet experienced a national park and who large-scale marvels such as migration and citizen scientists and future stewards of have little understanding of the importance 16 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

One needs only see the light of discovery in a child’s eyes at a park bioblitz to become a believer in the value of living nature. of biodiversity in their lives, health, and well- of people who have a deep and personal Literature cited being. They need to experience the ocean experience of nature—who explore and to appreciate the fish; they need untamed participate in the science of biodiversity and Chivian, E., and A. Bernstein, editors. 2008. spaces to attach importance to wild life. the practice of global biodiversity conserva- Sustaining life: How human health depends tion—we can encourage a public citizenry on biodiversity. Oxford University Press, New York, New York, USA. 542 pp. who understands how the complex and Partners matter intricate web of biodiversity supports the National Park Service. 2006. Management fabric of our lives and who, through that policies. National Park Service, Washington, The overarching enterprise of biodiversity knowledge, begins to seed this understand- D.C., USA. conservation is beyond the scope of any ing into our cultural DNA and the way we . 2014. Summary of species new to park single entity. Preservation of biodiversity engage with the living world. species lists and public participation via park and our natural heritage needs to take place biodiversity discovery activities, 1999–2014. not only in our national parks but also in Unpublished information on file. National Park our citizens’ hearts and minds. We be- Purpose matters Service, Biological Resource Management lieve that the NPS mission to pass on park Division, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. resources unimpaired for the enjoyment How to serve both humanity and the rest National Park System Advisory Board. 2012. of future generations, along with the array of life is the great challenge of the modern Revisiting Leopold: Resource stewardship in of implications from the loss of biologi- era. That is the reality of the natural world the national parks. A report of the National cal diversity, requires the Park Service to we are trying to save in national parks and Park System Advisory Board Science undertake leadership and teamwork at other reserves. These final sanctuaries are Committee. 23 pp. spatial scales larger than parks, and in step our transcendent heritage and we will be Wilson, E. O. 2014. A window on eternity: A with partners who may share in this mis- wise to hold on to them. We can enjoy sur- biologist’s walk through Gorongosa. Simon sion. Capturing the public’s mind and soul viving fragments of nature in various ways and Schuster, New York, New York, USA. means engaging people wherever they are, and measures. Let us all first take constant 149 pp. whether it be in national parks, vital private pleasure from the surprise, mystery, awe, natural areas, or their own backyards. Parks wholeness, and redemption they offer. About the authors are embedded in larger regional and con- Deeper still, let us hold on to a sense of the tinental landscapes (National Park System eternal, which is latent in wildlands. These Glenn Plumb (glenn_plumb@nps Advisory Board 2012), and thus we propose special places provide hope for the im- .gov) is chief wildlife biologist with the that partnerships with organizations that mortality of life as a whole, freed of human National Park Service, Biological Resource are working to protect and restore at-risk cares and intervention (Wilson 2014). Management Division, Fort Collins, species and ecosystem biodiversity on Colorado. Edward O. Wilson (wilson @oeb.harvard.edu) is with the Harvard private lands are vital to the National Park In the not too distant future, we will look University Museum of Comparative Service mission. Nonprofits such as the back and recognize that sometime near Zoology, Cambridge, Massachusetts. E. O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation the transition to the 21st century, biodiver- Sally Plumb ([email protected]) is (www.eowilsonfoundation.org), Encyclo- sity became one of the defining charac- biodiversity coordinator, National Park pedia of Life (www.eol.org), and Discover teristics of the American experience. For Service, Biological Resource Management Life in America (www.dlia.org) are building the National Park Service mission, for Division, Fort Collins, Colorado. Paula J. much-needed capacity for biodiversity national park relevance, and perhaps for Ehrlich ([email protected]) discovery and conservation; they can act as the insights herein, it is imperative for the is president and chief executive officer of conveners, anchoring a driving focus on the National Park Service, without hesitation, the E. O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, importance of biodiversity field research to undertake leadership and commit to the Durham, North Carolina. and education, and the use of our parks enduring journey of biodiversity discovery as classrooms for learning, involvement, and conservation with our stakeholders and caring. By working together to build a and partners, along with all the accompa- broad and authentic grassroots community nying aspirations and consequences. INVITED FEATURES 17

PROFILE Ben Clark, Biodiversity Youth Ambassador

By Sally Plumb DAWN PILOTTI, ST. ANN ACADEMY ANN ST. PILOTTI, DAWN HROUGH POURING RAIN with an accompanying biodiversity festival in the redwood forest at Muir featuring exhibits on the biodiversity of Woods National Monument, 38 national parks. This growing awareness 14-year-old Ben Clark is grinning of biodiversity resulted in 42 students, Tfrom ear to ear. He is participating in a parents, and teachers traveling from Ben’s predatory beetle inventory during the 2014 home community of Bridgeport, Con- National Park Service–National Geo- necticut, to participate in the Golden Gate graphic Society (NGS) BioBlitz at the parks BioBlitz. Ben was recently selected as an geographically associated with Golden “Everyday Young Hero” by Youth Service Gate National Recreation Area (California). America, an organization that engages young people to change the world and that Ben is an NPS Biodiversity Youth Ambas- sponsors Global Youth Service Day, the sador. Initiated in 2010, the ambassador largest volunteer event in the world. program has the mission of cultivating youth leadership that inspires next-gener- Sally Plumb: Why is biodiversity important? ation environmental stewards in schools and communities. To date, five ambassa- Ben Clark: Biodiversity is important dors have been selected by the host parks because it is the life and world we live in. Ben Clark collects a patent-leather beetle at of the NPS-NGS BioBlitzes, while a sixth, So the more we learn and discover about the 2013 NPS-NGS BioBlitz at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Ben, was selected by the Natural Resource biodiversity, the better we can improve the Stewardship and Science Directorate. quality of human life. SP: As a Biodiversity Youth Ambas- Ben’s interest in biodiversity began during SP: Why is it so important for youth sador, what have you done to promote the 2011 Rocky Mountain National Park today to connect with nature? interest and awareness of biodiversity? BioBlitz. While looking for amphibians in an alpine pond, Ben found a damselfly BC: “Youth” means the next generation, BC: As a Biodiversity Youth Ambassador, my larva and learned that it was not native to so if we can get them excited and enthu- friends and teachers and I organized a school the area. He became fascinated with the siastic about learning and conserving bioblitz to promote youth involvement in question of how it came to be there. In biodiversity, the better we can conserve it biodiversity and to get youth excited about Ben’s words, “It was that one little fly that and the better we can control what we’re it. Change begins with one. At home in Con- opened my eyes to biodiversity.” doing. necticut, there are now 250 students waiting for the second annual school bioblitz. Just Since that time, Ben’s work to further SP: You’ve participated in several imagine how many people can be inspired by biodiversity awareness has been inspir- bioblitzes. Which was your favorite 250 students! ing. While attending the 2013 bioblitz at and why? Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and About the author Preserve in Louisiana, he was selected BC: My favorite bioblitz was the 2014 as an interviewee in a minidocumen- Golden Gate BioBlitz because when I Sally Plumb ([email protected]) is tary by the E. O. Wilson Biodiversity was there, I learned more about how the biodiversity coordinator, National Park Foundation, Inspired by Nature (http:// ecosystem and the organisms in the eco- Service, Biological Resource Management eowilsonfoundation.org/nps-biodiversity system interact with each other to sustain Division, Fort Collins, Colorado. She can -youth-ambassadors/). At his school, St. the environment. And I found that really be reached at [email protected]. Ann Academy, Ben helped implement fascinating and really interesting—and I a schoolwide bioblitz at a local estuary, really liked learning about that. 18 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014 USFWS/DAVE MENKE; NCTC IMAGE LIBRARY IMAGE NCTC MENKE; USFWS/DAVE

Inventory and monitoring of park biodiversity

Bewick’s wren

By William Monahan and Kirsten Gallo

HE NPS INVENTORY AND • Air quality–related values standing the environments and processes Monitoring Program (I&M) was • Climate that have led to diversification. Thus, both established in 1992 to develop a • Geologic resources the biotic and abiotic components of the scientific understanding of the • Soil resources 12 natural resource inventories contribute Tphysical, chemical, and biological ele- • Water body location and classification to our growing body of knowledge of park ments and processes of park ecosystems (including wells) biodiversity. that shape the overall “health” or condi- • Baseline water quality tion of park resources occurring in more • Vegetation (vascular plants) The inventories have shaped our under- than 270 national parks. The primary • Species lists (NPSpecies) standing of biodiversity and facilitated purpose of the program is to deliver to • Species occurrence and distribution of its discovery in parks across the country. parks the science needed to manage their vascular plants, birds, mammals, fish, The Kahuku plant inventory at Hawaii natural resources, beginning with 12 basic amphibians, and reptiles Volcanoes National Park discovered a total inventories (https://science.nature of 455 vascular plant species, including 5 .nps.gov/im/inventory/index.cfm): While certain inventories such as base- endangered species and 26 locally rare, line water quality (benthic macroinver- native species. During vegetation mapping • Natural resource bibliography (IRMA tebrates), vegetation, and species lists at the Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina Data Store) directly inform our understanding of bio- and Virginia), 75 distinct plant communi- • Base cartography diversity in parks, others, such as climate, ties were documented within the park, of • Air quality geology, and soils, are central to under- which 24 are considered globally rare and INVITED FEATURES 19

THIS IMAGE WAS PREPARED BY ELLEN EDMONSON AND HUGH CHRISP AS rather than land use. Water temperature PART OF THE 1927–1940 NEW YORK monitoring will help determine the extent BIOLOGICAL SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT to which climate change is driving changes (THE PREDECESSOR TO TODAY’S NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF in diatoms and water quality. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION). PERMISSION FOR ITS USE IS GRANTED BY THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT By focusing on the highest-priority mea- OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION. surements of park resource condition, Bridle shiner I&M results and findings provide early warning of situations that require manage- ment intervention. This contribution to 7 are considered globally imperiled. Her- rediscovery of species we thought were management is attainable without a fully petological surveys at Sleeping Bear Dunes lost. For example, bird monitoring in the comprehensive understanding of park National Lakeshore (Michigan) revealed 4 Southwest adds, on average, five new spe- biodiversity because species have interac- new species of reptiles and amphibians. At cies of birds to park species lists each year. tions and dependencies both within and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Two species of bats and a lady-slipper among park ecosystems. National Park Area (Pennsylvania and New Jersey) and orchid, all listed as critically imperiled by Service and National Geographic Society Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational NatureServe, were documented in Big BioBlitzes thus complement the Inventory River (Pennsylvania and New York), sev- South Fork National River and Recreation and Monitoring Program by expanding eral species of fishes that were previously Area (Tennessee and Kentucky). Two our knowledge of the biological resources considered to be rare or uncertain are now species not seen in parks in more than in parks. For example, nonvascular plants known to be relatively widespread in the 30 years have been documented through and invertebrates are two groups of taxa two parks, and another very rare species monitoring: spadefoot toad in Yellowstone considered by bioblitzes that have not (the bridle shiner, Notropis bifrenatus; see National Park (Wyoming, Montana, and been systematically inventoried. Bioblitzes photo) was discovered at several new sites. Idaho) and a freshwater sponge in Rock can help parks understand the diversity, A bird species thought to be extirpated Creek Park (Washington, D.C.). Species distribution, and abundance of these from Chickamauga and Chattanooga identification for the sponge is pending. taxa, along with others such as fungi and National Military Park in Georgia and microbes. Knowledge gained through park Tennessee (Bewick’s wren, Thryomanes Monitoring has helped document changes bioblitzes adds to our inventories and, as bewickii) was (re)discovered breeding, in biodiversity and why the changes have with all science, bioblitzes help identify providing the first such evidence in the re- occurred. For example, stream monitoring and highlight questions for future study. gion since the early 1980s. At Craters of the conducted by the Rocky Mountain I&M NPSpecies is the centralized NPS resource Moon National Monument and Preserve Network and other collaborative stream for archiving and curating these observa- (Idaho), pika (Ochotona princeps) were sampling efforts in and around Glacier tions in support of future science. detected at several historical (recolonized) National Park (Montana) have resulted and many new locations. in the discovery of 26 new-to-science species of diatoms from Waterton-Glacier About the authors International Peace Park. Diatoms are Monitoring and important bioindicators that reflect water William Monahan is an ecologist with biodiversity quality conditions. The Great Lakes I&M the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division Network sampled about 60 sites across in Fort Collins, Colorado. Kirsten Gallo is network parks. Results show that many of chief of the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Our knowledge and understanding of park the lakes, especially those that are shal- Division in Fort Collins, Colorado. They can be reached at [email protected] and biodiversity continue to grow beyond the low, are experiencing rapid changes in [email protected]. inventories through long-term monitoring diatom species composition. Sediment that tracks the health of park resources. cores collected from at least one lake in More than 30 major categories of natural most of this network’s parks reflect water resources and indicators are monitored quality conditions for the past 150–200 nationally by the I&M Program. Monitor- years. Biological changes from the 1970s to ing results routinely include the documen- 1980s, as reflected by diatom composition, tation of new species and, in some cases, are best explained by changes in climate 20 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Data management for National Park Service– National Geographic Society BioBlitzes Evolving biodiversity documentation

By Peter Budde and Simon Kingston

HE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) and the National Geo- Bioblitz graphic Society (NGS) have A bioblitz is commonly a 24-hour event in which teams of volunteer scientists, cohosted eight annual national families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to find parkT bioblitzes since their inception in and identify as many species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi, and other 2007. Over time the methods and tools organisms as possible. The National Geographic Society is helping conduct a used to manage data from these events bioblitz in a different national park each year during the decade leading up to the U.S. National Park Service centennial in 2016.1 have evolved. Spreadsheets may have given way to smartphones and other mo- 1http://www.nationalgeographic.com/explorers/projects/bioblitz/. bile devices, but one constant has been the use of NPSpecies (https://irma.nps .gov/App/Species/Welcome), the central- reliable data possible are recorded and ized data application that documents made available. Bioblitz events provide an the occurrence and status of species in opportunity for more than the national parks. NPSpecies provides a The buildup enhancement of a park’s NPSpecies baseline of the species known to occur inventory. The buildup to an NPS- in a park and reflects the new knowledge (pre-bioblitz) NGS BioBlitz requires coordination by invited scientists who have been gained from bioblitzes and other forms of identified as being able to increase scientific inquiry. Preparation for managing data at an NPS- the understanding of often lesser- NGS BioBlitz involves determining the known taxonomic groups. Information stored and managed in local contact (typically the Inventory and Additionally, more than 3,000 NPSpecies satisfies a fundamental Monitoring Network data manager), de- people, including more than 1,500 purpose of the National Park Service to signing field data sheets (fig. 2, page 22), schoolchildren, typically participate protect and maintain biological diversity eliciting the types of questions park staff in a bioblitz and the concurrent in parks. Park managers, interpreters, would like to be able to answer as a result biodiversity festival. planners, and scientists need basic infor- of the event, designing and developing mation about species occurring in parks the data entry and reporting application, as a basis for making decisions and for and writing procedures and workflows to and research activities must be reviewed working with the public, other agencies, be used during the bioblitz. and added. In addition, the taxonomic and the scientific community. nomenclature often needs to be updated NPSpecies to reflect the latest science. Once this is Data management for NPS-NGS The goal of NPSpecies is to be the au- complete, the final step is to update the BioBlitzes occurs in three distinct stages: thoritative source of species that occur in records to indicate how certain the park the pre-bioblitz buildup, the rush of a park; however, many park species lists is that an organism occurs in the park. activity during the bioblitz itself, and the were last updated and reviewed during a post-bioblitz follow-up (fig. 1). Each stage certification process that occurred several QA/QC has its own set of activities, but common years ago. Before the bioblitz, in order to In order to prevent errors from making themes are links to NPSpecies and quality make sure that a park’s species list reflects their way into species lists from bioblitz- assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) the current state of knowledge for organ- collected data, we take several quality steps that are taken to ensure the most isms that occur in a park, species records assurance steps. This includes crafting a from inventories, incidental observations, standardized field data sheet for use by INVITED FEATURES 21

Figure 1. The data management life cycle -Biobli of NPS-NGS BioBlitzes relies on NPSpecies Pre tz as the standard for what species are known to be in a park and updates that stan- Evolu dard with new discoveries after the tion C Tra of bioblitz. /Q are ckin th QA taxa g A e ent” ce – From M pp Bi res iden S Ac li oB “p y ev to M ces ca l re b hers, S Acc s–o ti it u ted ouc S ess nl o z e s ia s, v erver t on y a n k nt on ) o on top pp a sta ati es open-s line o lic M b rv enc eet ourc /m f S a – su se er a sh with e a ob Q tio b ref dat crow pp il L n (o d ld , and id d-s lic e n fie lop entifi ou at – s a t ve data- cat rc io M d af , de litz ion ed n r r n ioB ion s – s a o s C ig B licat ta tc c rd – es te app P n h re o D a g ro d c d in s ta s – p k – h v a Q re u c e i r x ie ra PSpecies M e d d a c r t N t e A e l a n e o t a a / p h pecie c c Q c NPS s list g a h s m S u te to e t C z a o t a e P o d m i o p t a s o b n s v U ren k t N r e p n s d – cu a t D i t d t s e a o i t r n n i t r l a o v d a e a – a r o l u r t U p t fi t n n s f i a b u o a o e o i x i e r c i s o r n l s d o t r N k e i t o t n n i d a i p f h P d o r v S r o n s a o t n e a r e h i i p m v e r s n a c N e i e e t e e o n c a s t c i s “ g d c p c e e d P b i r s r e B n p a e i r i C o S s s a s e i r d - u c k w a p d c c h Q d o

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all registered scientists, standardizing the Evolution of the as a source for correct spelling of species taxonomy for all species lists, and requir- bioblitz observation- names. ing that species marked as “present” in a park are substantiated by evidence (e.g., tracking tools Getting relational (2008–2009) voucher specimens or detailed observa- Though the paper data sheets contin- tions). At this stage we also decide upon Getting started (2007) ued to be used in the field, we recog- the observation-tracking method to be Bioblitz participants used paper data nized the importance of the original used, and further design and develop it as sheets to note observations made in the field records and began to retain them necessary. Once we have developed a field field, which were then entered into an following bioblitzes. Also, a participat- data sheet and decided on an observa- electronic spreadsheet. After transfer- ing network data manager developed a tion-tracking method, we draft standard ring the data, the paper data sheets were relational desktop database that replaced operating procedures, including detailed discarded, making it impossible to check the spreadsheets and removed the need to instructions, for their use. entries. The NPSpecies list was not used reenter survey team information for every 22 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

corrected scientific and common names and an administrator ran count reports. For the first time, Internet-based observa- tion tools came into use, as Project Noah (www.projectnoah.org) observations from citizen scientists were imported into the bioblitz database and counted.

Going mobile (2014) Paper field data sheets continued to be used in 2014 at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area bioblitz. In addition, we adopted the iNaturalist mobile applica- tion, which allowed citizens and scientists alike to contribute observations using their mobile devices. Rather than NPS

Out of the 972 species identified at Biscayne National Park’s bioblitz in 2010, 473 (49%) of the park total were found to be new to the official Figure 2. Standardized field data sheets ensure consistency of information collected during park species list. a bioblitz, capturing the who (inventory leader), what (species information), where (inven- tory location and coordinates), when (date of observations), and how (sampling method) of biodiversity discovery. observation. Database forms allowed a simplified data entry tool that closely staff designing and developing a database users to navigate through a menu system resembled the field data sheet and a more application for recording observations to look up official taxonomic names as- complex reporting tool. The reporting at the bioblitz, this time we selected an sociated with the NPSpecies list for each tool was based on a desktop NPSpecies existing Web-based citizen science plat- park. By controlling these “pick lists” we application developed in 2005, allow- form, iNaturalist (www.iNaturalist.org), avoided spelling errors and more easily ing for even closer tie-in to the updated to be the data repository. Staff worked saw when new species were added. Based NPSpecies list for the park. New reports to develop requirements for modifica- on these improvements, we were able to could be created, including a “Tree of tions to iNaturalist in order to make it provide counts of the number of differ- Life” report, which interpretive staff have compatible with the needs of the bioblitz. ent species found by taxonomic category used to highlight extant and extinct spe- Investments in this observation tool not (e.g., mammals, birds, vascular plants) cies. Overall, these procedures facilitated only allowed for greater participation by during the bioblitz. tighter coupling with NPSpecies. individuals who were not able to attend the 24-hour biodiversity discovery event, Tighter coupling with NPSpecies Going enterprise and getting social but also created a persistent resource (2010–2011) (2012–2013) for the park and citizens to continue to Field data sheets evolved to include a We continued to use paper field data contribute species observations after the unique identification number displayed sheets. The desktop database, how- bioblitz. on each sheet, which made informa- ever, was migrated to a higher-powered tion easier to trace back to a team leader database system, which provided greater The rush (during and easier to find in the database. Data capacity for multiuser editing and better managers scanned the field data sheets protection against accidental data loss. bioblitz) in order to make it easy for data entry We designed a custom, menu-driven user technicians to review the original entries interface that allowed bioblitz volunteers Bioblitzes typically run from Friday and to create digital records. The data- to enter the field data into the database. morning through Saturday afternoon and base application was split into two parts: Naturalists then reviewed, matched, and usually start off slowly for data manage- INVITED FEATURES 23

ment, as it takes a while for data sheets access to authoritative Internet resources Conclusion to arrive from the field. By the end of the such as the Integrated Taxonomic Infor- day on Friday and especially on Satur- mation System (ITIS) are critical in refin- The methods used to record species ob- day morning, things are hopping. Once ing species observations during a bioblitz. servations during National Park Service– groups start to return from the field, the These resources are used to correct mis- National Geographic Society BioBlitzes data management team kicks into action, spellings and other common errors. have changed over time as new technolo- entering field data sheet information into gies have become available. The recent The unique identification number on bioblitz at Golden Gate National Recre- each field data sheet is entered into the ation Area in March of this year used an Field guidebooks and access to bioblitz database and saved into the open-source, Web-based application that authoritative Internet resources such scanned data sheet filename, making it as the Integrated Taxonomic allowed contributions by citizens using Information System (ITIS) are critical easy to trace records from collection and applications on mobile devices. It also in refining species observations entry to reporting. Data management permitted crowd sourcing of identifica- during a bioblitz. These resources volunteers also evaluate observation loca- tions—that is, soliciting help from the are used to correct misspellings and tions to be sure that they are within park online community of users. other common errors. boundaries. As the technology used to document The follow-up species observations at bioblitzes con- tinues to evolve, NPSpecies remains the the bioblitz application, downloading and (post-bioblitz) constant the National Park Service uses associating photos with the field records, to communicate the depth of biodiver- and providing reports, such as counts of In the days and even years following a sity in the parks. NPSpecies serves as distinct species observed, to the bioblitz bioblitz, data management staff finalize the baseline for what species are known communication staff. data entry into NPS data systems, such to occur in a park. It is used for qual- as the Interior Collections Management ity assurance during a bioblitz to ensure NPSpecies System (ICMS), the Integrated Resource that legitimate species names are associ- By comparing species entered from the Management Applications (IRMA) ated with observations and to highlight field data sheets with the computer-based Voucher system, and the IRMA Observa- discoveries of species that are new to NPSpecies list, we are able to highlight tions application. a park. Finally, NPSpecies is updated species that are new to a park and note after a bioblitz to reflect the new state of when a previously uncertain species oc- NPSpecies knowledge of what species are known to currence is confirmed. For example, out New species discoveries are added to the occur in a park. of the 972 species identified at Biscayne park’s species list, updating the state of National Park’s bioblitz in 2010, 473 knowledge of what organisms occur in (49%) of the park total were new to the the park. Occurrence status is changed About the authors official park species list. to “Present in Park” for species that were previously uncertain. Peter Budde is chief of the Restoration QA/QC and Adaptation Branch, Biological NPSpecies serves as the source for scien- QA/QC Resource Management Division, Fort tific and common names when entering Data management staff work with park Collins, Colorado. Simon Kingston is species from field data sheets, helping to staff to finalize identification of speci- a data manager with the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division in Fort Collins, prevent spelling errors. If a name is not mens and review questionable identifica- Colorado. They can be reached at found on the park’s NPSpecies list, then tions before adding these records to NPS [email protected] and a standardized taxonomy “lookup” or data systems. They also work to ensure [email protected]. query of the database is used. If a name that NPSpecies records are substantiated does not appear in the standardized with links to observations and vouchers. taxonomy search results, then science volunteers try to validate the name with a recognized authority and follow up with field scientists. Field guidebooks and OLMSTED NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE/JOEL VEAK Higgins Chuck and Allen, Diana Buttke, Danielle By to health human and well-being biodiversity of Benefits 24 PARK SCIENCE •VOLUME 31 •NUMBER 1 •SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

INVITED FEATURES 25

HE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM protect the health of all species and the Provisioning services hosts some of the most diverse environment on which all depend. The resources found anywhere on Healthy Parks Healthy People movement Humans depend upon biodiversity for the planet. Parks host more was initiated by Parks Victoria, Australia, survival, such as for the foods we eat, varietyT in plant and animal organisms in 2000, and has subsequently been insti- medicines we use to stay healthy, and ma- than almost any other land use (Flynn et tutionalized by the National Park Service terials we wear or use to build our homes. al. 2009). Parks also curate our nation’s to protect and promote the sum total of These services are the tangible products cultural diversity, including landscapes, cultural and natural resources entrusted or items that we and other species con- values, aesthetics, stories and belief sys- to our care (including park environments, sume for survival. Although this may be tems, science, and knowledge. This varia- park facilities, and programs) collec- less obvious to the average American who tion among plants and animals, including tively, as health resources. In 2012 the purchases supermarket food from a select cultural variation in humans, is called U.S. National Park Service sponsored a few grain and livestock species, a large biodiversity (WHO 2014). Biodiversity is Healthy Parks Healthy People motion that variety of organisms maintain human profoundly important to the health and was adopted by the International Union consumption needs. Historically, this sustainability of all species, including our for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) variety was much greater, but even today, own, regardless of where we live, work, or and its members, including government wildlife serves as an important protein play. Biodiversity gives resilience—from and nongovernmental organizations and iron source for much of the develop- the microbes that contribute to the forma- and scientists, to “protect the Earth’s ing world, and botanical products serve tion of the human biome to the genes that two most important assets—nature and as the base for both modern and tradi- help us adapt to stress in the environment— people” and “to promote the benefits of tional medicines. For example, 118 of the supports all forms of livelihoods, may enhancing healthy ecosystems and human 150 most commonly used drugs are based help regulate disease, and is necessary for health and well-being synergistically.” on natural sources (ESA 1997). physical, mental, and spiritual health and As stated in the “Revisiting Leopold” social well-being. report, this interconnectedness between Natural resources are not typically har- human well-being and nature could have vested from national parks for consump- Biodiversity can be explored in a number significant management and stewardship tive purposes aside from selected grazing of emerging movements and schools of implications for parks, and there is need and hunting provisions; however, park thought that are changing how we value to examine and promote this science as vegetation provides oxygen and removes and care for nature. Edward O. Wilson an additional avenue to benefit parks and and stores tremendous amounts of car- defined the term “biophilia,” in his 1984 biodiversity (NPSAB 2012). This report bon dioxide, and snowmelt from national book of the same title, as the natural and was created following a request from NPS parks provides a significant source of instinctive bond humans have to other Director Jarvis and is intended to act as municipal water to many major cities. The living things. Biophilia means that hu- a guide for natural resource goals, policy, Tuolumne River system in Yosemite Na- man affiliations with other life are deeply and action within the National Park tional Park provides water to more than rooted in our biology and necessary for Service. 2.5 million people in the San Francisco our well-being. An increasing amount of Bay area. science supports this theory, and several Human dependence on biodiversity ex- very successful and prominent science tends beyond the food we eat, the air we Regulating services and social movements have developed breathe, and the water we drink (fig. 1). based on this science. The One Health This dependence has been classified movement promotes interdisciplinary into four main services—provisioning, Our dependence upon biodiversity, how- approaches recognizing the interconnect- regulating, cultural, and supporting—and ever, goes far beyond simple consump- edness of human, animal, and environ- each is essential to human health (Mil- tion of resources. Biodiversity influences mental health, and has been embraced lennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005). how disease occurs in an individual or by the veterinary, medical, and scientific In this article we examine four ways in population, how the local climate is able communities as a way to promote and which biodiversity benefits human health to support life, and how resilient an area and include examples of how parks will be against flooding or a catastrophic Figure 1 (facing page). Exposure to biodiver- contribute to this emerging science and storm. Regulating services are the pro- sity in nature has multiple benefits to both understanding. cesses that renew resources and ensure mental and physical health at any age. 26 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Our dependence upon biodiversity, however, goes far beyond simple consumption of resources. Biodiversity influences how disease occurs in an individual or population, how the local climate is able to support life, and how resilient an area will be against flooding or a catastrophic storm.

a functional, habitable environment. The biodiversity in parks serves many of Cultural services These include the well-known ecosystem these regulating services, whether it be services of cleaning air and water, as well flood mitigation from parks with swamps Our dependence on biodiversity also as the less well-understood services of and floodplains, disease-regulating includes cultural services that promote climate modification, immune and brain services of predators and other wildlife health for individuals, communities, and function modulation (from symbiotic species that reside in parks, or clean air society. Cultural services include inspira- bacteria, the human “microbiome”), and and water. Park research also is lead- tion, education, recreation, aesthetics, modulation of infectious disease. Many ing the way to learning more about the traditional knowledge, and opportunities regulating services are currently be- regulating services of biodiversity: a study for scientific discovery and are derived ing studied for their benefits to human from Channel Islands National Park sug- from interaction with or exposure to health, and science continues to identify gests that an increase in species richness, biodiversity (Millennium Ecosystem As- new ways in which humans depend on in particular predators, can decrease the sessment 2005). Cultural services deliver other organisms to modulate our internal prevalence of hantavirus in deer mouse health-promoting benefits of biodiversity and external environment. populations and thereby decrease human and sustain the relationship of people disease risk (Orrock et al. 2011). with nature that is necessary to support Scientists have learned a great deal about life (Frumkin 2001; Abraham et al. 2010). the regulating services of biodiversity Climate change is expected to increase by studying the human health impacts the importance of regulating ecosystem Nature experience has been found to of ecosystem alteration and degradation services (Nelson et al. 2013). Wetlands, have a positive impact on physiological (Myers et al. 2013). Human-made dams marshes, and riparian areas mitigate and psychological health. Research has and irrigation projects have been linked floods, filter water, and can mitigate shown that contact with nature improves to increases in vector-borne diseases such damage from natural disasters such cognitive function and relieves stress as malaria, leishmaniasis, and schistoso- as hurricanes, which are predicted to (Gladwell et al. 2013). Further, nature miasis (see Myers et al. 2013 for review). occur with increasing intensity and experience has been associated with Deforestation and human encroachment frequency as global temperature rises. higher levels of physical activity, lower into wildlife habitat have been associated Many vector-borne diseases are already levels of mortality and chronic disease, with the emergence of several zoonotic increasing in prevalence and expanding improved self-esteem, and improved diseases, including HIV and ebola (Hahn their geographic range because of climate immune function (Gladwell et al. 2013; et al. 2000; Ostfeld 2009). Direct correla- change, and wildfires are becoming more Nieuwenhuijsen et al. 2014; Karjalainen tions between increased incidence of sev- frequent and more severe (Nelson et al. et al. 2010; Maller et al. 2006; Barton and eral infectious diseases, including Lyme, 2013). Regulating ecosystem services are Pretty 2010; Pretty et al. 2005; Thompson Chagas’, West Nile virus, and hantavirus, increasingly important means to adapt to Coon et al. 2011). People living in bio- and decreasing mammalian or avian spe- and dampen negative effects of climate diverse natural areas are less prone to cies diversity also demonstrate the pro- change. allergies and other chronic inflammatory tective, regulating service of biodiversity diseases than people living in landscapes (see Ostfeld and Keesing 2012 for review). of lawns and concrete (Hanski et al. 2012). INVITED FEATURES 27

The incidence of depression and anxiety, nature experience are also being discov- ents necessary for life, and pollination. as well as asthma/COPD, diabetes, and ered. A variety of studies have shown that Without this constant creative process, coronary heart disease, has been found to spending time walking or contemplating life would quickly grind to a halt. Primary be significantly reduced for people living in a forest setting is associated with lower productivity is a key determinant of bio- with more green space (10% or more than cortisol (a stress hormone), lower blood diversity (Rosenzweig 1995), meaning that the average) within a 1 km (0.6 mi) radius pressure and pulse rate, and increased plants and animals alike are dependent (Maas et al. 2009). heart rate variability (Li et al. 2008; Logan upon this supporting service for survival. and Selhub 2012). Visits to forest settings Humans may be the best example of this, Participation in outdoor recreation have been shown to improve immune as humans are estimated to use or co-opt provides a range of potential benefits. responses and the production of anti- 40% of all net primary productivity (Vi- These include health improvement from cancer proteins (Li and Kawada 2011). tousek et al. 1986). physical activity, spiritual well-being, an Individuals exposed to nature experience increase in self-esteem, mental restora- decreased recovery times post-illness or Conclusions tion, and an appreciation for the natural -operation and a decreased need for anal- environment (Buchner and Gobster 2007; gesia compared with those with no nature Frumkin 2001; Hartig 1993; Hoener et al. exposure (Depledge et al. 2011). Biodiversity is important and should be 2010; McCurdy et al. 2010; Kaplan and conserved for its values and benefits to Kaplan 1989; Kaczynski and Henderson Access to nature is also closely linked human health and well-being. Increased 2007; Leahy et al. 2009). There is also evi- to individual and community health. understanding of these health benefits dence indicating that exercise conducted Evidence is mounting that proximity to may improve public support for conser- in outdoor settings or green space may be parks and other green spaces has benefits vation. As land use change and other an- of more value to mental health, physical for health and health-related behavior, thropogenic disturbances to ecosystems performance, and motivation to main- especially of urban residents, and aids impact biodiversity, we continue to learn tain exercise adherence than exercise in reducing health disparities among more about how much humans depend conducted in other settings (Logan and populations (Richardson and Parker 2011; upon the natural world and biodiversity Selhub 2012). Wells and Evans 2003). Communities for their well-being. Fortunately, the Na- with more green spaces report a higher tional Park Service is well positioned to The emotional and cognitive dimension sense of connectivity, increased cohe- raise understanding and appreciation of involved in the experience of nature is sion, and lower crime rates (reviewed in the values and benefits of biodiversity to another area of scientific investigation Largo-Wight 2011). Conversely, environ- protect and preserve our two most vital that demonstrates the restorative value mental degradation is associated with resources: nature and people. of nature and its importance to people’s poor mental health, including depression well-being. The presence of water, trees, and a loss of sense of place (Speldewinde and grass has been found to help people et al. 2009). Residents of greener areas Literature cited to relax and renew, and to reduce ag- experience greater mental health than gression (Kuo and Sullivan 2001). The those who live in or relocate to areas with Abraham, A., K. Sommerhalder, and T. Abel. restorative benefits of urban green spaces less green space (Alcock et al. 2014). This 2010. Landscape and well-being: A scoping and their soundscapes were identified effect was reversible if individuals moved study on the health-promoting impact of outdoor environments. International Journal in one study as the top three reasons for again to areas with more green space. of Public Health 55:59–69. doi:10.1007 visiting an urban park in Amsterdam, /s00038-009-0069-z. Netherlands: “to relax,” “to listen and observe nature,” and “to escape from Supporting services Alcock, I., M. P. White, B. W. Wheeler, the city” (Chiesura 2004). People with a L. E. Fleming, and M. H. Depledge. 2014. strong sense of connection to nature re- Supporting services are the ways in which Longitudinal effects on mental health of moving to greener and less green port more happiness than those who are biodiversity provides the building blocks urban areas. Environmental Science and less connected. A high degree of nature for life. Supporting services are neces- Technology. ePub ahead of print, available at relatedness is also associated with more sary for all other ecosystem services to http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021 environmentally protective behavior exist. These include primary production /es403688w. (Nisbet 2013; Zelenski and Nisbet 2014). (i.e., photosynthesis and chemosynthesis) The beneficial physiological effects of of new organic matter, cycling of nutri- 28 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

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Aggression Biodiversity synthesis. World Resources Flynn, D. F. B., M. Gogol-Prokurat, T. Nogeire, and violence in the inner city: Impact of Institute, Washington, D.C. Accessed 25 April N. Molinari, B. Trautman Richers, B. B. Lin, environment via mental fatigue. Environment 2014 at http://www.millenniumassessment N. Simpson, M. M. Mayfield, and F. DeClerck. and Behavior 33(4):543–571. .org/documents/document.354.aspx.pdf. 2009. Loss of functional diversity under Largo-Wight, E. 2011. Cultivating healthy places land use intensification across multiple taxa. Myers, S. S., L. Gaffkin, C. D. Golden, R. S. and communities: Evidenced-based nature Ecology Letters 12(1):22–33. doi:10.1111 Ostfeld, K. H. Redford, T. H. Ricketts, contact recommendations. International /j.1461-0248.2008.01255.x. W. R. Turner, and S. A. Osofsky. 2013. Journal of Environmental Health Research Human health impacts of ecosystem Frumkin, H. 2001. Beyond toxicity: Human health 21(1):41–61. alteration. 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De Cock, and (NK) activity. International Journal of al. 2013. Climate change’s impact on key P. M. Sharp. 2000. AIDS as a zoonosis: Immunopathology and Pharmacology 24(1) ecosystem services and the human well- Scientific and public health implications. (Supplement 1):39S–44S. being they support in the United States. Science 287(5453):607–614. Li, Q., M. Kobayashi, and T. Kawada. 2008. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment Hanski, I., L. von Hertzen, N. Fyhrquist, et Relationships between percentage of 11(9):483–493. doi:10.1890/120312. al. 2012. Environmental biodiversity, human forest coverage and standardized mortality Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J., K. Hanneke, C. Gidlow, et microbiota, and allergy are interrelated. ratios (SMR) of cancers in all prefectures in al. 2014. Positive health effects of the natural Proceedings of the National Academy of Japan. The Open Public Health Journal 1:1–7. outdoor environment in typical Sciences. doi:10.1073/pnas.1205624109. INVITED FEATURES 29

populations in different regions in Europe Richardson, D., and M. Parker. 2011. A rapid Wells, N. M., and G. W. Evans. 2003. (PHENOTYPE): A study programme protocol. review of the evidence base in relation to Nearby nature: A buffer of life stress BMJ Open 4:e004951. doi:10.1136 physical activity and green space and health. among rural children. Environment /bmjopen-2014-004951. Accessed 25 April Report. HM Partnerships, Liverpool, UK. 28 and Behavior 35(3):311–330. 2014 at http://www.staffs.ac.uk/schools pp. Available at http://www.hmpartnerships doi:10.1177/0013916503251445. /sciences/geography/links/IESR/themes .co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Physical Wilson, Edward O. 1984. Biophilia. Harvard _bioDiv.shtml. -Activity-Green-Space-and-Health-FINAL University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, -DRAFT.pdf. Nisbet, E. K. 2013. The NR-6: A new brief USA. measure of nature relatedness. Frontiers in Rosenzweig, M. L. 1995. Species diversity in World Health Organization (WHO). 2014. Psychology 4:813. doi:10.3389 space and time. Cambridge University Press, Biodiversity. Accessed 25 April 2014 at http:// /fpsyg.2013.00813. Cambridge, UK. www.who.int/globalchange/ecosystems Orrock J. L., B. F. Allan, and C. A. Drost. 2011. Speldewinde, P. C., A. Cook, P. Davies, and P. /biodiversity/en/. Biogeographic and ecological regulation Weinstein. 2009. A relationship between Zelenski, J. M., and E. K. Nisbet. 2014. of disease: Prevalence of Sin Nombre virus environmental degradation and mental Happiness and feeling connected: The in island mice is related to island area, health in rural Western Australia. Health distinct role of nature relatedness. precipitation, and predator richness. The Place 15(3):865–872. Environment and Behavior 46(1):3–23. American Naturalist 177(5):691–697. Thompson Coon, J., K. Boddy, K. Stein, R. Whear, doi:10.1177/0013916512451901. Ostfeld, R. S. 2009. Biodiversity loss and the rise J. Barton, and M. H. Depledge. 2011. Does of zoonotic pathogens. Clinical Microbiology participating in physical activity in outdoor and Infection 15(1):40 –43. doi:10.1111 natural environments have a greater effect About the authors /j.1469-0691.2008.02691.x. on physical and mental wellbeing than physical activity indoors? A systematic review. Danielle Buttke is the One Health Ostfeld, R. S., and F. Keesing. 2012. Effects Environmental Science and Technology coordinator for the National Park Service, a of host diversity on infectious disease. 45(5):1761–1772. doi:10.1021/es102947t. joint position between the Wildlife Health Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Branch, Biological Resource Management Systematics 43:157–182. doi:10.1146 United Nations Global Compact and the Division, and the Offi ce of Public Health, /annurev-ecolsys-102710-145022. International Union for the Conservation and can be reached at danielle_buttke of Nature (IUCN). 2012. A framework Pretty J., J. Peacock, M. Sellens, and M. for corporate action on biodiversity and @nps.gov. Diana Allen is chief of the NPS Griffi n. 2005. The mental and physical ecosystem services. Available at http://www Healthy Parks Healthy People program. She health outcomes of green exercise. .unglobalcompact.org/docs/issues_doc can be reached at [email protected]. International Journal of Environmental /Environment/BES_Framework.pdf. Chuck Higgins is director of the Offi ce Health Research 15(5):319–337. of Public Health for the National Park doi:10.1080/09603120500155963. Vitousek, P. M., P. R. Ehrlich, A. H. Ehrlich, and Service. P. A. Matson. 1986. Human appropriation of the products of photosynthesis. Bioscience 36(6):368–373.

