Pilot Projects
In addition to our long-term monitoring projects, EMMA pilots monitoring and ecosystem management methods for use across our network.
Early Emerging Invasive Plant Survey
EMMA partnered with Vassar College to pilot a method of finding newly-emerging invasive plants on a large ecological preserve, when populations are generally small and difficult to detect, but most easily managed. The presence of those populations will be correlated with likely avenues of invasion (trails, streams, preserve boundary, etc), and a map will be developed showing most likely points of invasion that should be searched more frequently.
Nectar Calendar
EMMA is currently piloting a method to create a calendar of flowering plants throughout the summer and fall. The calendar will let us know which food sources are available for pollinators over the course of the season, and will be used to inform field management practices.
For more information about, and results of, the project, click here.
Pollinator Blitz
EMMA is in the process of piloting a survey method for pollinators at the Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve, in which photographers photograph pollinators of all kinds on the site.
The photographs are used to identify pollinator species found on the preserve, and will be used to inform management decisions
Vegetation Mapping
During the summers of 2016 and 2017, EMMA piloted a method of vegetation community mapping at the Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve (VFEP).
Vegetation mapping data is essential to understanding which habitats are available on a particular preserve, and the new map will be invaluable for management and future studies at the VFEP.
For more information about, and results of, the project, click here.
Camera Trap Surveys
We recently completed an EMMA-wide study of wildlife using game cameras.
The results will help us to better understand the ecology of the
landscape and develop meaningful stewardship initiatives to conserve and
enhance biodiversity on a regional scale.
Click here for more on the EMMA member organizations participating in these projects.
