Integrated Environmental Science (Week of 4/1)
This week, the 9th grade Integrated Environmental Science (IES) class invited guest visitor Kyle Burton to engage students in an exciting presentation about salamanders–an important vernal pool apex predator and bioindicator species–in order to supplement our current studies on Ecosystems & Citizen Science.
Kyle has always been an outdoor person. As a teen, he developed a love for zoology and sought out various volunteer opportunities. He attended Mizzou as an undergraduate and UC Denver, where he received a graduate degree in Geographic Engineering Systems. Currently, Kyle serves as a Science In Parks (SIP) intern through USGS, which works in conjunction with Americorp.
To prepare for his visit, students individually researched and reported out on frogs/toads and salamanders that are native to Vermont. Presentations included information about the amphibian’s visual identification, range and habitat, energy sources, winter survival strategies and breeding behavior. After break, students will build on their initial research by engaging in the Salamander Monitoring Project at Marsh Billings National Historical park. Engaging in this project serves to provide context to changing forest structures as the climate changes, including understanding salamanders’ role as a bioindicator species. In addition, students will engage in an authentic citizen science opportunity that will help to shape conservation efforts to support salamander breeding habitats.
In late April, the 9th grade students will be taking a field trip to three arrays within the Marsh Billings forest to monitor Eastern Red-Backed Salamander populations. Marsh Billings National Historical Park offers a unique habitat for 6 salamander species, including the endangered Jefferson Salamander; its unique hemlock-dominated stand, coupled with vernal pools, offers a stronghold for this population. Stay tuned for more information and additional volunteer opportunities in which you and your family can engage.