IUCN World Parks Conference to address values and benefits of biodiversity

The World Parks Congress will meet in Sydney, Australia, promising solutions to achieve a healthy and sustainable November 12–19 to focus global attention on the values and planet. benefits of parks and protected areas, including biodiversity. This once-in-a-decade event celebrates achievements of con­ Recorded sessions of the conference will be available at servation policy and practice of the past decade and launches http://worldparkscongress.org. You can also join in an initia­ new policy initiatives for the future. Park and protected area tive to reach millions of youth and inspire connections to professionals, partners, and allies will consider opportunities nature through a campaign called “No Walls” on Facebook to create and maintain connected ecosystems that can best and Twitter at www.facebook.com/nowallsinfo and halt the loss of biodiversity, adapt to climate change, pro­ www.twitter.com/nowallsouthere. vide for human health, and secure food supplies and fresh­ water sources. The conference aims to involve governments, —Diana Allen ([email protected]), Chief, NPS Healthy businesses, and citizens in taking action to marshal the most Parks Healthy People Program 30 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

EMERGING SCIENCE Synthetic biology offers extraordinary opportunities and challenges for conservation

By Kent H. Redford

UMANS HAVE ALWAYS Synthetic biology nologies that enable the manipulation of sought to reshape nature to arrives DNA are changing at a rate faster than meet their needs: taming fire, the developments that led to cell phones domesticating animals and Part of this new age of human impacts is and today’s computers, suggesting that Hplants, building dams and nuclear power the developing field of synthetic biol- we could see in synthetic biology a rate of plants, and shaping and reshaping nature ogy, or “synbio.” Synthetic biology is a change faster than that in the last decade in countless other ways. We have been hybrid of engineering and biology with of smartphone and associated technolo- largely interested in how humans benefit an emphasis on reliably and predictably gies (Carlson 2013). Billions of dollars are from our actions with little attention to engineering the genomes of living cells to being invested annually in synthetic biol- how nature is affected. To be sure, our spe- produce goods and services of use to hu- ogy; developments of novel applications cies has affected nature in many significant mans. There is no universally agreed-upon or improvements of existing ones emerge ways such that historical extinction rates definition of synthetic biology but one that weekly. For example, only recently we read far exceed those in the geologic past. For is commonly referred to is (1) the design an announcement of the creation of the example, on average, humans appropriate and construction of new biological parts, first custom, synthetic chromosome using about 25% of potential net primary terres- devices, and systems and (2) the redesign synthetic biology tools (Mosendz 2014). trial productivity, mostly from agricultural of existing natural biological systems for land use and harvests (Haberl et al. 2007); useful purposes we use more than half of all accessible (syntheticbiology.org). The practice of freshwater; we apply more ammonia and synthetic biology nitrate than are fixed naturally in all ter- Key elements of synbio in the field are (1) restrial ecosystems; and we are changing its engineering approach to natural sys- Media coverage about the future that syn- the atmosphere through the dramatically tems (designing and fabricating “compo- thetic biology will enable has included a increased production of methane and nents” and “systems” using standardized great deal of hype, but significant scientific carbon dioxide (Crutzen 2002). Clearly and automated processes; (2) an emphasis advances show some of the potential that humans are the dominant ecological and on novelty: fabricating parts and systems synthetic biology may bring. Trees have evolutionary force on the planet (Palumbi that do not exist in the natural world (or had their genomes altered so that they 2001). redesigning and fabricating those that do); are easier to process for pulp; vanilla and and (3) doing so to address human needs other flavorings are now being produced The Anthropocene, the geological epoch (ECNH 2010; Presidential Commission for in factories by algae and bacteria; ACT, we have entered, is named for this per- the Study of Bioethical Issues 2010). Syn- the most significant drug used in treating vasive impact humans are having on the thetic biology can be applied to a broad malaria, no longer must be grown from earth. But the impacts are not just perva- range of fields, including food production, the Artemisia annua plant but is produced sive; they are also increasingly novel. Hu- new materials and manufacturing, waste in factories by yeast; bacteria have been mans are breaching boundaries that have processing and water purification, ecologi- reprogrammed to construct electronic held throughout human evolution. Species cal restoration, and human health (see and optical materials; and a new species have been moved purposefully and ac- http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and of fruit fly has been created specifically cidentally, resulting in new ecosystems; -offices/offices/bicameral/post/post-events by altering the genes responsible for its climate change is threatening to produce /future-environmental-impacts-of reproduction. There are thousands of a set of novel climates; species boundaries -synthetic-biology/). other fronts across which synthetic biol- are being breached as humans move genes ogy is pursued, from fuels and medicines about; and organisms are being created Synthetic biology is a rapidly developing to foods and the reanimation of extinct that incorporate machines and electronics field because of the rapid decrease in the species. as part of their bodies. cost of reading and writing DNA. Tech- INVITED FEATURES 31

Unlike that of many other technolo- And what about • What threats will synbio bring? Will gies, the philosophy underlying synbio biodiversity? the organisms produced through development, as practiced at least in synbio escape industrial facilities and the United States and Europe, is open Synthetic biology may have a range of become invasive? Will high school access, with new techniques and ap- potential negative impacts on biodiversity: students purposefully release organ- proaches being put into the public novel organisms may escape containment isms they made as part of a class? What domain. Associated with this philosophy and cause negative impacts on natural would happen if engineered organisms is widespread experimentation with ecosystems; land conversion for crops developed to fight an invasive disease synbio by community labs, teams of un- that were developed using synthetic biol- evolved to attack agriculturally benefi- dergraduates, and now even high school ogy may cause immediate, direct effects cial organisms? students. Community labs are set up by on species, ecosystems, and protected • Conversely, what threats might synbio interested synthetic biologists and made areas; and complex secondary effects on alleviate? Can it be used to develop available for a nominal fee to anyone society and economy may also result (e.g., solutions to known risks to biodiver- who is interested in experimenting with land conversion by people displaced or sity, such as the fungal diseases that the new technologies (see diybio.org). impoverished by first-order changes). Of threaten many amphibians and bats The easy accessibility of equipment and equal significance, synthetic biology could with extinction (Fisher et al. 2012)? genetic sequences (many can be ordered provide conservationists with more effec- Could we engineer disease resistance over the Internet) has extended the tive methods of conservation, including into species like the Tasmanian devil practice of synbio to students in high the creation of biological tools that could that are threatened with extinction school, college, and graduate school. A help to gather and process field samples because of a highly contagious disease? great deal of synbio work is being done affordably or monitor for the presence of • What would happen to the ecosystems in university and commercial labs, but particular threats. Synthetic biology could into which new life-forms are intro- this is a technology that is open to many be used to restore lost genetic variation duced? segments of society, including do-it- to extant but diminished and threatened • Will species created through synbio be yourself biologists. populations. Or it could be used to engi- privately owned? What will this priva- neer microorganisms to create approaches tization do to conservation efforts? Despite all the work on and investment to solving intractable problems facing • What will happen if synbio is used to in synbio, next to no attention has been humans, including providing clean water, deliver services more efficiently and at given to the relationship between this restoring degraded lands, and developing lower cost than “natural” systems? emerging field and conservation. Syn- better medicines—outcomes that might thetic biologists have formed collabora- also have positive effects for conservation. Finally, synthetic biology organisms could tions to look at the implications of their directly affect existing protected ecosys- work for the social sciences, law, and arts The two fields have a great deal to discuss: tems in a variety of ways by: and humanities (Marris and Rose 2012), but not with the protected area commu- • How should conservationists think • Becoming invasive or otherwise affect- nity or any other type of conservation- about the novel species being devel- ing populations of protected species, ist. This lack of engagement is equally oped by synthetic biologists? or disrupting protected ecosystems stark from the conservation side, as the • How will these species interact with • Changing the economic value of land conservation and global change com- existing species and ecosystems? (and hence demand for land) within munities have paid virtually no attention • Will or could these new technologies protected areas (e.g., making crop to synthetic biology. These two fields are be used to re-create extinct species—a production possible on land currently taking steps, though only in small ways, process called “de-extinction?” (The regarded as marginal for agriculture to talk to each other. A recent Wildlife Long Now Foundation 2014) and hence allocated as a protected area) Conservation Society meeting held in • What will it mean if extinction is no • Changing the way land surround- 2013 brought together the two groups longer forever? ing protected areas is used and hence (Redford et al. 2013; Redford et al. 2014), • What will happen to our definitions of affecting species composition in the and some follow-up discussion on the “natural” when human-made species protected areas because of species im- intersection of the two communities is are created and begin to interact with migration or extinction beginning to take place. “natural” species? • Accelerating (or slowing) the rate of ecosystem conversion outside pro- 32 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

tected areas and hence the relative Synthetic biology is a fact and, because think that technology will do anything but importance of existing protected areas it is being pursued throughout the globe make the situation worse.” In the last few (e.g., reducing pressure on habitats like by governments, industries, academics, years strong voices have demanded a new tropical forests and making protected and individuals, it will be with us for a approach to conservation (e.g., Kareiva areas less necessary and therefore long time. But given the early stages of its and Marvier 2012). But these voices have uneconomic to run) development, this is a key time for the con- not talked about truly extraordinary • Changing demand for products cur- servation community to engage and try to changes—ones like careful and discrimi- rently illegally harvested from protected influence the practice and outcomes. nating inclusion of synthetic biology ap- areas (e.g., meat, timber, nontimber proaches in our conservation toolbox such forest products, illegal drug crops) This scenario creates an opportunity as discussed above. for the National Park Service to begin to Need to engage engage with the synbio community and the The future world will not be a slightly public about the issues raised by synthetic older version of the one we currently We do not know what impacts synthetic biology. To achieve this engagement, at inhabit. Rather it will have a significantly biology will have on biodiversity and park- a minimum the National Park Service altered climate, changed sea levels, novel based conservation. Some experts are needs to understand what is happening pests and diseases, nonanalogue ecologi- convinced the effects will be positive and in the field of synthetic biology and begin cal communities, and a human popula- an equal number are convinced they will to educate its key constituencies. Better tion with less interest in conservation. be catastrophic. What is clear is that the still would be engagement with the synbio The costs, benefits, and risks of synthetic future will feature synbio in many forms. community to influence the development biology need to be considered against this One of synthetic biology’s pioneers, of the industry in ways that are at least backdrop, not against a projected version George Church, has written glowingly benign to conservation efforts and at best of the world as we now understand it. of the promises this new technology will beneficial to protecting national park bring, including improving human and resources and values. Perhaps there are Much of conservation is predicated on animal health, extending the human life intractable—wicked—problems that are the core ideals of wilderness and nature. span, increasing intelligence, and resur- facing the National Park Service that could However, recognition of the increasing recting extinct animals, even hominids be addressed with synbio solutions. Or role humans play in structuring ecosys- (Church and Regis 2012). the Park Service could consider undergo- tems and thereby shaping the lives of wild ing a scenario planning exercise related to species has led practitioners to realize that Inevitably, synthetic biology will proceed synthetic biology as it has been doing with human management may be a paradoxical in developing new products based on climate change. but necessary part of conserving the wild. new or modified organisms, despite the Synthetic biologists propose to further frequent calls for more oversight and the A sea change? equip humans to actively and consciously desire by some governments to establish engineer the living world. Aldo Leopold regulations specific to this field (AAAS Despite local successes, conservationists famously said, “To keep every cog and 2012). Institutions to put such restrictions have not been succeeding at their objec- wheel is the first precaution of intelligent in place simply do not currently exist, tive of conserving greater biodiversity tinkering.” But what if we could make new so the strong sense by many synthetic (Butchart et al. 2010). Numerous measures cogs and new wheels? What would this biologists of the imperative to create open- have been applied to quantify this lack of mean for our attempts to mend centuries source architecture has led to strong calls success, and a general air of despair has of nonintelligent destruction? The trans- for self-policing by practitioners. Finally, settled over the field. The conservation formed world of 2050 will demand new synthetic biology will not be stopped: community has been quick to adopt new strategies and new approaches in con- investments in the field are huge, the po- technologies, including camera trapping servation. Should some of them involve tential applications are numerous, and the or monitoring of wildlife, GPS collars, and creation of new pieces? Synthetic biology technology is accessible to too many. environmental DNA capture and analysis. can be incorporated into these as a power- But by and large the community is disin- ful new tool to face the powerful new chal- Conservationists may choose to ignore clined to adopt new technologies, saying lenges facing conservation. It is time to synthetic biology, but they do so at their as one person said to me: “Technology is consider such extraordinary measures. own risk and the risk of the natural bio- responsible for getting us into the mess in diversity they are devoted to conserving. which we find ourselves. You are crazy to INVITED FEATURES 33

References Synthetic biology and NPS policy American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). 2012. 111 organizations call Management application of synthetic biology, whether at the cell, organism, popu- for synthetic biology moratorium. Science lation, or ecosystem level, constitutes human intervention, intervention that at the Insider, 13 March. Available at http://news. outset is contrary to policy for most management programs for natural zones of sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2012/03 National Park System units. Synthetic biology may be within policy for addressing /111-organizations-call-for-synth.html. some problems in cultural zones of parks. Given the growing intensity and rate of Butchart, S. H. M., M. Walpole, B. Collen, A. change to park biota and ecosystems because of climate change, landscape frag- van Strien, J. P. W. Scharlemann, et al. 2010. mentation, exotic species, and other factors, park managers may find that applica- Global biodiversity: Indicators of recent tion of synthetic biology elements may be an appropriate intervention for solving declines. Science 328:1164–1168. environmental problems. For example, parks already are using exotic species as biocontrol agents to reduce impacts of other exotic species, and some parks are Carlson, R. 2013. Planning for Toy Story and considering use of cross-species breeding or genetic engineering to help develop synthetic biology: It’s all about competition. blight-resistant chestnut trees to permit restoration to the eastern deciduous forest Synthesis, 17 April. Available at http://www of the presence and function of the chestnut. In the future, park managers may .synthesis.cc/2013/04/updated-dna-cost need to consider whether to construct, or accept the unmanaged development of, -and-productivity-curves-plus-a-few-more novel biological communities to facilitate conservation of rare species at risk of -thoughts-on-moores-law.html. extinction from change-forcing factors. These types of decisions will require deter- Church, G., and E. Regis. 2012. Regenesis: How minations of which policy components take precedence over others to facilitate synthetic biology will reinvent nature and achieving desired park conditions, while recognizing that desired park conditions ourselves. Basic Books, New York, New York, will constitute the best approximation of what would have been natural in the USA. absence of the human-caused forcing factors. Crutzen, P. J. 2002. Geology of mankind: The —John G. Dennis, Deputy Chief Scientist, NPS Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Anthropocene. Nature 415:23. Federal Ethics Committee on Non-Human Biotechnology (ECNH). 2010. Synthetic biology—Ethical considerations. Swiss Marris, C., and N. Rose. 2012. Let’s get real on Redford, K. H., W. Adams, and G. M. Mace. Confederation, Switzerland. Available at synthetic biology. New Scientist, 11 June. 2013. Synthetic biology and conservation http://www.ekah.admin.ch/fi leadmin of nature: Wicked problems and wicked Mosendz, P. 2014. Scientists have successfully /ekah-dateien/dokumentation/publikationen solutions. PLoS Biology 11(4):e1001530. built a custom, synthetic chromosome from /e-Synthetische_Bio_Broschuere.pdf. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1001530. scratch. The Wire (Atlantic Monthly Group), Fisher, M. C., D. A. Henk, C. J. Briggs, J. S. 28 March. Available at http://www Brownstein, L. C. Madoff, et al. 2012. .thewire.com/technology/2014/03/biologists Emerging fungal threats to animal, plant and -have-successfully-built-a-custom-synthetic About the author ecosystem health. Nature 484:186–194. -chromosome-from-scratch/359823/. Kent H. Redford is principal of Haberl, H., K. H. Erb, F. Krausmann, V. Gaube, Palumbi, S. R. 2001. Humans as the world’s Archipelago Consulting, located in A. Bondeau, et al. 2007. Quantifying and greatest evolutionary force. Science Portland, Maine. He was previously mapping the human appropriation of net 293:1786–1790. at the Wildlife Conservation Society primary production in Earth’s terrestrial headquartered in New York, where he ecosystems. Proceedings of the National Presidential Commission for the Study of was chief scientist. He has worked with Academy of Sciences USA 104:12,942– Bioethical Issues. 2010. New directions: The the National Park Service on ecological 12,945. ethics of synthetic biology and emerging restoration of bison, migratory species, technologies. Washington, D.C., USA. and most recently on a threatened and Kareiva, P., and M. Marvier. 2012. What is Available at http://bioethics.gov/cms/sites conservation science? BioScience 62:962– endangered species workshop. He can be /default/fi les/PCSBI-Synthetic-Biology reached at [email protected]. 969. -Report-12.16.10.pdf. The Long Now Foundation. 2014. Revive and Redford, K. H., W. A. Adams, R. Carlson, G. M. restore: Genetic rescue for endangered and Mace, and B. Ceccarelli. 2014. Synthetic extinct species. http://longnow.org/revive/. biology and the conservation of biodiversity. Oryx. doi:10.1017/S0030605314000040. 34 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

The Bioblitz Engaging citizens on a large scale in biodiversity discovery

By Sally Plumb

HE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE The National Park Service has been engag- services, and interaction with NPS (NPS) is charged with protect- ing in biodiversity discovery since 1996, staff ing the biodiversity of its lands when a bioblitz was held at Kenilworth and waters, yet the majority of Park and Aquatic Gardens in Washing- Host parks of biodiversity discovery speciesT remain undiscovered, including in- ton, D.C. The first large-scale biodiversity events enumerate additional scientific and vertebrates, nonvascular plants, fungi, and discovery program, an All-Taxa Biodi- management benefits: microorganisms. This lack of knowledge versity Inventory, began in Great Smoky hampers the protection of living resources Mountains National Park in 1997 through • More knowledge of species in national from threats such as invasive species, the coordinated efforts of the park and parks across the country, allowing for disease, population pressure, and climate its nonprofit partner, Discover Life in more informed management decisions change. Indeed, changes induced by these America. Since then, many parks—large, environmental factors will likely appear small, urban, wild, naturally or culturally • Establishment of baseline knowl- in the lesser-known animal groups before oriented—have initiated their own bio- edge of lesser-known flora and fauna they are reflected in large, iconic ones. diversity discovery activities. As of 2014, against which changes can be approximately 118 parks have conducted measured In an effort to identify life in parks, the work of varying levels and scopes. National Park Service introduced “Biodi- • Increased collaboration with scientists versity Discovery,” an initiative that fosters As discussed in depth in the article begin- and universities that continues long development of activities and events in ning on page 106, preliminary evaluations after the biodiversity discovery effort which members of the public, including of the visitor experience in the large- has concluded professional scientists, park visitors, stu- scale NPS–National Geographic Society dents, seniors, and children, participate in BioBlitzes, conducted through a coopera- • Establishment of numerous fruitful the discovery of living natural resources. tive agreement with Texas A&M Univer- collaborations with notable partners, sity, reveal numerous favorable results: such as the E. O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, National Park Foun- • Improvement in the quality of the dation, Discover Life in America, visitor experience through develop- Encyclopedia of Life, and National ment of direct connections to park Geographic Society resources The benefits of biodiversity discovery are • An increase in public awareness and so apparent that when the National Park sense of stewardship in park visitors Service announced a Call to Action in through their engagement in firsthand 2011, item 7, “Next Generation Stewards,”

NPS PHOTO scientific research envisioned the creation of a new genera- National Geographic Society’s John Francis tion of citizen scientists by conducting receives the Ranger Hat Award from Na- • Increased relevancy and awareness of biodiversity discovery activities of varying tional Park Service Director Jon Jarvis at the NPS-NGS BioBlitz at Golden Gate National parks among the nation’s youth levels and scopes in at least 100 parks by Recreation Area, March 2014. The award 2016. These activities have a proven track was given in appreciation of National Geo- graphic’s long-term and multifaceted col- • Public education about lesser-known record of contributing to the NPS mission laboration with and support of the National species through educational products, of resource stewardship and the Secre- Park Service. tary of the Interior’s Youth and Diversity 35

Initiatives. Also, they mirror the vision of Service to promote the relevance of the and coverage by local and national media. the America’s Great Outdoors, Healthy outdoors and to educate people about the Major components are: People Healthy Parks, Let’s Move, and national parks and their resources. In a STEM (science, technology, engineering, couple of years the National Park Service • Hundreds of scientific inventories and math) initiatives. Moreover, they im- will celebrate its 100th anniversary, with a prove the quality of the visitor experience focus on sustaining our natural treasures • Curriculum-based resource education through development of a direct connec- in an era that is much different from the programs tion to the resources of the national parks, one in which the Park Service began. conserving and restoring our natural Much is at stake, with perhaps no issue • A biodiversity festival with booths, resources, working together for the good as pressing as the increasing alienation of interactive demonstrations, hands-on of our national parks, and encouraging Americans from the natural world. The activities, entertainment, and speakers involvement of the American public. partnership with the National Geographic Society has helped to address this chal- • Increased use of social media lenge by bringing the youth of America Collaboration with the into the national parks through collabora- • Involvement of multiple partners National Geographic tive annual “biodiscovery” events. • Selection of a Biodiversity Youth Am- Society Each year in the decade leading up to bassador (see article on page 17), who the NPS centennial in 2016, the National represents other youth attending the The contributions of biodiversity dis- Park Service and the National Geographic bioblitz and subsequently continues covery, in terms of scientific gain and Society conduct a large-scale “BioBlitz” in to foster biodiversity awareness in his public engagement, are essential to the a different national park. Goals for these or her home community and increase caretaking mission of the National Park events include accomplishment of a safe youth engagement in national parks. Service; hence the Park Service is taking and scientifically credible investigation steps to institutionalize these activities through the combined efforts of scien- Executing a biodiversity discovery effort and concepts. Measures include partner- tists, students, and community members; on this scale is a challenge: logistics are ing with multiple entities to initiate, plan, relationship-building with the scientific complex, monetary investment is consid- and execute start-up bioblitzes; mentoring community; connection of science to tech- erable, and safety to humans and to the park staff to host subsequent bioblitzes; nology; enhancement of the relevancy of host park’s resources must be ensured. engaging diverse audiences that include national parks for participants, especially Benefits include obtaining a nearly in- retired scientists, children, volunteers, youth; and increased knowledge of park stantaneous and widespread “snapshot” subject-matter experts, and park visitors in species. of species diversity across all taxonomic species discovery and identification; and groups; broad awareness of the host park evaluating the experiences of participants These two-day events take as much as a in surrounding communities; many lasting in the NPS–National Geographic Society year to prepare and plan. Park planning relationships with scientists, universities, (NGS) BioBlitzes. teams are interdivisional and include and other partners; and connections with natural resources, interpretation, public thousands of residents in gateway The work of the National Geographic affairs, information technology, safety, communities. Society and its commitment to steward- law enforcement, and maintenance staff. ship of the natural world have served as an A dedicated planning team from the Species new to science and to the parks exemplary model for collaboration with National Geographic Society, along with have been discovered during the course the National Park Service. John Francis, assistance from NPS Natural Resource of these events and thousands of citizen NGS vice president for Research, Conser- Science and Stewardship Directorate staff, scientists have participated. vation, and Exploration, has been instru- is also required. The NPS-NGS BioBlitzes mental in initiating and implementing this are high-profile, well publicized, and • The 2014 bioblitz at Golden Gate long-term partnership between the two thoroughly planned, with attendance by National Recreation Area in Califor- organizations. internationally known scientists, enter- nia not only opened the door to 9,000 tainers, and speakers; dignitaries from in- participants, including thousands of The National Geographic Society has ternational parks; representation from the youth from diverse and underserved worked tirelessly with the National Park highest level of the National Park Service; 36 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014 NPS PHOTO PHOTO NPS communities, but also revealed 2,700 Through this partnership with the Na­ species. tional Geographic Society, the National Park Service is increasing the availability • The 2013 bioblitz celebrated “bayou” of science-based information for making diversity at Jean Lafi tte National His­ NPS management decisions. Additionally, torical Park and Preserve in Louisiana. both organizations are showcasing these national collaborative eff orts to discover • The 2012 bioblitz reached new heights and conserve natural resources by shar­ at Rocky Mountain National Park in ing fi ndings through outreach publica­ Colorado. tions and on interpretive Web pages, and through outreach via diff erent media • The 2011 bioblitz was held in Saguaro outlets. With imitation being the truest National Park, with more than 5,000 form of fl attery, the NPS-NGS BioBlitzes people combing the eastern and west­ have served as a model for similar eff orts ern sides of the park fl anking Tucson, around the world, most notably in Italy, Arizona. (See the following article for which accomplished its third bioblitz further information.) in July 2014. The National Geographic

Society continues to be an outstanding NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY • In 2010, Biscayne National Park, near partner, visionary, and steward of national Miami, Florida, was the fi rst-ever park natural resources. Planning has com­ marine bioblitz. menced for the 2015 NPS-NGS BioBlitz, taking place 15–16 May at Hawaii Volca­ • Volunteers at the 2009 Indiana Dunes noes National Park, and discussions are National Lakeshore bioblitz turned up under way to determine the location of the more than 1,200 species. 2016 event.

• Six thousand participants discovered more than 1,200 species in the 2008 About the author Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area bioblitz in California. Sally Plumb is the NPS biodiversity coordinator and is with the Biological • This series of exciting and innovative Resource Management Division in Fort bioblitzes began in 2007 at Washing­ Collins, Colorado. She can be reached at ton, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park. It engaged [email protected]. 1,000 participants and resulted in the discovery of more than 650 species. AUDREY KANECOA-MADRID O T O H S P P N THE BIOBLITZ 37

Saguaro National Park 2011 NPS-NGS BioBlitz!

By Natasha Kline and Don Swann

AGUARO NATIONAL PARK Our goals everything from setting up booths at Base was an ideal place to host the Camp to leading field trips. National Park Service (NPS)– Despite the park’s proximity to Tucson, National Geographic Society many local residents have never visited. The major planning issue for our park, (NGS)S BioBlitz in 2011—not only because Conversely, biologists have long recog- which does not have any road-accessible, of the park’s proximity to the rapidly nized the park’s distinct and diverse biota, large gathering places, was finding ap- growing city of Tucson, Arizona, but also so we already had extensive knowledge propriate sites for the events and arrang- because of its remarkable biodiversity and of its vertebrates and vascular plants. ing transportation to them. So we created legacy of scientific research. Thus, our goal was to bring scientists and many small events and organized a com- Tucsonans, particularly those who had plex shuttle system to move people from While the park’s western Tucson Moun- never been to the park, together to inven- off-site parking to Base Camp and to field tain District highlights the colorful flora tory nonvascular plants, invertebrates, and sites. Getting schoolchildren safely into of the lower Sonoran Desert, the eastern other little-known “microbiota.” We were the backcountry added logistical complex- Rincon Mountain District rises up from also determined that the bioblitz would ity that included mule packing and on-site the desert, through grassland and wood- not be a flash in the pan—that is, that the emergency medical technicians. For safety land, to conifer forests at over 8,600 feet programs and data collected would be fol- reasons we decided not to conduct the (2,620 m) in elevation. Saguaro’s loca- lowed up on so that this huge effort would event in summer—when biodiversity is tion within the “Sky Island” region of create long-term benefits for the park. highest but temperatures are scorching— southeastern Arizona, where elements of and chose October instead. Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidental and the Rocky Mountains mix with those of How we did it the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts, Highlights creates a stunning landscape of biodiver- Saguaro’s 2011 bioblitz was all about part- sity. The two disjunct districts of the park nerships. We built on existing ties, espe- The 2011 bioblitz was a huge and successful lie on opposite sides of Tucson, a diverse cially with the Friends of Saguaro National event in terms of outreach and science. southwestern city with nearly one million Park, University of Arizona, and Arizona residents, about 40% Hispanic and 40% Sonora Desert Museum, and created many • More than 5,000 participants, includ- under 18 years of age. new ones. More than 300 volunteers and ing more than 200 scientists and 2,100 literally dozens of groups helped with schoolchildren, searched the park

(Facing page, clockwise from top. All photos are of the NPS–National Geographic Society BioBlitz in Saguaro National Park, 2011.)

A student shows off the common side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana) that she added to the count, which totaled more than 40 species of reptiles and amphibians. Inventories were overseen by scientists and all vertebrates captured were quickly photographed and released in place.

A schoolboy takes notes on his field observations. School groups were outfitted with hats, T-shirts, water bottles, and field notebooks -pro vided generously by the Friends of Saguaro National Park.

Schoolchildren from Tucson’s Manzo Elementary School display flags they created depicting Sonoran Desert plant and animal species in front of the main stage at Base Camp. Before the bioblitz, the park solicited such flags from the public, including the species’ scientific name (in Latin) and common name in English, Spanish, and the language spoken by Tohono O’odham, one of the local Native American tribes.

Some high school students chose to hike the 9-mile, 5,000-foot (1,524 m) climb into the cool pines of the Rincon Mountain Wilderness, where they camped overnight and inventoried birds, mammals, and invertebrates. Here they take a break on Mica Mountain (8,613 feet [2,625 m] in elevation) to spell out “bioblitz” with their bodies. PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014 NPS PHOTO NPS • In the Science Tent, visitors used sity and Saguaro National Park that microscopes to examine local micro- included art exhibits, video produc- biota and discovered life-forms they tion, dance, and a published poetry had previously never heard of, includ- project. ing endophytes (bacteria or fungi that live within vascular plants) and What we learned tardigrades. Tardigrades, also called water bears or moss piglets, are micro- Our goals of getting people into the field scopic moss-dwelling creatures that and expanding our knowledge of the constitute their own phylum; they are park’s microbiota were met beyond our practically indestructible and surpris- wildest expectations. Thousands of visi- ingly charming. Scientists discovered tors explored the park in a meaningful, new species, too. Several bryophytes hands-on way and many new species were (mosses and liverworts) and endo- documented. phytic fungi documented were new to the park, and some even new to As the involvement with our partners science! deepened, the bioblitz developed a life of its own. Most park staff were too busy to • Citizen scientists took their own take in more than a sliver of this enormous photos and posted them on desig- event. Since then, we have continued to be nated Web sites, such as Project Noah amazed by new discoveries and experi- (https://www.projectnoah.org ences from those two days—including Students sample aquatic invertebrates from /missions/6986014), where they could new photos, videos, poetry, and art—that spring-fed bedrock pools, or tinajas, in the be tallied. teach us and our visitors things about our park’s backcountry. Prior to the 2011 bioblitz the park did not have a formal invertebrate park that we never knew before. collection. More than 325 species have been • When the original count of 859 documented to date, and the number con- tinues to rise as specimens that are more identified species was revealed on the difficult to identify are cataloged. afternoon of 22 October 2011, we knew About the authors it was just the beginning. Scientists for life-forms. Students collected and continue to identify specimens, and Natasha Kline ([email protected]) identified lichens and insects; set up the latest number has grown to 1,106— and Don Swann ([email protected]) remote wildlife cameras; resurveyed a and we are still counting. are both biologists at Saguaro National saguaro study plot established in 1941; Park in Tucson, Arizona. and camped in the Rincon Mountains, • Not only was the bioblitz about sci- where they studied butterflies, bryo- ence, it was a celebration of biodiver- phytes, and birds.

• In the spirit of documenting biodiver- sity in both districts of the park and For more information in the city of Tucson in between, Dr. J. Michael Fay of the National Geo- Further information on the 2011 bioblitz and the count updates are available on graphic Society conducted a “Mini- the Saguaro National Park Web site at www.nps.gov/sagu. Here you can also find Transect.” He began on the east side links to the list of species found; resources and links that participating scientists post about their research; NGS’s FieldScope, an online mapping program with of the Rincon Mountains and, accom- observations, photos, and metadata collected during bioblitzes; the National Park panied by a succession of park rangers Foundation’s Electronic Field Trip, a live broadcast for schoolchildren that has and local biologists, documented every reached tens of thousands of kids throughout the United States; photos posted to plant species he encountered while tra- Flickr and ProjectNoah; a link to published poetry at http://www.spiralorb.net versing the Rincons, crossing Tucson, /archives; and media coverage following the bioblitz. and hiking into Base Camp, where he kicked off the 2011 bioblitz. THE BIOBLITZ39 39

The bioblitz: Good science, good outreach, good fun

By Gretchen M. Baker, Nancy Duncan, Ted Gostomski, Margaret A. Horner, and David Manski

“ OW! LOOK AT THAT! I never knew that!” Part contest, part festival, part educational event, The exclamations were and part scientific endeavor, bioblitzes bring together coming from a man who,W with a small group of people, was naturalists, professional scientists, and the interested participating in a guided bird walk during public, who canvass the area over a 24-hour period to a bioblitz at a small public park on Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. The find and document all plants and animals. group was walking the road along a stand of red and white pines when a noisy flock of crows drew their attention to the top of one tree in particular. an opportunity to spend a day in the field The searching can be done by profession- “Watch that tree,” the group leader told with professional naturalists and to make als, by local volunteers with good natural- them. “Crows make this sort of ruckus close personal contact with plants and ist backgrounds, or by a combination of when they are mobbing a predator and animals. the knowledgeable and the interested. In trying to drive it out of the area. Maybe it most cases, a bioblitz is conducted over a will be an owl.” What is a bioblitz? 24-hour period, so participants are out in the early morning to inventory songbirds, It was June, early afternoon, and the sun during the day to catch butterflies and was high. The small group watched the The term “bioblitz” was coined in 1996 fish and to collect plant specimens, and at tree, occasionally using binoculars to scan by a National Park Service (NPS) em- night to trap moths or bats or to listen for the branches. Suddenly, an oblong form ployee organizing the first such event at owls. Because the event is held on a single took flight from a branch near the top of Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens in day, it is not possible to find and document the tree––a great horned owl (Bubo vir­ Washington, D.C. More than half of the 90 everything, but a bioblitz does give park ginianus)––and the crows followed close participating scientists––who came from managers a quick assessment of the plants behind it. The group leader was thrilled federal agencies, the Smithsonian Institu- and animals found in a given area. Plus, it to add the owl to the list, and the man was tion, and area universities––had never gives participants an opportunity to spend thrilled to learn a little about bird behavior been to Kenilworth (Cohn 1996; Droege a day outdoors, sharing time with family, and a trick to finding secretive birds like 1996). Since that first effort, the concept friends, or like-minded enthusiasts. owls in the middle of the day. has been used all over the world as a means of gathering and sharing informa- Perhaps the most well-known national Similarly exciting discoveries are made tion about plants and animals in parks and park bioblitz is the ongoing All-Taxa Bio- commonly at any bioblitz. All observa- other natural areas. diversity Inventory (ATBI) at Great Smoky tions like this are good for science and for Mountains (DLiA 2013). The ATBI is a the parks where bioblitzes are held, but Why host a bioblitz? Park managers may different kind of bioblitz because it is not they are most often exciting because the seek to document the presence of rare or limited to one day and it has a stated goal people making them are citizen scientists understudied taxa, while others may want of discovering all forms of life in the park. spending a day in their local national park to establish a baseline of information for a Other well-known bioblitzes are those and contributing to managers’ scien- particular piece of land. Some may simply organized by the National Geographic tific knowledge of park resources. Some want to introduce people to their local Society in a different national park each participants may have never been in the national park. The goals of the event will year during the decade leading up to the park before, and most may have never had dictate how it is focused and organized. NPS centennial in 2016 (www 40 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

.nationalgeographic.com/explorers nesota) has conducted three bioblitzes, /projects/bioblitz/). focusing on discrete locations along the riverway. All have used professional scien- We present here examples of bioblitzes tists to varying degrees, but Acadia is the from three different parks. Acadia and only one specifically to focus participant Great Basin National Parks (in Maine and recruitment on professionals while allow- Nevada, respectively) have conducted 18 ing casual public participation. All have bioblitzes between them, each focused on the purpose of learning more about the a specific group of organisms. Mississippi park and the life within it. National River and Recreation Area (Min-

Acadia National Park bioblitz program

Acadia has conducted annual bioblitzes since 2003, focusing primarily on insects Table 1. Focal taxa for the annual and spiders, but adding mushrooms, algae, bioblitz at Acadia National Park, 2003–2014 and diatoms in some years (table 1). Most events have occurred over one weekend Year Taxon (Taxa) in the summer at the Schoodic Education 2003 Ants and Research Center (SERC). Collecting is 2004 Butterflies and moths generally limited to a 24-hour period, with 2005 Beetles sorting, pinning, and identifying speci- 2006 Flies mens taking the rest of the weekend—and 2007 Spiders sometimes longer. 2008 True bugs 2009 Minor orders of insects, mushrooms Event participation is intentionally kept 2010 Bees, wasps, ants low to ensure financial and operational 2011 Butterflies and moths sustainability. Participants are recruited 2012 Aquatic insects, algae primarily through the Maine Entomologi- cal Society, which also assists with market- 2013 Beetles and diatoms ing and general oversight of the event. The 2014 Beetles Maine Forest Service, University of Maine, and University of New Hampshire have bioblitz report, identifying specimens, also made in-kind contributions of staff and returning pinned and labeled voucher time (entomologists) and equipment. The specimens that are incorporated into the algae and diatom events coincided with park’s museum collection. professional scientific meetings at which conference participants were given a park Participation by the public is not actively research and collecting permit. solicited, but no one with a keen interest is turned away. A separate two-hour public Through 2011, collecting was geographi- Participants are housed and fed at the education session runs during each bioblitz. cally limited to the Schoodic District of the SERC by the Schoodic Institute, the Participants learn about the taxa being park, which lies approximately 5 miles (8 National Park Service’s nonprofit part- studied and then are allowed to assist in km) east of Mount Desert Island. In 2012 ner that manages and runs programs on making collections. Public participants can the main portion of Acadia—Mount Des- campus. Lead taxonomists (usually one or also watch the bioblitz lab in operation as ert Island—was added. Sites that cover the two for each event) are given an hono- specimens are identified and cataloged, then full diversity of habitats within the park are rarium of up to $1,000 for their oversight meet the scientists involved in the event. An- targeted, but participants are also allowed of the event, teaching participants about nual attendance varies from 35 to 110, with an to sample in other areas they choose. the target taxa, completing a summary average participant return rate of 75%. THE BIOBLITZ 41 NPS PHOTO/DIANA HUNT

David Manski, former chief of Resource Management at Acadia National Park, watches as a bioblitz volunteer catches moths at a light trap set out during the 2011 Acadia Bioblitz. 42 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

All incoming specimens from a single col- alcohol vial as appropriate with locality in the database at the finest level possible, lection event are assigned a “lot” number labels. Many bioblitz participants assist and labeled representative vouchers of that is linked to the date, time, location, in sorting and pinning specimens at the all collected species are held at Acadia’s and method of capture. Lot numbers SERC laboratory. Experienced entomolo- Charles Sawtelle Museum. More than are unique and not reused in subsequent gists identify the specimens to species or 1,600 voucher specimens have been cata- years. They are handwritten on preprinted morphospecies, but the lead taxonomist is loged into Acadia’s museum collection. labels as the samples are processed so responsible for proofing and accepting any that mounting and labeling can proceed identifications made by others. The bioblitzes have yielded a great deal of quickly and the collection information can information about some otherwise poorly be tracked as identifications are made. A practical goal is to sort and identify as understood biota, including many range many specimens as possible on-site during extensions and more than 500 new park Collection locations are assigned GPS the event when the greatest number of species records; more than 100 species coordinates in the field, or when the speci- participants can contribute at their rela- records are new to the state of Maine. mens are brought in for processing and tive levels of expertise. However, not all The University of Maine Agricultural and given their lot number. This information specimens can be identified in this time Forest Experiment Station has published is recorded in a database along with the period. In those cases the lead taxonomist a major technical report on the first nine habitat and host plants where the speci- takes the unidentified specimens back to years of bioblitz data (Chandler et al. 2011). mens were taken, the name of the collec- his or her host institution for follow-up There is a lot of regional interest, sup- tor, and any pertinent descriptions of the work or distribution to other specialists port, and encouragement for the bioblitz collecting technique. All specimens are for final identification. For some families program—everyone wants it to continue–– then sorted, and at least one representative or genera there are no specialists available and there is now a cadre of individuals of each morphospecies (a species estab- to identify the specimens to the species who are enthusiastic about the National lished solely on the basis of morphological level, or in some cases even to the genus Park Service and Acadia. characteristics) is pinned or placed in an level. Specimen identifications are entered

Wild in the city: Minnesota bioblitz events at Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

One challenge for resource-rich national 667,000 people. It is also distinct in that it the area over a 24-hour period to find and parks located in urban environments is connects a series of city, county, and state document all plants and animals. that they are often overlooked because of parks, which make up most of the land- the hustle and shine of the cities around base of this national park unit. Rather than roaming all 72 miles of the them. If managers can make a park experi- riverway in search of a particular group ence part of city life, they can open doors One way park managers are introducing of organisms, Mississippi River bioblitzes for a set of visitors who may not have any city residents to their local national park is focus on a particular location. That is how other opportunity to catch a glimpse of by working with partners and major spon- the Bell Museum was doing the bioblitzes the natural world around them. Missis- sors––including the Bell Museum of Natu- before the National Park Service became sippi National River and Recreation Area ral History (University of Minnesota) and involved, so the park simply adopted their is one such park. the nonprofit Mississippi River Fund––to procedures. In addition, intensive surveys hold bioblitzes in different sections of the at a single location provide more compre- Mississippi National River and Recreation riverway. This collaboration leads to sav- hensive information about species pres- Area was established in 1988 to recognize ings in staff time and expense, while build- ence and abundance at that place. and protect the history, industry, and ing stronger partnerships. Part contest, natural resources within and along a 72- part festival, part educational event, and The first bioblitz was held in June 2009 mile (116 km) stretch of “working river” part scientific endeavor, bioblitzes bring at Crosby Farm Regional Park, the largest that bisects downtown Minneapolis and together naturalists, professional scientists, natural area (763 acres, or 309 ha) in St. St. Paul, Minnesota, home to more than and the interested public, who canvass Paul’s city park system. More than 100 THE BIOBLITZ 43 NPS PHOTO/TED GOSTOMSKI PHOTO/TED NPS citizen volunteers and professional scien- tists participated, along with numerous people who happened to be in the park and stopped by to see what was happen- ing. The survey covered floodplain forest; steep, wooded slopes cloaked mostly in oak forest; and a scattering of wetlands and small lakes. The small lakes serve as nurseries for young fish and other aquatic organisms that move into the main river during floods that connect the two water bodies. NPS PHOTO/TED GOSTOMSKI PHOTO/TED NPS Volunteers tallied 563 species of flora and fauna (table 2), including two species of endangered mollusks (the wartyback, Quadrula nodulata, and rock pocketbook, Arcidens confragosus); numerous fox snakes (Elaphe vulpina), possibly indi- (Above) Visitors, park staff, scientists, cating that the area supports a breeding and volunteers mingle near a temporary aquarium filled with fish collected from the population; and river otters (Lontra ca­ Mississippi River during the 2009 Minnesota nadensis), which had been absent from the bioblitz at Crosby Farm Regional Park in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Right) University of Min- riverway for some time. A parkwide survey nesota entomologist Anna Gerenday uses a the following year found otters through- hand lens to identify a mushroom species at the 2011 Minnesota bioblitz at the Ordway out the park’s portion of the river, so a Field Station. long-term research project was initiated to gather basic natural history informa- tion. Currently, park and U.S. Geological Survey biologists are working to identify ester College. Here, volunteers combed In 2013 the bioblitz moved to the 92-acre genetic markers they can use to determine through tallgrass prairie; sand gravel prai- (37 ha) Coldwater Spring site. The Na- the size of the otter population and its rie; oak savanna and woodland; riparian tional Park Service acquired 29 of those genetic diversity within the upper Missis- forests; seasonal and permanent ponds, acres in 2010 from the U.S. Bureau of sippi River corridor. seeps, and springs; and a backwater lake Mines, and in the two years leading up to adjacent to the Mississippi River. Despite the bioblitz, a dozen abandoned buildings The 2011 bioblitz was held at the Katharine intermittent drizzle, this event garnered 611 were demolished and park staff began Ordway Field Station, owned by Macal- species at final count.

