Coverboards
Distribution
Monitoring
Identification
Over the coming months, LNWC will be setting up a coverboard project to inventory and monitor reptiles and amphibians ("herps") on Lake Norman's islands and at Reed's Creek (on Hwy. 21 in Mooresville). Coverboards are sheets of plywood that are laid on the ground to provide an attractive shelter for these species. The boards are lifted periodically and the species that have crawled underneath are surveyed, recorded, and photographed if possible. This is an exciting project because there is currently ZERO knowledge of which herps are present in these areas, so we have an opportunity to make new discoveries! It is also a chance to get your children or grandchildren involved in some hands-on science -- they are welcome to come along. The data collected will be contributed to larger research projects and will also provide information about priority species that will help determine future habitat restoration projects.
In order to begin this project, we will need volunteers to assist with coverboard distribution and mapping. After the coverboards are set up, volunteers will be needed to assist with periodic data collection (identifying, recording, and photographing herp species found under coverboards). Volunteers should have knowledge of or be willing to learn about common reptile and amphibian species. It is helpful but not necessary for volunteers to have access to a boat. Thanks in advance for your help!
Please contact Bill Mugg at billmugg@roadrunner.com right away if you are interested in helping us with this valuable project.