Biodiversity Task Force kicks into high gear

by Pam Owen, Lead Coordinator, Biodiversity Task Force, Spring 2006

RLEP's new Biodiversity Task Force is up and running with a dynamic agenda for 2006. The Task Force, made up of volunteers and liaisons from other local environmental groups plans to provide programs that all Rappahannock County residents will find useful, educational, and fun on how to protect biodiversity among our wild native species. The agenda isn't firm yet, but some of the projects we're considering are:

• 	Peregrine Falcons are being successfully reintroduced into Shenandoah National Park. A Park biologist will discuss the program at an upcoming Biodiversity Task Force presentation. Photo by Craig Koppie, US Fish and Wildlife Service.

  A bioblitz—a one-day species count on a selected property
• A butterfly count and guide
• Migratory-bird and wildflower walks
• A seminar on planting and protecting native grasses to encourage native wildlife
• An evening listening to and identifying frog songs and other spring wildlife sounds
• Seminars on wildlife-friendly farming techniques and pond management
• A presentation on the reintroduction of Peregrine Falcons in Shenandoah National Park
• Presentations on managing deer and invasive-species populations.

We also are developing a native-species database that anyone can contribute to using a form we're developing and will make available on this website.

If you're interested in biodiversity, the Task Force is always looking for more help in varying capacities: project coordinators, volunteers, liaisons with other organizations, and professionals with expertise in wild plant and animal biology and related subjects.

You can also join us in a public news group we've set up on biodiversity at Google Groups. Anyone can post and read messages and the archives on the site or receive messages by e-mail. To join, go to http://groups.google.com/group/Rappahannock-Biodiversity.

The Task Force's agenda may grow or shift a bit, so keep checking this website for a schedule and for information on biodiversity.

If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Pam Owen at
540-675-9989 or biodiversity@rlep.org.

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