Table 2. Species counts for select taxa at three bioblitz events along the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, Minnesota, 2009, 2011, and 2013

Taxa s al m

Site m a Fungi Fish Mollusks Invertebrates (spiders) NumberTotal of Species (acres/hectares) M Birds Reptiles Amphibians Insects Plants Crosby Farm Regional Park (763/309) 14 80 5 4 ~110 241 57 33 19 n.d. 563 Ordway Field Station (300/121) 7 53 5 5 208 192 78 30 4 29 611 Coldwater Spring (92/37) 7 53 3 2 168 217 83 20 n.d. 5 (16) 574 Note: n.d. indicates no data. 44 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

restoring the upland area to a mix of oak participants, despite a lack of calling owls. park. That information has led to follow- savanna, wetlands, and prairie. People enjoyed simply being out at night, up studies focusing on fungi, insects, and in the park, savoring the knowledge that frogs. Second, the 2013 bioblitz at Cold- One hundred volunteers ranging in age these mysterious birds were out there in water Spring provided excellent baseline from 2 to 90 and with a wide variety of the dark, even in the city. data for the property in its first year since skills and experience assisted bioblitz site restoration had begun. Park staff plan scientists in documenting the presence of Information acquired during the bioblitzes to hold a bioblitz there every five years to 574 species. Parents commented on how is helping park resource managers in document change in species composition much their kids enjoyed collecting bugs numerous ways. First, there is increasing and numbers as restoration of the area and mammals and seeing the fish that awareness of what biota are found within continues and plantings mature. were brought from the river. Even a late- the riverway. Several species observed night owl walk was a big hit among casual during the 2009 bioblitz were new to the

Sampling understudied taxa in Great Basin National Park

What species occur in Great Basin Na- with Southern Utah University to assist lab capacity to identify the specimens to the tional Park? For many taxa, including with the first bioblitz at Great Basin. finest taxonomic level by the following year. plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish, this question has been answered through The primary objectives of the Great Basin The park has now hosted six annual targeted sampling and data collection bioblitzes are as follows: bioblitzes, with a budget ranging from $500 since the park’s establishment in 1986. to $7,500 (table 3). The budget covers a sti- However, data on invertebrates—an • Conduct inventories for taxa not pend for the principal taxonomist, supplies, abundant but understudied taxon—have included in the National Park Service and salaries of seasonal employees whose been incomplete or absent. To help fill this Inventory and Monitoring Program time is dedicated to the event. The park was knowledge gap, the park decided to use • Determine which invertebrate species fortunate to have one bioblitz participant, the bioblitz approach to sample, identify, are present in the park Dr. Ken Kingsley, volunteer to serve as the and catalog invertebrates in the park. • Expand the number of species known first taxonomist-in-the-park. Dr. Kingsley to occur in the park spent one week each month during sum- Because of Great Basin’s relatively small • Collaborate with subject-matter mer 2012 collecting, organizing, and curat- size (77,000 acres or 31,161 hectares) and re- experts from various agencies and ing the growing invertebrate collection. The mote location (286 miles, or 460 km north- universities to strengthen park Nevada State Entomologist’s office has also east of Las Vegas), there is a limited pool partnerships been an indispensable partner, bringing ad- of subject-matter experts and volunteers • Engage citizen scientists to help de- ditional collecting equipment, microscopes, interested enough to come to the park and velop park stewards and knowledgeable staff to make each event assist with plant and animal surveys. Fur- • Share results to initiate additional run smoothly. thermore, because many areas in the park studies in the park are difficult to access, a bioblitz focused on • Establish an invertebrate reference Great Basin National Park is generally un- different park units or regions was not an collection for park staff and visiting dersampled for most invertebrate orders, option. Therefore, to maximize participa- researchers and the bioblitzes provide an opportunity tion and efficiency, Great Basin staff, as at for scientists to apply their knowledge Acadia, chose to focus their bioblitzes on The park does not have a prioritized list of in a beautiful setting where the results one order or class of organisms per year. invertebrates to determine the focal group will be used. The gathering of scientists each year. Instead, the availability of a lead at a bioblitz also serves to train graduate Park staff were introduced to the bioblitz taxonomist helps the park decide how to students, meet colleagues in the same or concept during a program session at the focus the event. This lead taxonomist is a similar field, and share knowledge with 2009 George Wright Society Conference responsible for leading a workshop, dem- park visitors who are eager to learn. on Park and Protected Area Management onstrating sampling techniques, identifying in Portland, Oregon. After returning specimens to the family level during the Students and children are always welcome home, the park established a partnership event, and providing the expertise, staff, and at bioblitzes and have helped collect and THE BIOBLITZ 45

DAVID HUNTER sort specimens. A high school teacher focal groups are already identified for from Colorado brought his summer biol- 2015 (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and ogy class to the 2011 Hymenoptera bioblitz, Trichoptera––the aquatic insect orders of and they helped collect many additional mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies). The specimens. Children, with their lower information gained from these bioblitzes stature and innate curiosity, have helped fosters a greater awareness of the park’s their parents and scientists find insects biodiversity among both managers and the and arachnids that otherwise would prob- public. It can also help drive management ably have been missed. In 2013, Dr. Paula decisions about where to focus conserva- Cushing gave a special presentation about tion efforts by elucidating locations where arachnids to children, focusing on Char­ more intense sampling and additional lotte’s Web. Children (and adults) could research are needed in order to determine DAVID HUNTER touch a real orb-weaver spider, and some species trends. children who had always been afraid of spiders suddenly became their advocates. The diversity of life in our national parks is phenomenal, and the bioblitz has become A potential new species to science (Acan­ a popular way of documenting that life thetropis sp. nov.) was documented during and facilitating personal discoveries of it the Hymenoptera bioblitz in 2011, and the for the visiting public. If every bioblitz has Arachnid bioblitz documented two orders a person who makes as exciting a discov- (Solfugids and Scorpions) that were new ery as a species new to science or even to the park. More than 75 families have to the park, or who simply learns how to (Top) Park Ranger Robb Reinhart points out been added to the park’s taxonomic list follow the sound of crows to a hidden owl, harvester ants to young participants at the Hy- menoptera bioblitz in Great Basin National Park. along with numerous genera and spe- then the event is a job well done. (Bottom) This wasp was one of 22 species cies, providing a more complete species in the Crabronidae family (the most species of any taxa) found during the Great Basin list for the park. Park staff are looking Hymenoptera bioblitz. forward to future bioblitzes, and the CONTINUED ON PAGE 69

Table 3. Summary of bioblitz events held at Great Basin National Park, Nevada, 2009–2015

Year Order/Class Common Name Lead Taxonomist Participants Taxa Families Added Species Added Notes 2009 Coleoptera Beetles Jeff Knight, Nevada State 40 9 25+ Organizational support Entomologist from Southern Utah University 2010 Orthopteroids Crickets, Grasshoppers, Related Dr. Andrew Barnum, Dixie State 25 4 15 Inclement weather College 2011 Hymenoptera Bees, Wasps, Ants Dr. James Pitts, Utah State University 80 25 100+ First 48-hour event 2012 Diptera Flies Dr. Riley Nelson, Brigham Young 50 15 30+ NPS Biodiversity University Coordinator Sally Plumb attends 2013 Arachnids Spiders, Mites, Ticks, Dr. Paula Cushing, Denver Museum 60 >10 30+ Nighttime activities Pseudoscorpions, Solfugids, of Nature and Science attract significant Scorpions attendance 2014 Lepidoptera Butterflies, Moths Dr. Paul Opler, Colorado State 60 n/a 200+ New moth species University 2015 Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Mayflies, Stoneflies, Caddisflies To be determined n/a n/a n/a May/June 2015 Trichoptera 46 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

BIOBLITZ PROFILES NPS PHOTO NPS Ocmulgee National Monument Butterfly Bioblitz

National park Ocmulgee National Monument, Georgia

Dates 23–24 October 2013 Middle school students pause to photograph a butterfly on the first day of the 2013 Butterfly Bioblitz at Ocmulgee National Monument. Activity name/type Butterfly Bioblitz

Methods Highlights Five teams of scientists led groups of community volunteers in the Hundreds of photographs of butterflies were submitted to park field of this 702-acre (284 ha) park to observe and identify as staff, resulting in identification of 28 species; an additional 12 spe- many species of butterflies as possible over the course of the two- cies were identified by other means. The park set up a children’s day event. Participants were encouraged to photodocument the education area so that the youngest participants could learn about butterflies they encountered—no collections were made—and the life cycle of butterflies and get involved in a hands-on crafts used cameras, binoculars, field guides, and checklists to help make program. The event helped raise awareness in the community of identifications and to record their observations. Students from the important role butterflies play in park and area ecosystems. middle school participated on the first day (see photo), while the The park considered the event a success and has received funding general public took part on day two. Participants received a to repeat the activity in August 2014, with hopes of expanding T-shirt, water bottle, and backpack for helping with the event. the list of species documented in 2013.

Key partners Park contact NPS staff of the Southeast Coast I&M Network, Congaree Angela Bates (angela_bates@ nps.gov) National Park, and Cumberland Island National Seashore and ento- mologist Marc Minno, author of Butterflies Through Binoculars and Butterflies of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia

Participation 480 community volunteers, scientists, and staff

Number of species 40 butterflies and 5 dragonflies THE BIOBLITZ 47

BELOW LEFT: DEREK HENNEN, UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS; OTHERS: NPS HEARTLAND NETWORK/HOPE DODD George Washington Carver Bioblitz

National park George Washington Carver National Monument, Missouri

Dates 27–28 September 2013. Similar events are planned for this park on 27 September 2014 and at Buffalo National River on 18 October 2014.

Activity name/type Bioblitz

Focal taxa/habitats Aquatic and terrestrial insects, small mammals, water mites

Methods Staff from the NPS Heartland Inventory and Monitoring Network selected four focus taxa based on understudied groups from previ- ous inventories. Lead scientists selected study protocols with park (Clockwise from top left). Millipede collected in the forest by David approval via the NPS Research Permit and Reporting System. Four Bowles’s team. Aquatic invertebrate sample processing at Williams teams made field collections in various ecosystems using scientific Pond by Kip Heth’s team. Small-mammal collecting from prairie by Karen Pulicinski’s team. Water mite sample collecting from creeks by methods. Teams comprised local adult volunteers recruited Andrea Radwell’s team. through public media and university contacts. Team leaders and NPS staff held an orientation meeting to discuss the schedule, Publications methods, data recording, equipment, and safety. Field collections were made from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday; blacklight traps A final report has been published: Hinsey, J. A., and T. M. were set the previous night. Aquatic and terrestrial collections Johnson. 2014. George Washington Carver National Monument were used for educational purposes Saturday afternoon in the visi- (GWCA) Bioblitz Event–2013. Natural Resource Data Series NPS/ tor center classroom. Scientists reported taxa count data to the HTLN/NRDS–2014/686. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Heartland Network once identifications were complete. Colorado, USA.

Key partners Outcomes Staff from the national monument helped to coordinate the event and The event was held in conjunction with National Public Lands Day provided use of the visitor center, park grounds, and public outreach. and was well attended by curious visitors, including toddlers and Taxonomic team leaders came from Missouri Southern State University, octogenarians. The park considered the event a success in part the University of Arkansas, and the NPS Heartland Inventory and because it provided an opportunity to involve adults and older stu- Monitoring Network. Team leaders and members volunteered their time. dents as citizen scientists in the collection of authentic data that will be archived in the NPSpecies database. The park plans to host future bioblitz events based on the favorable outcomes of this ini- Participation tial activity. Thirty-nine volunteers participated in the event, 4 as leaders and 20 as team members, with an additional 15 visitors participating in the educational program. Park contacts Theresa Weiss-Johnson ([email protected] Number of species/specimens and Jan Hinsey ([email protected]) More than 1,200 organisms were collected, comprising 141 spe- cies, of which 89 were new to the park. 48 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

“PROFILES” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 48

Key science partners Upper Delaware Bioblitz The Academy of Natural Sciences (Patrick Center for Environmental Research) of Drexel University, Delaware Highlands Mushroom National park Society, East Stroudsburg University, Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, Pennsylvania Program, and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

Dates Participation 28–29 June 2013 About 50 scientists and amateur naturalists helped collect and identify specimens. More than 25 volunteers planned and ran the Activity name/type event. Approximately 250 park visitors attended educational pro- Upper Delaware Bioblitz grams to learn about the event and its findings.

Focal taxa Highlights Aquatic macroinvertebrates, birds, fish, fungi, herpetofauna, Five inches of rain fell the night before the bioblitz, hampering the lichens, mammals, mosses, plants, terrestrial invertebrates search for snakes and collections at aquatic study sites. The Pennsylvania endangered bridle shiner (Notropis bifrenatus) was Site documented in a new park location. All 27 documented crane flies A 64-acre (26 ha) privately owned property mostly in the half- were new records for Wayne County. (The previous state record mile-wide wild and scenic river corridor in the northern portion of for Cryptolabis paradoxa, a riverine crane fly, was in 1917.) Among the park plants, 29 vascular species (11 of them native) and 31 species of bryophytes were new county records. Areas prone to flooding had a higher proportion of nonnative plant species. Twenty species of Methods ground beetles, a group that reflects specific microhabitat associa- Nine taxonomic teams (TWiGs), comprising scientists from the tions, were recorded. All mosquito specimens tested negative for Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, several universities and West Nile virus. No bats of the genus Myotis, hardest hit by white- agencies, students, and volunteers, combed the site to locate and nose syndrome, were identified. Herpetofauna identifications identify taxa, and subsequently to verify certain identifications in included salamanders, newts, frogs, toads, turtles, and one snake the lab. Collection protocols and sampling methods used by each species. Some duplication occurred among species recorded by team are described online at http://www.upperdelawarebioblitz the aquatic macroinvertebrate and terrestrial invertebrate teams, .com/science/default.html. The public was invited on Saturday to suggesting the need for better coordination among these teams in view the results, talk with team members, and participate in the future. instructive programs (see http://www.upperdelawarebioblitz.com /event/default.html). Table 1. Results of 2013 Upper Delaware Bioblitz

Sponsors Number of Delaware Highlands Conservancy, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, TWiGs Species Friends of the Upper Delaware River, Monroe County Conservation Aquatic macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects, mussels, snails) 67 District, National Park Service (Natural Resource Stewardship and Birds 57 Science Directorate, Northeast Regional Office, and Washington Office), Norcross Wildlife Foundation (the property owner), Bryophytes (mosses, lichens, and worts) 67 Northeast Pennsylvania Audubon Society, Paul and Scott Hunt, Fish 28 Pennsylvania Native Plant Society, Verizon Wireless (for WiFi Fungi (mushrooms and molds) 51 access), and Wayne County Community Foundation Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) 16 Mammals 12 Terrestrial invertebrates (insects, worms, snails) 458 Vascular plants 268 (192 native) Total 1,024 THE BIOBLITZ 49 JON GELHAUS JON ROY MORSCH ROY MORSCH STEVE SCOTT

(Background) A mercury vapor lamp and a white sheet attract flying insects at the bioblitz. (Inset, top) Young naturalists at the Upper Dela- ware Bioblitz learn about fish from Dr. Richard Horwitz of the Academy of Natural Sciences. (Inset, middle) A young participant holds a sala- mander (Plethodon glutinosus) identified during the Upper Delaware Bioblitz. (Inset, bottom) Female crane fly,Tipula bicornis.

not easily be reengineered. By involving the public in a science- Publications based park management activity, the bioblitz supported the NPS A final report is available at http://www.upperdelawarebioblitz Call to Action strategy 7, “Next Generation Stewards.” .com/science/default.html. An article about the importance of pro- tected habitats to bryophyte diversity was published in the March 2014 issue of Evansia (see “A list of bryophytes for Wayne County, Follow-up Pennsylvania” at doi:10.1639/079.031.0104). The park organized and held a second bioblitz in 2014, this time on the New York side of the river. For further information and to Educational outcomes view photos of the event see http://upperdelawarebioblitz.com More than 1,000 species of plants and animals were documented and https://www.facebook.com/UpperDelawareBioblitz. in 24 hours and have been entered into the NPSpecies database. The event highlighted the diversity of life that enriches the soil, Park contact cycles nutrients, purifies water, pollinates plants, and creates air— Don Hamilton ([email protected]) ecosystem services that benefit and sustain humans and that can- 50 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

The All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory Perspectives on the ATBI By the Editor

THE ALL-TAXA BIODIVERSITY INVENTORY (ATBI) IS A Todd Witcher, executive director, Discover Life in America, potent, ambitious, and intensive model for the discovery and the nonprofit partner for the ATBI at Great Smoky Mountains study of park biodiversity. While it may not be sustainable for all National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina, to gain insight parks, several have embarked on this long-term endeavor that into this robust inventory tool. We also share a feature article seeks to document all life-forms in a park. Here we present inter- on pages 58–61 about the ongoing inventory work at George views with Marc Albert, Stewardship Program director, Boston Washington Memorial Parkway to round out our coverage of Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, Massachusetts, and ATBIs.

AYA ROTHWELL Interview with Marc Albert

Editor: What is an All-Taxa ticed underfoot. He’s based at Biodiversity Inventory? Harvard University, so when the Boston Harbor Islands Marc Albert: It’s a long-term was in the process of doing inventory process, the over- our first inventories—geol- all effort given to cataloging ogy, soils, vertebrates, vascular biodiversity in a park. It is plants—he attended an inven- an ongoing and ultimately tory event and challenged the never-ending effort that flows park to expand those invento- directly from the National Park ries to focus on invertebrates. Service mission to understand Through his connections with the resources in a park. a nonprofit foundation, he facilitated the first donation How did the ATBI at Boston to support this idea. I think he Harbor Islands come about saw this as an opportunity to and why was it focused on stimulate locally what he had arthropods? been thinking about as one of his broad principles. Marc: E. O. Wilson got the idea going around 2000, based How did you organize and on his concept of the “mi- run the events over the six- crowilderness.” He has been year period? a great champion of popular- izing science, and one of his Marc: Brian Farrell is at the big ideas is that we are all a lot Harvard Museum of Com- closer to biodiversity than we parative Zoology and was the realize. You don’t need to go principal investigator for the to Yellowstone to see biodi- insect and terrestrial inver- versity. As an entomologist he tebrate portion of our ATBI. had a particular insight into Jessica Rykken was a postdoc- all the diversity that is unno- toral researcher who served as Marc Albert in transit to the Boston Harbor Islands. 51

the project leader. She directly know. The ATBI also fostered the mainland increases, the Marc: Last year we piloted oversaw the collection and unparalleled opportunities for proportion of nonnative to na- two “photo bioblitzes,” as we identifications, and also facili- outreach, including chances tive plant species goes up more are calling them. They emerged tated some of the educational for public participation in field than it does for invertebrates. out of our partnership with and interpretive materials that and laboratory settings and Harvard and our work with came out of the program. school programs for thousands Why did you refer to this Jessica Rykken, who helped us of students. as an ATBI when it focused coordinate the first one. We What did it accomplish? initially on terrestrial viewed it as more of a pilot Was there a broader context arthropods? as opposed to a full bioblitz Marc: Last year Jessica and to the science? effort, because we wanted to Brian published a compre- Marc: When I got to the figure out whether using im- hensive technical report of the Marc: The investigators park in 2005 this project was ages can work to document “microwilderness” ATBI from wanted to understand if island called “the ATBI.” But as biodiversity scientifically or 2005 to 2010, and it provides area and distance from the time has passed and as we’ve whether it’s only useful—and full details.1 But the highlights mainland, as predicted by the had an opportunity to think this is valuable too—as a are many. Paraphrasing from theory of island biogeography, more broadly, I have stopped biodiversity discovery engage- this report, 40 scientists and 50 would correlate with species thinking about this discrete ment tool. Therefore, we only students, interns, and volun- richness for these islands, arthropod project as the ATBI registered 15 participants who teers participated, and the which are so heavily influ- and instead, of course, think of were willing to be a part of latter group contributed 12,000 enced by human disturbance. the ATBI as our overall effort this pilot and who came out to hours to process nearly 77,000 For six focal taxa they did find to catalog biodiversity in the Thompson Island with their specimens in the lab. Alto- that as island size increased, so park. The terrestrial insect and cameras. The participants had gether they identified approxi- did species richness. Likewise, arthropod–targeted effort was to set up their own accounts mately 2,000 species, includ- as island distance from the a huge piece, but it wasn’t the with iNaturalist. The idea was ing at least 239 nonnatives.2 mainland increased, species ATBI. that all of the images they Beetles were the most diverse richness declined. Also, as uploaded to iNaturalist would group and millipedes the the distance between islands What other taxa have you be grouped and shared as the least. However, a little more increased, the similarity in investigated? Boston Harbor Islands photo than half of the approximately the focal taxa communities bioblitz. 160,000 specimens collected decreased, but more so for Marc: Intertidal biota. remain unidentified, and flies species with limited flight abil- Concurrent with the begin- Some species must have and wasps could ultimately ity. For ecological, economic, ning of the insect work was a been easier to identify than exceed the number of beetle and management reasons they thorough inventory of biotic others. species. Fifteen species are also were interested in the assemblages of the intertidal thought to be new records for proportion and distribution of habitats throughout the park. Marc: That’s the trade-off Massachusetts, New England, native species to nonnatives. We funded a project man- with iNaturalist. It allows you or North America, includ- Compared with a control area ager—a graduate student from to request identification sug- ing an agricultural pest from on the mainland, the islands Northeastern University—and gestions from the user com- Europe, a click beetle. Also, we had fewer nonnative species she arranged for several in- munity, and while professional have discovered European fire but the proportion of non- tertidal biologists to use more taxonomists might browse ants on the islands and, though natives to natives was higher. of a classic bioblitz model to the photos and help make they haven’t been a problem Though six nonnative focal collect specimens at several identifications, it is more of an here, they are a public nui- beetle families occurred on islands in the intertidal zone amateur enthusiast user group. sance elsewhere, so it’s good to more islands than did na- over a couple of tide cycles in Of course, amateurs can be tives, variation in species one day. right and they can know a lot 1 See https://irma.nps.gov/App/Reference abundance was too great to of things, but there’s definitely /Profile/2195282. draw a conclusion about the Has technology played a a quality-control step when 2 All of the records are available at http:// proportion. Comparing plants role in your bio-discovery using a crowd-sourced site like insects.oeb.harvard.edu/boston_islands/ and https://irma.nps.gov/NPSpecies. with invertebrates, they found work? iNaturalist. That’s why it was that as island distance from really important for us to have 52 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Jessica serve as the curator of biodiversity of the park. Until get farther and farther out of nity volunteers were involved the collection. this is no longer a park where reach. It did take quite a bit of in the lab, because there’s a understanding the resources discussion between the NPS role for the public in the initial What did you conclude is fundamental to our mission, Biological Resource Manage- sorting of insects and other about the viability of the it’s not going to end. ment Division, who maintain groups, throwing out random photo bioblitz to document the NPSpecies database, the parts that can’t be identified, species? So it’s more of a strategy? Inventory and Monitoring Pro- drying the specimens, and gram staff, park staff, and our pinning them so that an expert Marc: It worked well, although Marc: Right. It’s an approach partners at Harvard to figure can take a look. We also devel- there were some technol- to understanding park resources out how to export the data oped posters and a card game ogy challenges. As a scientific and it flows directly from the and transform it in a way that to involve the public. inventory tool, it’s nonde- National Park Service mis- would automatically load into structive and it allows us to sion. An ATBI should be a core NPSpecies. The main issue Tell me more about that. crowd-source the collection of organizing principle around was figuring out which of the information and the suggested inventories in parks. How- fields in the Harvard database3 Marc: One feature that identifications. The taking of ever, there are funding limits, were in common with NPSpe- enhanced both the science pictures can be done by a lot so we’re not operating in the cies. But we eventually did do and educational value of the of people. And it’s excellent way we were during the active it. The transfer of this massive project was high-resolution as a biodiversity discovery funded part of this work. number of specimen records photography. Harvard has this community engagement tool. has gotten us to think about fantastic system to take three- The challenge is that you still Are the specimens kept at NPSpecies and its value. We’re dimensional photographs that have the same basic bottleneck Harvard? going to bring NPSpecies into can then be used for measure- as you do with any inventory, more use for things like inter- ments to help with identifica- which is the authority, the tax- Marc: Yes. From my perspec- pretive programs. tion, but also have been used onomist, who actually curates tive the National Park Service for posters and even a custom the collection and makes the gains by having the Harvard How would you characterize card game. Not everyone is final call on species identifica- Museum of Comparative the level of public going to have access to a high- tion. You don’t get around that Zoology be the curators of the involvement? end system like this, but even with a photo bioblitz. collection. They know what just taking photographs with a they’re doing, they have the Marc: Public involvement digital camera can enhance the Is the ATBI over? Is it ever time and resources to manage was built into our project in biodiversity discovery value of complete? the collection, and they have multiple ways and continues to the specimens for the public. collections from all over Mas- be. We’ve had public involve- Instead of just reporting the Marc: We have stopped broad- sachusetts and the world. It is ment on individual collect- number and names of spe- scale collection, processing, a benefit to the science and to ing days. We’ve had several cies collected, you can share and identification of insects. the National Park Service to bioblitz events that were part the individual images that are But I would by no means say be able to look at the Boston of the overall insect inventory sometimes creepy and amaz- that our ATBI is over. Even if Harbor Islands collection in and the public was invited to ing, especially at poster size. you stop collecting and transi- the context of all these other those, plus we had the two The Great Smoky Mountains tion to monitoring of a particu- collections. photo bioblitzes in 2013. While project has produced some lar focal group, for example most of the collecting has been incredible posters. We also arthropods, you would almost How did you handle data done by the lead investigators produced clear resin–covered certainly find new species as management? and undergraduate research specimens of various inverte- you were looking the second assistants, a little bit has been brates. They’re used as part of time and therefore add to Marc: I was very concerned done by other members of the a curriculum-based program biodiversity information in the as the main inventory was public as part of the engage- in which students do math and park. So by my way of think- winding down that we were ment process. Several commu- other exercises related to food ing the ATBI does not have an going to end up with all of webs for understanding the end, because we’re going to the information being over at ecology of terrestrial ecosys- continue to try to catalog the Harvard, and that it would just 3 See http://insects.oeb.harvard.edu/mcz/. tems. THE ALL-TAXA BIODIVERSITY INVENTORY 53

What is the legacy of the the public health aspects of dif- than they could an all-out event and working with the ATBI? ferent species acting as vectors ATBI. Is this a good model? Philadelphia Academy of for disease. Natural Sciences [at Drexel Marc: I think the curated Marc: It’s a terrific model for University]. Of course the collection at Harvard is an im- What management issues a couple of reasons. Number academy has an entomologist, portant legacy. The inventory relate to the information one is that the main leverage a mammalian zoologist, plant and the potential for further you gained from the ATBI? that we have with taxonomists and fungi people, and so they biodiversity discovery live on is their own professional can serve as the key liaisons in that collection. For example, Marc: While the ATBI is enthusiasm for the subject. The to the taxonomic expertise a mycologist from Harvard has valuable and ongoing, we do cool thing about the focused for the various groups. I think begun to study fungi that grow have other stakeholders, and bioblitzes is that you might get that sort of model, a local park on the bodies of insects. Some in our case other landown- a lot of taxonomists together doing a community event col- of the fungi biodiversity that ing partners, in the park. I who like being in a room talk- lecting a lot of stuff, can work he is discovering will be from do think that at times talking ing about the thing that they when there’s a dedicated insti- those specimens collected about insects for six years love. That’s a benefit compared tution that also sees it in their eight years ago as part of the became tiresome and even to the “try to get everything” best interest to be involved. insect study. viewed as an opportunity to approach where Jessica had pigeonhole the Park Service as to be sending boxes of sorted Are there other consider- What are the next steps for focusing on impractical things. specimens all over the country ations in designing a biodi- biodiversity discovery at Where partnerships are really and world. It’s great if you can versity discovery activity to your park? critical and where funding is establish those professional meet a park’s needs? tight, it is important for parks relationships, but then it may Marc: This partnership to consider what their key take a while for those tax- Marc: It is important to think between the Boston Harbor stakeholders are interested onomists to get to our box of through the scientific and com- Islands and the Museum in as well. Biodiversity can be materials. It’s not the same as munity engagement objectives of Comparative Zoology at approached from plenty of “come out here and geek out in as distinct topics. It’s great if Harvard continues to lead angles and there are plenty of your subject-matter area with you can have one event like to new investigations. Our focal groups. Not every park us and with other like-minded the NPS–National Geographic current focus is on cataloging might focus on terrestrial taxonomists.” I think that is BioBlitzes that are designed to the fungi of the park, work- arthropods and intertidal biota what makes the discrete taxa answer scientific questions and ing with Danny Haelewaters like we did, but certainly the bioblitz model so fun for the engage the community. Their from Donald Pfister’s Harvard opinions and interests of key participants and so efficient for high profile may help draw tax- lab and an NPS intern from partners should be considered. the National Park Service. onomic expertise, but it takes a UMass Boston. For this work Part of the thinking through of lot of staff time and infusion of we’re targeting two islands and taking on ambitious invento- Another model is to change external money. It is incred- one peninsula in order to try to ries should be to identify clear the location of a bioblitz ibly time-consuming to take capture a range of conditions links to park management is- from year to year. the vast amount of specimens such as varying distance from sues of concern. We have to be from these events and make the mainland, wooded versus sensitive to the practical value Marc: Right. That model can them into a scientifically valid shrubby habitats, etc. The team of biodiversity discovery, for be excellent for parks that have set of collections. The day of is using both morphological public health, agriculture, and a local university or institu- collecting is a tiny piece of the and molecular techniques to visitor services, for example, at tion that wants to play a big effort, and then the sorting and do the taxonomy. Another the same time as we’re inter- role and can themselves be the processing and identifications spin-off that is emerging is ested in the scientific value. facilitators of getting taxono- can be overwhelming. I think research into the distribu- mists for the various groups. it is all too easy for parks to tion of mosquito species on Some parks focus on differ- I was at a workshop at Valley be overly ambitious regarding the Boston Harbor Islands. ent taxa as part of annual Forge National Historical the scientific goals. The best We might pick up a couple bioblitzes and can more Park outside of Philadelphia way to think this through is to of species from that, and we easily manage this approach last year and they were talking distinguish between scientific might learn something about about doing a biodiversity and community engagement 54 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

goals. Let’s make sure we don’t sible impact on species of spe- been able to make their model engagement goals. Some of it set up something so that we’re cial concern and on seasonal work. It’s this ongoing deep is figuring out who the right going to be frustrated or disap- nesting species. We had to relationship with a nonprofit partners are to engage with to pointed with one or the other. schedule our intertidal bioblitz dedicated to this task. That’s a make these things work well It’s fine to have a biodiversity in the fall to avoid coastal good model. I think our deep scientifically. And part of it is discovery event in which you breeding bird species that nest ongoing relationship with a lo- to be more strategic. I would engage the community and in a lot of the low-lying areas cal institution is another good like to see the National Park they help make species lists, on many of the islands. model. Great Smoky Moun- Service take a more strategic but it would not be smart to tains National Park has been approach through which we plan on this being the scien- How would you compare able to do more projects, and can engage taxonomist part- tifically valid inventory for the your inventory work with the so that’s certainly something to ners in a more structured way, park. ATBI at Great Smoky Moun- aspire to. maybe through the idea of a tains National Park? taxonomist-in-parks program, What risks need to be Where is biodiversity discov- or maybe dedicated funding planned for? Marc: If I understand the ery headed in the National to biodiversity inventory that Great Smoky Mountains Park Service? is able to engage a breadth of Marc: Just like with any other model, the organizing principle taxonomist expertise. The key park activity, there are poten- seems to be targeted research Marc: I think we’re in a phase problem is that we’re all going tial environmental impacts and on individual groups with of piloting all sorts of different to end up asking for the same safety concerns of this type of individual researchers and methods for doing this and fig- people’s time. That lends itself activity. You don’t want people taxonomic working groups, uring out what works and what to a strategic solution. climbing down a sheer bluff to as facilitated through their doesn’t. Some of this is figur- pick a certain plant. You also partnership with Discover Life ing out where to distinguish have to think through the pos- in America. That’s how they’ve scientific goals from public

Interview with Todd Witcher

Editor: Where did the idea the park’s varied physical and for an ATBI originate? geographic characteristics, it seemed probable that a large Todd Witcher: It was the portion of species had yet brainchild of retired ecologist to be discovered, particu- Dan Janzen. He coined the larly among the invertebrates. term, came up with the con- These less studied species cept, and in 1993 attempted form the foundation for eco- to do an ATBI in Costa Rica system functions that support that focused on lepidopterans. more familiar animals and After enduring difficulties plants. So he rallied scientists, there, he came back to the park staff like [ecologist] Keith United States with the desire Langdon and [entomologist] to do one here. He picked Becky Nichols, and commu- Great Smoky Mountains nity leaders around the idea. National Park as a biologically This group recognized that

DLIA/CHUCK COOPER diverse area that he felt would the National Park Service Todd Witcher, executive director of Discover Life in America, address- work well for what turned would not be able to take on es participants in the annual Great Smokies ATBI scientific conference. out to be a pilot ATBI. Given something of this magnitude THE ALL-TAXA BIODIVERSITY INVENTORY 55

In a matter of just two years on centipedes, earthworms, this huge project got off the flatworms, scorpionflies, ticks, ground. The activity level has aquatic snails, dragonflies and been pretty consistent until damselflies, and bryozoans the last three of four years. [aquatic invertebrates]. At-risk There is less to study now, but groups that need attention in- the biggest deterrent to our clude Fraser fir remnant areas, continued work is funding. hemlock stands, dry cliffs, and Still, we host three to four ma- certain wetlands. jor studies each year. We also hold several citizen science Your ATBI is such a massive events, including Biodiversity undertaking that I’d like to

