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BIO BLITZ: Emails from Arachnologist Sarah Rose
Hi Geri,
I am still working on the spider list for you from the BioBlitz, but I have some exciting news. Today I, IDed one of the spiders I collected as Phruronellus formica (I know that probably means nothing to you, it is a cute little spider known to associate with ants). Anyways, the exciting part is that this is a state record, I have confirmed with Rich Bradley that no one has ever recorded this species in Ohio before!
I will keep working on my spiders, and will get you a full list as soon as I can. Sarah
EMAIL TWO:
I might try and come up there tomorrow.
Attached are photos of a male wolf spider that I have tentatively IDed as Schizocosa perplexa, I am waiting for confirmation on the ID. There are only 3 records (ever) of S. perplexa, 2 from Texas and 1 from Oklahoma. Only the male has ever been found, the female has yet to be described. This is why this is challenging, I have no idea what the female looks like, and the other Schizocosa spp. are impossible to conclusively ID unless you have the specimen under a microscope. At the bioblitz we collected many Schizocosa ocreata. I only have one male that I have IDed as S. perplexa. So I would love to get additional males, and if I can find a female that does not match anything else we might be able to finally describe the female!
EMAIL THREE:
I did collect 17 wolf spiders I think are Schizocosa. Most are immature, so now I have to wait for them to grow up to see who they are!
EMAIL FOUR:
I just thought I would share these photos I took on Tuesday when I was up there. The spider is Maevia inclemens, the tufted male. (They are called the dimorphic jumping spider as the males can either be tufted or gray.) I thought it was really cute that he was dancing on the turtle!
I also wanted to let you know that from the BioBlitz we collected many Schizocosa ocreata. So although I collected 17 Schizocosa on Tuesday there is a good chance that most (if not all) are Schizocosa ocreata. Keeping my fingers crossed for Schizocosa perplexa, but we will have to wait and see.
I will keep all of you posted on the rearing of our spiders and until then, enjoy the article below from the Columbus Dispatch on BIOBLITZ 2018.
Nature's Classroom Returns
What are your favorite memories of playing when you were a kid?
If you’re like hundreds of others, most of those memories happened outdoors. For instance: digging holes “to China;” making mud pies; catching fireflies and frogs; exploring little creeks and ponds; building stick forts or tree houses; daydreaming in your secret spot; climbing trees or just “mucking around” in the woods.
It is because of these powerful memories that Spruce Run is creating a "playground" just for that kind of play, We call it SNAP: Spruce Nature and Play.
We would like to say THANK YOU to DHL Chain Supply for generously donating 100% of the man-hours needed for the installation of SNAP. We can't do this project with out you!
Installation date is scheduled for June 15, 2018.
GOT MILKWEED?
Spruce Run's mission is to make people aware of conservation, preservation and education. With this said, we are happy to announce that we are a grant recipient of 170 milkweeds plants from Monarch Watch. Please consider coming out over the next week and help us plant milkweed to SAVE the MONARCHS.
Eagles are Soaring High
Zach Tuza: Handicap accessible tunnel gardens
Derek Maschmann: Flag pole and seating wall
Noah Leah: Bat house and benches
David Vietti: Educational signage
Andrew Morrill: Firewood storage
Leo Pavell: Team building challenges
Field Trips: Sign Up Now for 2018-19
Contact Geri Granger via cell 614.286.9494 or email ggranger9556@columbus.k12.oh.us
Spruce Run Handbook can be found on the Science Department's website.http://www.ccsoh.us/sprucerun.aspx
Volunteers Needed
Become a volunteer. All you need is an enthusiasm for Columbus City Schools, a willingness to learn and a desire to share with others! Volunteer hours are flexible and will depend on your chosen job area(s). No previous training is needed: training programs will be provided.
Currently we need volunteers in the following areas:
Office: answer telephone, filing, organizing supplies for school group activities
Horticulture: working in the greenhouse, raised bed, landscaping maintenance
Naturalist: sharing your personal "Nature Hobby" such as birding or rock collecting with student groups
Maintenance: general upkeep of the buildings and grounds
Scout Specialist: working with troops, or individual scouts on badges, scouting projects and volunteering opportunities at Spruce Run
Contact Geri Granger for more information: ggranger9556@columbus.k12.oh.us
Email: ggranger9556@columbus.k12.oh.us
Location: 4175 Sunbury Rd, Galena, OH, USA
Phone: 614-286-9493