Category Archives: Habitat Management

Conservation, Ecology, Habitat Management, Parks and Recreation, Protected Species, Wildlife

Leopard and Cricket Frogs Thrive in Local Wetland

The creation of Eagle Marsh has allowed populations of both leopard frogs and cricket frogs to thrive. Both these species have been subjected  to habitat loss and exposure to agricultural chemicals, which has dwindled their populations. The northern leopard frog is a species of concern, while the cricket frog has experienced population loss across the Midwest.

Amphibians as a whole are threatened across the globe, facing habitat loss due to wetland drainages, pollutants in their aquatic environment, and disease. Salamander chytrid is the most pressing of fungal diseases for American salamanders, prompting U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service preventing the import or inter-state transport of 201 different species of salamander, including native species for the first time ever. This rule hopes to prevent the introduction of salamander chytrid into American populations.

But conditions of Fort Wayne have given a hope for a local population boost for all amphibians. Eagle Marsh provides a protected habitat where amphibians can survive and reproduce in a stable wetland. Read the full news article here: http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local/Restoring-wetlands-has-helped-some-local-amphibian-populations

If you are interested in helping monitor these local frog populations, FrogWatch USA is holding volunteer training sessions at the Fort Wayne Zoo.  See this link for more information: http://kidszoo.org/event/frogwatch-usa-free-opportunity/2016-02-20/

Climate Change, Conservation, Ecology, Habitat Management, Snakes

IPFW alumnus to speak on snakes and birds

Dr. Brett DeGregorio, who received his master’s degree in Biology from IPFW in 2008, will return to campus later this month to present research he conducted as a doctoral student at the University of Illinois. His presentation, Snakes as Predators of Bird Nests: Now and in a Warming World, will reveal the contemporary role serpents play as predators of birds and the implications climate warming may have on birds’ abilities to escape being eaten by their nocturnal, legless adversaries.

When: January 22nd from 12-1 pm
Where: IPFW Science Building, room 185

ratsnake

 

 

 

Agriculture, Climate Change, Conservation, Ecology, Energy, Habitat Management, Local government, Parks and Recreation, Public Health, Rivers, Urban ecology, Water Quality, Wildlife

Downtown Stewardship Center concept gets some MORE press

Pathway running over vegetation and water towards a line of buildings highlighted by sunlight with a clear blue skyHow would you like to have this in Fort Wayne??

 

 

 

For an update on this thread, check out this nice piece by Lisa Ryan of WBOI, or local NPR channel.

Fort Wayne Riverfront Development Could Include Environmental Center

The ERC’s director Bruce Kingsbury is working with the City of Fort Wayne and others on the concept of a downtown facility focusing on environmental stewardship and sustainability. It is proposed as part of the Riverfront Fort Wayne Development and would help the community pursue the goals of enhancing the economy, providing additional recreational opportunities, and protecting and restoring the rivers and other habitats.

For previous coverage, read the recent article in the News Sentinel here.