DLIA/CHUCK COOPER Days in the Smokies, host up ask you a number of practi- Todd Witcher (second from left) discusses the ATBI with a group of to four interns annually, and cal questions about how citizen scientists near the grounds of the Appalachian Highlands Sci- organize several fund-raising you manage the effort. For ence Learning Center at Purchase Knob. events. example, what are TWiGs and how do they work? without a lot of help. As a soil for millipedes, wading How do you decide what result our nonprofit, Discover upriver to collect tardigrades, taxa to study? Todd: They are taxonomic Life in America [DLIA], was and crouching in sun-dappled working groups and are a formed in 1997 to coordinate forest to investigate ferns. The Todd: When we started, we way to organize the fieldwork and manage the ATBI. results have been remarkable: threw a wide net and invited of the ATBI. They revolve 931 species new to science, whomever to go out and do around the expertise of Can you give us an idea of an additional 7,799 species research on something we taxonomists to make collec- the scope of this ambitious previously unknown to the hadn’t looked at before. Of tions in the park and follow undertaking? park, and nearly half a million course, the mini-grant pro- up with identifications in the data records. The new species gram had a lot to do with di- lab. This approach was part Todd: The goal of the ATBI to science have included 36 recting this work. That’s how of our initial science plan and is to bring researchers to the moths, 41 spiders, 78 algae, things went until the last four it has worked really well for park to document every living 56 beetles, 26 crustaceans, 57 or five years. Now we narrow certain taxa, but not all. It can species in every taxonomic fungi, 23 bees and their rela- it down by meeting with park take a charismatic scientist to group in the park. It’s one of tives, 21 tardigrades, and 270 Inventory and Monitoring lead a TWiG, to gather all the the largest natural resource bacteria, and more than 200 staff and scientists to identify specialists that are studying inventories in the world. Over scientific publications have important groups still left a particular group, and to get 15 years of fieldwork we have been disseminated. We have in the park that we would them involved and excited for involved about 1,000 scien- just begun to scratch the sur- like to know more about, for the project. Our lepidoptera tists from 20 countries and face with regard to potential instance, pollinators, species group, led by Dave Wagner at more than 25 states. Dozens discoveries of bacteria. occupying high-elevation hab- the University of Connecticut, of universities and museums itats, or “keystone” species. is a great example of one that and hundreds of educa- How quickly did this ramp This includes taxa for which has worked really well. Dave tors have taken part too. We up and what level of activity little or no work has been ac- has written a book on cater- have trained more than 800 are you experiencing now? complished, groups that need pillars of the eastern United amateur specialists, volun- to be completed, and at-risk States, developed from his teer scientists, students, and Todd: The decision to do the communities. In the intro- work on this project. In some teachers in our citizen science project was made in 1997. The ductory category we need to cases, however, you don’t program and have logged following year the nonprofit look at parasitic wasps, mites, need a whole TWiG, because more than 50,000 volunteer was formed and we began to nematodes, protozoa, mi- a particular animal group may hours. Additionally, hundreds raise money. The year after crobes, and particular fungi, not have many species or you of visitors have worked along- that we began giving the first crustaceans, true bugs, and may want to learn a lot about side scientists sifting through grants and fieldwork began. flies. We need to finish work one species. 56 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Has it been difficult to find had to try to raise more of our lying permit from the National What educational activi- taxonomists for certain ani- own funding in the last few Park Service that we can use ties are part of the Smokies mal groups? years as partner funding has to train volunteers and get ATBI? been directed at other proj- them involved in the ATBI, Todd: Taxonomy has been ects. An additional focus now as needed. The scientists also Todd: We hold an annual a dying field in science for is getting our own fund-rais- need to get permits for the scientific conference and a long time. In some cases ing efforts off the ground. The specific work that they’re go- it’s open to the public. The there’s just nobody to identify hope had always been that ing to be doing. conference is where scien- the specimens that you need recipients would be able to tists present their findings to have looked at. And that’s leverage their mini-grants with Where are the specimens for the past year or multiple a challenge for every park. National Science Foundation curated? years, including protocols and We have tried to get younger or other funding. In one case educational products. We give people involved, and we’ve several coleopterists used a Todd: It’s different with every scholarships to about 25–30 had some success through our mini-grant to leverage a much group of scientists. Of course, local and regional teachers, internship and citizen science bigger NSF grant that resulted every collected specimen and we have about as big a programs. We send out RFPs in a beetle and arthropod belongs to the National Park percentage of regular citizens [requests for proposals] and museum being established Service. Some of our scientists who attend. Attendance was do all kinds of things to try at Louisiana State University return their specimens to the about 175 per year, but we’ve to get people interested. Our based on the work they did in Park Service once they’ve fin- had a drop in that number hope one day is to have an the Smokies. ished with them and they go over the past several years alliance-based ATBI so that into the park collections, and because of travel restrictions the research opportunities can Where do you house visiting some want to keep them for and limits placed on con- be shared among scientists researchers? long periods or on permanent ference attendance on the more easily. There are Web loan. National Park Service and sites used by taxonomists Todd: The Appalachian High- other government agencies. where we might publish this lands Science Learning Center How are data managed and We hold events each year to kind of information. Gener- at Purchase Knob [see photo, shared? involve citizen scientists and ally, though, it’s through word previous page] has space, and have helped park staff develop of mouth that we find taxono- they allow scientists who are Todd: That was a challenge educational programs, such as mists. You know, a springtail studying on the North Caro- initially because of the num- Parks as Classrooms, focused expert knows a fly expert and lina side of the park to stay ber of scientists and kinds of on ATBI events and informa- so on. there. We don’t have a site on organisms we were working tion. the Tennessee side where they with. What we did was to cre- Do scientists get a stipend to can stay. Early on, park neigh- ate our own ATBI database. Does the National Park help defray their costs? bors would give up a room in We have a data manager who Service have a reporting their house for researchers, checks the validity, usability, requirement for the ATBI? Todd: We have had a mini- but we’ve gone away from and format of the data and grant program to entice that. It was too complicated. enters them into the ATBI Todd: There is no reporting specialists to come to the Now we ask local accom- database, which the National requirement other than what park. It helped draw scien- modations to give scientists a Park Service maintains locally. we report as part of the su- tists from a limited pool. For price break. It’s hard because Another value we add is that perintendent’s annual report about 10 years we gave away our room needs coincide with the public can access the ATBI for the park. Of course, we around $60,000 a year in the busiest tourist time of the database through a Web site, have always thought that the $1,000 to $5,000 increments. year. with filters, of course, for annual conference serves this This money came from park protecting location informa- purpose, and the conference fund-raising partners, Friends How are research permits tion about threatened and proceedings are published on of the Smokies, and the Great handled? endangered and economically the DLIA Web site [www.dlia Smoky Mountains Associa- valuable species. The data are .org]. tion, as well as from our own Todd: Discover Life in being migrated to the NPSpe- fund-raising efforts. We’ve America has a general or over- cies database now. THE ALL-TAXA BIODIVERSITY INVENTORY 57

What is the legacy of the http://www.atbi.eu/wp7/]. It’s For parks that are not able tend to sidetrack federal agen- Great Smokies ATBI? worth sharing as it may make a to mount a long-term ATBI, cies, including lack of funding. good reference. can information from indi- I hope that we can keep the Todd: A simple thing is the vidual bioblitzes be accrued focus on understanding and baseline information. Lots of What new techniques for and integrated into some- saving biodiversity. environmental changes are biodiversity discovery are thing like an ATBI? already taking place here, and emerging? How does biodiversity I think they will become more Todd: It depends how well discovery contribute to park severe. The information pro- Todd: The iNaturalist idea the data are collected and protection? vides a baseline that will help and the way technology is managed by the park. At Great us understand how species are moving is an area that I think Smokies, we want to know Todd: Park management responding to those changes can be valuable. where and when species were needs to know what species and what qualities make spe- found—more circumstances exist in the parks. Maybe not cies resistant or vulnerable Are you nearing the end of than just a running list—so every single thing, but much to change. We also feel our the ATBI? that the information can be more about all groups than ATBI can serve as a model better integrated into manage- any park currently does. It is for this type of work at other Todd: This is a question we ment. For example, the map- impossible to do a good job parks. That’s part of it. We’re are asked a lot, and I don’t ping program I mentioned protecting parks without this also developing some prod- think we have an exact an- uses ATBI data and essentially knowledge. I also believe that ucts. We are working with the swer. I believe we are moving will be able to map the biodi- by collecting these data and University of Tennessee on a more toward the end, and versity of the park. This tool involving citizens we build biodiversity mapping pro- with NPS help we are moving could be used to show deci- a broader love for parks and gram. It uses approximately toward a monitoring situation. sion makers, who are contem- wild places. In the long run 40 environmental layers for However, if we keep finding plating the location for build- this will better protect parks the park, soils, vegetation, and new species at a high rate, ing a structure or road, where because people will better those kinds of things, coupled then I think that question is rare, endemic, or critical realize their value. with our biodiversity data hard to answer. The scope species exist so that they can to predict where a species, does change and adjust as then make a more informed —Jeff Selleck, Editor whatever it might be—a fly, a we go on and unfortunately decision. For a bioblitz to ([email protected]) bird—might be found. It’s still this is based more on funding provide this context it comes in the development stages. than on science. We do hope down to how it is planned and Our interns are verifying some to continue to be a highly managed, what information of those predictions now. valued NPS partner for years comes out of it, and the assur- to come. ance that identifications are Have you come up with validated by experts. any new methods for What has been a personal inventorying? highlight from your involve- How do you view the state ment with the ATBI? of knowledge of biota in the Todd: We have. One of our national parks? goals is to develop a “best Todd: I love science and practices” set of documents discovery and I can’t think of Todd: I would say it’s pretty for doing an ATBI. We don’t many jobs that combine the low. I think parks know a lot have that yet, but a group of two so well. But I do think about relatively few species scientists we worked with that our society has a low level (the charismatic fauna), and from Europe called EDIT of knowledge of science, and not much about everything (European Distributed Insti- this project is a great way of else. I hope the National Park tute Taxonomy) has published reversing that by involving Service is moving in the right a manual of protocols [see citizens in real-world science. direction, but so many things 58 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014 B. E. SMITH E. B.

The GWMP All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory: Finding new species near the nation’s capital

By Brent W. Steury

Figure 1. Neophylax virginica, a caddisfly species new to science, was discovered at George Washington Memorial Parkway in 2004.

R. OLIVER S. FLINT JR. tubes made of sand or other stream debris. The entomologist had been tipped off to HAD long suspected that The adults appear mothlike, with their two the potential presence of this new species a new species of caddisfly pairs of hairy membranous wings and slow when he was reviewing the vast Smithson- lay hidden in one of the flight, as if blowing on a breeze. As curator ian collections and found a single female manyD streams emptying into the Potomac emeritus of neuropteroids (net-winged caddisfly that he could not identify. It had River Gorge (fig. 1). It might be found, he insects) in the Department of Entomology been collected in 1921 by W. L. McAtee of reasoned, flitting around the floodplain at the Smithsonian Institution’s National what was then the U.S. Bureau of Biologi- forests in Turkey Run Park in northern Museum of Natural History, Dr. Flint had cal Survey, now the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Virginia, not far from the nation’s capital. described more than 1,000 species of cad- Service. The label indicated that the speci- Caddisflies are members of the insect disflies from 32 different countries, and he men had been taken near “Turkey Run,” order Trichoptera and have aquatic larvae was on the trail of yet another one only a now protected in Turkey Run Park, a unit that often hide in cryptlike protective few miles from his office. THE ALL-TAXA BIODIVERSITY INVENTORY 59

[An estimated] 86% of extant species are still undescribed. … Should it be surprising that other smaller forms of life—amphipods, beetles, caddisflies—are being found just outside the nation’s capital in an area with one of the highest densities of museums, universities, and research institutions on the planet?

of the George Washington Memorial lax virginica was discovered (Mathis et al. as being havens for new species within Parkway. 2009; Mathis and Zatwarnicki 2010). some kingdoms, such as fungi. So should it be surprising that other smaller forms Coincidentally, around the time Dr. Flint of life—amphipods, beetles, caddisflies— was pondering this unique specimen, Millions and millions are being found just outside the nation’s parkway staff members were working (probably) capital in an area with one of the highest on their All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory densities of museums, universities, and (ATBI) and contacted him to inquire if research institutions on the planet? he could help with caddisfly identifica- Between 1.4 and 1.9 million species of tions. Within a few weeks permits were in living organisms have been described Urban biodiversity, place and Dr. Flint and NPS staff found worldwide (Hamilton et al. 2010; Wilson themselves on the bank of Turkey Run on 1992), and approximately 15,000 new look locally a dark, drizzly October night glaring at species are added each year (May 2010). a hanging white sheet lit brightly by UV Mora et al. (2011) estimated that 86% of George Washington Memorial Park- light to attract insects. Of the hundreds of extant species are still undescribed and way has been conducting its ATBI for 10 caddisflies attracted to the sheet, a male a cottage industry has developed around years. To date, 4,976 species have been and four females, plus two males and two estimating the number of species on documented, including 58 species new to females that congregated at lights on the Earth. Erwin (1982) hypothesized that science, 3 species new to North America, front of the resource management build- there may be as many as 30 million species 83 new to Virginia, 7 new to the District ing in Turkey Run Park a few weeks later, of tropical arthropods; Mora et al. (2011) of Columbia, and 49 listed as rare by the proved to be the new species that Dr. Flint calculated 8.74 million eukaryote species; Natural Heritage Programs of Virginia or later described as Neophylax virginica and May (2010) suggested that a range Maryland. Since 2004, 50 peer-reviewed (Flint and Kjer 2011) (fig. 1). Caddisfly col- of 3 to 100 million species is defensible. journal articles have been published lection efforts lasted four years and were Undoubtedly, most undescribed species concerning the biodiversity and ecology expanded to include Great Falls Park a few are found in remote tropical latitudes of the parkway. Highlights of these studies miles to the north. This work documented that have long been a draw to biologists include 111 species of caddisflies (Flint 2011). enamored with the intricacies, forms, and colors of the diversity of life. Bates (1892) • Documenting 1,313 species of vascular While Dr. Flint was documenting caddis- found 700 species of butterflies within an plants, including 2 native species new flies, a Smithsonian colleague, Dr. Wayne hour’s walk of his Brazilian home, while to Virginia and a nonnative species Mathis, also took an interest in the Po- the 76 butterfly species documented from new to North America (Steury 2011; tomac River Gorge. Dr. Mathis is a world- George Washington Memorial Parkway Steury et al. 2008; Steury et al. 2013b) renowned expert in shoreflies (Ephydri- have remained constant since that number dae), a family of diminutive flies usually was established in 2004. Tropical locations • 480 species of macro-moths, including found on beaches and riverbanks. His are so diverse that even in urban areas 1 species new to Virginia and 11 species three-year study found four new species new bird genera are being discovered state-listed for rarity (Steury et al. of shoreflies, and a new species of snail- (Pacheco et al. 1996). Some researchers, 2007) killing fly, in the area near where Neophy­ such as Hawksworth and Rossman (1997), have recognized urban temperate areas 60 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

• Three studies of the pollination biol- ogy of rare plant species (Barrows et al. 2011, 2012, 2013)

• A 48-hour 2006 bioblitz that docu- mented 19 beetles, 5 true bugs, a fly, a bee, and a copepod new to Virginia (Evans et al. 2008)

Perhaps the greatest challenge now lies not in knowing how many extant species remain unknown, but in finding them before they go extinct. Current extinction rates exceed those of prehuman levels by 100 to 1,000 times (Pimm et al. 1995), and the professional taxonomists needed to describe new species are also becoming rarer (Mora et al. 2011).

George Washington Memorial Parkway will reach the milestone of 5,000 spe- cies in 2014. Seven inventory projects are currently under way and four additional projects will be funded through 2018. It is not unreasonable to expect that the park- way will surpass 10,000 species and see an additional 50 journal articles published in the next 10 years. A recent parkway survey of hexapods (collembolans), commonly known as springtails, reported 37 species new to science, but to date, nothing has been published on these finds. Despite continual progress, there is a long way to

NPS PHOTO/EMILY ZIVOT go to document all taxa at George Wash- Figure 2. Park Biologist Erik Oberg and Natural Resources Program manager Brent Steury ington Memorial Parkway. look under a cover board in Turkey Run Park to check for carabid beetles. A nine-year study using eight capture methods documented 184 carabid species from the George Washington Memorial Parkway, including 7 species new to Virginia and 7 species new to the District of Columbia. References

Barrows, E. M., A. E. Howard, and B. W. Steury. • 323 species of beetles in five families, • 55 species of land snails and slugs, 2011. Phenology, insect associates, and including 3 species new to science, 12 including 3 species new to Virginia fruiting of Valeriana paucifloriaMichaux (Valerianaceae) in the Potomac River Gorge species new to Virginia, and 7 species (Steury and Pearce 2014) area of Maryland and Virginia, United States. new to Washington, D.C. (Cavey et Marilandica 2:6–10. al. 2013; Steury et al. 2012; Steury et al. • A crustacean new to science (Hol- 2013a; Steury and Messer 2014) (fig. 2) singer 2009) . 2012. Fruit production and phenology of Phacelia covillei S. Watson • 91 species of bees from a globally rare • A turtle new to Virginia (Mitchell et al. (Hydrophyllaceae) in the Potomac Gorge area of Maryland and Virginia. Marilandica plant community type, including 2 spe- 2007) 3:10–16. cies new to Virginia (Steury et al. 2009) THE ALL-TAXA BIODIVERSITY INVENTORY 61

. 2013. Phenology and floral visitors of Mitchell, editors. A lifetime of contributions Steury, B. W., S. W. Droege, and E. T. Oberg. Lithospermum virginianum L. (Boraginaceae) to myriapodology and the natural history of 2009. Bees (Hymenoptera: Anthophila) of in Great Falls Park and Chub Sandhill Natural Virginia: A festschrift in honor of Richard L. a riverside outcrop prairie in Fairfax County, Area Preserve, Virginia. Marilandica 4:6–9. Hoffman’s 80th birthday. Virginia Museum Virginia. Banisteria 34:17–24. of Natural History Special Publication No. 16, Bates, H. W. 1892. The naturalist on the River Steury, B. W., G. P. Fleming, and M. T. Strong. Martinsville, Virginia, USA. Amazons. A record of adventures, habits of 2008. An emendation of the vascular flora animals, sketches of Brazilian and Indian life, Mathis, W. N., K. V. Knutson, and W. L. Murphy. of Great Falls Park, Fairfax County, Virginia. and aspects of nature under the equator, 2009. A new species of the snail-killing fly of Castanea 73:123–149. during eleven years of travel. John Murray, the genus Dictya Meigen from the Delmarva Steury, B. W., J. Glaser, and C. S. Hobson. 2007. London, UK. 285 pp. states (Diptera: Sciomyzidae). Proceedings A survey of macrolepidopteran moths of of the Entomological Society of Washington Cavey, J. F., B. W. Steury, and E. T. Oberg. Turkey Run and Great Falls National Parks, 111:785–794. 2013. Leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Bruchidae, Fairfax County, Virginia. Banisteria 29:17–31. Chrysomelidae, Orsodacnidae) from the Mathis, W. N., and T. Zatwarnicki. 2010. New Steury, B. W., T. C. MacRae, and E. T. Oberg. George Washington Memorial Parkway, species and other taxonomic modifications 2012. Annotated list of the metallic Fairfax County, Virginia. Banisteria 41:71–79. for shore flies from the Delmarva states wood-boring beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera: (Diptera: Ephydridae). Proceedings of the Erwin, T. L. 1982. Tropical forests: Their richness Buprestidae) of the George Washington Entomological Society of Washington in Coleoptera and other arthropod species. Memorial Parkway, Fairfax County, Virginia. 112:97–128. Coleopterists Bulletin 36:74–75. Banisteria 39:71–75. May, R. 2010. Tropical arthropod species, more Evans, A. V., B. Abraham, L. Biechele, J. Brown, Steury, B. W., and P. W. Messer. 2014. Twelve or less? Science 329:41–42. S. Carty, D. Feller, S. Flack, G. Fleming, ground beetles new to Virginia or the District O. Flint, J. Gibson, et al. 2008. The 2006 Mitchell, C. M., B. W. Steury, K. A. Buhlmann, of Columbia and an annotated checklist of Potomac Gorge bioblitz. Overview and and P. P. van Dijk. 2007. Chinese softshell the Geadephaga (Coleoptera, Adephaga) results of a 30-hour rapid biological survey. turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) in the Potomac from the George Washington Memorial Banisteria 32:3–80. River and notes on eastern spiny softshells Parkway. Banisteria 43:40–55. (Apalone spinifera) in northern Virginia. Flint, O. S., Jr. 2011. Trichoptera from the Great Steury, B. W., and T. A. Pearce. 2014. Land snails Banisteria 30:41–43. Falls and Turkey Run units of the George and slugs (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda Washington Memorial Parkway, Fairfax Mora, C., D. P. Tittensor, S. Adl, A. G. B. Simpson, and Pulmonata) of two national parks along County, Virginia, USA. Zoosymposia 5:101– and B. Worm. 2011. How many species the Potomac River near Washington, District 107. are there on Earth and in the oceans? PLoS of Columbia. Banisteria 43:3–20. Biology 9(8):e1001127. doi:10.1371 Flint, O. S., Jr., and K. M. Kjer. 2011. A new Steury, B. W., J. K. Triplett, and J. Parrish. 2013b. /journal.pbio.1001127. species of Neophylax from northern Virginia, Noteworthy plant collections: Virginia, USA (Trichoptera: Uenoidae). Proceedings Pacheco, J., B. Whitney, and L. Gonzaga. 1996. A Maryland, and District of Columbia. Castanea of the Entomological Society of Washington new genus and species of Furnariid from the 78:138–139. 113:7–13. cocoa-growing region of southeastern Bahia, Wilson, E. O. 1992. The diversity of life. Belknap Brazil. The Wilson Bulletin 108:397–433. Hamilton, A. J., Y. Basset, K. K. Benke, P. S. Press, Harvard University, Cambridge, Grimbacher, S. E. Miller, V. Novotny, G. A. Pimm, S. L., G. J. Russell, J. L. Gittleman, and Massachusetts, USA. 424 pp. Samuelson, N. E. Stork, G. D. Weiblen, and T. M. Brooks. 1995. The future of biodiversity. J. D. L. Yen. 2010. Quantifying uncertainty Science 269:347–350. in estimation of tropical arthropod species About the author Steury, B. W. 2011. Additions to the vascular richness. The American Naturalist 176:90– flora of the George Washington Memorial 95. Brent W. Steury ([email protected]) Parkway, Virginia, Maryland, and the District is the Natural Resources Program manager Hawksworth, D. L., and A. Y. Rossman. 1997. of Columbia. Banisteria 37:35–52. at George Washington Memorial Parkway, Where are all the undescribed fungi? Steury, B. W., D. S. Chandler, and W. E. Steiner. Turkey Run Park Headquarters, McLean, Phytopathology 87:888–891. 2013a. Vacusus vicinus (LaFerte Senectere) Virginia 22101. Holsinger, J. R. 2009. Three new species of the (Coleoptera: Anthicidae): Northern range subterranean amphipod crustacean genus extensions to Virginia, Maryland, Missouri, Stygobromus (Crangonyctidae) from the and Kansas. Banisteria 41:97–98. District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Pages 261–276 in S. M. Roble and J. C. 62 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Nonvascular Plants and Invertebrates

Moving beyond the minimum: The addition of nonvascular plant inventories to vegetation research in Alaska’s national parks By James Walton and Sarah Stehn 63 NPS/KATE CULLEN

Abstract Alaska’s national parks encompass a wide range of habitat types and climate gradients known to support a rich and diverse flora. At such northern latitudes, nonvascular plants, particularly bryophytes and lichens, contribute a significant portion to overall biomass and biodiversity, provide a wide range of ecosystem functions, and can serve as important indicators of air quality and climate change. A number of Alaskan parks have recently completed or are conducting comprehensive inventories that are documenting extraordinary nonvascular plant diversity. Alaska’s Inventory and Monitoring networks have also developed vegetation and air quality vital-sign monitoring programs that include nonvascular plant communities in their baseline sampling. University partnerships have played an important role in contributing to our understanding of nonvascular vegetation communities in Alaska’s national parks. Such collaboration has provided a strong foundation for future studies and has enhanced NPS efforts toward resource management goals.

Key words air quality, Alaska, bryophytes, inventory, lichens, monitoring, vegetation

Lichen-covered rock outcrops in Bering Land Bridge National Preserve 64 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

LASKA’S NATIONAL PARKS include nearly two-thirds of the land area in the en- tire National Park System Aand some of the most spectacular and intact arctic and subarctic ecosystems in the world. The Alaska Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Program, organized into four I&M networks and covering 16 national park units (fig. 1), oversees natu- ral resource inventories and monitoring programs across these lands. Nation- ally, the I&M Program provides funding for parks to complete a set of 12 basic natural resource inventories (NPS 2009), 2 of which are intended to produce spe- cies lists and species occurrence data for vascular plants and vertebrates.

Nonvascular plants, particularly bryo- phytes (mosses, liverworts, hornworts) and lichens, dominate much of Alaska’s Figure 1. Comprising 16 units of the National Park System, the four inventory and monitor- landscape and serve a number of impor- ing networks of Alaska recently have been conducting nonvascular plant inventories and have incorporated nonvascular plant communities into vegetation and air quality vital-signs tant ecological functions (fig. 2). Al- monitoring. though the original 12 baseline invento-

ries did not include nonvascular plants, WALTON NPS/JAMES a number of Alaska parks have recently of nonvascular plants is 30% of total completed or are conducting compre- vegetative richness over more than 1,000 hensive inventories. In addition, several monitoring plots. of the I&M networks have developed vegetation monitoring programs that Nonvascular plant species are also often include nonvascular plants in their base- key components of primary succession, line sampling (table 1, page 66). nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestra- tion (Turetsky 2003). Lichens may pro- Bryophytes and lichens are a significant vide a sizable portion of fixed nitrogen component of the vegetation in many of in the nutrient-poor ecosystems of the Figure 2. The yellow moose dung moss Alaska’s ecosystems (fig. 3). In Gates of Arctic (Longton 1992), and they serve (Splachnum luteum) spreads its spores via flying insects that visit the herbivore’s dung the Arctic National Park and Preserve, as an important winter food source for on which the plant grows and helps to for example, nonvascular plants account caribou (Joly et al. 2010). Bryophytes, decompose. for more than 50% of all plant spe- when abundant, can alter soil moisture cies present (Nietlich and Hasselbach and temperature, regulating the pres- potential utility as a monitoring device: 1998) and may represent a dominant or ence of other plant species (Turetsky et serving as an indicator species for moni- codominant portion of the biomass in al. 2010). toring air quality. Because bryophytes certain community types. In the South- and lichens do not possess roots, they west Alaska Network, bryophytes and must get their mineral nutrition from the lichens have been found to comprise 60 Air quality monitoring atmosphere. They are uniquely adapted to 70% of all plant species recorded in to absorbing these required elements vegetation monitoring plots. At De- Perhaps one of the earliest discover- through deposition by air, dust, and nali National Park and Preserve in the ies about bryophytes and lichens from precipitation and thus can be used as Central Alaska Network, the proportion a land management context was their passive samplers by collecting tissue NONVASCULAR PLANTS AND INVERTEBRATES 65 NPS/KATE CULLEN

Figure 3. Lichen-covered boulders in Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. Lichens are a major component of the flora in many of Alaska’s national parks. NPS/JAMES WALTON NPS/JAMES PHOTO NPS for elemental analyses. When exposed to even low levels of certain pollutants, particularly sensitive species will decline or die, making nonvascular community composition or richness also a good indicator of ecosystem health. Local, regional, and global pollution sources are of considerable concern in some of Alaska’s national parks. Figure 4. The stair-step moss (Hylocomium Figure 5. Along the Red Dog Mine haul road The Arctic Network has used the splendens) is used in several Alaska parks in Cape Krusenstern National Monument, a to monitor deposition of airborne switch to solid-sided ore trucks since 2001 widespread moss Hylocomium splendens contaminants. and the application of dust palliatives (pri- (fig. 4) as a passive sampler for 15 years to marily calcium chloride) to the road surface have helped control dust, which has led to explore the concentration of mine-related a decrease in heavy metal contamination in and fugitive dustborne heavy metals moss tissues in the park. along the Red Dog Mine haul road in Cape Krusenstern National Monument (fig. 5). Zinc, lead, and cadmium levels found in moss tissue decrease with distance from the road, and the rich- 66 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Table 1. Status of nonvascular plant projects across the Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Region

Bryophytes and Lichens Bryophtye Lichen Used in Inventory Inventory Vital Sign Network and Network Parks Status Status Monitoring Select Publications and Reports Central Alaska Network Denali National Park and Preserve x p x Stehn et al. 2013b Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve x Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve x Arctic Network Bering Land Bridge National Preserve x x Holt et al. 2007; Holt et al. 2008; Holt and Neitlich 2010a Cape Krusenstern National Monument x x Ford and Hasselbach 2001; Hasselbach et al. 2005; Neitlich et al. 2014a, b; Holt and Neitlich 2010a Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve x x Neitlich and Hasselbach 1998; Holt and Neitlich 2010a; Nelson et al. 2014 Kobuk Valley National Park x x Holt and Neitlich 2010a Noatak National Preserve x x McCune et al. 2009; Holt and Neitlich 2010a Southwest Alaska Network Alagnak Wild River Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve x x Hasselbach 1995 Katmai National Park and Preserve ip x McCune et al. in progress Kenai Fjords National Park p ip x Walton et al. 2014 Lake Clark National Park and Preserve ip x McCune et al. in progress Southeast Alaska Network Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve ip x Schirokauer et al. 2008 Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Preserve x x Spribille et al. 2010 Sitka National Historical Park x x x LaBounty 2005

x = Comprehensive inventory complete. p = Comprehensive inventory partially complete. ip = Comprehensive inventory in progress.

ness of nearby lichen communities is ing. Tissue concentrations from lichens Vegetation community closely linked to moss tissue elemental collected over 10 years in Klondike monitoring concentrations (Hasselbach et al. 2005; Gold Rush National Historical Park Neitlich et al. 2014a). Dust control ef- (NHP) contained evidence of increased forts implemented in part because of nitrogen and decreased lead and nickel, Bryophyte and lichen species are impor- this monitoring have led to a decrease in which were both attributed to changes tant components of the many plant com- contamination of moss tissues (Neitlich in local source contaminants (increased munities currently monitored in Alaska. et al. 2014b). Moss and lichen com- cruise ship port time and cessation of Because particular species are both munity monitoring continues to track uncontained mining ore transfers, re- abundant and sensitive to changes in the recovery. spectively). Because of its success, lichen environment, they can serve as useful tissue monitoring as part of the airborne indicators for detecting long-term trends The Southeast Alaska Network uses contaminants program was expanded in the larger ecological community. The epiphytic lichen tissue samples as part to include all Southeast Alaska Network Central Alaska, Arctic, and Southwest of their airborne contaminants monitor- parks in 2008 (Schirokauer et al. 2008). Alaska Networks track nonvascular NONVASCULAR PLANTS AND INVERTEBRATES 67

species occurrence in their vegetation monitoring programs. Nonvascular plants … dominate much of Alaska’s landscape and serve a number Since 2001, the Central Alaska Network has collected data on vascular and non- of important ecological functions. vascular species occurrence and now has one of the largest species-level data sets of ground-layer bryophyte and macro-

lichen communities in North America, NPS/EVAN HECK with more than 1,000 vegetation plots nities. This encroachment has the poten- installed in Denali National Park and tial to increase shade and leaf debris at Preserve, and intensive work also occur- the ground layer and, as a result, cause ring in Yukon-Charley Rivers National shifts in species composition through Preserve and Wrangell–St. Elias National time, including the loss of lichen and Park and Preserve with several hundred moss cover, which may in part affect the additional plots installed. The Arctic distribution and population dynamics Network has more than 500 lichen mon- of caribou populations. For the Western itoring plots for ungulate grazing habitat, Arctic Caribou Herd, which can contain contaminant effects, and trends in diver- up to 500,000 animals and is one of the sity, and approximately 200 vegetation largest free-roaming herds in North structure monitoring plots that include America, the consequences of lichen lichens and bryophytes in their ground habitat decline could be substantial strata. The Southwest Alaska Network for the ecosystem and the subsistence has more than 130 vegetation monitoring economies of local communities (Joly et plots that include ground-layer bryo- al. 2010). phyte and macrolichen occurrence, with an additional 29 epiphytic macrolichen community plots. Assessing the diversity of nonvascular species Figure 6. A researcher from the University Inclusion of nonvascular plants in these of Gräz in Austria collects lichens during an inventory for Katmai National Park and plots has been a challenge because of the in the parks Preserve. difficulty of species detection and iden- tification, and time-intensive sampling Recent inventories conducted within because of high species diversity. How- national parks of Alaska have revealed 3 of which are new to science. Lichen ever, because the nonvascular species that lichen and bryophyte diversity is inventories currently under way in data have been collected with a broad high. An inventory completed in Klon- Katmai National Park and Preserve and set of other ecological variables such as dike Gold Rush National Historial Park Lake Clark National Park and Preserve tree and shrub cover, soil temperature, (Spribille et al. 2010) reported the larg- are documenting several hundred previ- and vascular plant richness, research- est number of lichens per unit acre on ously unreported taxa for southwestern ers are able to develop a more complete record and the largest number of lichen Alaska, including at least one species understanding of these organisms and species recorded from any national park. new to science. A bryophyte inventory in their environment. For example, repeat More than 766 taxa of lichenized and previously unexplored regions of Denali photography and preliminary data from lichenicolous fungi were detected in this National Park and Preserve, including its vegetation monitoring plots suggest that park, with at least 196 taxa new to Alas- remote southern regions, has increased climate change is leading to increasing ka, 34 new or confirmed taxa for North the number of known taxa by nearly shrub cover across subarctic and arctic America, and 4 described as new to sci- 30%, with 499 species now documented landscapes (Hinzman et al. 2005). One ence. An inventory of the western arctic (Stehn et al. 2013b). In Kenai Fjords Na- of the expected impacts of this is the parklands (Holt and Neitlich 2010b) tional Park, an inventory of bryophytes encroachment of shrubs into abundant described 491 lichen species, 16 of which and lichens along the park’s remote forage, lichen-dominated plant commu- are new to Alaska or North America and coastal forests identified hundreds of 68 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

When exposed to even low levels of certain pollutants, particularly sensitive species will decline or die, making nonvascular community composition or richness … a good indicator of ecosystem health.

previously undocumented species for institutions will further contribute to our . 2008. Grazing and fire impacts on the park, including several new state understanding of nonvascular vegetation macrolichen communities of the Seward records and many regionally rare to un- communities in Alaska’s national parks. Peninsula, Alaska, USA. The Bryologist common taxa (Walton et al. 2014). 111:68–83. Holt, E. A., and P. N. Neitlich. 2010a. Arctic These recent inventories have benefited References Network Lichen Inventory Dataset. greatly from university cooperation, Geospatial Dataset—2166259. Available at primarily from institutions in North Ford, J., and L. Hasselbach. May 2001. Heavy http://irma.nps.gov/App/Reference America and Europe. The number of metals in mosses and soils on six transects /Profile/2166259. participants for each project varies, but along the Red Dog Mine haul road, Alaska. . 2010b. Lichen inventory synthesis: has included world and regional taxo- Technical Report NPS/AR/NRTR–2001/38. Western Arctic National Parklands and Arctic nomic experts (fig. 6, previous page). National Park Service, Western Arctic Network, Alaska. Natural Resource Technical National Parklands, Kotzebue, Alaska, USA. The inventories have resulted in a num- Report NPS/AKR/ARCN/NRTR–2010/385. Available at http://dec.alaska.gov/spar/csp ber of peer-reviewed publications and National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, /docs/reddog/reddogrpt2.pdf. have provided a foundation for further USA. studies in and around Alaska’s national Hasselbach, L. 1995. Vascular and nonvascular Joly, K., F. S. Chapin III, and D. R. Klein. 2010. parks. For example, discovery of the vegetation of Aniakchak caldera, Alaska. Winter habitat selection by caribou in relation globally critically endangered epiphytic Technical Report NPS/PNROSU/NRTR–95/05. to lichen abundance, wildfires, grazing, National Park Service, Corvallis, Oregon, lichen Erioderma pedicellatum in Denali and landscape characteristics in northwest USA. during inventory work instigated a park- Alaska. Ecoscience 17(3):321–333. funded occupancy and abundance study Hasselbach, L., J. Ver Hoef, J. Ford, P. Neitlich, E. LaBounty, K. 2005. Nonvascular plants of Sitka that revealed the south-central Alaska Crecelius, S. Berryman, B. Wolk, and T. Bohle. National Historical Park. Report to the population to be the largest known in 2005. Spatial patterns of cadmium and lead National Park Service, Juneau, Alaska, USA. deposition on and adjacent to National Park the world (Stehn et al. 2013a). Available at http://science.nature.nps.gov Service lands in the vicinity of Red Dog Mine, /im/units/sean/AuxRep/0_SEAN/0_SITK%20 Alaska. Science of the Total Environment All data collected on nonvascular plant Nonvascular%20Plant%20Inventory%20 348(1–3):211–230. communities of Alaska’s national parks Report%202004.pdf. are making an important contribution Hinzman, L. D., N. D. Bettez, W. R. Bolton, Longton, R. E. 1992. The role of bryophytes to NPS resource management goals F. S. Chapman, M. B. Dyurgerov, C. L. and lichens in terrestrial ecosystems. Pages by documenting species diversity and Fasti, B. Griffith, R. D. Hollister, A. Hope, 32–36 in J. W. Bates and A. M. Farmer, H. P. Huntington et al. 2005. Evidence and changes in the structure and composi- editors. Bryophytes and lichens in a changing implications of recent climate change in tion of ecological communities. As en- environment. Clarendon Press, Oxford, UK. northern Alaska and other arctic regions. vironmental and anthropogenic stresses Climate Change 72:251–298. McCune, B., E. Holt, P. Neitlich, T. Ahti, and R. increase, Alaska’s I&M networks are Rosentreter. 2009. Macrolichen diversity in establishing important baseline data sets Holt, E. A., B. McCune, and P. Neitlich. 2007. Noatak National Preserve, Alaska. North that can be used to set benchmarks for Succession and community gradients of American Fungi 4(4):1–22. Arctic macrolichens and their relation to measuring levels of ecological integrity. substrate, topography, and rockiness. Pacific Continued and future investment in Northwest Fungi 2:1–21. scientific capacity through partnerships with universities and other research NONVASCULAR PLANTS AND INVERTEBRATES 69

“BIOBLITZ” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

McCune, B., T. Tønsberg, P. Nelson, K. Spribille, T., S. Pérez-Ortega, T. Tønsberg, and D. Literature cited Spickerman, L. Muggia, M. Schultz, R. Schirokauer. 2010. Lichens and lichenicolous Rosentreter, T. Esslinger, J. Sheard, J. fungi of the Klondike Gold Rush National Chandler, D. S., D. Manski, C. Donahue, and A. Miadlikowska et al. 2017. Lichen inventory Historic Park, Alaska, in a global biodiversity Alyokhin. 2011. Biodiversity of the Schoodic of the Southwest Alaska Network. Natural context. The Bryologist 113(3):439–515. Peninsula: Results of the insect and arachnid Resource Technical Report. National Park bioblitzes at the Schoodic District of Acadia Stehn, S., P. Nelson, C. Roland, and J. Jones. Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. In National Park, Maine. Maine Agricultural and 2013a. Patterns in the occupancy and preparation. Forest Experiment Station Technical Bulletin abundance of the globally rare lichen 206. Accessed 24 April 2014 at http:// National Park Service (NPS). 2009. Strategic plan Erioderma pedicellatum in Denali National digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu for natural resource inventories: FY2008– Park and Preserve, Alaska. The Bryologist /aes_techbulletin/11/. FY2012. Natural Resource Report NPS/NRPC/ 116(1):2–14. NRR–2009/094. National Park Service, Fort Cohn, D. 1996. Scientists invade [northeast] Stehn, S., J. Walton, and C. Roland. 2013b. A Collins, Colorado, USA. park: 24-hour survey strives to log nature’s bryophyte species list for Denali National diversity. Originally published in The Neitlich, P., and L. Hasselbach. 1998. Lichen Park and Preserve, Alaska, with comments Washington Post. Accessed 21 April 2014 at inventory and status assessment for Gates on several new and noteworthy records. http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/blitz/biopost.html. of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Evansia 30(1):31–45. Alaska. Generic Document–2166292. Discover Life in America (DLiA). 2013. Fifteen Turetsky, M. R. 2003. The role of bryophytes in National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, years of discovery. DLiA white paper. carbon and nitrogen cycling. The Bryologist USA. Accessed 22 April 2014 at http://www.dlia 106:395–409. .org/atbi/. Neitlich, P. N., J. Ver Hoef, S. B. Berryman, A. Turetsky, M. R., M. C. Mack, T. N. Hollingsworth, Mines, and L. Geiser. 2014a. Effects of heavy Droege, S. 1996. Species list (May 31–June and J. W. Harden. 2010. The role of mosses metal–enriched road dust from the Red Dog 1, 1996), Kenilworth Park and Aquatic in ecosystem succession and function in Mine haul road on tundra vegetation in Cape Gardens––BioBlitz. Accessed 21 April 2014 Alaska’s boreal forest. Canadian Journal of Krusenstern National Monument, Alaska. at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/blitz/species Forest Resources 40:1237–1264. NPS Natural Resource Technical Report. In .html. preparation. Walton, J. K., M. Hutten, and S. K. Torigoe. 2014. Inventory of the mosses, liverworts, and . 2014b. Remeasurement of spatial About the authors lichens of Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska: patterns of heavy metal deposition on 2013 Progress Report. Natural Resource Data National Park Service lands along the Red Gretchen M. Baker (gretchen_baker@nps Series Report NPS/SWAN/NRDS–2014/635. Dog Mine haul road, Alaska. NPS Natural .gov) is an ecologist at Great Basin National National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, Resource Technical Report. In review. Park in Baker, Nevada. Nancy Duncan USA. ([email protected]) is the Natural Nelson, P., B. McCune, T. Wheeler, and D. Resource Program manager at Mississippi Swanson. 2014. Lichen communities of About the authors National River and Recreation Area in Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska. St. Paul, Minnesota. Ted Gostomski Natural Resource Report Series. National James Walton ([email protected]) ([email protected]) is a Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. In is a botanist with the Southwest Alaska biologist and science writer with the NPS preparation. Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network in Anchorage, Alaska. Sarah Network in Ashland, Wisconsin. Margaret Schirokauer, D., L. Geiser, E. Porter, and B. Stehn ([email protected]) is a botanist A. Horner is a supervisory biological Moynahan. 2008. Monitoring air quality with the Central Alaska Network in Denali technician at Great Basin National Park. in the Southeast Alaska Network: Linking National Park and Preserve, Alaska. ambient and depositional pollutants with David Manski (david_manski@partner ecological effects. NPS-KLGO, 2008 .nps.gov) is the former chief of Natural Implementation Plan. National Park Service, Resource Management and acting deputy Skagway, Alaska, and U.S. Forest Service, superintendent at Acadia National Park, Bar Corvallis, Oregon, USA. Available at http:// Harbor, Maine. An “emeritus” employee, science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/sean he recently retired from the National Park /AuxRep/AC/AC_Implementation_plan.pdf. Service after a 35-year career on various natural and cultural resource assignments in the United States and abroad. 70 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

All along the watchtower: Larval dragonflies are promising biological sentinels for monitoring methylmercury contamination

By Roger J. Haro

N THE POPULAR FANTASY SERIES Game of Thrones, the Night’s Watch Abstract portrays vigilant sentinels silently Humans have used other organisms to detect environmental danger for centuries (e.g., the watching for trouble and sending canary in the coal mine). The use of “biosentinels” has developed and expanded to become Iword to the people behind the wall to a mainstay for monitoring environmental contaminants like methylmercury, a pervasive and largely anthropogenic neurotoxin. Biosentinels provide insights on how and where prepare and react if danger approaches. contaminants are entering and moving through aquatic food webs. Many water bodies in the Humans similarly rely on biological senti- Great Lakes region, including those in national park units, have fish-consumption advisories nels to detect dangerous substances in the because of the atmospheric deposition of mercury and its conversion into methylmercury, environment and depend on them as early which can biomagnify. For many years young yellow perch served as the principal biosentinel warning signals. Stories about the sensi- for monitoring methylmercury. Resent research shows that the diverse assemblage of dragonflies in this region can provide an additional suite of biosentinels, complementing tive canary succumbing to low levels of the use of perch among water bodies with fish and expanding the reach of methylmercury toxic gases, alerting miners to take evasive monitoring to include fishless ecosystems (e.g., small ponds and wetlands). action, illustrate the idea of a biological sentinel. Now, instead of bringing the Key words canary to the site of a potential hazard, biosentinels, contaminant monitoring, dragonfly larvae, fish-consumption advisories, scientists and resource managers are rec- methylmercury ognizing the importance of the stories that resident organisms can convey about the environmental condition or health of their entered the biosentinel. The story can organism. Any combination of conditions ecosystems. These organisms are called expand to identify other players, for and traits that would prevent or limit the biological sentinels or, simply, biosentinels. example how contaminant levels in the organism’s exposure to a specific contami- The diversity of organisms in an ecosystem biosentinel are transferred to predators, nant lowers its value as a potential biosen- provides an array of candidate biosenti- or how their own dietary preferences and tinel. Another practical consideration is nels, each one telling a slightly different feeding behaviors affect their exposure the ease with which the organism can be story about the environmental health of to bioaccumulative contaminants that are collected, identified, and analyzed. If such the local environment. transferred in food webs. Thus the stories conditions are satisfied, biologists and re- biosentinels tell can be extremely informa- source managers weigh the cost-effective- Today the stories told by biosentinels tive and useful. ness of using a specific biosentinel. This is can be vastly more informative than a especially important if the biosentinel is simple signal that it is time to leave the Useful biosentinels are those organisms to become part of a sustained monitoring mine. These stories can reveal the risk of that consistently “integrate” uptake of program. Such practical considerations exposure to contaminants such as meth- contaminants over a range of concentra- have focused attention on larval drag- ylmercury. The organisms are sampled tion in both space and time. The bioavail- onflies as potential new biosentinels for after accumulating the contaminants from ability of a contaminant to an organism monitoring methylmercury contamination their environment, and their tissues are depends not only on the biogeochemical in freshwater systems, especially in our then analyzed to estimate the contaminant behavior of the contaminant but also on national parks. concentration. These analyses can provide specific traits involving the life history, clues to how and where a contaminant physiology, and trophic ecology of the NONVASCULAR PLANTS AND INVERTEBRATES 71

Mercury in the Instead of bringing the canary to the site of a potential environment hazard, scientists and resource managers are

Mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring recognizing the importance of the stories that resident element in the environment, but hu- organisms can convey about the environmental man sources now contribute about 70% of the mercury in the atmosphere. The condition or health of their ecosystems. These organisms atmospheric transport and deposition of are called … biosentinels. mercury in both dry and wet forms pose a considerable threat to areas far from traditional point sources of mercury, such as mines and industrial sources. Lacking local, geologic mercury sources, organic methylmercury is formed from is highly location-specific and depends on the consumption of contaminated sport inorganic mercury that has been atmo- a number of physical, chemical, and land- fish. However, there were other vulnerable spherically deposited and transformed scape factors. For example, the mercury end points in the food web, such as the by mercury-methylating bacteria, which concentration in prey fish and predatory common loon, an iconic avian piscivore can occur naturally, for example, in the fish can vary almost 10-fold among inland in Canada and the United States. This is shallow sediments of lakes and wetlands. lakes of Voyageurs National Park (Wiener where small yellow perch (Perca flaves­ Take Ryan Lake in Voyageurs National et al. 2006). cens) come into the story. As young fish, Park as an example: a gorgeous, southern they serve as an important trophic link boreal lake surrounded by rugged rock As states and nations strive to reduce an- to both game fish, such as northern pike outcroppings and white pines. Located thropogenic emissions of mercury into the and walleye, and breeding common loons in northern Minnesota near the Cana- atmosphere, how will we know whether that nest and raise their young in northern dian border, the lake is accessible only by concentrations of methylmercury in lakes. It is not surprising that the yellow boat and a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hike. Yet the food webs, fish, and wildlife respond and perch became an important biosentinel for predatory fish inhabiting its tea-stained decline? Conversely, how will we know monitoring mercury in many lentic waters waters have the highest known concentra- whether mercury emissions from distant (e.g., lakes, ponds, or swamps) (Wiener tions of methylmercury documented for but rapidly developing nations like China et al. 2007). Yellow perch are ubiquitous any lake in Minnesota. Mercury in the are impacting our aquatic ecosystems? and often very abundant in the north- form of methylmercury bioaccumulates How can we adequately expand our un- ern temperate and boreal lakes of North and biomagnifies through the Ryan Lake derstanding of a contaminant that displays America. They are found in a wide array of food web so that a filet of a northern pike such high spatial and temporal variability? water quality conditions, from soft, poorly contains more than 1,000 parts per billion For freshwater ecosystems in the Great buffered, low-pH lakes to hard-water marl of Hg, a concentration exceeding the Lakes region, such challenges may require lakes. Numerous studies have shown that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s the monitoring of biosentinel organisms the concentration of mercury in one- fish-tissue criterion for methylmercury beyond those that have been used. year-old yellow perch is strongly corre- (300 parts per billion wet weight), which lated with the mercury concentration of was established to protect the health of coexisting game fish. Their distribution in humans who eat noncommercial fish. The Use of small prey fish lakes surrounding the industrial Rust Belt risk of neurological damage to humans as biosentinels of North America and their intermediate from eating contaminated fish, like the position in the food webs of those lakes northern pike from Ryan Lake, prompted have made small yellow perch an effective the issuance of fish-consumption ad- As the scope of the mercury deposition biosentinel for monitoring methylmercury visories for thousands of water bodies problem became evident to scientists and in much of the eastern United States and throughout the United States, including resource managers in the 1980s, they soon Canada. many in our national parks. This problem realized that there were key contaminant is exacerbated by the sensitivity of certain transfer points in affected food webs. One There are limitations to the use of yel- water bodies to mercury pollution, which was the pathway for human exposure from low perch and other small prey fishes as 72 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

120 2 R adj. = 0.63, p < 0.001 40 Skimmers 100 Isle Royale NP 35 Pictured Rocks NL Sleeping Bear Dunes NL 80 Clubtails Voyageurs NP 30 dw)

–1 60 25

Emeralds (ng g Darners 40

20 in Gomphid Larvae

15 Mean (±) MeHg Concentration 20

10 0 Number of Species 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 Spiketails 5 Cruisers Mean (±) MeHg Concentration (ng L–1) in Unfiltered Lake Water

0 Figure 2. Relation between mean (±SE) concentrations of MeHg in LibellulidaeGomphidaeCorduliidaeAeshnidae CordulegastridaeMacromiidae burrowing gomphid larvae and unfiltered water from 17 lakes in the northwest Laurentian Great Lakes region. Data for coexisting species of burrowing gomphids were combined to estimate mean MeHg in larvae for each lake. Means for MeHg in water were cal- culated from samples collected in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Means for gomphids were calculated from samples collected in 2008, 2009, and Anisopteran Families 2010. The linear regression model is shown as a solid line. Figure 1. Number of dragonfly species by family recorded across counties containing six national park study units in the Great Lakes region. In total, 116 species of dragonflies (Anisoptera) were record- ed. Common names for each dragonfly family appear above each bar. Species distribution data were derived from Abbott (2007). biosentinel organisms. Although yellow sentinels of methylmercury in aquatic food national parks in the western Great Lakes perch are often abundant in lentic systems, webs, given that they inhabit a diverse array region (Isle Royale National Park, Pictured they do not typically inhabit lotic habitats of aquatic and wetland habitats and their use Rocks National Lakeshore, Sleeping Bear (i.e., those characterized by fast-moving as biosentinels can extend the assessment of Dunes National Lakeshore, and Voyageurs water) and certain wetlands, such as bogs food web contamination to fishless aquatic National Park). They conducted a statisti- and ephemeral ponds. Moreover, recent habitats. All dragonfly larvae are obligate cal analysis to determine the number of research has shown that emergent aquatic predators, bioaccumulate methylmercury dragonflies to collect in order to detect insects from fishless water bodies can (fig. 2), and are restricted to the water body a 20% difference in mean total mercury be important points of methylmercury where they were hatched. Most are identifi- concentration in their tissue from a lake. transfer to terrestrial consumers, such able to species, and sufficient numbers and The same was calculated for young yellow as spiders, invertivorous birds, and bats sample mass can be readily obtained with perch sampled from the same group of (Blackwell and Drenner 2009). simple, inexpensive gear (e.g., a D-shaped lakes. The results indicated that only 10 net). Their ecology is well documented at dragonfly larvae needed to be sampled, the genus level, which greatly facilitates and whereas 40 yellow perch were required Larval dragonflies enhances the interpretation of data from (fig. 3). In the Great Lakes region, the as biosentinels for chemical analysis of larvae. logistical advantages are clear for add- ing dragonfly larvae as biosentinels for mercury The utility of burrowing dragonfly larvae mercury monitoring. The sampling gear as biosentinels of methylmercury in required for collecting age-one yellow A diverse assemblage of dragonflies inhabits aquatic food webs has been examined by perch is more difficult to carry into hard- the aquatic environs surrounding the Great Haro et al. (2013), who collected late-instar to-reach lakes like those in the rugged Lakes (fig. 1). Upon emergence as adults, (i.e., individuals near maturity and adult interior of Isle Royale. Nevertheless, if they are conduits for the transfer of methyl- emergence from the aquatic environment) lakes of interest are close to one another, it mercury from the aquatic to the terrestrial dragonfly larvae in the genus Gomphus is not unreasonable to expect that multiple ecosystem. These insects are promising bio- spp. (clubtails) from 17 inland lakes in four lakes could be sampled in a single day us- NONVASCULAR PLANTS AND INVERTEBRATES 73

120 Yellow Perch Gomphus spp. The risk of neurological damage to 100 humans from eating contaminated 80 fish, like the northern pike from Ryan 60 Lake, prompted the issuance of fish- (Effect Size) (Effect 40 consumption advisories for thousands in Mean THg Concentration 20 of water bodies throughout the United Percentage Detectable Difference States, including many in our national 0 0.1 1 10 42 100 parks. Number of Individuals Collected

Figure 3. Estimated sample sizes (i.e., the numbers of individuals required) needed to detect differences in concentration of total mercury (THg) in small, whole yellow perch (total length ≤ 76 mm or 2.9 in) and larval Gomphus in lakes of the northwestern Great Lakes region with a Type I error (α) of 0.05 and a statistical power (1−β) of 0.80.

ing dragonfly larvae as biosentinels. Their Literature cited Wiener, J. G., B. C. Knights, M. B. Sandheinrich, ease of collection is also a strong impetus J. D. Jeremiason, M. E. Brigham, D. R. for their use in a nationwide citizen sci- Abbott, J. C. 2007. Odonata central: An online Engstrom, L. G. Woodruff, W. F. Cannon, ence–based monitoring program (see the resource for the Odonata of North America. and S. J. Balogh. 2006. Mercury in soils, article by Flanagan Pritz et al. on page 74). Austin, Texas, USA. Available at http://www lakes, and fish in Voyageurs National Park: .odonatacentral.com. Importance of atmospheric deposition and ecosystem factors. Environmental Science and More research is needed on the mecha- Blackwell, B. D., and R. W. Drenner. 2009. Technology 40:6261–6268. nisms behind the uptake of methylmer- Mercury contamination of macroinvertebrates cury as well as on its trophic transfer from in fishless ponds. Southwest Naturalist larval dragonflies. The larvae obtain their 54:468–474. About the author oxygen by actively drawing water into Haro, R. J., S. W. Bailey, R. M. Northwick, their rectum, where their gills reside. This K. R. Rolfhus, M. B. Sandheinrich, and J. G. Roger J. Haro ([email protected]) is an rectal ventilation may be an additional Wiener. 2013. Burrowing dragonfly larvae as aquatic entomologist and professor of pathway for the uptake of methylmercury. biosentinels of methylmercury in freshwater biology at the University of Wisconsin–La Furthermore, behavioral and physiological food webs. Environmental Science and Crosse. He is the assistant director for differences among the taxonomic families Technology 47:8148−8156. the UW–La Crosse River Studies Center, a research center with more than 30 years of of dragonflies may also affect the uptake of Wiener, J. G., R. A. Bodaly, S. S. Brown, M. history studying the delivery and movement methylmercury. These issues will provide Lucotte, C. Newman, D. B. Porcella, R. J. of methylmercury through aquatic food important lines for additional research. Reash, and E. B. Swain. 2007. Monitoring webs. These unanswered questions do not and evaluating trends in methylmercury detract from the fact that larval dragon- accumulation in aquatic biota. Pages 87–122 flies are a new and potentially powerful in R. Harris, D. P. Krabbenhoft, R. Mason, biosentinel for expanding our ability to as- M. W. Murray, R. Reash, and T. Saltman, editors. Ecosystem responses to mercury sess mercury in the waters of our national contamination—Indicators of change. CRC parks and beyond. Press, Boca Raton, Florida, USA. 74 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014 COPYRIGHT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY/KARINE AIGNER

The Call to Action Collect Dragonflies Citizen scientists study mercury contamination in national parks

By Colleen Flanagan Pritz, Sarah Nelson, and Collin Eagles-Smith

T’S A CRISP AUGUST MORNING Dragonfly larvae are widespread across the “How many legs does it have?” at Lily Lake, Rocky Mountain United States and are an important food “Six,” she replies. National Park. Twelve Arizona high source for fish, amphibians, and birds. school students arrive at the parking They live underwater for up to five years “Would you call the abdomen slender or Ilot, beaming with excitement about their before undergoing incomplete metamor- bulky?” journey to Colorado and the adventures phosis. At this time they crawl out of the “It’s skinny and long,” she says with cer- that await them, all dressed in the same water onto emergent vegetation, the shore, tainty. green-colored T-shirts: “BioBlitz.” The a dock, a rock, or any dry place, then shed year is 2012. They grab nets and waders, their exoskeleton, dry their wings, and fly “What are those three feathery things magnifying glasses, and field guides; some off. Robert DuBois, naturalist and author extending from the tip of the abdo- wear GoPros to video-record the expe- of the field guide Dragonflies and Damsel­ men?” rience. They head for the lakeshore in flies of the Rocky Mountains, describes the “Hmm.” She pages through the field guide. search of little bugs that live in the water. transformation: “After months or years of “Gills?” But not just any little bugs … dragonfly clambering about underwater, the nymph larvae. is freed from the shackles of this ignoble “Yes.” She pauses. “Is it a dragonfly existence in one grand moment of emanci- nymph?” She looks back at the book. The students—citizen scientists—seek pation. Almost instantly it becomes one of “Aw, man! It’s a damsel-fly…” out little faces with two big, beady eyes the most graceful, elegant, and masterful and a sinister “smile” made of extending flying creatures under the sun.” “Keep looking. You were close!” (prehensile) mouthparts, an apparatus with jagged, grasping edges used to snatch A student steps out from the cattails and Thanks to the foundation laid by the Aca- prey and devour it whole. This underwater asks, “Is this one?” She hands over a shal- dia Learning Project, an opportunity arose creature is the dragonfly in its larval stage, low plastic spoon holding a bug, about 10 to engage citizen scientists in a project before it morphs into the colorfully aerial, millimeters (0.4 in) in length, eyes very that both educates participants about park adult dragonfly we all know. large in proportion to its head, wriggling in science and provides parks with valuable a thin veil of water. environmental information. NONVASCULAR PLANTS AND INVERTEBRATES 75

COPYRIGHT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY/KARINE AIGNER (2) AMI RISCASSI

(Facing page) A student from Sabino High A student measures the length of a larva. A student refers to a field guide to identify School in Arizona searches for dragonfly lar- The students traveled to the park in August dragonfly larvae at Great Smoky Mountains vae at Lily Lake, Rocky Mountain National 2012 and sampled dragonfly larvae as part National Park, Tennessee. Dragonfly larvae Park, Colorado. (Above) A classmate of hers of the National Park Service–National Geo- are being tested for use as an indicator searches a net for larvae. graphic Society “BioBlitz.” of mercury contamination in the national parks.

Mercury rising of particular concern, given its ubiquitous wildlife by providing advance warning of nature and ability to induce neurological a danger. Both dragonflies and damselflies belong and reproductive impairment. Mercury to the order Odonata, “toothed ones,” threatens the natural resources and values Levels of mercury in dragonfly larvae can which includes some of the most ancient the National Park Service is charged with serve as proxies for mercury in fish from and beautiful insects that ever roamed protecting. the same water body. This has potential Earth, as well as some of the largest flying implications for organisms higher on the invertebrates ever to have lived. Dragon- Although there are natural sources of food chain, including fish-eating birds and flies belong to the subgroup Anisoptera, mercury such as volcanoes, much of the humans. More than 16 million lake acres and damselflies to the group Zygoptera. mercury that affects national parks is the (6 million ha) and 1 million river miles (1.6 Among other differences, the abdomen of result of air pollution, and more specifi- million km) in the United States are under the larval dragonfly is shorter and bulkier cally coal-burning power plants. Waste fish-consumption advisories because than that of the damselfly. Odonates are incinerators and mining operations are of mercury, and 81 percent of all fish- set apart from other aquatic macroin- other human-caused sources of mercury. consumption advisories issued by the U.S. vertebrates by their relatively large size, Human activities have increased levels Environmental Protection Agency are due particularly large eyes, and prehensile of atmospheric mercury at least three- to mercury contamination. Fish-consump- mouthparts. fold over the past 150 years. Mercury has tion advisories for mercury are in effect in an especially long residence time in the all 50 states. Like their adult counterparts, dragonfly atmosphere, and may arrive in parks from larvae are predatory insects. These vora- distant places such as Asia. Atmospheri- While fish are perhaps the most commonly cious eaters maintain a higher position cally deposited mercury can harm the eco- used indicator for mercury contamination on the food chain than other aquatic logical integrity of aquatic and terrestrial because they occur across a wide geog- insects like mosquito larvae and caddis- communities in national parks and the raphy and provide strong links to human flies, sometimes even eating small fishes. wildlife that depend on them. and wildlife health, dragonfly larvae are Organisms near the top of the food chain, far easier to collect, and they represent the such as dragonfly larvae, are more sensitive risk from mercury in fishless ecosystems to environmental pollutants like mercury Biosentinels like shallow ponds, ephemeral pools, and that both build up (bioaccumulate) and marshes—some of the most productive increase in concentration higher on the Concentrations of mercury in dragonfly and ecologically important aquatic habi- food chain (biomagnify). larvae could indicate the potential risk for tats. They remain in the pond or stream the ecosystem. Similar to the “canary in where they hatched from eggs, giving Contaminant exposure can be dangerous the coal mine,” dragonfly larvae are senti­ researchers and managers a clearer picture for humans and wildlife because of the nel species, or biosentinels. As surrogates of mercury risk within the watershed potential for negative health effects. Mer- for ecosystem health, they can be used to where they are caught. cury, a toxic heavy metal, is a contaminant detect the potential risk to humans and 76 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

! North Cascades NP Olympic NP ! ! Glacier NP ! Voyageurs NP Mount Rainier NP ! !Grand Portage NM Knife River Indian ! ! Denali NP & NPres Villages NHS ! Pictured Rocks NL ! ! Acadia NP John Day Fossil ! Saint Croix NSR Marsh-Billings- ! Lake Clark NP & NPres Beds NM Rockefeller NHP!! ! Yellowstone NP Saint-Gaudens NHS Katmai NP & NPres ! Cape Cod NS

! Niobrara NSR ! ! Legend Indiana Dunes NL Cuyahoga Valley NP ! Study Site ! Golden Gate NRA ! ! Rocky Mountain NP ! Monocacy NB Future Study Site ! Great Basin NP ! ! ! Mercury Deposition Yosemite NP Shenandoah NP ! Kenilworth Park & (μg/m2) Aquatic Gardens <2 ! Great Sand Dunes NP & NPres Prince William 2–4 ! Mammoth Cave NP Forest Park 4–6 ! Grand Canyon NP Ozark NSR ! 6–8 Santa Monica Channel Islands NP ! ! Mountains NRA ! Bandelier NM ! Great Smoky Mountains NP 8–10 ! 10–12 ! Montezuma Pecos NHP 12–14 Tuzigoot NM Castle NM 14–16 ! Chickasaw NRA 16–18 >18

! Timucuan Ecological & Jean Lafitte Historic Preserve NHP & Pres ! !Big Bend NP

Pu‘uhonua o ! Big Cypress NPres ! Hönaunau NHP NPS AIR RESOURCES DIVISION 1 OCTOBER 2014

Figure 1. Parks participating in the dragonfly mercury study, 2014. The map background shows measured and interpolated mercury deposition data from 2012, courtesy of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/Mercury Deposition Network.

Dragonfly larvae present an ideal vehicle volunteers (VIPs), bug camp attendees, within parks reveal that dragonfly larvae for researchers and park managers to and bioblitz participants, have thus far can describe fine-scale differences in engage citizen scientists in connecting contributed approximately 1,800 hours of mercury risk, which supports the utility of with the natural world. In addition to con- volunteer time. these species as biosentinels. necting people to parks and advancing the educational mission, the scientist-citizen Citizen scientists, such as the high school Other research reveals that mercury in partnership makes dragonfly larvae cost- students from Arizona, are collecting dragonfly larvae was correlated with both effective tools for monitoring mercury dragonfly larvae in at least 50 park units mercury in water and mercury in fish in dynamics across many locations. across the nation over five years (2011– the same water bodies (see the article by 2015) for analysis of mercury. The species Roger Haro on page 70). Resource manag- are being tested as biosentinels, shedding ers and the public appreciate an under- Results light on the risk of mercury contamina- standing of mercury levels in the ecosys- tion throughout the National Park System. tem because people (and wildlife) rely on Forty-two of 46 participating parks Results indicate that no single water the services a healthy ecosystem provides, have engaged in sampling to date (fig. 1), chemistry parameter, landscape variable, such as clean water, fish, and enjoyment from Denali National Park and Preserve or dragonfly characteristic adequately of the landscape. Bird lovers visit parks to (Alaska) and Big Cypress National Pre- describes the pattern of mercury in drag- observe birds, not a lack thereof. serve (Florida) to Acadia National Park onfly larvae. However, analyses found that (Maine) and Golden Gate National Rec- dissolved organic carbon, total mercury The project Web page (http://www.nature reation Area (California), collecting more in water, and pH are important variables, .nps.gov/air/Studies/air_toxics/dragonfly than 800 dragonfly larvae at 60-plus sites. with some influence exerted by east-west /index.cfm) includes the data, available Close to 300 citizen scientists, includ- position, topography (e.g., wetlands), and for use by citizen scientists and parks. ing students, Youth Conservation Corps, habitat guild. Furthermore, site differences Final results will be published in the peer- NONVASCULAR PLANTS AND INVERTEBRATES 77 SARAH NELSON SARAH

Dragonfly larva of the family Gomphidae, collected at Hodgdon Pond, Acadia National Park, Maine, 2012.

reviewed literature and incorporated into by an odonatologist. Each family maintains The year is 2011. The NPS director issues larger-scale mercury research synthesis a slightly different ecological niche, a vari- a Call to Action in an effort to foster stew- efforts. able that can contribute to differences in ardship and engagement in the national mercury concentrations. parks leading up to the centennial celebra- The student returns with another speci- tion of the National Park Service in 2016. men: The samples are preserved on dry ice in Great Smoky Mountains National Park the field, then shipped overnight to labs (North Carolina/Tennessee) agrees to be “Is THIS it?!” The bug is big and has huge at the University of Maine, Dartmouth one of two pilot parks for the citizen scien- eyes. College, or the U.S. Geological Survey, tist study of mercury in dragonfly larvae. where field notes are validated and the A Cherokee High School student yells, “I “What’s different about this one?” samples are analyzed for mercury. Water think I found one!” “It doesn’t have feathery gills,” she says. and sediment samples are collected at the same sampling sites to inform scientists “And the abdomen?” about the influence of environmental char- About the authors “Short and bulky,” she continues, “and it acteristics, including pH, dissolved organic ends with three short spines.” carbon, and wetland coverage. Colleen Flanagan Pritz (colleen [email protected]) is an ecologist “Congratulations!” While searching for odonates, citizen sci- with the NPS Air Resources Division, entists also learn about the great diversity Lakewood, Colorado. Sarah Nelson is an of ponds, pools, and other slow-moving associate research professor, University of Maine, Orono. Collin Eagles-Smith is a From field to lab (lentic) aquatic systems. Water skimmers, supervisory research ecologist with the U.S. midges, mosquito larvae, and water boat- Geological Survey, Corvallis, Oregon. She excitedly hands the dragonfly larva to men are only a handful of other aquatic her clean-handed, latex-gloved partner, macroinvertebrates that appear in the sam- who carefully places it into a labeled, re- pling nets. Fish, slugs, tadpoles, and baby sealable zipper storage bag, double-bagged snapping turtles have also been found, to further prevent contamination. They enlightening youth and the public about proceed to identify the sample to family, a biodiversity and the influence humans determination that is validated in the lab have upon natural systems. 78 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Local experts identify insect biodiversity in Catoctin Mountain Park

By Becky Loncosky RICHARD ORR ATOCTIN MOUNTAIN PARK has been expanding its knowledge of the biodiversity of invertebrates in the park Cthrough the help of local experts to inven- tory insects. At just 5,872 acres (2,376 ha) in size, Catoctin is a small park in north- ern Maryland surrounded by rural and suburban development. The park has been going through environmental changes related to white-tailed deer (Odocoilius virginiana) population reduction, and in 2014 completed the fifth year of reductions

as prescribed in its deer management plan/ Figure 1 (above). The southern pygmy club- RICHARD ORR environmental impact statement. This tail (Lanthus vernalis), a dragonfly species, is listed as rare in Maryland but was col- work has resulted in a decrease in white- lected as part of the dragonfly-damselfly tailed deer from 123 to 36 per square mile inventory at Catoctin Mountain Park. (319–93/sq km). Park staff are tracking the rate of tree seedling regeneration and have already seen the first signs of recovery. park. Insect biodiversity could increase as But herbivores are not the only animals the forest recovers from deer overpopula- putting pressure on park forests. Pests and tion, but the only insect groups to have diseases also have had a negative impact, been studied previously in the park are Figure 2. The sable clubtail (Gomphus rog- changing understory environments. Dog- butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) and ersi) is listed as rare, in need of conser- vation, in Maryland. The nymph form is wood anthracnose (Discula destructiva) stream macroinvertebrates, from 1987 shown here. and hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsu­ to 2004. We focused on dragonflies and gae), respectively, are responsible for the damselflies (Odonata) initially, followed by loss of many of the understory dogwoods ground-beetles and other select Coleop- (Cornus florida) and eastern hemlocks tera (Carabidae, Scarabaeidae, Geotrupi- about from staff at other parks in the (Tsuga canadensis), which has led to a rise dae, Trogidae, Tenebrionidae, Silphidae), National Capital Region and from our in stream temperatures. The emerald ash and finally bees (Apoidea). regional Natural Resource and Science borer (Agrilus planipennis) is found within office. 50 miles of the park, and resource manag- ers expect that ash (Fraxinus) species will Insect surveys Dragonflies and damselflies soon decline. Richard Orr of Mid-Atlantic Invertebrate The surveys were funded through the Field Studies (MAIFS) conducted the sur- As a result of this dynamic environment regional portion of the Natural Resource vey for dragonflies and damselflies in 2009 and in order to document future changes, Protection Program. Costs ranged from and sampled all park wetlands, including the park realized it needed to determine $8,200 to $18,800. We contracted two Owens Creek, Big Hunting Creek, Lantz what species of invertebrates live in the groups of researchers whom we learned Marsh, Round Meadow Lagoon, Sawmill NONVASCULAR PLANTS AND INVERTEBRATES 79

NPS PHOTO (INSET) JOHN S. STRAZANAC Figure 3 (inset). Chlaenius emarginatus is Figure 4. One of the products of the bee survey was a voucher specimen collection prepared one of the many ground-beetles inventoried for incorporation into the park’s museum collection. This is one of two drawers prepared in at Catoctin. this manner.

Pond, and Hog Rock Seep. Adults, exuvia Ground-dwelling beetles The researchers collected pitfall trap (the cast skins of the larvae), and larvae The beetle survey was to be focused samples at 15 sites every two weeks for were included in the survey. In total, 28 on wood-boring beetles because of the 15 consecutive sampling periods from 5 species of dragonflies and damselflies potential for the loss of so many tree spe- April to 3 November 2011. Ground-beetles were found to use park habitats. Two spe- cies; however, we were not able to locate (Cara bidae) were the most abundant cies (southern pygmy clubtail and sable a researcher with the needed expertise (3,800 individuals) and species rich (67 clubtail, figs. 1 and 2) are of conservation for this survey. It is difficult to get insect species) in six targeted families (fig. 3). importance because of their rarity in experts to work in our small park. So we Specimens in five other families were Maryland. Data collected from each indi- contacted researchers at the Smithsonian identified to species: (1) dung beetles, May vidual included date, location, and other Institution who directed us to Cynthia and June beetles, and chafers (Scarabaei- relevant information and were summa- Fitzler and John Strazanac. They were dae: 17 species collected, 523 individuals); rized in a spreadsheet for analysis. In addi- interested in doing a ground-beetle survey (2) darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae: 8 tion, this information was augmented with and had the necessary subject knowledge. species, 55 individuals); (3) earth-boring data from a multiyear survey conducted This was a fortunate connection, and we scarab beetles (Geotrupidae: 5 species, 219 by the Maryland Department of Natural used a sole-source contract to secure their individuals); (4) carrion beetles (Silphi- Resources, which covered all the Catoctin involvement. dae: 5 species, 1,019 individuals); and (5) mountains that occur in the state. hide or skin beetles (Trogidae: 1 species, 9 80 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

individuals). The researchers assembled a voucher collection that included one Insect biodiversity could increase as the forest recovers of each species of beetle. The final report from deer overpopulation, but the only insect groups to includes maps of the collecting sites and a species list for each site. have been studied previously in the park are butterflies and moths … and stream macroinvertebrates. For a park of its size, and compared with other surveys in the region, Catoctin Mountain Park has high species richness in ground-dwelling beetles. The research- ers collected and identified 103 species in six families. Thus the park’s ground-dwell- ing species list rose from 11 to 114—a 10- fold increase! This relatively high number of species may be the result of the diversity posed primarily of native plants, high- and from 364 to 588 species, greatly expanding of the park’s forest communities that are low-elevation sites, and a location that had our knowledge of these important insect at different stages of succession. Recent burned previously. The three sampling groups. We are very happy with the prod- natural perturbations, like tornadoes and methods yielded 3,004 bees, representing ucts that have come from the surveys, as charcoal logging before Catoctin became a 93 species or species groups. Additionally, the species lists and insect collections have national park, have created a dynamic and 42 bee species had not previously been already been useful for public outreach spatially heterogeneous forest. reported from Frederick County; one of and education and will be an important the leaf-cutting bees, Stelis nitida, proved resource in the future when the park con- Bees to be new for Maryland. Spring woodland ducts repeat surveys. Catoctin personnel enrolled in a bee native bees are negatively affected by Japa- sampling and online identification class nese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) offered by the U.S. Geological Survey and and white-tailed deer, which decrease About the author carried out the bee-monitoring transect native plant abundance in the park. The work in 2008. However, making identifi- researcher provided the park with collec- Becky Loncosky is a biologist with cations through online resources proved tion data in spreadsheet form along with a Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont, intractable. So we enlisted researcher reference collection of the bee specimens Maryland. She can be reached by e-mail at Richard Orr (MAIFS), who carried out (fig. 4, previous page). [email protected]. two additional years of bee surveys in 2012 and 2013. The researchers used bee bowl transects (one day or less sampling), Conclusion propylene glycol cup transects (continu- ous sampling), and targeted netting during Before these surveys Catoctin had next the survey. Catoctin biologists helped Mr. to no information on these three groups Orr with the bee transects in 2012 and 2013. of insects. On the original park insect We targeted various habitats for sampling, list were only six dragonfly or damselfly including areas that are heavily impacted species, 11 ground-beetles, and no bees. by nonnative plants, those that were com- Now the insect list has been extended NONVASCULAR PLANTS AND INVERTEBRATES 81 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE The Crayfish Corps

By Amy Ruhe

ALLEY CREEK IN VALLEY tive advantage over Pennsylvania’s native urban centers, and nearby populations of Forge National Historical Park crayfish species. In addition to direct rusty crayfish (Lieb et al. 2007a). Based is threatened by an invasion competition for resources, rusty crayfish on recommendations from crayfish and of rusty crayfish (Orconectes displace native species from preferred aquatic invertebrate specialists, the park rusticusV). The last 2 miles (3.2 km) of this habitat, making native crayfish more sus- decided to manage the crayfish as a new creek flows through the park to its conflu- ceptible to predators as they move to find species until additional evidence indicates ence with the Schuylkill River in front of unoccupied spaces and diminishing food- that it is not native. General Washington’s Headquarters. His- stuffs. The thicker exoskeleton and aggres- torically and ecologically significant, Valley sive defense posture of the rusty crayfish Creek is a state-designated “Exceptional also make them less vulnerable to fish and Managing the invasion Value Waterway” and Class A Cold-Water other predators than native species (Gar- Fishery that supports a variety of species, vey et al. 1994). Once established, rusty Following the 2008 discovery of the rusty including a naturally reproducing trout crayfish can disrupt the entire aquatic crayfish in Valley Creek, park staff quickly population. The rusty crayfish, native to ecosystem by eliminating native crayfish assessed the extent of the invasion and the Ohio River drainage, is an invasive spe- species, reducing or eliminating aquatic determined that the initial density of this cies that was first documented in Pennsyl- vegetation, reducing the abundance and species was approximately one in every vania in the 1970s. Since its introduction, diversity of aquatic insect populations, four crayfish sampled. Without quick ac- it has spread into the Delaware, Potomac, and ultimately affecting predators such as tion the population was likely to explode. Schuylkill, and Susquehanna river water- trout. Valley Forge National Historical Park is sheds, and in 2008 it found its way into situated as the first line of defense in the Valley Creek via the Schuylkill River. A 2003 crayfish inventory did not find 24-square-mile (62 sq km) Valley Creek rusty crayfish in Valley Creek but did watershed and, with only a small natural Nonnative crayfish are one of the big- document two crayfish species, one of resource staff available to manage the gest threats to crayfish diversity in North which was a previously undescribed spe- invasion, the park established the Crayfish America (Butler et al. 2003), with urban- cies and a member of a species complex Corps in 2009 to protect aquatic biodi- ization and associated habitat destruction (Cambarus acuminatus) that had not been versity and the potentially new crayfish also posing a significant threat to Pennsyl- documented in Pennsylvania. Results from species. From April to October, volunteers vania’s native crayfish species (Lieb and ongoing surveys in the area suggest that from schools, summer camps, corpo- Carline 1999, 2000; Butler et al. 2003). the range of the previously undescribed rate groups, conservation organizations, Crayfish can make up more than 50% of species is likely restricted to Valley Creek families, and other park neighbors don hip the invertebrate biomass in streams and and a few nearby streams, and that it is waders and enter Valley Creek to catch rivers and are an important food source probably native to the state (Lieb et al. and remove rusty crayfish using only nets for trout and other large fish, transferring 2007b). Additional research is needed to and muscle (fig. 1, next page). The park energy and nutrients up the food chain determine whether this crayfish is a new or investigated additional suppression meth- (Huryn and Wallace 1987; Momot 1995). introduced species; however, if it is a na- ods to help control rusty crayfish in Valley Rusty crayfish are highly aggressive, which, tive species, it is possibly one of the most Creek, including chemical treatments, combined with their larger body size and threatened aquatic species in Pennsylvania electrical barriers, and trapping. These voracious appetite, gives them a competi- because of its limited range, proximity to methods have the potential to control the 82 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

In addition to contributions from volun- teers, hundreds of staff hours are spent each summer supervising participants, catching crayfish, and collecting, manag- ing, and analyzing data. To inform the resource management strategy and pro- mote science-based decision making, park staff collect data on stream temperature, species captured, location, sex, reproduc- tive status, volunteer efforts, and size. Subsequent analysis enables staff to evalu- ate changes in the relative abundance of crayfish species, determine trends, under- stand changes in population structure, and assess the overall efficiency and effective- ness of the program. The analysis indicates that through the Crayfish Corps the park has managed to maintain a native–to–rusty crayfish ratio of 4:1, preventing the loss

NPS PHOTO of native crayfish species and helping Figure 1. Members of the Valley Forge Crayfish Corps remove invasive rusty crayfish from to maintain biodiversity in the aquatic Valley Creek, a state-designated “Exceptional Value Waterway.” ecosystem. Additionally, the average total body length of rusty crayfish is decreasing, rusty population but are nonselective, and habitat disturbance, species identification, which indicates that the Crayfish Corps could significantly impact native cray- and the impact of rusty crayfish on native is effectively removing most of the large fish and other nontarget aquatic species. diversity. In addition to hands-on learning reproductive individuals. Interestingly, Crayfish Corps is proving to be an effective in the field, the park created lesson plans data also indicate that stream sections method to selectively suppress the rusty to link field activities back to the class- with cooler average water temperatures crayfish population while minimizing room, making the program increasingly (coincidently the sections with the most impacts to other species. popular with local schools. Promotional well-established riparian buffers) have brochures, buttons, and T-shirts featuring fewer rusty crayfish than warmer sections, The Crayfish Corps is one of three re- the Crayfish Corps logo (previous page, and that an old dam near Valley Creek’s source stewardship activities that make up at top) help promote the program with confluence with the Schuylkill River may Valley Forge’s Stewards of Native Diversity park visitors and families and encourage be slowing the movement of rustys into program, a natural resource initiative that long-term engagement. During the last the watershed. We presented these results focuses on the preservation and restora- four years, more than 6,000 volunteer at the 2011 George Wright Society meeting tion of native biodiversity. These programs hours have resulted in the removal of more and the Schuylkill Watershed Congress. are designed to engage youth in meaning- than 11,000 rusty crayfish and achieve- ful stewardship activities and promote ment of the park’s goal of suppressing hands-on learning to achieve resource the invasive species’ population so that it Continued vigilance management goals. Under the direction remains at initial invasion levels. Focused of National Park Service staff, Crayfish on the creation of future park stewards To help prevent the continued spread of Corps participants systematically search and management of park biodiversity, the the species, the park incorporated a “no sections of Valley Creek, removing rusty Crayfish Corps is now the park’s most live bait” policy into its superintendent’s crayfish while counting and releasing popular volunteer program and the only compendium and regularly provides native crayfish. They learn proper search one in which the majority of participants literature and educational materials about and capture techniques, how to minimize are under age 18. invasive species to park visitors. In 2012 a NONVASCULAR PLANTS AND INVERTEBRATES 83

[Participants] learn proper search and capture techniques, how to minimize habitat disturbance, species identification, and the impact of rusty crayfish on native diversity.

park internship project investigating the References Lieb, D. A., R. F. Carline, and V. M. Mengel. relative abundance and distribution of the 2007b. Crayfish survey and discovery of three crayfish species in the Valley Creek Butler, R. S., R. J. DiStefano, and G. A. Schuster. a member of the Cambartus acuminatus watershed found, unfortunately, that the 2003. Crayfish: An overlooked fauna. complex (Decapoda: Cambraridae) at Valley rusty crayfish has continued to advance Endangered Species Bulletin 28:10–11. Forge National Historical Park in southeastern Pennsylvania. Technical Report NPS/NER/ up Valley Creek beyond the park bound- Garvey, J. E., R. A. Stein, and H. M. Thomas. NRTR–2007/084. National Park Service, ary. Valley Forge National Historical Park 1994. Assessing how fish predation and Northeast Region, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is working with partners at Valley Forge interspecific competition influence a crayfish USA. Trout Unlimited, Stroud Water Research assemblage. Ecology 75:532–542. Momot, W. T. 1995. Redefining the role of Center, and Cabrini College to develop a Huryn, A. D., and J. B. Wallace. 1987. Production Crayfish Corps that extends into stream crayfish in aquatic ecosystems. Reviews in and litter processing by crayfish in an Fisheries Science 3:33–63. sections outside the park to help suppress Appalachian mountain stream. Freshwater the invasion as it moves farther up the Biology 18:277–286. watershed. Lieb, D. A., and R. F. Carline. 1999. The effects About the author of urban runoff from a detention pond Valley Forge National Historical Park on the macroinvertebrate community of a Amy Ruhe ([email protected]) is a translated an urgent need for invasive headwater stream in central Pennsylvania. biologist at Valley Forge National Historical species control into the most popular Journal of the Pennsylvania Academy of Park in Pennsylvania. multiage volunteer program at the park. Science 73:99–105. Through volunteer help and community . 2000. Effects of urban runoff support, a small natural resource staff are from a detention pond on water quality, able to effectively control an immediate temperature, and caged Gammarus minus threat to biodiversity while engaging thou- (Say) (Amphipoda) in a headwater stream. sands of volunteers in hands-on lessons in Hydrobiologia 441:107–116. the importance of stewardship. As parks Lieb, D. A., R. F. Carline, and H. M. Ingram. face limited budgets and staff, this pro- 2007a. Status of native and invasive crayfish gram can serve as a model for achieving in ten National Park Service properties in invasive species control, citizen engage- Pennsylvania. Technical Report NPS/NER/ ment, and biodiversity management. NRTR–2007/085. National Park Service, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. 84 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Pollinators Pollinators in peril? A multipark approach to evaluating bee communities in habitats vulnerable to effects from climate change

By Jessica Rykken, Ann Rodman, Sam Droege, and Ralph Grundel

AN YOU NAME FIVE BEES IN mediated threats, such as habitat loss and in which to investigate large-scale patterns your park? Ten? Twenty? Will alteration, pesticides, introduced parasites, of bee distribution in sensitive habitats and they all be there 50 years from and invasive plant and insect species. Cli- to model how strongly climate change may now? We know that pollinators mate change also poses a significant risk to affect these patterns. Care key to maintaining healthy ecosys- native bees, with potential consequences tems—from managed almond orchards to including range shifts (especially upslope In 2010, collaborators from the National wild mountain meadows—and we have or northward), population declines, and Park Service (Ann Rodman, Yellowstone heard about dramatic population declines mismatches in the phenology of plant- National Park), USGS (Sam Droege and of the agricultural workhorse, the honey pollinator relationships. Ralph Grundel), and Harvard University bee, yet what do we really know about the (Jessica Rykken) were awarded funding remarkable diversity and resilience of na- At particular risk are bee communities from the NPS Climate Change Response tive bees in our national parks? (including rare and endemic species) in Program to launch just such an investiga- habitats most vulnerable to effects from tion in almost 50 units of the National Park A large proportion of flowering plants warming temperatures, altered climates, System (fig. 1). The main objectives of this in most parks rely on insect pollinators and rising seas. These include high- multiyear project were to: for successful reproduction, and native elevation meadows, inland arid areas, and bees are almost always the most efficient coastal dunes—in other words, many of 1. Compare bee communities in three and diverse of these insects, with 3,604 the iconic landscapes protected in our “vulnerable” habitats (high eleva- described species in North America north national parks. In fact, the geographically tion, inland arid, coastal) and paired of Mexico, and what are thought to be and ecologically diverse landscapes pre- “common” habitats, representative another 400 undescribed ones. Bees are served and protected by the National Park of the landscape matrix, in order to known to be at risk from various human- Service provide an ideal natural laboratory determine whether vulnerable habitats

San Juan Island NHP North Cascades NP North 0 100 200 Kilometers WASH. Glacier NP 0 100 200 Miles Isle Royale NP MONT. N.DAK. MAINE Apostle Pictured Rocks NL Acadia NP Islands NL VT. ORE. Yellowstone NP MINN. Sleeping Bear N.H. IDAHO WIS. N.Y. Boston Harbor Islands NRA Redwood NP Grand Teton NP S.DAK. Dunes NL MASS. Cape Cod NS R.I. Cape Krusenstern NM WYO. MICH. CONN. Fossil Butte NM IOWA Fire Island NS Timpanogos PA. Gateway NRA Cave NM NEB. Indiana Dunes NL N.J. NEVADA IND. OHIO ALASKA Point Reyes NS Rocky Mountain NP MD. DEL. ILLINOIS Great Basin NP UTAH COLO. W.VA. Assateague Island NS CALIF. Colorado NM Denali NP & Pres VA. George Washington Birthplace NM Death Valley NP Zion NP Bryce KANS. MO. KY. Wrangell-St. Elias Mojave NPres Canyon NP Blue Ridge Parkway NP & Pres N.C. TENN. Channel Santa Monica Petrified OKLA. Great Smoky Mountains NP Lake Clark Islands NP Forest NP ARK. NP & Pres Mountains NRA S.C. Kenai Fjords NP ARIZ. N.MEX. MISS. GA. Organ Pipe ALA. Cactus NM TEX. Cumberland Island NS LA. Timucuan EHP Big Thicket NPres Fort Matanzas NM Canaveral NS HAWAII United States Territories FLA. AMERICAN SAMOA GUAM PUERTO RICO VIRGIN ISLANDS Biscayne NP Buck Island Reef NM

Figure 1. Forty-six parks in the National Park System participated in the bee inventory research. 85

have a distinctive bee fauna that may provided by uniformly collected bee data to pass along interesting bee discoveries be at higher risk under climate change from dozens of parks across the continent directly from bee biologists to parks. scenarios. would be of unprecedented scope and power. Each park was responsible for As is commonly the case with insect biodi- 2. Inform natural resource managers at selecting a pair of vulnerable and com- versity studies, collecting is the easy part. each park about the bee fauna at their mon sites and then sampling both sites One of the largest challenges for a project paired sites, including the presence of five times between the earliest spring of this scale is preparing, identifying, and rare and endemic species, and make flowering and the end of the blooming databasing the tens of thousands of speci- suggestions for active management period in the fall. Sampling procedures mens that can be sampled in a relatively strategies to promote native bee habi- were designed to be simple, repeatable, short period of time. With bees coming in tat if warranted. and volunteer-friendly. At each of the two from Alaska to Maine, southern California sites, 30 “bee bowls” were set out along a to Florida, and everywhere in between 3. Increase awareness among park transect, spaced 5 m (16 ft) apart. The cups (fig. 1), the potential number of specimens natural resource staffs, interpreters, were painted blue, yellow, and white to and the pool of possible species (several and visitors of native bee diversity and resemble flowers and attract bees (fig. 2). thousand) were somewhere between natural history, the essential role of Once inside the “flower,” bees were thrilling and completely overwhelming. bees in maintaining healthy ecosys- trapped in soapy water. Ideally, bowls were USGS biologist Sam Droege took on the tems, and potential threats from cli- left out for 24 hours when conditions were herculean task of processing all the bees at mate change to pollinator-dependent calm and sunny. Bees were then collected, his Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab at ecosystems. labeled, bagged, and sent off for identifica- the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in tion. To facilitate communication between Beltsville, Maryland, where his efficiency The challenge of a project organizers and participating parks, rating (“bees per minute”) rises ever multipark approach a “bees in parks” e-mail list was set up higher in the nimble hands of high school early on. This was useful for discussions and college students. Identification of the about where and when to sample (which bulk of the eastern bees and some of the The project was designed so that the varied greatly depending on park loca- western bees was also completed within cost and effort of sampling for each park tion, habitat, and local climate) and, later, his lab; however, most of the western bees would be minimal, while the information were sent to the USDA Bee Biology and Systematics Lab in Logan, Utah.

Preliminary results: Many cool bees!

A total of 46 national park units partici- pated in the study (fig. 1). These included 30 national parks, preserves, and monu- ments; 10 national lakeshores and sea- shores; and six national recreation areas, historical parks, and parkways. All NPS regions in the lower 48 states (with the exception of the National Capital Region) were well represented, as were Alaska and the Virgin Islands. Several parks without OTOHS PPN OTOHS any of the target vulnerable habitats also participated in order to enhance their Figure 2. Collecting bees involves pouring the contents from one of the painted “bee bowls” knowledge of local bees in other sensi- through a strainer. Contents from all 30 bowls of a transect were combined, transferred to a tive habitats. In Alaskan parks, all habitats plastic bag, and shipped to the bee lab in Maryland. were considered potentially vulnerable to 86 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014 MONITORING LAB (4) LAB MONITORING AND INVENTORY BEE USGS

Figure 3. The eastern sweat bee, Augochlorella aurata, one Figure 4. A dorsal shot of Figure 5. The mason bee, of the most common bees in eastern North America, and the a sweat bee, Lasioglossum Dianthidium simile, is a rare dune most abundant bee in the study. Color varies from metallic marinum, from Fort specialist, found on the shores deep purple (above left) (Cumberland Island, Ga.) to green Matanzas (Fla.). As its name of the Great Lakes (this one is (above right) (Md.), depending on the region. suggests, this bee is a coastal from Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mich.). dune specialist and builds its Females build nests at the base of nest in deep sand. grass clumps; cells are constructed of conifer resin and sand grains.

climate change because of their northern surprisingly, the nonnative honey bee (Apis dune specialist restricted to the Atlantic location. Many parks also placed a transect mellifera) showed up in relatively large coastal plain. The mason bees Dianthidium near a visitor center for interpretive value, numbers in half the parks surveyed, all simile (fig. 5) and Osmia michiganensis are and some parks added transects in addi- across the continent. Other cosmopolitan also rare dune specialists, but are found on tional habitats. Among them, the 46 parks “weedy” (but native) species included the the shores of the Great Lakes. These and ran an impressive 809 bee bowl transects, two sweat bees Halictus confusus and H. other species that depend on deep sand sampling more than 43,000 bees from 2010 rubicundus, both found in 17 parks, the for nesting suggest that dune habitats of to 2013. latter from Redwood (Calif.) to Glacier lakeshores and seashores do have a dis- (Mont.) to Assateague Island (Md.). The tinctive fauna, including rare and endemic Full sets of results have been completed most commonly collected bee overall, species (see sidebar, page 88). If sea and for some parks and regions (mostly in the with 2,012 individuals (4.6% of the bee lake levels change with warming climates, eastern and midwestern United States), total), was Augochlorella aurata, a brilliant or extreme weather events like Hurricane but the enormous task of identifying all green sweat bee found in 17 parks, from Sandy reshape coastlines, these bee com- the western bees has fallen to a very few Big Thicket (Tex.) eastward (fig. 3). In a munities are at risk of losing habitat. western taxonomists, and many of these previous study at Indiana Dunes (Grundel identifications are still pending. Addition- et al. 2011), this species was also the most As the two other focal habitats (inland ally, there are some taxa that are so diverse frequently captured bee, making up 16% arid and high elevation, figs. 6 and 7) are and difficult to separate (e.g., the diabolical of all bees surveyed, and was observed concentrated in the western United States, subgenus Dialictus, with almost 100 species on more than 60 plant species, suggesting we are still awaiting species data, and in eastern North America alone) that some that this generalist forager is a pollination thus patterns of bee diversity across these or all of these bees have been passed on to workhorse in the eastern parks. landscapes are not yet clear. However, individual specialists around the country interesting discoveries have already been (see acknowledgments). As is also often Of greater interest to this project were made. For instance, the digger bee, Hab­ the case with insect biodiversity studies, the habitat specialists, some of which ropoda pallida, found at Mojave (Calif.), is taxonomists are in short supply and in were also very abundant across parks. a dune specialist from the desert South- high demand. To date, more than 25,000 For instance, more than 1,000 individuals west, thought to be a specialist on creosote specimens have been identified, repre- of Lasioglossum marinum, a coastal dune bush. The tiny desert-dwelling mining senting 43 genera and approximately 685 specialist, were found in seven parks down bee, Perdita albihirta, collected at Petrified species. Among these are many interesting the Atlantic coast, from Boston Harbor Forest (Ariz.), is not well-known, but is discoveries. Islands (Mass.) to Biscayne (Fla.) (fig. 4). probably a pollen specialist like many of In contrast, the polyester bee Colletes its relatives (fig. 8). Michael Orr from the Some bee species are noteworthy because brevicornis, found only in the dune site at Logan bee lab, who has been working with they are so abundant or widespread. Not Assateague Island (Md.), is a much rarer many of the western bees, has emphasized POLLINATORS 87 USGS BEE INVENTORY AND MONITORING LAB (2) LAB MONITORING AND INVENTORY BEE USGS Figure 9. Prior to being collected at Canaveral National Seashore (Fla.) in 2013, there had been no collection records for the southeastern endemic polyester bee, Colletes titusensis, since 1938.

Figure 8 (above). This tiny mining bee, Perdita albihirta geraeae, col- lected at Petrified Forest (Ariz.), mea- sures just a few millimeters long.

the importance of collecting in under- Bumble bees are another group of bees of the resulting database will represent the sampled areas (i.e., most of our national great conservation interest, as several spe- largest replicated survey of native pol- parks), and illustrates this point with two cies have shown precipitous declines in all linators anywhere in the world. The study specimens from Santa Monica Mountains or parts of their ranges during the last two design allows analysis of bee diversity and (near Malibu, Calif.) that look very much decades. These hardy bees make up a large distribution patterns at multiple scales. like the cactus bee, Diadasia australis, but component of high-elevation and north- For instance, we can compare bee com- are likely a new undescribed species. ern-latitude bee faunas, so as results come munities between vulnerable and com- in from western mountain and Alaska mon habitats within individual parks to parks, we hope to contribute important determine whether vulnerable habitats range information that will help us assess have more rare and endemic species or the status of bumble bees in these regions. are distinctive in other parameters (e.g., species richness, diversity, nesting guilds, In the deep South, many rare and unusual proportions of floral specialists or parasitic discoveries are being made in Florida bees). This already seems to be the case parks, including sand specialists, such with coastal and lakeshore dune habitats, as the metallic sweat bee Augochloropsis where we have found many dune special- anonyma from Biscayne and Canaveral, ists (see sidebar, next page).

NPS PHOTO and the rarely collected southeastern endemic, Dianthidium floridiense. Another We can also make these comparisons exciting find at Canaveral was the poly- across regions to determine whether, for ester bee Colletes titusensis, named after example, bee communities in coastal dune the town nearest to Canaveral, Titusville sites across the Atlantic coastal plain are (fig. 9). The last recorded specimen of this more similar to each other than bee com- rare endemic was collected in 1938. munities in paired vulnerable-common sites within parks are to each other. If so, this indicates a strong regional “dune sig- Next steps: Discerning nal” (versus a “park signal”) and suggests NPS PHOTO patterns and making that we can assess the threats of climate Figure 6 (top). Arid dune pollinator habitat change to these more vulnerable habi- at Mojave National Preserve. links to climate change tats at a regional scale, and perhaps also Figure 7. Interns set up a transect of bee develop regional management guidelines bowls at a high-elevation meadow site at Once the 43,000+ bee records for all 46 and conservation partnerships. Similarly, Yellowstone National Park. parks are complete and ready for analysis, we will make these comparisons for dune 88 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Great Lakes Pollinators By Jessica Rykken, Ann Rodman, Sam Droege, and Ralph Grundel

Around the western Great Lakes, bees were separated by up to 715 km (444 mi), a site in sampled at five parks (see map) in paired fore- one of the habitat types (dune or inland) shared dune and inland habitats. The two habitats were more bee species with like habitats across parks compared within and between parks (photo, at than it did with its paired (different) habitat left). Dune ecosystems are often restricted to a within the same park (fig. 1). The marked differ- O T

O narrow zone near the Great Lakes, and we might ence between dune and inland bee communities H

S P expect that species inhabiting such restricted suggests that forces of environmental change P N habitats are more vulnerable to extirpation from differentially affecting habitat types across this The lakeshore dune site at Pictured Rocks (Mich.) on Lake changing climate than bees in more common region will act on different sets of pollinators Superior. inland habitats. Although parks in this region are (fig. 2).

C A N A D A 1.0

0.8 Isle Royale MINN. National Park 0.6

Apostle Islands 0.4 National Lakeshore Lake Superior Similarity (±SE) 0.2

0.0

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Inland–Inland

Foredunes–Inland Foredunes–Foredunes Habitat Comparisons Lake )m k 5 1 7 ( i m 4 4 4 M ichigan Figure 1. Bee species are more similar among like habitats (foredunes or inland) across five differ- ent parks than they are among foredune/inland– paired habitats within parks.

WIS. Sleeping Bear Dunes Vegetated Dune (Vulnerable) Genus Meadow (Common) National Lakeshore Megachile

Colletes

Agapostemon Dune Only Coelioxys Meadow Only Shared: Meadow Epeolus and Dune Melissodes Mich. Perdita

Osmia

Sphecodes USGS Ceratina

Lasioglossum

Andrena IOWA Nomada

Indiana Dunes Bombus Ill. National Lakeshore Augochlorella

IND. 6543210 0 1234 Number of Species

(Inset) An uncommon mining bee associated with deep sand, Perdita swenki, was Figure 2. Comparison of bee species richness in found in large numbers at the vulnerable lakeshore dune site at Pictured Rocks. It was vegetated dune (vulnerable) and meadow (com- also found in the dunes at Indiana Dunes (Ind.) and Gateway (N.Y.). mon) sites at Pictured Rocks (Mich.), showing the number of species unique to each habitat type. POLLINATORS 89

The geographically and ecologically diverse landscapes preserved and protected by the National Park Service provide an ideal natural laboratory in which to investigate large-scale patterns of bee distribution in sensitive habitats and to model how strongly climate change may affect these patterns.

versus inland communities on the Great Long-term monitoring of bee communi- of its bee sampling to coincide with its Lakes and the Pacific coast, for sand-dom- ties from sensitive and common habitats Hymenoptera bioblitz. It is clear that more inated areas versus other open habitats in any of the 46 parks will also be possible than a few office-bound permanent NPS in southwestern deserts, for subalpine/ now that we have established a baseline staff saw bee sampling as an ideal oppor- alpine versus lower-elevation meadows in against which we can measure change. The tunity to escape their offices for a pleasant the western mountains and in subarctic sampling protocols are simple to repeat sunny day in habitats abuzz with flowers regions of Alaska, and so on. Ordination and can be replicated in many other habi- and bees. Who can blame them? and regression analyses will help us deci- tats of interest. Monitoring to assess the pher what the dominant environmental trajectories of bee abundance, richness, Each participating park will receive a sum- (e.g., elevation, latitude, aspect, soil type) and other parameters in climate-sensitive mary of the bee data collected at its site and climatic (e.g., mean air temperature, habitats may be especially informative on a in the form of a two-page resource brief, precipitation) drivers are for any patterns regional scale. and species data will be available digitally we see within and across habitats. through the Inventory and Monitor- ing Program’s NPSpecies database. The We are developing climate summaries for Catching the buzz: resource brief will include a description each sampling location that compare his- Getting the word out of the sampling methods and a map of the torical and current conditions with future transect locations (for future reference), predictions from the latest downscaled about bees a graphical comparison of the species climate models. Climate changes are found in common and vulnerable sites, a already evident, but the change is not uni- Another key objective of the project was to discussion of significant finds, contrasts, form across the country. Rates of change educate park staff, volunteers, and visitors predicted risks to bees in vulnerable habi- in temperature and precipitation patterns, about the remarkable diversity and eco- tats with climate change, and suggestions especially the timing during the growing logical importance of native bees, as well for management actions or conservation season, will likely have profound effects as their potential vulnerabilities to climate concerns if warranted. These may include on the future makeup of a park’s native change. We encouraged parks to actively maintaining or restoring host plants for bee populations. With these climate data engage interns, volunteers, and citizen sci- bee specialists or ensuring the availability we can begin to make predictions about ence groups by recruiting them to run the of suitable nesting sites. The briefs will the fate of bee communities. By examining sampling transects. For example, a group provide an effective way to share informa- species distributions across the environ- of Virginia Master Naturalists ran samples tion about the project with administrators, mental and climatic gradients surveyed, at George Washington Birthplace (Va.), resource managers, scientists, interpreters, we can comment on the likelihood that a while Santa Monica Mountains and Chan- and visitors. We will also prepare regional particular species will persist under new nel Islands (Calif.) combined forces to resource briefs to summarize findings in regimes of these gradients, such as a new train students from two local colleges and vulnerable habitats across regions and to combination of mean temperature and dif- an after-school youth leadership program suggest regional management guidelines. ferent soil type. Predictions for individual to collect their bees. Student Conserva- species can be combined and scaled up tion Association and Youth Conservation We want to provide parks with engaging into estimates of effects of climate change Corps volunteers sampled bees from high- interpretive tools. For example, we can on entire bee communities. elevation meadows in Yellowstone (Wyo.). know a lot about bees, appreciate them as Great Basin (Nev.) cleverly timed some pollinators, and feel concern for their well- 90 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

being in the face of environmental threats, but it is difficult to truly connect with an Once the 43,000+ bee records for all 46 parks are organism you can’t see very well. Perhaps complete and ready for analysis, the resulting database one can fall for the charm of a bumble bee, but most bees are just too small to admire will represent the largest replicated survey of native aesthetically. Sam Droege and colleagues pollinators anywhere in the world. The study design have been working hard to overcome this problem with a cost-effective camera setup allows analysis of bee diversity and distribution for putting even the tiniest sand-dwelling patterns at multiple scales. Perdita bees in a highly magnified spotlight (bottom photo, page 88). Several hundred images of bees collected in national parks, demonstrating a magnificent diversity of form, color, texture, and pelage, are available for any type of educational use at www.flickr.com/photos/usgsbiml a college intern was recruited to extend the U.S. Geological Survey Great Lakes /sets/72157630468656672 (with many addi- its collections and photograph bees. Says Science Center. tional western species in the photographic Paul Brown, chief of natural resources at queue). Isle Royale, “Prior to the study we knew of only a handful of bee species on the island About the authors Another (free) resource for fostering an … now we are aware of over 60 species.” appreciation for the diversity of bee bod- We hope the success and relevance of this Jessica Rykken ([email protected] ies, natural history, ecology, and behavior work will inspire even more parks to catch .edu) is an associate with the Farrell Lab, is Bee Observer Cards, which were devel- the buzz. Harvard University Museum of Comparative oped collaboratively by the Encyclopedia Zoology, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. of Life and the Farrell Lab at Harvard Ann Rodman ([email protected]) is branch chief for Physical Resources and University. Much of this work was funded Reference Climate Science at Yellowstone National by the National Park Service for this bee Park, Wyoming. Sam Droege (sdroege project, and all participating parks will re- Grundel, R., R. P. Jean, K. J. Frohnapple, J. Gibbs, G. A. Glowacki, and N. B. Pavlovic. 2011. A @usgs.gov) is a research wildlife biologist ceive hard-copy decks of the cards, which with the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research can also be downloaded electronically survey of bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) of the Indiana Dunes and northwest Indiana. Center in Beltsville, Maryland. Ralph from eol.org/info/498. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society Grundel ([email protected]) is a research 84:105–138. ecologist with the USGS Great Lakes In the end, among the most significant Science Center in Porter, Indiana. outcomes of this ambitious project will be the simplest: an awareness that native bees Acknowledgments deserve attention in our national parks, and a realization that there are important Quite simply, without skilled taxonomists discoveries to be made in almost any habi- we could generate no data from biodiver- tat we choose to investigate. Many parks sity studies. The following taxonomists are have already engaged in new bee-focused identifying tens of thousands of bees for activities as a result of their participation this project: Michael Arduser, John Ascher, in the project. For example, at Fire Island Jason Gibbs, Terry Griswold, Kimberly (N.Y.), interpretive programs highlight- Huntzinger, Jonathan Koch, Michael Orr, ing native bee diversity are planned at and Karen Wright. the William Floyd Estate this season; at Organ Pipe Cactus (Ariz.), new sampling Any use of trade, product, or firm names is transects were set up to document the for descriptive purposes only and does not bee fauna associated with an endangered imply endorsement by the U.S. govern- acuña cactus; and at Isle Royale (Mich.), ment. This article is contribution 1854 of POLLINATORS 91

Insect pollinators of Denali: A survey of bees and flower flies By Jessica Rykken JESSICA RYKKEN JESSICA RYKKEN JESSICA ENALI NATIONAL PARK and Preserve’s Researcher- in-Residence program, coordinated by the Murie ScienceD and Learning Center, was created to bring academic and other researchers to Denali (Alaska) and to facilitate sharing of knowledge and resources among scientists and Denali resources staff, interpreters, and visitors. For obvious reasons, much of the wildlife research carried out in De- nali’s vast wilderness to date has focused on the “big five” (caribou, wolves, grizzly bears, moose, and Dall’s sheep). However, in 2012, my proposal to survey “the other A male Bombus sylvicola (forest bumble The author with net: Looking for pollinators fur-bearers” of Denali, namely insect pol- bee) feeds on Eskimo potato (Hedysarum in an Alaska summer often requires a wool alpinum). hat and rain gear. linators, was met with great enthusiasm by THE PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE HARVARD OF FELLOWS AND PRESIDENT THE park staff, and I was awarded the grant. RYKKEN JESSICA

Pollinators are critical to maintaining healthy plant communities and func- tioning ecosystems, and in the subarctic wilderness of Denali they may be espe- cially vulnerable to effects from climate change. Changes in pollinator diversity, abundance, phenology (e.g., timing of pollinator emergence and foraging activ- ity), and range over time may also serve as effective indicators of change for larger Vane trap: Pollinators are attracted to the Bombus balteatus, the golden-belted bum- ecosystem processes. Establishing baseline blue color of the trap. ble bee, is a species of high elevations and latitudes. data on these insects has potential long- term benefits for monitoring, in addition to giving the park new information about bowls” (small painted cups filled with tary and parasitic bees (50 specimens), and lesser-known realms of biodiversity. soapy water) laid out in transects and indi- 42 species of flower flies (328 specimens). vidual “vane traps,” which lure pollinators Bees were identified by me, with assistance The survey focused on bees (Hymenop- into a blue vane attached to a collecting from Jamie Strange and Terry Griswold at tera: Anthophila) and flower flies (Diptera: jar. Focal habitats included alpine and the USDA Agricultural Research Service Syrphidae). I spent five weeks collecting shrub tundra, rocky ridges and summits, Bee Biology and Systematics Lab in Logan, these pollinators in various habitats along river gravel bars, edges of roads and trails, Utah; all flower flies were identified by the 145 km (90 mi) park road, and was and lower-elevation meadows. F. C. Thompson at the Smithsonian Insti- joined by park staff and volunteers on sev- tution. Among the pollinators were one eral days. Collecting techniques included In all, the survey yielded 13 species of bum- active netting and two types of traps: “bee ble bees (502 specimens), 7 species of soli- CONTINUED ON PAGE 93 92 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Monitoring bee diversity and abundance in Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area: A pilot study By Jessica Rykken

OSTON HARBOR ISLANDS are diverse and abundant, easy to sample ing season (April to October). This work received NPS Challenge Cost with a standardized, repeatable protocol, yielded an impressive 3,938 identified bees, Share Funding in 2010 to pilot a and have a taxonomy that is relatively well comprising 104 species (approximately native bee monitoring project. known. 60% of the total bee diversity known from BThis extended the first phase of an All- the islands) and including 23 new park Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (focused on The two main objectives of the project records. Among the bees were 26 “clep- terrestrial arthropods) the park had been were (1) to develop and pilot a monitoring toparasitic” species, also called “cuckoo conducting for the previous five years program with adequate power to detect bees.” As their name suggests, cuckoo in collaboration with Harvard Univer- relatively small changes in bee abundance bees lay their eggs in the nests of other sity’s Museum of Comparative Zoology. and diversity over five-year intervals, and host bees, and their developing larvae Glob ally, bees have been of conservation (2) to assess the feasibility of involving citi- kill the host progeny and eat their pollen concern because of their critical role as zen scientists in all phases of the project, and nectar provisions. Cuckoo bees are pollinators in natural and agricultural including field collecting and lab process- thought to be good indicators of the health ecosystems, but populations of many ing. We used “bee bowls” (small painted of the entire bee community, as they are species are declining and there is evidence cups filled with soapy water) to sample dependent on robust host bee populations to suggest that their ranges are shifting bees. Each sampling transect comprised 30 for their survival. Three nonnative bees, in response to changing climates. Native bee bowls spaced 5 m (16 ft) apart. Sixteen Apis mellifera (honey bee, introduced by bees are an ideal group to monitor on transects were set up on nine islands and European colonists in the 1600s), Andrena the Boston Harbor Islands because they sampled at intervals during the bloom- wilkella, and Lasioglossum leucozonium,

The project involved developing a foldout field guide to bee genera found at Boston Harbor Islands NRA. POLLINATORS 93

“DENALI” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 91

specimen of Bombus occidentalis, a bumble bee that has all but disappeared farther south in its range but is apparently thriving in many locations in interior Alaska, and a single specimen of a fl ower fl y new to science in the genus Cheilosia. Several of the fl ower fl ies represent new published records for the state of Alaska, and almost all species, with the exception of at least seven bumble bees, are new records for the park.

Denali’s Researcher-in-Residence program also promotes outreach, and at the park I engaged in various activities to educate park staff and visitors about

JESSICA RYKKEN RYKKEN JESSICA Denali’s pollinators. This included leading A volunteer records data while setting out bee bowls on a warm, sunny day—just right for a “Denali-ology” seminar; delivering pre­ pollinators. sentations to the public, interpretive staff , and natural resource management staff ; were collected in small numbers; none are and giving weekly microscope sessions at of management concern for the park. the Murie Science and Learning Center to show visitors the diversity of pollinators In addition to one full-time entomologist up close. After leaving Denali I worked from the Museum of Comparative Zool­ with park staff to create a pollinator fact ogy (me) and one dedicated paid intern, sheet for the park, and I’m currently col­ 24 students, volunteers, NPS staff , and laborating on a “Virtual Tour of Denali other professionals logged more than 450 Pollinators” for the visitor center and the

hours with the project, including 57 fi eld RYKKEN JESSICA Denali Web site. hours and 394 hours in the lab sorting, Signs were set out at both ends of each bee pinning, labeling, and databasing speci­ bowl transect to inform passersby about the bee monitoring project and to ensure mens. I identifi ed the majority of the bees that the cups were not mistaken for trash. About the author with assistance from Sam Droege at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Jessica Rykken ([email protected] Beltsville, Maryland, who also helped with genera found in the park and provides eas­ .edu) is an associate at the Museum of developing the statistical design for the ily accessible information about important Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, in monitoring program, and John Ascher at park pollinators to park staff , volunteers, Cambridge, Massachusetts. She has been the American Museum of Natural History. and visitors alike. involved in biodiversity discovery work at This project successfully integrated scien­ Acadia National Park, Boston Harbor Islands tifi c and community involvement goals. All About the author NRA, George Washington Birthplace sampling and processing protocols were National Monument, and Yellowstone developed and documented with citizen Jessica Rykken ([email protected] National Park. scientists in mind, so that they will be eas­ .edu) is an associate with the Farrell Lab, ily replicable in future monitoring eff orts. Harvard University Museum of Comparative We also produced a fi eld guide to the Zoology, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. bees of the Boston Harbor Islands, which includes photos and descriptions of 24 bee 94 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Cultural Sites and Biodiversity NPS PHOTO/WOLF TRAP NATIONAL PARK FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS PERFORMING THE FOR PARK NATIONAL TRAP PHOTO/WOLF NPS Biodiversity inventories and the advent of a volunteer-based natural resource management program at Wolf Trap The “Flight of the Bumblebee,” birds, butterflies, and more

Figure 1. For tens of thousands of visitors annually, the performance at Wolf Trap is all they By Christopher Schuster are exposed to. However, surrounding this venue is approximately 60 acres of naturalized landscape complete with two streams, a pond, and a newly implemented hiking trail.

ONG REGARDED FOR ITS has been hosting performances every sum- established early in the park’s history as outdoor performing arts venue, mer since 1971 (fig. 1). An 800-seat outdoor dining al fresco under shade trees around Wolf Trap now incorporates a amphitheater, the Children’s Theatre-in- the old farmhouse and picnicking inside focus on natural resources. Wolf the-Woods, is also tucked away next to the the performance area seated on the grassy TrapL was established in 1966 as the first, stream that runs through the park. lawn while listening to the symphony. and still only, national park devoted to the performing arts. The complex is the direct An integral part of Ms. Shouse’s vision, result of the energy and philanthropy of and the primary mission of the park, is the Natural resources? Catherine Filene Shouse, who donated the experience of live performances in an out- land, partially funded a theater building, door setting. The 117 acres (47 ha) donated Though picturesque and beautiful to be- and spearheaded the legislative effort to es- by Ms. Shouse had been a working farm hold, this controlled image of the outdoors tablish the park. The Filene Center, which for several hundred years, and was and relied on intense human maintenance. The seats approximately 3,500 people under still is split roughly evenly between open parkland in the main visitor and theater cover and 3,500 more outdoors on a slop- grass/developed area and woodland. The area was treated as a landscape setting and ing lawn, is the centerpiece of the park and iconic Wolf Trap visitor experience was heavily maintained for turf, ornamental 95

trees, and shrubs; the natural resources in lamy’s book, Bringing Nature Home, was other portions of the park were ignored the required text, and he was inspired. almost completely. The only walking trail in the park was a small, informal trail link- Mr. Goetkin recognized the utter lack ing to neighborhood paths; many areas in of science-based natural resource man- the park were not accessible and therefore agement in the park and decided that went unmanaged and unobserved. Inter- something needed to be done. He also pretation of natural resources, including understood that gaining support would climate change and other NPS priorities, was be difficult in an environment that was neglected, even though the park has received so heavily focused on the maintained

more than 400,000 visitors each year. Still, landscape. He would make it his mission WOLF TRAP NATIONAL PARK FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS park files and species lists from the 1970s and to prove that ecological value and aesthetic Figure 2. Head gardener and grounds super- early 1980s attest to early efforts to address quality could coincide and enhance the visor Philip Goetkin coordinates with Clau- dia West, ecological sales manager at North natural resource management policies of the park experience and park purposes. Creek Nurseries, and Catherine Zimmerman, National Park Service, but these endeavors author of Urban and Suburban Meadows, to plant native plugs in the meadow. never gained much traction. He saw the visitor area of the park in and around the Filene Center, parking lots, Despite the presence of 60 forested acres and picnic grounds as an opportunity to (24 ha), two streams, several wetlands, and educate the public about environmentally severe problems with exotic-invasive plant friendly landscaping practices. In 2009 the species and overabundant white-tailed park staff and a group of volunteer Girl deer, Wolf Trap had virtually no natural Scouts removed turf grass in a small area resource program. Vascular plant and ver- near the main entry to the Filene Center tebrate inventories were carried out by the and replaced it with native plants. The National Capital Region’s (NCR) Inven- idea was to showcase how native species tory and Monitoring Program and other could be used instead of cultivars to cre- resource needs were addressed by the ate a decorative garden area that would NCR Office of Natural Resource Science pass aesthetic muster in the Washington, with minimal involvement by park person- D.C., suburbs. This was the beginning of a

nel. Although it is recognized as having paradigm shift at Wolf Trap National Park WOLF TRAP NATIONAL PARK FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS significant natural resources, the park has for the Performing Arts. Figure 3. Located directly in front of the never established a resource management Filene Center main gate and box office is the area commonly referred to as the position. Also, the general management In 2010, Mr. Goetkin became the park’s “Dimple.” This 1-acre site, used primarily as plan completed in 1996 did not result in head gardener and a maintenance supervi- a stormwater holding area and for parking, was once monoculture lawn and cost ap- any new research or additional inventories sor and began implementing a number proximately $2,000 annually to maintain. of natural resources. of forward-looking projects. For the first time in park history, funding was obtained through youth program sources to hire but it also provides accessibility through Start of a natural natural resource interns, who dedicated many of the wooded portions of the park. resource–minded themselves to carrying out the innovative This access, which did not exist before, projects. This was a turning point in con- has proven invaluable in subsequent natu- program vincing park staff, visitors, and partners of ral resource inventory work. In 2011 the the value of developing an active natural park decided to convert a 1-acre (0.4 ha) In 2007, Philip Goetkin began working in resource program at Wolf Trap. That year, site of manicured lawn that is encircled by the park as a gardener (fig. 2). He read- a cooperative agreement was signed with the Filene Center’s entry into a meadow ily admits that he was guilty of many of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club to of native grasses and forbs (figs. 3–5, above the unsustainable landscaping practices construct a 2.5-mile-long trail in the park’s and on pages 96–97). A $30,000 grant performed there at the time. In 2009 he wooded areas. Not only does this trail provided by the Wallace Genetic Founda- enrolled in a course for which Doug Tal- enhance outdoor recreation at the park, tion (a private foundation) was used to another of the park’s legislated purposes, purchase native plants. 96 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

NPS/WOLF TRAP NATIONAL PARK FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Figure 4. In April 2012 more than 100 volunteers helped transform the Dimple into a native meadow when they planted 21,000 vegetative plugs.

The native garden, wildflower meadow, gan visiting the park to photograph insects biologist Sam Droege, Ms. Pollock now and Wolf Trap Trail attracted attention and in the native meadow. Her interest quickly aids park staff in collection and processing interest almost immediately. Park visitors evolved into a more ambitious project to of bee species. Mr. Droege graciously vol- and area residents quickly volunteered to photograph and identify all insects and unteers his time to identify the bees as we help with manual labor, and several highly native flora in the park. Ms. Pollock has work to generate a baseline of pollinator skilled natural resource professionals also taken thousands of photographs at Wolf species in the park. The work also informs volunteered their services. Rather than de- Trap and uploads her pictures to an online Mr. Droege’s larger study of native bees fining research projects and then looking for photo-sharing service along with notes on in the Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware professional scientists to carry them out, the species identifications. Her work pro- region. The survey, which started in July park attracted the scientists and volunteers vides a photographic record of particular 2013, resulted in identification of 37 pol- first and then used their expertise to address species on specific dates in the park. Her linating bee species, and we expect to tally park needs. Since then, the park has added a efforts, in conjunction with other sur- many more with a full field season of work cadre of trained volunteers, and the network veys, will help to update the park’s official in 2014. of contacts the park has made with local and NPSpecies list, which documents the oc- national partners has continued to grow. currence and status of species on National Since beginning the bee survey, staff from Park Service lands. the NCR Office of Natural Resource Sci- ence have suggested that we expand our Inventories take shape What started as a hobby for Ms. Pollock work to include Lepidoptera and have developed into the launching of an All- recommended that we team up with en- Sheryl Pollock is a retired field biologist Taxa Biodiversity Inventory at Wolf Trap tomologist and private contractor Nathan from the U.S. Geological Survey who be- in 2013. Teaming up with USGS wildlife Erwin, former curator of the Smithsonian CULTURAL SITES AND BIODIVERSITY 97

COPYRIGHT SHERYL POLLOCK Rather than defining research projects and then looking for professional scientists to carry them out, the park attracted the scientists and volunteers first and then used their expertise to address park needs.

Figure 5. After its second growing season in fall 2013, the native meadow shows its colors.

program. Although the park still does Trap is contributing to a larger understand- Insect Zoo. Mr. Erwin conducted multiple not have a natural resource manager, an ing of phenology at the landscape level. training sessions to teach volunteers how energized grounds crew and other work- to identify various species of butterflies ers enthusiastically tell visitors about park All the natural resource projects and re- and to prepare them to carry out a butter- biodiversity and the volunteer program of lated achievements have been accomplished fly inventory of the park. We identified 32 biodiversity inventories. In addition to the without a dedicated natural resource man- species in 2013 and, although 2014 surveys bird and butterfly surveys, bee and other agement position or a natural resource have gotten off to a slow start as a result pollinator bioblitzes, and photo documen- management budget. The program owes of poor weather conditions, we hope to tation of park flora and fauna, the park has its existence to the ideas, energy, support, exceed last year’s species count with the added four forest monitoring plots, begun and work of maintenance and interpre- longer survey season. Volunteers meet to monitor water quality in Wolf Trap tive staffs, the park’s superintendent and every other week to document butterfly Creek, and established “no-mow” zones volunteer coordinator, summer interns, sightings. and native plant areas. The Inventory and college students, the Youth Conservation Monitoring network is now engaged in Corps, volunteer groups and individual The Audubon Society of Northern Vir- population monitoring of deer and control volunteers, private foundations and local ginia also has taken an interest in the park. of destructive infestations of oriental businesses, and the NPS National Capital Learning that Wolf Trap had no compre- bittersweet and English ivy in highly vis- Region. As a result, natural resource man- hensive bird list, they have been working ible park areas. We also have developed agement has established a strong foothold with park staff for more than a year to relationships with several organizations for at Wolf Trap, and the park now has an document park birds. Nearly 30 Audubon obtaining free or reduced-price supplies expanded audience, not just for the tradi- volunteers divided the park into quadrants for incorporating native plants into the tional theater and music offerings but also and, thanks to the new trail, are able to ac- park scene. for the natural resources and recreational cess the entire park, identifying birds and values of this special suburban park. monitoring their densities. They regularly Interpretive projects have also blossomed, upload their findings to the online eBird so to speak. We are developing scientifi- .org database and have identified more cally accurate interpretive signage about About the author than 100 bird species in the park. the park’s natural resources and now provide tours of the native gardens and Christopher Schuster (christopher meadow areas. The park’s Web site and [email protected]) is a gardener with An amazing Facebook page feature a “plant of the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing transformation week” along with information about its Arts in Vienna, Virginia. He has a natural history. Finally, we have developed bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and coordinates many of the resource In just five years since park staff exchanged a Web-based climate change–monitoring management activities at the park. a small area of lawn for native plants, station online where citizen scientists can Wolf Trap National Park for the Perform- post photos and related observations of ing Arts has instituted a vibrant, public changes in seasonal timing of periodic bio- participation–oriented natural resource logical events. Thus citizen science at Wolf 98 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Bird diversity reflects battlefield park’s natural setting

By Bryan Gorsira NPS PHOTO/BRYAN GORSIRA PHOTO/BRYAN NPS HE DECLINE OF GRASSLAND confirm the importance of this park for birds has been called the birds. In addition, the park was recently conservation crisis of the 21st nominated as an Important Bird Area by century (Brennan and Kuv- the Audubon Society, based primarily on Tlesky 2005). It is estimated that since the the quality of the park’s grasslands. The mid-1800s, grassland ecosystems in North park supports some of the best examples America have declined by 80%. In Vir- of grassland and shrubland habitat types ginia, idle grasslands have been reduced in the region, with healthy populations of by an estimated 55% since 1945. Recent eastern meadowlark, grasshopper spar- analysis of the Bull Run watershed, which row, field sparrow, prairie warbler, brown encompasses the park, indicates that thrasher, and eastern towhee—all species nearly 10,000 acres (4,050 ha) have been of conservation concern in Virginia. developed since 2002. Understanding the importance of grasslands to regional Manassas National Battlefield Park is an conservation, natural resource managers example of how a relatively small national at Manassas National Battlefield Park have park (around 5,000 acres, or 2,023 ha), and been actively managing park grasslands one established for cultural and historical since 1997 by converting more than 1,000 purposes, can make a significant contri- acres (405 ha) from nonnative cool-season bution to regional biodiversity. Of the 18 grasses to native warm-season grasses. The migratory species listed in 2008 by the U.S. Northern bobwhite quail at Manassas Na- native grasses function better as sources Fish and Wildlife Service as regional birds tional Battlefield Park. of food and cover for wildlife, stabilize of conservation concern, 9 occur in the the soil, are drought tolerant, and require park. Manassas supports more than 160 very little maintenance. Yet they retain the bird species, 54 of which are confirmed Literature cited character and overall appearance that are breeders, and more than half of those are important for historical interpretation of migratory. In addition, nearly 50 butterfly Brennan, L. A., and W. P. Kuvlesky, Jr. 2005. the battlefield. These converted grasslands species, more than 200 moth species, and North American grassland birds: An offset some of the development in the approximately 700 vascular plants have unfolding conservation crisis? Journal of Wildlife Management 69(1):1–13. area by providing a refuge for resident and been documented in the park. Last year’s migratory breeding birds like the northern grasslands survey documented 51 bird spe- bobwhite quail, prairie warbler, and other cies, 12 butterfly species, representatives About the author grassland species. of five bee genera, and 49 plant species. Ten of the birds observed were of regional Bryan Gorsira ([email protected]) Annual Audubon Northern Virginia bird conservation concern and three of conti- is a wildlife biologist and Natural Resource survey counts at Manassas have been nental concern. As more and more parks Program manager at Manassas National held every year in June and July since 1995 take part in biodiversity discovery activi- Battlefield Park, Virginia. and follow a standardized point-count ties throughout the National Park System, methodology to closely monitor and assess we will gain a clearer picture of the impor- bird populations and trends. Whereas bird tance of “cultural” parks like Manassas to counts have noted a decline in several spe- preserving native biodiversity. cies throughout the country, no significant changes in species numbers or composi- tion have been detected at Manassas from 1995 to 2009. This analysis helps to CULTURAL SITES AND BIODIVERSITY 99

COLLECTION OF NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY/COLORADO PLATEAU MUSEUM OF ARTHROPOD BIODIVERSITY

Biodiversity discovery: Exploring arthropods in two NPS national monuments

Figure 1. The ivory-spotted longhorn (Eburia By Jennifer Leasor, Amy Muraca, Rijk Moräwe, and Neil Cobb quadrigeminata) beetle is one of the species collected, imaged, and cataloged during a bioblitz conducted at George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Virginia, through a partnership with Northern Ari- CIENCE IS SHOWING THAT to multiple efforts of the National Park zona University. This beetle spends most of parks that are thought of pri- Service to explore and document our nat- its lifetime feeding inside hardwood trees and can live up to 40 years. marily as repositories for the ural heritage that often focus on smaller nation’s historical and cultural life-forms such as arthropods. Biodiversity Sheritage should not be overlooked when it Discovery activities, like previous Inven- This natural environment supported an comes to biodiversity. George Washington tory and Monitoring efforts, are helping to agrarian society in the mid-17th century Birthplace National Monument, Virginia, uncover the vast diversity of life found in that persists today as a fairly intact rural and Pipe Spring National Monument, these national monuments. economy. In 2009 the partnership began an Arizona, are two such parks. Both national effort as part of the Biodiversity Discovery to monuments were part of the Inventory develop an All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory and Monitoring Program established by George Washington (ATBI) program for the monument, which the National Park Service in 1992 to assist Birthplace built upon several previous small-scale the 270 parks with significant natural re- bioblitzes, or rapid inventories. The creation sources assess and document the condi- of an integrated ATBI program, which is tion of those resources. Inventory and George Washington Birthplace National to be completed before the National Park monitoring efforts have been ongoing, Monument is a 550-acre (223 ha) colonial Service’s centennial in 2016, has three objec- and recently Northern Arizona Univer- site on the Potomac River that encom- tives: (1) increase by 10-fold the monument’s sity (NAU) and the National Park Service passes a wide range of habitats, including biodiversity inventory, (2) involve at least 30 have partnered to explore arthropods in hardwood forests, pine plantations, open schools and universities in ATBI research, these two parks as part of “Biodiversity meadows, brackish marsh, estuaries, and (3) involve and train at least 50 volun- Discovery.” Biodiversity Discovery refers coasts, freshwater ponds, and swamps. teers in carrying out this scientific program. 100 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014 NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY/CHRISTIAN CLARK The partnership at the national monu- ment included outreach to local schools, professionals, and partners through activi- ties such as presentations and a “birding weekend.” However, NAU scientists focused on documenting what Dr. E. O. Wilson, the eminent American biologist and leading authority on ants, has called the “microwilderness,” or the world of tiny creatures. General insect surveys at George Washington Birthplace conducted in 2008, 2009, and 2012 have so far docu- mented some 377 species of arthropods, with more identifications expected as the process continues. For example, the inven- tory identified 144 species of Coleoptera (beetles) (fig. 1, previous page, and fig. 2), 105 species of Hymenoptera (ants, wasps, and bees), and 33 species of Lepidoptera (butterflies). Citizen scientists such as the Northern Neck Master Naturalists, who participated in several bioblitzes in an attempt to document the arthropod biodiversity found in the national monu- ment, were critical to the work. Currently, George Washington Birthplace National Monument has a permanent collection of approximately 3,000 arthropod specimens on-site that are sorted by taxonomic order.

Pipe Spring biodiversity

Established in 1923, Pipe Spring National Monument is located in Mohave County, Arizona, surrounded by the Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation. This 40-acre (16 ha) park commemorates the area’s rich Native American culture and Mormon pioneer heritage. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the monument preserves archaeological sites, historical structures, and Pipe Spring, a year-round source of

Figure 2. Northern Arizona University researchers used sweep nets to collect ar- thropod specimens at George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Virginia. It is expected that 500 arthropod species will be documented when the specimen-identifi- cation process is complete. CULTURAL SITES AND BIODIVERSITY 101 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE/KODY CALLISTER water. The monument’s natural springs are one of the few persistent water sources in this arid strip of desert situated be- tween Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks, creating a small riparian ecosys- tem. Archaeological evidence indicates that springs have attracted people to the monument area for the past 8,000 years. Documented biodiversity of the monu- ment includes at least 48 mammal species, 166 bird species, 12 reptile species, and 3 amphibian species. A recent bat study (NPS and Southern Utah University) in- creased the number of bat species found at the monument to 18 of the 28 found in all of Arizona (Taylor et al. 2013). As of 2013, inventory efforts have documented 335 vascular plant taxa for the monument, and the herbarium has vouchers for 275 (82%) Figure 3. Park staff used pitfall traps to collect ground-dwelling arthropods, including of these species. beetles, ants, and spiders, at Pipe Spring National Monument, Arizona. In the summers of 2012 and 2013, pitfall traps and other standard methods were used to collect more than 8,000 specimens of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. In 2012, park resource managers initiated an arthropod inventory, as arthropods represent a significant portion of the food software that produces high-resolution Reference base for vertebrate species, particularly the images, allowing scientists across the numerous bat and bird species that winter country to access the collection online for Taylor, J. R., A. Bornemeier, A. Alfen, and C. and breed on the monument. Additionally, research purposes. Jack. 2013. Bat research and interpretive very little was known about the monu- programming: Increasing public interest in Pipe Spring National Monument. Park ment’s native arthropod populations and Clearly, historical and cultural parks of all Science 30(1):14–19. Available at http:// exotic species and their potential to affect sizes are important to documenting and www.nature.nps.gov/ParkScience/archive native species and habitats. Northern preserving the nation’s biodiversity. In the /PDF/Article_PDFs/ParkScience30(1) Arizona University was asked to collect ar- case of arthropods, we are just beginning Summer2013_14-19_Taylor_et_al_3648.pdf. thropod specimens; provide training in the to understand how little we know about collection and storage of the specimens these tiny creatures and the roles they play to park staff, volunteers, and members of in natural systems. Arthropods may be the About the authors the neighboring Kaibab Band of Paiute next frontier of discovering biodiversity. As Indians; create a reference collection for efforts at George Washington Birthplace and Jennifer Leasor is curator at Pipe Spring the monument; and develop a database to Pipe Spring National Monuments illustrate, National Monument. Amy Muraca is ensure that cataloged specimens would the NPS Biodiversity Discovery program has museum curator at George Washington be available online. Standard insect-col- created opportunities for national parks to Birthplace National Monument and lecting techniques, including nets, malaise work with partners, engage volunteers, and Thomas Stone National Historic Site. Rijk Moräwe is chief, Natural and Cultural and pitfall traps, and night lights, were focus on smaller life-forms to document the Resources Management, at Organ Pipe used during the summers of 2012 and 2013 diversity of life found in the microwilderness. Cactus National Monument. Neil Cobb to collect more than 8,000 specimens of ([email protected]) is director, Merriam- aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates (fig. 3). Powell Center of Environmental Research, Specimens are now being identified, im- Northern Arizona University. aged, and cataloged using state-of-the-art 102 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Technological Applications Cameras and cell phones at the bioblitz

By the Editor

HOTOGRAPHY HAS LONG reporting. Photo-hosting Web sites such directly from the fi eld to a predetermined been used as a tool for wildlife as iNaturalist.org are popular for involv­ photo gallery or database for later study. In documentation, identifi cation, ing citizen scientists in the assembly of parks where WiFi or cell phone service is P and education. More recently, photo collections and nature observation not easily accessible or when photos need however, it is being coupled with com­ libraries, though collection curators with subsequent processing, these records can munications such as those made possible specialized knowledge are still a neces­ be shared when participants return home. by cell phone technology and wireless sity to confi rm observations. In national Technical challenges come with the terri­ Internet (WiFi). Mobile phone cameras parks associated with population centers, tory, of course, but the digital devices that are the norm, and nature observation bioblitz participants who have preregis­ park visitors commonly carry now make it “apps” are increasingly being developed tered with a host Web site and installed possible for them to more easily contribute for smartphones and tablets, which the corresponding app may be able to their skills to the study of park biota. As facilitate natural history observations and take and upload photos and observations we report below (and on pages 22 and 51),

2014 ran under the moniker “bioblitz.” It attracted more visitors Vermont Atlas of Life Field Days and resulted in more observations than the 2013 events.

National park Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Methods Staff made presentations on how to obtain and use iNaturalist and Dates eBird accounts, status of databases, bumble bee identification, 20 July and 29 September 2013, and 19 July 2014 and the value of citizen science to research. Individual field walks were conducted on birds, ferns, trees, wildflowers, aquatic inver­ Focus tebrates, bumble bees, dragonflies and damselflies, and moths. Participants contributed their own nature sightings to the Vermont Digital technology to contribute natural history observations to Atlas of Life in real time and after the events. Most observations online databases were of live animals or vegetation, though some invertebrates were collected for later identification, and were made with cam­ Key partners eras, sound recorders, and field notes. • Vermont Center for Ecostudies (advertising, coordination, presentations) Participants • NPS–Natural Resource Stewardship and Science (funding In 2013 approximately 60 people attended the two events, one- through the Call to Action initiative item 7: “Next Generation third of whom brought a smartphone camera and had preinstalled Stewards,” ONPS 2014) the iNaturalist app; about two-thirds were equipped with a tradi­ tional digital camera and uploaded photos at a later time. One Background NPS staff (20 hours) and two partner staff (80 hours) helped pre­ sent and guide activities. In 2014 approximately 50 people The Vermont Atlas of Life is an online repository of state biodiver­ attended the bioblitz and they stayed for multiple programs, for a sity knowledge. It was conceived to harness and coordinate inde­ total of 137 program participants. pendent surveys conducted by naturalists, scientists, state and fed­ eral agencies, and conservation organizations. The initial events— Vermont Atlas of Life Field Days—were hosted at Marsh-Billings- Results Rockefeller NHP to demonstrate the feasibility of using citizen sci­ Observations made during park walks and reported to iNaturalist entists to catalog park and state biodiversity. A follow-up event in numbered 111 in 2013. This year observations reported increased 103

park staff s have begun to explore ways to the vast number of photos that result are ing at the landscape level. Several parks engage this next generation of park stew- rapidly improving. Data derived from the have received funding from the Biological ards through the use of these technologies pictures can be used to estimate wildlife Resource Management Division to launch and to evaluate the scientifi c robustness of populations, and the images themselves wildlife camera projects later this year and this information. document wildlife behavior. Compared in 2015. with traditional surveys, this camera On the following pages we also profi le technology also reduces costs and human —Jeff Selleck ([email protected]) several parks that are using remotely disturbance while increasing chances of operated cameras to survey wildlife and documenting highly secretive species. environmental conditions. This mecha- Protocols are available to help users design nism is versatile in how and where it can and deploy such systems, which have be employed, and techniques for analyzing potential for wildlife community monitor-

to 847 from 338 species. Most insect species were new park O SS US , C G BY PERMISSION USED MCFARLAND, KENT COPYRIGHT CO records (see photo) and included 4 new species of bumble bees for the park in 2013, and 2 more in 2014. Fifteen species of birds were reported on the first field day; 11 were recorded the second day. In 2014, 47 species of birds were reported for the bioblitz.

Resources • Photo collections are viewable at http://www.inaturalist.org /places/marsh-billings-rockefeller-national-historical-park -woodstock-vt-us.

• Bird observations are mapped and summarized by month online at http://ebird.org/ebird/vt/GuideMe?src=changeDate &getLocations=hotspots&hotspots=L271555%2CL769957 %2CL697684%2CL697688%2CL697689%2CL769958 &parentState=US-VT&reportType=location&monthRadio=on &bMonth=01&eMonth=12&bYear=1900&eYear=2014&continue .x=47&continue.y=10. With a wingspan of 2.4 inches (62 mm), the ilia underwing (Catocala ilia), a moth, was first documented for Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park during the first of two Vermont Atlas of Life Publications surveys in 2013. Accomplishments reports are available at https://irma.nps.gov /App/Reference/Profile/2204770 and https://irma.nps.gov/App /Reference/Profile/2215605.

Park contact Kyle Jones ([email protected]) 104 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014 NPS PHOTOS (4) PHOTOS NPS Camera-trap surveys in the southeastern Arizona national parks

Parks Chiricahua National Monument, Fort Bowie National Historic Site, and Coronado National Memorial

Time frame Fort Bowie camera-trap bioblitz: fall 2013 Long-term camera-trap water source monitoring (all three parks): 2009 to present

Focus Bioblitz: Small to medium-sized mammals Monitoring: Medium-sized to large mammals, birds, human activity

Key partners Saguaro National Park, Sonoran Desert I&M Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Participation (Clockwise from top left) The automated cameras captured activities Bioblitz: Eight full-time park employees and five Student of a black bear scratching a tree at Garfield Spring in Chiricahua, a bear using a stream to cool off during summer at Stafford Dam in Conservation Association interns, totaling 142 hours Chiricahua, daytime spring use by coatimundi, and white-tailed deer at Fort Bowie. Methods Bioblitz: We conducted a six-week-long mammal census involving Number of species 44 remotely triggered, randomly and non-randomly placed cam- 30 species identified eras. Using a protocol developed by Saguaro National Park’s Nic Perkins and Don Swann, staff analyzed photos for presence and Applications activity of wildlife, and identified animals to species level. Photo In addition to improving our understanding of park wildlife, the Mechanic software was used to edit metadata, including recording findings from the two camera projects are being used to help information on species, location, identification, and camera setup. assess impacts on wildlife resulting from human activity along the U.S.-Mexico border. The information is also useful for monitoring Monitoring: We also operate 14 camera traps year-round at water ecological recovery following wildfires, signaled in part by the sources and two trailheads in the parks to monitor for the effects of return of wildlife to burned areas. Photos and time-lapse videos human traffic on wildlife corridors. Software is used to analyze photos are also very popular for educational programs and public out- for species, revealing behavior and use patterns related to time of year. reach. The randomly placed cameras also help managers assess wildlife distribution across the parks. Results Approximately 13,000 of 345,000 photos from the six-week Fort Bowie bioblitz were of wildlife, which helped inform development Publications of a species list for the park. Randomly placed cameras were not as Two reports are in production and will be published in the Natural successful at capturing wildlife images as those placed by biolo- Resource Data Series. A methods summary and project briefing gists. An additional 300,000 photos were from the longer-term brochure also will be published. water source monitoring project, which confirmed hibernation of black bears, nocturnal activity of skunks, diurnal patterns of coati- Parks contact mundi, the size of javelina litters, and the time of year when white- Jason Mateljak ([email protected]) tailed deer bucks lose their antlers and fawns lose their spots. TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 105

native medium-sized and large species over 14,693 camera nights. Mammal diversity monitoring in We estimated that 25 (SD = 0.91) medium-sized and large mam­ Saguaro National Park, Arizona mal species occur in Saguaro National Park. We compared our results with a similar randomized, though less comprehensive, sur­ vey in 2000–2002, and determined that no significant change in Focus species richness has occurred parkwide over the past decade. Medium-sized and large mammals However, we did not detect several species in the Tucson Mountain District that were photographed previously. This project Methods also included a large educational component. We had students set Randomly placed, unbaited wildlife cameras (camera traps) to and check wildlife cameras throughout the year and as part of the monitor species richness and other community parameters 2011 NPS–National Geographic Society BioBlitz. We also created a dedicated Web site for wildlife photos with the Friends of Saguaro National Park (https://saguwildcams.shutterfly.com/). Key partners Friends of Saguaro National Park, National Park Foundation, Sky Island Alliance, and others Implications Mammals are a high-profile taxonomic group in many parks, but Participation most mammal monitoring is limited to threatened species or char­ Park biological technicians, youth interns (as many as 10), volun­ ismatic game species. Wildlife cameras are often used to monitor teers, and high school students marked animals or at artificial water sources; however, few parks use them to monitor their mammal biodiversity. Saguaro National Number of species Park’s long-term monitoring program uses camera traps to track the status of the entire community of medium-sized and large 24 native species, plus nonnative dogs, cats, and cows mammals in the park, which includes both high-profile species (e.g., mountain lions) and very elusive and vulnerable species (e.g., Summary ringtails and American badgers). We are working with our part­ We used unbaited camera traps in a random design to estimate ners in southern Arizona to develop a protocol for other parks and species richness of large and medium-sized mammals for long­ refuges that includes occupancy analysis and builds on knowledge term monitoring. We stratified the park’s two units by elevation, gained from two international camera-trap programs that are par­ 2 2 established and randomly selected 1 km (0.4 mi ) grids, and des­ ticularly relevant for U.S. national parks: the Wildlife Picture Index ignated random points within each grid. We set cameras in a loca­ (WPI) and the Terrestrial Ecology Assessment and Monitoring tion where they operated continuously for six weeks. We then (TEAM) network (see article below). moved the cameras to a different location for another six-week sample. This pattern of moving cameras throughout the sampling Park contact period of May 2011 to August 2012 helped us attempt to equalize sampling effort in each stratum. We collected 4,751 photos of 24 Don Swann ([email protected])

Camera traps for monitoring the Terrestrial Ecology Assessment and Monitoring (TEAM) biodiversity network (Ahumada et al. 2011, 2013). Both approaches use arrays of multiple camera traps set in a randomized design to sample By Don Swann mammals on a landscape scale. Results from the TEAM network show that the surveys eff ectively track trends in species diver­ CAMERA TRAPS (ALSO CALLED WILDLIFE CAMERAS), USED sity, including species richness, evenness, and dominance. The in many parks to document species occurrence and estimate Wildlife Picture Index has been described as “a promising new population size, are emerging as an exciting new technology for indicator derived from camera trap data that measures changes in monitoring biodiversity, particularly for mammals and terres­ biodiversity from the occupancy estimates of individual species” trial birds. Two eff orts stand out that are particularly relevant for (Ahumada et al. 2013), and is being used to monitor mammal com­ monitoring mammal communities in U.S. and Canadian national munities in Mongolia, Costa Rica, and other areas. parks: the Wildlife Picture Index (WPI; O’Brien et al. 2010) and CONTINUED ON PAGE 111 106 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Research Reports Engaging park stewards through biodiversity discovery: Social outcomes of participation in bioblitzes

By Kirsten M. Leong and Gerard T. Kyle

ESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROJECTS THAT incorporate public participation in scientific research Abstract (i.e., citizen science) are often designed, evaluated, and Large-scale bioblitzes, such as those conducted jointly by the scrutinized with respect to the rigor of scientific data National Park Service and National Geographic Society, provide Rcollection and analysis. Yet the social benefits of these endeavors an opportunity for visitors to engage directly in inventories of lesser-known species in parks. Working side by side with are becoming increasingly recognized (Bonney et al. 2014; Kyle scientists, members of the public contribute to the development and Eccles 2009; NPS 2010) and can contribute directly to the Na- of knowledge about park resources, learn about the scientific tional Park Service (NPS) mission. The Service has been engaging method, and experience the park in a new way. This study in bioblitzes at various scales since the term was coined in 1996 at examined the social outcomes of this type of citizen science an event at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens in Washington, effort to improve the design and promotion of future biodiversity discovery events. Results indicate that these bioblitzes are D.C. The first long-running program to regularly incorporate meeting primary social objectives and attract participants bioblitzes was the All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory initiated at with a strong stewardship ethic and desire to contribute to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1997 (NPS 2010). Most betterment of society and the environment. Bioblitzes also provide bioblitzes at parks engage on the order of tens to hundreds of par- an opportunity for participants to deepen their connections ticipants. In 2006 the National Park Service and National Geo- with national parks. Future events should emphasize science graphic Society (NGS) entered into a partnership to cosponsor contributions of bioblitz activities to help meet participants’ needs related to learning, conservation, and contributing to a greater a large-scale “BioBlitz” each year for 10 years in a national park good. This, in conjunction with the activity itself, can help improve located near a large urban area, with the final event occurring in the relevancy of parks, a goal of the National Park Service. 2016, the year of the NPS centennial celebration. These bioblitzes attract thousands of participants and typically are compressed, Key words 24-hour events1 in which teams of volunteer scientists, families, bioblitz, citizen science, National Geographic Society, social- students, teachers, and other community members work together psychological science, visitor experiences to find and identify as many species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi, and other organisms as possible. They also include an edu- cational “biodiversity fair” component with exhibitors, activities, diversity of life in parks and engage curious citizens, educators, and entertainment, as well as opportunities to engage with sci- and other park supporters in science and stewardship. While the entists processing specimens, entering data, or giving talks about gain in scientific information is invaluable to park management, their research. The NPS-NGS partnership has brought attention it is important to understand social-psychological outcomes to to the range of possibilities to engage the public in park invento- determine the degree to which bioblitzes achieve the goal of de- ries, particularly of lesser-known taxonomic groups, and also ad- veloping participants’ appreciation of science and stewardship. dresses the NPS Call to Action item “Next Generation Stewards” (NPS 2013), which emphasizes citizen involvement in biodiversity To better understand bioblitz participants’ experiences, motiva- discovery in national parks, including urban units. tions, feelings about the natural environment, and demographic characteristics, we conducted a series of studies at the NPS-NGS Large-scale NPS-NGS BioBlitzes also enable the evaluation of BioBlitzes held at Biscayne National Park (hereafter “Biscayne,” broad social-psychological outcomes because of the large number near Miami, Florida) in 2010, Saguaro National Park (“Saguaro,” of participants and the range of activities available. Like other near Tucson, Arizona) in 2011, and Rocky Mountain National Park research activities in national parks that involve the public, NPS- (“Rocky Mountain,” near Denver, Colorado) in 2012. Results can NGS BioBlitzes serve multiple purposes. They document the be used to improve the design and promotion of future biodiver- sity discovery events based on audience characteristics, motiva- 1 NPS-NGS BioBlitzes typically start at noon on a Friday and run through noon on the following tions, and satisfaction. In addition, results demonstrate the degree Saturday, to accommodate both school groups and the general public. This timing may be differ- ent from that of smaller-scale bioblitzes. to which these events attract and engage the public in science and 107

PHOTO COURTESY OF PARKER BATT While the gain in scientific information is invaluable to park management, it is important to understand social- psychological outcomes to determine the degree to which bioblitzes achieve the goal of developing participants’ appreciation of science and stewardship.

Figure 1. A student from Texas A&M University surveys visitors at the NPS-NGS BioBlitz at Rocky Mountain National Park in 2012.

stewardship of parks. Full details of each study will be made avail- Data analysis able in the Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Natural Completed and usable survey data were coded and entered into Resource Report Series in 2015 (http://www.nature.nps.gov a database for analysis using SPSS (Statistical Package for the /publications/nrpm/nrr.cfm). In this article we highlight study Social Sciences) version 20. For various response categories, we results with particular management application. esti mated frequency distributions and valid percentages (i.e., per- centages excluding missing values from skipped questions). Also, we calculated descriptive statistics to illustrate mean values (i.e., Methods averages) and standard deviations, and created figures for selected variables to guide interpretation of the study findings. Data collection On-site survey data were collected from participants at each bioblitz over a 26-hour period from 10 a.m. on Friday through Results noon on Saturday. This sampling period covered the duration of the event. Researchers were stationed at designated event parking We received 133 completed follow-up surveys from participants lots, shuttle drop-off points, and event exhibition areas. Every at Rocky Mountain, 159 from Saguaro, and 100 from Biscayne, second visitor was approached to participate in a brief (approxi- with response rates of 37.7%, 69.7%, and 66.2%, respectively. We mately three-minute) on-site survey (fig. 1). For groups of more used the initial contact information to compare characteristics of than one, adults (>18 years of age) with the most recent birthday respondents with those of nonrespondents and did not see any were asked to participate. We collected basic information about significant differences that would indicate a nonrespondent bias. participants and an e-mail or postal address so that they could At all three parks, visitors reported similar levels of participation participate in a more in-depth survey following their bioblitz in past bioblitzes and other NPS programs in addition to the cur- experience. Based on their stated preference, respondents then rent bioblitz. Respondents did not report extensive previous ex- received either an e-mail or paper mail-back questionnaire one to periences with bioblitzes in general; however, approximately six two weeks after the bioblitz. Reminders, follow-ups, and thank- respondents at each park had participated in a previous bioblitz you notes were periodically sent to nonrespondents following at locations ranging from other national parks and natural areas protocols for the administration of mixed-mode surveys (Dillman near their homes to Mexico. While visiting the respective parks, et al. 2008). The survey questions were divided into five sections approximately one-third of respondents took part in NPS presen- that related to (1) respondents’ participation in past bioblitzes and tations or programs outside of the NPS-NGS–sponsored event. park programs, (2) their experiences at the specific bioblitz, (3) their experiences with the park, (4) their feelings about the natu- The majority of respondents at Biscayne, Saguaro, and Rocky ral environment, and (5) sociodemographic information. Mountain participated in the event with friends, family, or col- 108 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Table 1. Reported motivation among participants in the three bioblitzes

Rocky Mountain Saguaro Biscayne Motivation Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Involve myself in something meaningful 4.2 1.0 4.0 1.5 3.7 1.2 Seek out and enjoy the wonders of nature 4.2 1.1 3.9 1.5 3.9 1.1 Feel like I am supporting the park 4.1 1.0 4.1 1.4 4.0 1.0 Feel I can play a role in the conservation of nature 4.0 1.6 4.1 1.1 3.9 1.1 Make life better for the coming generation 4.0 1.1 3.9 1.1 3.9 1.1 Learn about different species of flora and fauna 4.0 1.0 3.8 1.5 3.9 1.2 Have an opportunity to try new things 4.0 1.0 3.8 1.0 3.6 1.1 Be optimistic about nature’s future 3.9 1.2 3.5 1.3 3.6 1.1 Be of benefit to society or the community 3.8 1.6 3.8 1.1 3.9 1.1 Learn how nature works 3.8 1.2 3.7 1.2 3.6 1.4 Learn about the practice of science 3.8 1.1 3.5 1.6 3.3 1.3 Feel I am doing something useful 3.7 1.7 3.9 1.2 3.8 1.2 Meet friendly and interesting people 3.7 1.3 3.6 1.1 3.5 1.1 Refine my understanding of science 3.7 1.6 3.2 1.3 3.3 1.2 Apply my scientific skills 3.5 1.9 2.4 2.1 3.1 1.4 Help me with my personal growth 3.4 1.5 2.7 1.3 2.7 1.4 Stay healthy 3.4 1.5 2.7 1.4 2.6 1.3 Be in a quiet peaceful spot 3.2 2.0 2.1 1.5 2.7 1.3 Work with different age groups 3.0 1.7 3.0 1.4 3.0 1.5 Be alone with my thoughts 2.7 2.2 1.7 1.4 1.9 1.1 Build my self-confidence and personal growth 2.6 1.7 2.1 1.2 2.0 1.2

leagues, and learned about the bioblitz through various outlets, 4.4 including others’ recommendations and newspaper and maga- 4.3 Biscayne zine articles. For respondents at all three bioblitzes, contribut- 4.2 ing to society and opportunities to learn from others compelled Saguaro 4.1 participants to engage in the event. Items that scored particularly Rocky Mountain high as reasons for their participation related to getting involved 4.0 in something meaningful, seeking out and enjoying the wonders 3.9 of nature, supporting the park, playing a role in the conservation 3.8 of nature, making life better for the coming generation, learning 3.7 about different species of flora and fauna, and being a benefit to 3.6 society or the community (table 1). 3.5 Learn from Experience the ParkLearn About Species of Plants Professionals in a New Way Science and Animals Impacts from participation in the bioblitz were widespread. On average, respondents at all parks agreed that the bioblitz was meeting objectives related to providing opportunities for visitors to learn from professionals, experience the park in a new way, and learn about science (fig. 2). In addition, they agreed that participa- Figure 2. Comparison among mean values of responses with four tion in the event increased their knowledge of the local ecosystem statements reflecting the human impact of participation in bioblitz programs across three national parks, measured on a Likert scale and its life-forms. At Rocky Mountain and Saguaro, a series of where 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neither disagree nor related questions was presented to respondents about potential agree, 4 = agree, and 5 = strongly agree. implications of the bioblitz program for the National Park System as a whole. On average, respondents agreed that this kind of event RESEARCH REPORTS 109

Table 2. Bioblitz participants’ values associated with nature- and human-oriented stewardship at three national parks

Dimension and Survey Value Factor 1* Factor 2* National Park Mean SD Nature-oriented stewardship Preserving the environment in its natural state 0.763 Biscayne 4.5 0.7 Saguaro 4.5 0.6 Rocky Mountain 4.0 0.9 An ethical responsibility to care for the environment 0.819 Biscayne 4.4 0.7 Saguaro 4.5 0.6 Rocky Mountain 4.5 0.7 All animals’ and plants’ right to exist 0.699 Biscayne 4.3 0.8 Saguaro 4.3 0.8 Rocky Mountain 4.1 1.0 Protecting the environment for future generations 0.779 Biscayne 4.6 0.6 Saguaro 3.9 1.0 Rocky Mountain 4.5 0.6 Trying to reduce my negative impact on the environment 0.560 Biscayne 4.2 0.8 Saguaro 4.4 0.7 Rocky Mountain 4.4 0.7 Human-oriented stewardship Managing our natural resources wisely to provide for human needs 0.770 Biscayne 3.8 1.1 Saguaro 3.9 0.9 Rocky Mountain 4.0 1.0 Protecting all species because we may find a use for them later (e.g., curing disease) 0.570 Biscayne 3.7 1.0 Saguaro 3.9 1.0 Rocky Mountain 3.7 1.2 Note: Bioblitz participants were asked the question “When I hear the term ‘natural resource stewardship’ in relation to [park name] I think of [value in list].” Their responses were measured on a Likert scale where 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neither disagree nor agree, 4 = agree, and 5 = strongly agree. *Principal Axis Factoring with Varimax rotation and Kaiser normalization was used to determine underlying factors that each item represented. Two underlying factors were identified, which we labeled “nature-oriented” and “human-oriented” stewardship. Primary factor loadings for each item are shown. would aid in management of the park’s natural resources, add to Survey respondents formed connections with all three parks. science-based knowledge, increase understanding of biodiversity, Bioblitz participants at Rocky Mountain reported the highest and inform the public about park resources. levels of place attachment as well as more extensive visitation his- tories at the park. That is, over time Rocky Mountain respondents Respondents at all sites reported they had a strong stewardship have developed connections with the park based on emotional ethic, reflected in their agreement with statements related to pro- ties (e.g., feelings of belonging and happiness), individual identity tecting the environment for future generations, having an ethical (e.g., believing the park is part of oneself), and opportunities to responsibility to care for the environment, and taking individual socialize (e.g., spending time with family and friends). Across all responsibility for actions that could affect the park. Respondents three parks, affect and emotion as well as social and individual at Rocky Mountain considered themselves to be natural resource factors underpinned human-place bonds. Sociodemographic stewards to a greater degree than did those at the other two characteristics were consistent across the three national parks. parks. Bioblitz participants at Biscayne showed the lowest levels More males than females completed the survey, and most were of self-reported affinity for stewardship. Across all three parks, in their mid-40s, well educated, and employed outside the home. survey respondents perceived natural resource stewardship to Between half and three-quarters of respondents at the three be more nature-based than people-oriented, and displayed an parks reported earning more than $50,000 annually. The majority intrinsic appreciation for nature regardless of its functional utility were white and of non-Hispanic origin.

(zBiscayne = 5.57, p < 0.001; zSaguaro = 5.75, p < 0.001; zRocky Mountain = 5.23, p < 0.001; table 2). Participants reported moderate willingness to engage in park protection behavior, such as volunteering time and Discussion paying more for products and services that improve park environ- ments. Results from these surveys suggest that NPS-NGS BioBlitzes are meeting the main social-psychological objectives related 110 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Given the strong desire of participants to make a difference, bioblitz organizers will need to be careful not to allow future bioblitzes to swing so far to the education side that the scientific and conservation contributions of the event are minimized.

to providing park visitors with an opportunity to learn from On the whole, bioblitzes in the national parks are a relatively re- professionals, experience the park in a new way, and learn about cent phenomenon. While some parks have engaged in them since science and park ecosystems. Respondents believed their efforts the mid-1990s, Service-wide attention to these types of events has helped manage the park’s natural resources, added to science- not been prevalent until the last decade. The NPS-NGS partner- based knowledge, increased understanding of biodiversity within ship initiated in 2006 has raised awareness of these events as a the park, and informed the public about park resources. They means to engage the public in science and stewardship, and since reported a strong stewardship ethic and were willing to engage in then, bioblitzes and biodiversity discovery activities have gained park protection behavior. momentum across the National Park System and beyond. Pub- lished in 2012, the NPS Call to Action articulated numerous goals Respondents’ motivations for participation included seeking to guide the work of the National Park Service in the time leading opportunities to contribute to society in a meaningful way and to up to the bureau’s 100th anniversary in 2016. One of those goals is learn about and contribute to the conservation of nature, indicat- to conduct 100 bioblitzes in national parks by 2016, a goal that has ing that the promotion of these events appropriately attracted already been exceeded, with park participation growing rapidly individuals desiring a citizen-science experience. Like many over the past few years. Nevertheless, these events are still rela- research endeavors involving the public, bioblitzes can be de- tively rare in comparison with the overall number of park visitors signed to focus more strongly on either the science or education and interpretive and research programs that take place in a given components of the event. Given the strong desire of participants year. Thus it is unsurprising that most respondents in this study to make a difference, bioblitz organizers will need to be careful had limited experience with other bioblitzes. Yet we also note that not to allow future bioblitzes to swing so far to the education side a number of respondents at each park had previously participated that the scientific and conservation contributions of the event in bioblitzes, either at other national parks or elsewhere at local are minimized. In addition to teaching the scientific method and natural areas. Anecdotal accounts also indicate the potential for getting kids and adults outside, activities billed as inventories developing bioblitz “groupies” as prevalence of these opportuni- should include discussion of how public participation is help- ties increases. ing to further our understanding of park resources and advance conservation of these resources. Conclusion Levels of place attachment were most pronounced in the Rocky Mountain sample and relatively low among participants at Given the growing popularity of bioblitzes, it will be important Biscayne. Affective/emotional bonds are key components of the to ensure that these events continue to meet expectations of connections formed between people and places, which can be participants. Future bioblitzes can use lessons from this study to maintained through experiential opportunities. Bioblitzes may capitalize on the strong community and environmental ethic of help to foster attachment to park settings by allowing participants visitors attracted to these events and to emphasize to a greater to interact with a park and its flora and fauna in new and excit- degree the role that participants play in contributing to park ing ways that conventional visitors seldom experience. Having science and stewardship. Offering species inventories and other natural and cultural histories interpreted by scientific guides also experiential research opportunities should remain an important gives participants a unique understanding of the resource that and visible component of these kinds of events. In addition, pro- they might not otherwise be exposed to during a typical visit. By viding central access to information about planned events could nurturing attachment to parks, bioblitzes contribute to increasing help bioblitz aficionados learn about upcoming opportunities and the relevancy of national parks for participants. continue to spread interest via their own social networks. Finally, an effort should be made to reach out to underserved audiences to broaden the diversity of participants. RESEARCH REPORTS 111

Although only adults were surveyed in this study, many attended “CAMERA TRAPS” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 105 the bioblitz in family groups and likely imparted their stewardship ethic to their children, many of whom also attended the bioblitz In addition to community monitoring, the technology associ­ in school groups. Because an additional goal of NPS bioblitzes ated with camera traps and data analysis techniques continues to relates to creating the next generation of park stewards, our develop rapidly; a second international conference on this topic future research will examine the social outcomes of participation was held in Sydney, Australia, in September 2012. Developing for teachers and students, the other major audience participating approaches include use of camera traps to monitor rodents, other in NPS-NGS BioBlitzes. small mammals, and herpetofauna, and to estimate abundance of unmarked animals (the Random Encounter Model; Rowcliff e et al. 2008). Acknowledgments Ahumada, J. A., J. Hurtado, and D. Lizcano. 2013. Monitoring the status The authors would like to thank the Texas A&M graduate stu­ and trends of tropical forest terrestrial vertebrate communities from dents who assisted with data collection, and reviewers for their camera trap data: A tool for conservation. PLoS ONE 8(9):e73707. comments and suggestions during preparation of this manuscript. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0073707. This study was approved by park research permit programs, the Ahumada, J. A., C. E. F. Silva, K. Gajapersad, C. Hallam, J. Hurtado, E. Offi ce of Management and Budget in compliance with the Paper­ Martin, A. McWilliam, B. Mugerwa, T. O’Brien, F. Rovero, D. Sheil, work Reduction Act, and the Texas A&M University Institutional W. R. Spironello, N. Winarni, and S. J. Andelman. 2011. Community Review Board as part of the Human Subjects Protection Program. structure and diversity of tropical forest mammals: Data from a global camera trap network. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 366(1578):2703–2711. doi:10.1098/rstb.2011.0115. References O’Brien, T. G., J. E. Baille, and M. Cuke. 2010. The Wildlife Picture Index: Monitoring top trophic levels. Animal Conservation 13(4):335–343. Bonney, R., J. L. Shirk, T. B. Phillips, A. Wiggins, H. L. Ballard, A. J. Miller- doi:10.1111/j.1469-1795.2010.00357.x. Rushing, and J. K. Parrish. 2014. Next steps for citizen science. Science 343:1436–1437. Rowcliffe, J. M., J. Field, S. T. Turvey, and C. Carbone. 2008. Estimating animal density using camera traps without the need for individual Dillman, D. A., L. M. Christian, and J. D. Smyth. 2008. Internet, mail and recognition. Journal of Applied Ecology 45(4):1228–1236. doi: mixed-mode surveys: The tailored design method. John Wiley and Sons, 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2008.01473.x. Hoboken, New Jersey, USA. Kyle, G. T., and K. Eccles. 2009. Creating stewardship through discovery: About the author Final report. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA. Don Swann is a biologist with Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona. He can be reached at [email protected]. National Park Service (NPS). 2010. Biodiversity discovery: A foundation for resource protection and stewardship. Natural Resource Report NPS/ NRPC/BRMD/NRR–2010/278. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. . 2013. A call to action: Preparing for a second century of stewardship and engagement. National Park Service, Washington, D.C., USA. Accessed 28 May 2014 at http://www.nps.gov/calltoaction/PDF /C2A_2013_screen.pdf. About the authors

Kirsten M. Leong is program manager, Human Dimensions of Biological Resource Management, National Park Service, in Fort Collins, Colorado. She can be reached at [email protected]. Gerard T. Kyle is a professor in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences, Texas A&M University, in College Station, Texas. He can be reached at [email protected]. 112 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

USGS/R. K. HONEYCUTT

Using monitoring data to map amphibian breeding hotspots and describe wetland vulnerability in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

A

By Andrew Ray, Adam Sepulveda, Blake Hossack, Debra Patla, and Kristin Legg

HE NUMBER OF SPECIES THAT OCCUR IN A actions for sustaining or improving natural resource conditions location (hereafter “species richness”) is a basic mea- (Fancy et al. 2009). sure of species or biological diversity (Hamilton 2005). This simple measure of diversity is often used to guide Here, we use multiyear monitoring data on amphibian breeding conservationT strategies and make inferences about resource con- to examine amphibian richness patterns in Yellowstone (Wyo- dition. Areas with many species (hotspots) are often prioritized ming, Montana, and Idaho) and Grand Teton National Parks for protection, while declines in species richness may indicate (Wyoming) (hereafter “Yellowstone and Grand Teton”). Am- environmental change. Monitoring efforts in the National Park phibians have been selected as a “vital sign” by several National System that provide knowledge of patterns of species richness, Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) networks, particularly related to breeding or other vital activities, can including the Greater Yellowstone I&M Network. Selection was therefore assist park administrators with identifying management based on the understanding that amphibians can be sensitive to environmental and land use change and provide an indicator of RESEARCH REPORTS 113

NPS PHOTO NPS PHOTO USGS/P. S. CORN USGS/M. ROTH J. D. WILLSON

B C D E F

Figure 1. The native amphibians of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks comprise (A, facing page) Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris), (B) western tiger salamander (Ambystoma mavortium), (C) boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas), (D) boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata), (E) northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens), and (F) Plains spadefoot (Spea bombifrons).*

*Plains spadefoot shown, but the taxonomic species of spadefoot in Yellowstone has not yet been determined.

Table 1. Native amphibians of Grand Teton and Yellowstone Abstract National Parks Amphibians have been selected as a “vital sign” by several National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Common Name Family Scientific Name networks. An eight-year amphibian monitoring data set provided Western tiger salamander Ambystomatidae Ambystoma mavortium opportunities to examine spatial and temporal patterns in Boreal toad Bufonidae Anaxyrus boreas amphibian breeding richness and wetland desiccation across Boreal chorus frog Hylidae Pseudacris maculata Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Amphibian Northern leopard frog Ranidae Lithobates pipiens breeding richness was variable across both parks, and only 4 of 31 permanent monitoring catchments contained all four widely Columbia spotted frog Ranidae Rana luteiventris distributed species. Annual breeding richness was also variable Spadefoot species Scaphiopodidae Spea sp. through time and fluctuated by as much as 75% in some years and catchments. Wetland desiccation was also documented across the region, but alone did not explain variations in amphibian richness. have been documented just a few times in Yellowstone’s history High annual variability across the region emphasizes the need for (Koch and Peterson 1995), and the taxonomic species of spade- multiple years of monitoring to accurately describe amphibian foot remains unclear. Species loss and declines are surprising richness and wetland desiccation dynamics. given that the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) is renowned as the largest relatively intact temperate ecosystem in the conterminous Key words 48 states. amphibians, Grand Teton, wetlands, Yellowstone

While the reason for amphibian declines on protected lands var- ies, climate-related changes to available wetland breeding habitat wetland ecosystem and landscape condition (Guzy et al. 2012). have been identified as a potential driver of the decline (McMe- A recent analysis documented that North American amphibian namin et al. 2008). Higher air temperatures and decreased pre- populations are declining at a rate of approximately 4% annually cipitation can lead to wetland desiccation, reducing the surface and that some of the greatest declines in amphibian occurrence water required for amphibian breeding and larval development. were observed on lands administered by the National Park Ser- In 2007, a hot and dry year, up to 40% of all monitored wetlands vice (Adams et al. 2013). in Yellowstone and Grand Teton lacked surface water by midsum- mer (Ray et al. in press). Climate-related declines in available wet- Only six native amphibian species, representing five different land habitat could reduce amphibian distribution and abundance families, have been recorded in Yellowstone and Grand Teton: (Matthews et al. 2013) and affect amphibian richness in even the western tiger salamanders, boreal toads, boreal chorus frogs, most protected places. Documenting the spatial and temporal northern leopard frogs, Columbia spotted frogs, and a spadefoot patterns of amphibian breeding richness along with patterns of species (Koch and Peterson 1995; table 1 and fig. 1). This limited wetland desiccation in Yellowstone and Grand Teton is an impor- species richness is characteristic of montane regions of northern tant first step in determining amphibian vulnerability. latitudes; consequently, the loss of one amphibian species repre- sents a large proportion of the total species pool. The northern We used eight years of amphibian monitoring and wetland data leopard frog has apparently vanished from Grand Teton, with from Yellowstone and Grand Teton to explore patterns of am- only one confirmed sighting since the 1950s. Boreal toads used to phibian breeding richness and wetland desiccation dynamics. Our be common in this region, but are now relatively rare. Spadefoots primary goals were to describe the spatial and temporal patterns 114 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Climate-related declines in available wetland habitat could reduce amphibian distribution and abundance and affect amphibian richness in even the most protected places.

of amphibian breeding richness across both parks. Moreover, were observed at least once from 2006 to 2013 (fig. 2). We did not we were interested in identifying monitored catchments that are correct for detection probabilities because detection for breed- vulnerable to wetland desiccation in relation to catchments with ing amphibians at the catchment scale is high and constant over the highest amphibian richness. To that end, we asked the follow- years (>75%; Gould et al. 2012). Nevertheless, improved methods ing three questions: Where are hotspots for amphibian breeding for identifying rare species like boreal toads, spadefoots, and richness? Are hotspots constant through time? Do amphibian northern leopard frogs are needed. We are testing DNA-based breeding hotspots exist in regions where a high proportion of monitoring tools, which are now being used widely to survey for wetlands are susceptible to drying? rare or secretive amphibian species (see the sidebar on page 118 and specifically Pilliod et al. 2013b for more information about environmental DNA). Methods To examine whether amphibian breeding hotspots exist in re- The Greater Yellowstone Network, in collaboration with the gions where a high proportion of wetlands are susceptible to dry- U.S. Geological Survey’s Amphibian Research and Monitoring ing, we plotted the maximum number of breeding amphibian spe- Initiative, has organized annual amphibian monitoring in a set cies observed in a catchment with the proportion of dry wetlands of randomly selected catchments distributed across Yellowstone (fig. 2). We calculated the proportion of dry wetlands within a and Grand Teton since 2006 (Gould et al. 2012). Catchments (or catchment by summing the number of wetlands reported as dry at watersheds) are defined by topography as it relates to the flow least once from 2006 to 2013 and dividing by the total number of and collection of water sources and averaged approximately 200 wetlands visited. Catchments with a high proportion of wetlands hectares (494 ac) in size. On average, 30 catchments are revis- susceptible to drying indicate areas where amphibians are vulner- ited annually; we report results from 31 catchments that have able to climate-related declines in available breeding habitat. more than five years of monitoring data. All wetlands within the selected catchment are visited in summer, when two independent observers search for evidence that amphibians bred there (i.e., Results eggs, larvae, or recently metamorphosed individuals). We also describe the presence of surface water observed during the sur- Species summary veys: wetland sites without surface water are described as “dry,” The boreal chorus frog was the most common species encoun- while sites with an expanse of surface water greater than 1 m2 (1.2 tered during this eight-year period and breeding was detected in yd2) in size and exceeding 2 cm (approximately 1 in) in depth are an average of 23 (range 19–26) catchments annually. The Columbia described as “inundated.” We used results from annual surveys spotted frog was also widely distributed and breeding was de- completed from 2006 to 2013 to examine spatial and temporal tected in 20 (18–22) catchments each year. The western tiger sala- variation in amphibian richness and to describe wetland status for mander and boreal toad were less widespread and breeding was monitored catchments. Because elevation is a potentially limiting factor of amphibian richness in montane landscapes (Sergio and Pedrini 2007), we also used correlation analysis (a technique to Figure 2 (facing page). The map shows the locations of catchments examine the association between two variables) to examine the (i.e., watersheds) in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks that are used for long-term monitoring of amphibians. The maximum relationship between average amphibian breeding richness and number of breeding amphibian species observed in a catchment (spe- average wetland elevation in catchments. cies richness) is shown by the outer circles, with the proportion of dry wetlands (proportion dry) indicated by the inner circles. The circles summarize results from surveys conducted from 2006 to 2013. Red To identify catchments that are amphibian breeding hotspots, circles indicate amphibian “hotspots,” where four amphibian species have been documented as breeding in a catchment. we plotted the total number of breeding amphibian species that RESEARCH REPORTS 115

110°w

0 0.00- 0.25 • 0 0.26-0.50 • 2 0 0.51-0.75 e 3 0 0.76- 1.00 4 Roads "' :t';J; ~• National Park Boundary Wate r

5 10 20 Miles I I I I I I I ii I I I I I I 5 10 20 Kilometers

111 °W 110°w 116 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Our eight-year data set on amphibians underscores the importance of multiyear monitoring for making inferences about amphibian status. … Basing inferences about amphibian status on only 2007 data … would provide an underestimate and a potentially incorrect interpretation of amphibian breeding richness.

detected in 10 (7–14) and 4 (3–6) catchments annually, respectively. fig. 2). In contrast, catchments in lower-elevation regions (<2,250 No northern leopard frogs or spadefoots were observed. m or 7,380 ft) of Grand Teton generally contained more wetlands (five of six catchments contained ≥14 wetlands) and a much lower Amphibian breeding hotspots proportion of dry wetlands (≤0.36). Catchment elevation and the Just fewer than half (15 of 31) of all catchments surveyed contained proportion of dry wetlands were not correlated (r = −0.097, P = three breeding amphibian species for at least one year of monitor- 0.591). ing (fig. 2). Surprisingly, all four widely distributed species were documented only in four catchments (fig. 2, shown in red). Three Amphibian breeding hotspots and wetland desiccation of these catchments were located in Yellowstone’s Northern The proportion of dry wetlands in documented amphibian Range and one was in Grand Teton’s Snake River Valley. Across hotspots ranged from 0.17 to 0.83. The catchments that had the all years, higher-elevation regions (>2,500 m or 8,200 ft) had the highest proportion of dry wetlands (0.57 and 0.83) also exhibited lowest amphibian richness. In general, we discerned a weak but the most frequent fluctuations from two to four breeding species significant inverse relationship (r = −0.373, P = 0.030) between (figs. 3B and 3C). elevation and average annual amphibian breeding richness.

Variations in amphibian breeding richness through time Discussion Amphibian hotspots (catchments with four species breeding in at least one year) in Yellowstone’s Northern Range fluctuated from We identified amphibian breeding hotspots in Yellowstone’s two to four breeding amphibian species during this eight-year Northern Range and in the Snake River Valley of Grand Teton. period (fig. 3). A synchronous drop in breeding richness occurred These areas supported breeding populations of boreal chorus in 2007 at these hotspots; however, the identity of species that did frogs, Columbia spotted frogs, western tiger salamanders, and bo- not breed varied by catchment. The 2007 drop was followed by a real toads. The latter two species had the patchiest distributions, synchronous increase in 2008. After 2008, breeding species rich- suggesting that breeding hotspots may be tied to special habitat ness varied annually but lacked synchrony among these hotspots. conditions or may be associated with particular biogeographic The only hotspot in Grand Teton varied from two to four breed- conditions (e.g., proximity to glacial refugia). ing amphibian species. In this catchment, breeding richness declined to two species in 2007, returned to three species in 2008, Our eight-year data set on amphibians underscores the im- and increased to four species in 2012 when boreal toad breeding portance of multiyear monitoring for making inferences about was detected for the first time (fig. 3). amphibian status. We found that annual breeding richness variability can be very high and fluctuated by as much as 75% in Wetland desiccation some years and catchments. Importantly, annual fluctuations in The proportion of dry wetlands ranged from 0 to 1 in monitored the number of species breeding were common among Northern catchments. The median proportion of dry wetlands within a Range catchments, a region where wetland desiccation has been catchment was 0.40, indicating 40% of available wetlands within well documented (McMenamin et al. 2008; Schook and Cooper that catchment were dry at least once in the 2006–2013 period. 2014). Basing inferences on amphibian status on only 2007 data, Catchments in the Northern Range contained few wetlands for example, would provide an underestimate and a potentially altogether (6.0 ± 0.9; mean ± 1 SD), and four of six Northern incorrect interpretation of amphibian breeding richness. The high Range catchments had a high proportion of dry wetlands (≥0.57; annual variability across the region emphasizes the need for mul- RESEARCH REPORTS 117

5 1.0 5 1.0 AB 4 0.8 4 0.8

3 0.6 3 0.6

2 0.4 2 0.4

1 0.2 1 0.2

0 0.0 0 0.0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 tlands That Are Dry 5 1.0 5 1.0 CD 4 0.8 4 0.8 Amphibian Richness 3 0.6 3 0.6 Beaver 2 0.4 2 Activity 0.4 Begins Proportion of We 1 0.2 1 0.2

0 0.0 0 0.0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Amphibian Richness Proportion of Wetlands That Are Dry

Figure 3. The graphs show the annual variation in amphibian breeding richness (left vertical axis) for four amphibian hotspots (colored lines). Hotspots are long-term monitoring catchments that contained four breeding amphibian species in at least one year (see fig. 2). Also shown is the proportion of dry wetlands (right vertical axis) in each catchment summarized by year (gray bars). Catchments summarized in panels A, B, and C are located in Yellowstone’s Northern Range. The catchment shown in panel D is located in the Snake River Valley of Grand Teton National Park. New beaver activity was documented in this catchment in 2012.

tiple years of sampling to accurately describe amphibian richness Conclusion and, potentially, overall biodiversity. Our amphibian and wetland monitoring efforts indicate that Climate-driven wetland desiccation has been implicated in amphibian breeding hotspots in the Yellowstone Northern Range changes to amphibian richness in Yellowstone’s Northern Range are vulnerable because they occur in a region with few wetlands (McMenamin et al. 2008). In Wyoming, low-elevation wetlands and high susceptibility to wetland drying. Breeding hotspots in have the greatest desiccation risk because they typically have Grand Teton are less vulnerable to wetland drying because they higher air temperatures and lower precipitation than higher- occur in the Snake River Valley, where there are more wetlands elevation wetlands (Copeland et al. 2010). We found that wetland per catchment, where some wetlands have a hydrological con- desiccation is proportionally high in the Northern Range and is nection to permanent waters, and where beavers have been active widespread across Yellowstone and Grand Teton (Ray et al. in recently. In the Northern Range and other areas that are suscep- press), but that elevation alone did not explain differences in the tible to wetland drying, monitoring and vulnerability modeling proportion of those that were dry among catchments. This is can be helpful strategies to increase awareness of the potential likely because some wetlands may be connected hydrologically for climate effects on amphibians and wetlands. In addition, to permanent water sources (e.g., the Snake River) or are made adaptation strategies, including the removal of other stressors in resistant to desiccation by beaver activity, which can impound permanent wetlands (e.g., nonnative fish; Ryan et al. 2014), can and store water even during dry years. Interestingly, beaver activ- help increase amphibian resiliency. Another management op- ity was documented in two catchments since 2012, and in both tion that may increase wetland resiliency is protection of beaver catchments boreal toad breeding occurred at the newly created or expanded wetlands. CONTINUED ON PAGE 119 118 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Environmental DNA: Can it improve our understanding of biodiversity on NPS lands?

By Andrew Ray, Adam Sepulveda, Blake Hossack, Debra Patla, and Kristin Legg

using eDNA techniques may help to more fully characterize the TRADITIONAL BIODIVERSITY MONITORING APPROACHES biodiversity of these threatened habitats (see Bohmann et al. in require large investments in field time, are based largely on visual press). observations, and require significant taxonomic expertise. New survey techniques using DNA collected from aquatic habitats may provide a cost-effective, repeatable approach to sampling a large References number of sites for many taxonomic groups (Thomsen et al. Bohmann, K., A. Evans, M. T. P. Gilbert, G. R. Carvalho, S. Creer, M. Knapp, 2012b; Bohmann et al. in press). D. W. Yu, and M. de Bruyn. Environmental DNA for wildlife biology and biodiversity monitoring. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, in press. Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring enables the detection of Darling, J. A., and M. J. Blum. 2007. DNA-based methods for monitoring organisms from DNA present and collected in water samples invasive species: A review and prospectus. Biological Invasions 9:751–765. (Darling and Blum 2007; Darling and Mahon 2011). Detection of organisms can be confirmed because aquatic and semiaquatic Darling, J. A., and A. R. Mahon. 2011. From molecules to management: organisms release DNA contained in sloughed, damaged, or par- Adopting DNA-based methods for monitoring biological invasions in tially decomposed tissue, gametes, and waste products into the aquatic environments. Environmental Research 111:978–988. water. In fact, recent evidence suggests that DNA survey tech- Dejean, T., A. Valentini, C. Miquel, P. Taberlet, E. Bellemain, and C. niques may be considerably more sensitive than traditional surveys Miaud. 2012. Improved detection of an alien invasive species through for rare species (Jerde et al. 2011; Dejean et al. 2012; Pilliod et al. environmental DNA barcoding: The example of the American bullfrog 2013a) and offer the ability to identify multiple species simultane- Lithobates catesbeianus. Journal of Applied Ecology 49:953–959. ously (Minamoto et al. 2012; Thomsen et al. 2012b; Thomsen et al. 2012a) from individual water samples. Jerde, C. L., A. R. Mahon, W. L. Chadderton, and D. M. Lodge. 2011. Sight unseen: Detection of rare aquatic species using environmental DNA. Conservation Letters 4:150–157. For these reasons, the Greater Yellowstone Inventory and Minamoto, T., H. Yamanaka, T. Takahara, M. N. Honjo, and Z. Kawabata. Monitoring Network is partnering with university and agency sci- 2012. Surveillance of fish species composition using environmental entists to begin testing whether eDNA monitoring can be inte- DNA. Limnology 13:193–197. grated with ongoing amphibian monitoring in Grand Teton and Pilliod, D. S., C. S. Goldberg, R. S. Arkle, and L. P. Waits. 2013a. Estimating Yellowstone National Parks. Our monitoring program is uniquely occupancy and abundance of stream amphibians using environmental suited to evaluate the use of eDNA for amphibian richness moni- DNA from filtered water samples. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and toring across Grand Teton and Yellowstone for multiple reasons. Aquatic Sciences 70:1123–1130. First, visual encounter surveys are completed each year at approxi- mately 250 long-term monitoring wetlands and will provide a Pilliod, D. S., C. S. Goldberg, M. B. Laramie, and L. P. Waits. 2013b. means of testing the efficacy (i.e., determine if it is accurate and Application of environmental DNA for inventory and monitoring of repeatable) of eDNA monitoring and potentially develop protocols aquatic species. USGS Fact Sheet 2012-3146. U.S. Geological Survey, for its incorporation into long-term monitoring. Additionally, these Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, Oregon, parks had two native species (e.g., spadefoot and northern leop- USA. ard frog) that have not been detected in eight years of surveying. Thomsen, P. F., J. Kielgast, L. L. Iversen, P. R. Møller, M. Rasmussen, and The ability to detect species at low densities with eDNA monitor- E. Willerslev. 2012a. Detection of a diverse marine fish fauna using ing therefore offers greater potential for detecting these secretive, environmental DNA from seawater samples. PLoS ONE 7(8):e41732. rare, or now-defunct species. Finally, our work and that of others suggest that some of the most biologically rich wetlands in the Thomsen, P. F., J. Kielgast, L. L. Iversen, C. Wiuf, M. Rasmussen, M. T. P. region occur at lower elevations; these same wetlands may be at Gilbert, L. Orlando, and E. Willerslev. 2012b. Monitoring endangered risk for changes in climate. Cataloging the amphibian, mammalian, freshwater biodiversity using environmental DNA. Molecular Ecology avian, and invertebrate assemblages or their use of these wetlands 21:2565–2573. RESEARCH REPORTS 119

“AMPHIBIAN MONITORING” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 117

In Wyoming, low-elevation wetlands have the greatest desiccation risk because they typically have higher air temperatures and lower precipitation than higher-elevation wetlands.

dams and, where possible, beaver establishment (see McKinstry Matthews, J. H., W. C. Funk, and C. K. Ghalambor. 2013. Demographic and Anderson 1999 for attitudes regarding beaver management). approaches to assessing climate change impact: An application to Increasing resiliency and growing awareness are just two of the pond-breeding frogs and shifting hydropatterns. Pages 58–85 in J. F. primary tenets of adaptation planning (Heller and Zavaleta 2009) Brodie, E. Post, and D. Doak, editors. Wildlife conservation in a changing that can help to conserve some of the most biologically rich yet climate. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, Illinois, USA. climate change–vulnerable resources. McKinstry, M. C., and S. H. Anderson. 1999. Attitudes of private- and public-land managers in Wyoming, USA, toward beaver. Environmental Literature cited Management 23:95–101. McMenamin, S. K., E. A. Hadly, and C. K. Wright. 2008. Climatic change Adams, M. J., D. A. W. Miller, E. Muths, P. S. Corn, E. H. Campbell Grant, and wetland desiccation cause amphibian decline in Yellowstone L. L. Bailey, G. M. Fellers, R. N. Fisher, W. J. Sadinski, H. Waddle, and National Park. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences S. C. Walls. 2013. Trends in amphibian occupancy in the United States. 105:16,988–16,993. PLoS ONE 8(5):e64347. Ray, A., A. Sepulveda, B. Hossack, D. Patla, D. Thoma, and R. Al- Copeland, H. E., S. A. Tessman, E. H. Girvetz, L. Roberts, C. Enquist, A. Chokhachy. Monitoring Yellowstone’s wetlands: Can long-term Orabona, S. Patla, and J. Kiesecker. 2010. A geospatial assessment on monitoring help us understand their future? Yellowstone Science, in the distribution, condition, and vulnerability of Wyoming’s wetlands. press. Ecological Indicators 10:869–879. Ryan, M. E., W. J. Palen, M. J. Adams, and R. M. Rochefort. 2014. Fancy, S. G., J. E. Gross, and S. L. Carter. 2009. Monitoring the condition of Amphibians in the climate vice: Loss and restoration of resilience of natural resources in U.S. national parks. Environmental Monitoring and montane wetland ecosystems of the American West. Frontiers in Assessment 151:161–174. Ecology and the Environment 12:232–240. Gould, W. R., D. A. Patla, R. Daley, P. S. Corn, B. R. Hossack, R. Bennetts, Schook, D. M., and D. J. Cooper. 2014. Climatic and hydrologic processes and C. R. Peterson. 2012. Estimating occupancy in large landscapes: leading to wetland losses in Yellowstone National Park, USA. Journal of Evaluation of amphibian monitoring in the Greater Yellowstone Hydrology 510:340–352. Ecosystem. Wetlands 32:379–389. Sergio, F., and P. Pedrini. 2007. Biodiversity gradients in the Alps: The Guzy, J. C., E. D. McCoy, A. C. Deyle, S. M. Gonzalez, N. Halstead, and H. R. overriding importance of elevation. Biodiversity and Conservation Mushinsky. 2012. Urbanization interferes with the use of amphibians as 16:3243–3254. indicators of ecological integrity of wetlands. Journal of Applied Ecology 49:941–952. About the authors Hamilton, A. J. 2005. Species diversity or biodiversity? Journal of Environmental Management 75:89–92. Andrew Ray ([email protected]) is an aquatic ecologist and Kristin Legg is program manager; both are with the NPS Greater Heller, N. E., and E. S. Zavaleta. 2009. Biodiversity management in the face Yellowstone Inventory and Monitoring Network in Bozeman, of climate change: A review of 22 years of recommendations. Biological Montana. Adam Sepulveda is a biologist with the U.S. Geological Conservation 142:14–32. Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, in Bozeman. Koch, E. D., and C. R. Peterson. 1995. Amphibians and reptiles of Blake Hossack is a research zoologist with the U.S. Geological Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. University of Utah Press, Survey, Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, in Missoula, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Montana. Debra Patla is field coordinator for the amphibian monitoring program with the Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative in Jackson, Wyoming. 120 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014

Notes from Abroad Restoring biodiversity in Ireland’s national parks By Daniel Sarr, Cameron Clotworthy, and Robbie Millar

LTHOUGH NATIONAL PARK conservation arose in the Abstract wilderness landscapes of the Ireland, settled since late Stone Age times, has experienced a long history of environmental American West, it is rooted in change and biodiversity loss. With the establishment of its national parks, Ireland began Aa strong preservation ethos and its world- the relatively recent process of restoring its natural heritage. These ongoing efforts, which have involved restoration of focal communities or habitats, such as oak forest and, most wide adoption has since brought it into prominently, the restoration of focal species populations such as the golden eagle, have many long-settled lands. Such human- provided potent symbols of renewal in an ancient cultural landscape. The restoration work dominated landscapes often contain novel also has yielded insights into the challenges and opportunities that can come from applying albeit anthropic ecosystems, distinctive the national park idea in long-settled lands. biodiversity, and compelling questions for conservation science (Palmer et al. 2004). Key words anthropic, biodiversity, Ireland, national parks, restoration Of particular interest are historically de- graded landscapes that have lost essential elements of biodiversity in the past, but through changes in land use and ecological pushed ancient elements to marginal re- restoration may be recovering their natural fugia (Searle et al. 2009). Ireland’s insular and cultural heritage. Ireland, an ancient setting ensured that native species would cultural landscape, provides fascinating be inherently vulnerable to extinction and examples of the roles that national parks to the needs of a growing human popula- can play in biodiversity conservation and tion. However, the Burren and Killarney restoration, particularly in highly modified National Parks in western and southwest- landscapes (fig. 1). ern Ireland contain a number of such relict species.

Ice, wind, and famine: The environmental history of the British The rise and fall of Isles has been well chronicled, especially since the late Middle Ages (Lovegrove Irish biodiversity 2007). Habitat losses began early. In both Britain and Ireland, largely forested in the After its evolutionary stage was swept early Holocene, major shifts in the fossil largely clean by Pleistocene glaciers, forest beetle fauna suggest abrupt habitat Figure 1. The national parks of the Republic Ireland was colonized by a spare and changes, most likely deforestation, around of Ireland are marked with red stars; black triangles are major cities. mobile suite of species and peoples during 3,000–5,000 years ago (Whitehouse 2006). a relatively brief time when the nation was This parallels the flowering of advanced connected to Great Britain at the tip of the megalithic cultures on both islands, sug- British peninsula (Yalden 1999). With the gesting that while they built such timeless carnivores, such as wolves, eagles, and rise of Holocene seas around 10,000 years structures as Stonehenge and Newgrange, hawks, were complete, or nearly so, by ago, it assumed its current island form, and late Stone Age cultures started a long the middle of the 20th century (Hickey flight, wind, and water became the only trajectory of landscape change. Com- 2000; O’Toole et al. 2002). In Ireland these routes for species to arrive. The patterns pounding habitat losses, persecution of abuses were compounded by the human of biological colonization and persistence many species in both Britain and Ireland tragedy of the Great Famine of the mid- in Ireland suggest a story of postglacial accelerated until the beginning of the 20th 19th century, such that a ravaged fauna founders and subsequent invaders that century and still occurs in some regions became a food source of last resort. occasionally attained dominance and (Lovegrove 2007). Losses of most large 121

(A) NPS/DANIEL SARR, (B) CON MORIARTY, (C) LORCAN O’TOOLE, (D): PAM BROPHY

A B C D

Figure 2. Focal habitat and species restoration issues in the Irish national parks. (A) One of the last native stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylves- tris) woodland in Ireland and Lough Veagh at Glenveagh National Park. (B) Red deer (Cervus elaphus) stag, one of the first and most promi- nent and successful species restorations in Ireland. (C) Pontic rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum, flowering evergreen shrub on right bank) invades a riparian forest, displacing native species at Killarney National Park. Pontic rhododendron is possibly the greatest threat to native biodiversity in the Irish national parks, because it competitively excludes most native plant species. (D) A golden eagle (Aquila chry- saetos) chick at Glenveagh National Park. Golden eagle introductions are the highest-profile species restoration in the last two decades in Ireland.

Restoring biodiversity • Where one or several ecosystems are some cases, this is because they contained in the national parks not materially altered by human ex- remnant forests, for example the birch, ploitation and occupation; where plant oak, and pine woodlands at Glenveagh of Ireland and animal species, geomorphological National Park (fig. 2A). In other cases, sites, and habitats are of special sci- national parks have been determined to The culmination of Ireland’s environmental entific, educational, and recreational be places of stable land tenure, where history was severe biological impoverish- interest or contain a natural landscape hunting, grazing, and other impacts can be ment. By the 20th century, only 0.5% of the of great beauty. controlled. Nonetheless, major challenges nation’s land remained in forest, and the last to biodiversity restoration in the Irish vestiges of wild forests and their inhabitants • Where the highest competent author- parks, as elsewhere, include extirpation of were often to be found on private estates ity of the country has taken steps to foundational species, habitat change and and hunting lodges. Without a wealth of prevent or eliminate as soon as pos- loss, effects of native and domestic grazers, public lands, the republic was forced to sible exploitation or occupation in the and invasive plant species. purchase lands incrementally for its parks or whole area and to effectively enforce to accept land as gifts to the state. Nonethe- the respect of ecological, geomorpho- Because many of Ireland’s native preda- less, progress has been impressive. In 1970, logical, or aesthetic features that have tors were extirpated by the 19th century, Ireland had only one national park and no led to its establishment. species restorations have become a major other state-owned conservation areas (Craig conservation goal. National parks have 2001). However, by 2000, Ireland had estab- • Where visitors are allowed to enter, been focal areas for the direct introduc- lished its current array of six national parks under special conditions, for inspi- tions of native wildlife, including the (fig. 1) and other designated conservation rational, educational, cultural, and iconic red deer (Cervus elaphus, a close areas, constituting approximately 14% of its recreational purposes. relative to the North American elk; fig. 2B). terrestrial and near-marine areas and putting This species was restored to Glenveagh it in the top half of European Union nations The application of this ideal is obviously National Park in the late 19th century from for lands conserved. problematic in a long-settled land, and al- populations in Britain and Ireland (GNP though they occupy some of the most pris- 2008). Raptor restoration has been a major In the management of its national parks, tine areas of the country, none of the Irish focus in recent years, including the golden Ireland follows the standards set forth by parks have escaped human impact. Con- eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) at Glenveagh in the International Union for the Conser- sequently, Ireland’s national parks have 2001 (O’Toole et al. 2002), the white-tailed vation of Nature (IUCN) in 1969, which become anchors for active and passive sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) at Killarney recommends that all governments agree to restoration (e.g., removal of impacts such National Park in 2007, and the red kite reserve the term “national park” to areas as turf cutting and allowing natural recov- (Milvus milvus) in Wicklow Mountains sharing the following characteristics: ery, respectively) of native biodiversity. In National Park in 2007. To date, population 122 PARK SCIENCE • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 1 • SPECIAL ISSUE 2014 CAMERON CLOTWORTHY CAMERON recovery rates of most raptors are low. Major sources of mortality include poi- soning, vehicle accidents, and illegal hunt- ing. However, the first golden eagle chicks in more than a century fledged in 2007 at Glenveagh (fig. 2C, previous page), and scientists are hopeful that these native- born birds will fare better than introduced juveniles. Only time will tell.

Other restoration needs in the Irish national parks include active and pas- sive approaches to wetland and riparian restoration, forest restoration, and control of invasive plant species. The introduced Pontic rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), which competitively excludes native plants, is perhaps the greatest threat to biodiversity in the Irish national parks, and it has proven to be a strong invader of forests, moorlands, and riparian environ- Figure 3. A research grazing exclosure at Ballycroy National Park enabled scientists to under- ments (fig. 2D, previous page). In contrast, stand the effects of grazing on vegetation by red deer. The dark vegetation in the exclosure is ling heather (Calluna vulgaris) and the pale tufted grass around the exclosure is purple some introduced species and communities moor grass (Molinia caerulea). Ling heather is critical habitat for the native red grouse are yielding beneficial ecological surprises. (Lagopus lagopus scoticus), and research into the effects of both native (red deer) and non- native grazers (sheep) on habitat availability helps the park balance rural livelihoods and Plantations of introduced conifers, such native species conservation. as Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), which are rightly viewed as ill-conceived by many because they are not native to the British Isles, apparently provide important sur- rogate habitat for some forest-dependent species, including the pine martin (Martes red deer has also been observed to favor Ireland and in the approximately 25,622 martes) and the hen harrier (Circus cya­ increases in the cover of grazing-resistant hectares (63,313 ac) Owenduff/Nephin neus). Such observations reinforce a need purple moor grass, which forms a heavy Complex Special Protection Area (CSPA) for precaution, but also provide hope- thatch that limits recruitment of native surrounding Ballycroy National Park is ful signs that native biodiversity can be trees (Millar, unpublished data) and has believed to have been caused by a combi- resilient. less habitat value than heather. Some of nation of depredation and habitat loss. In these grazing impacts may be due to the particular, excessive grazing by domestic In other cases, the restoration of native current lack of large predators (wolves) sheep has led to declines in ling heather species has had substantial negative effects in the Irish landscape, which is unlikely to height and cover, important dimensions on some habitats. Restoration research change anytime soon. Restoration of a full of red grouse habitat (Murray et al. 2013). at both Glenveagh and Ballycroy using diversity of habitats, therefore, will likely In 2006 the decision to remove sheep in grazing exclosures of varied sizes has require long-term commitments to wildlife winter for five months, split between late demonstrated that red deer and livestock population management as well as innova- fall and early spring, allowed an improve- tend to decrease the abundance of ling tive grazing management through the use ment in habitat condition and a doubling in heather (Calluna vulgaris) and expand of exclosures, movement of animals, or red grouse numbers (362–426 individuals in the dominance of purple moor grass targeted grazing with other ungulates (e.g., 2002 vs. 790–832 individuals in 2012) across (Molinia caerulea), and that heather can sheep, goats, or cattle). the Owenduff/Nephin CSPA (Murray et recover with short-term exclusion of al. 2013). The success of this innovative ap- native grazers and introduced livestock A marked decline in the populations of red proach may have broad implications for red (fig. 3). However, long-term exclusion of grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus) across grouse habitat management in Ireland. NOTES FROM ABROAD 123

Murray, T., C. Clotworthy, and A. Bleasdale. Ireland, an ancient cultural landscape, provides 2013. A survey of red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus) in the Owenduff/Nephin fascinating examples of the roles that national parks Complex Special Protection Area. Irish Wildlife Manual No. 77. National Parks and can play in biodiversity conservation and restoration, Wildlife Service, Department of the Arts, particularly in highly modified landscapes. Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin, Ireland. O’Toole, L., A. H. Fielding, and P. F. Haworth. 2002. Reintroduction of the golden eagle to the Republic of Ireland. Biological Conservation 103(3):303–312. We conclude that national parks in long- Implications for settled lands like Ireland present interest- Palmer, M., E. Bernhardt, E. Chornesky, S. Collins, A. Dobson, C. Duke, B. Gold, R. ing and compelling challenges for biodi- biodiversity Jacobson, S. Kingsland, R. Kranz, M. Mappin, versity conservation. They serve not only M. L. Martinez, F. Micheli, J. Morse, M. Pace, These examples provide only a brief as important anchors of ecological restora- M. Pascual, S. Palumbi, O. J. Reichman, sketch of the challenges of restoring tion but also as windows on a vanished A. Simons, A. Townsend, and M. Turner. biodiversity in long-settled lands such as past and catalysts for human well-being 2004. Ecology for a crowded planet. Science Ireland. These are rarely settings where today. Reestablished wildlife species and 304:1251–1252. absolutes and complete solutions can ecosystems provide potent and inspir- Searle, J. B., P. Kotlik, R. V. Rambau, S. Markova, ing symbols of conservation for present be implemented successfully in one ef- J. S. Herman, and A. D. McDevitt. 2009. The fort. In Ireland, initial work ranged from and future generations. These examples Celtic fringe of Britain: Insights from small largely successful (red deer restoration) to from Ireland demonstrate the impor- mammal phylogeography. Proceedings of the highly challenging (raptor restorations). Of tance of park-based restoration programs Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 276:4287– course, there are also unintended conse- to foster environmental awareness and 4294. doi:10.1098/rspb.2009.1422. quences of restoration that can be both conservation commitment in an ancient Whitehouse, N. 2006. The Holocene British good and bad. A critical element in such a yet continuously evolving landscape. They and Irish ancient forest fossil beetle fauna: comprehensive restoration program is the also reinforce the importance of long-term Implications for forest history, biodiversity strategic pursuit of an adaptive research commitment to inventory, monitoring, and and faunal colonization. Quaternary Science and long-term monitoring capacity to adaptive research to ensure that such ef- Reviews 25:1755–1789. help park managers and partners track the forts succeed and biodiversity is restored. Yalden, D. 1999. The history of British mammals. success of their efforts. Current monitor- Academic Press, London, UK. ing and research have focused on a subset of species (red deer) through agency and References cited collaborative public and nongovernmental About the authors efforts (raptors). The first author con- Craig, A. 2001. The role of the state in protecting ducted the field research for this article natural areas in Ireland: 30 years of progress. Daniel Sarr ([email protected]) developed in 2008 on a Fulbright Fellowship, just Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the this article while working with the National Royal Irish Academy 10(1–2):141–149. before the onset of the global economic Park Service’s Klamath Network Inventory crisis. Since that time, Ireland has endured Glenveagh National Park (GNP). 2008. and Monitoring Program, Ashland, Oregon, great economic challenges, and is cur- Glenveagh National Park General USA, with support from the Irish American Fulbright Commission. He is now a research rently struggling to rebuild and expand Management Plan 2008–2012. National ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey’s its conservation research and monitoring Parks and Wildlife Service, Dublin, Ireland. Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research capacity in a fiscally difficult time. Pro- Hickey, K. 2000. A geographical perspective on Center in Flagstaff, Arizona. Cameron fessional exchanges, in which scientists the decline and extermination of the Irish Clotworthy is with Ballycroy National Park, share ideas for inventory, monitoring, and wolf Canis lupus—An initial assessment. Westport, County Mayo, Ireland. Robbie research, are likely to be valuable for shar- Irish Geography 33(2):185–198. Millar is with Glenveagh National Park, ing insights and techniques in biodiversity Lovegrove, R. 2007. Silent fields: The long decline Churchill, Letterkenny, County Donegal, restoration across differing environmental of a nation’s wildlife. Oxford University Press, Ireland. and cultural settings. Oxford, UK. PARKScience Volume 31 • Number 1 • Special Issue 2014 Biological Diversity: Discovery, Science, and Management National Park Service / U.S. Department of the Interior

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