ABI 150 Section 2 - Day 2: Beautiful Trees and a Lovely Breeze
Talk about some picture perfect weather! With clear blue skies and 17 mph winds, we got to enjoy our outing with the shining sun and a refreshing breeze. After a quick headcount and itinerary check, we were off into the vans (+ Marshall's car) to our first location: The Putah Creek Reserve!
Upon arrival to the Creek, we played a fun name game where we got to learn everyone's favorite animals! There was a wide variety, though Marshall seemed to be rethinking his choice with the Monarch Butterfly by the end of it. Plus, Crystal introduced us to the very fluffy and cute Pallas Cat. Following that, with the main goal of finding something inspiring for a possible topic, we were given a short list of tasks:
- Find the seven tree species in that area of the reserve, collecting a leaf from each of them
- Find at least one invertebrate and observe it
- Find at least one invertebrate and observe it
And then we were off!
Despite the rough start that involved a brush with poison ivy (pictured above, second picture) following a warning that came just seconds too late, the visit to the creek was exciting and fun! Many pairings constantly merged and diverged as we explored the area. While making our way through the prickly milk nettles that seemed to crawl across the paths and snag clothes and skin alike, we got to see a plethora of animals! Some especially exciting ones included the California slender salamander (pictured below, first picture), a Northwestern pond turtle (pictured below, second picture), and Fredrick the ground beetle (pictured, third picture).
Coming back to the cars to group up, we shared our fun encounters and interesting discoveries. Though, there was a bit of a distraction when we realized the nettles next to the car were filled with ladybugs and, obviously, we all wanted to hold the lovely little red and yellow beetles despite having to get a few pricks here and there. Once we had out fill of thorns and poking at bugs, we were delighted to learn not only had we found all of the seven species of trees asked of us, we had even found a surprise eighth one! While it seems there was only one tree, we still got to have the victory with some bonus points.
The species (+ some fun info) were:
- Northern California Walnut (which has a beetle that's actually killing it)
- Willow
- Eucalyptus (imported, highly flammable, and actually starting to be killed intentionally)
- Valley Oak (which has oak galls, Marshall gets very excited about these)
- Box Elder
- Oregon Ash (which has very large compound leaves)
- Cottonwood
- White Mulberry (the surprise bonus species!)
Putah Creek had animals ranging from the swooping turkey vultures to the dainty damselflies, and it can certainly serve as a possible location for our research, especially with it being so close to campus. It serves as a sanctuary for the ecosystem, standing as a proud little forest and creek among the miles of agricultural fields surrounding it. The significant breeze and highly shaded areas are certainly enticing as temperatures will continue to rise, but there were concerns within the group regarding the many nettles, poison oak, and less-than stellar water quality.
With that in mind, it was time to hop back into the cars and head off to our next location! With enough group decision making, we made a pit stop to check out Lake Barryessa. Parking at the Monticello Hydroelectric Project let us see the gorgeous lake and the big sink hole!
After that little detour, we were back on track and arrived at our second location of the day: The Devil's Gate Wildlands, part of the Stebbins Cold Canyon Preserve). With the loose instructions to observe the ecosystem, eat some lunch, and have fun, we were off!
Despite its rather ominous-sounding name, The Devil's Gate Wildlands proved to be a very enjoyable journey through nature. In comparison to Putah Creek, the paths were clearly more travelled, but the rocky terrain certainly made up for it when it came to tripping hazards. Speaking of hazards, the underpass, to our delighted surprise, turned out to have water going through it. After confirmation that it was indeed the path, part of the group made our way through, with minimal slipping involved.
Groups once again split off into different parts of the preserve, encountering quails, skinks, and even a velvet ant! Towards the end of our adventures through winding paths, a portion of the group came to settle at a small open area of the creek. It was absolutely brimming with water striders engaged in territorial disputes that looked more like bumper cars than anything particularly violent. Though, we were very amused to learn that water striders actually have personalities, making some more timid and some more aggressive. In addition those guys skirting across the surface, we saw some tadpoles, insect larvae, a stonefly (pictured below, first picture), and the infamous "mysterious red dot", which turned out to be a mite (pictured below, third picture).
Grouping back up, we shared our most interesting finds and discussed certain logistics surrounding the class. We established a photos and ideas channel in the discord, so that everyone's perspectives, both as pictures and words, can be shared. We finished off the group talk with a few tasks being assigned so that Tuesday's class can be productive:
- Think of at least 1-2 possible topics (does not have to be related to the hike, but preferably as specific as you're comfortable with)
- With the topic(s) you have in mind, find at least 1 scientific article that relates to it (this can be an article with general information, interesting findings, or research we can possibly build off of)
- Keep in mind something interesting you saw during the hike (this will be used for yet another name game, just for fun)
- Also be ready to discuss ideas both in smaller groups and with the class!
The Cold Canyon Preserve, at least specifically where we were, is about a half hour drive away from campus, which needs to be taken into consideration when debating if this area should be our chosen research area. In comparison to Putah Creek, it was more travelled and populated, with the area being open to the public as a hiking trail. As such, there may be things to consider like how this may interfere with animal behavior if they are more exposed and acclimated to human activity. There was a plethora of observed flying insects and birds alike, along with both fast moving and slow moving areas of water. The group seemed to take particular interest in the many Lepidopterans in the area, as well as the water striders mentioned previously. With the temperatures reaching its daily high though, it was time to head back to campus and end class.
Overall, the group had a huge variety in possible ideas and personal interests, which will make for a very interesting and hopefully engaging discussion on possible topics on Tuesday's class. It seems like there are a few hopeful nods towards birds and herps, though there were worries towards timing and certifications (IACUC). Additionally, while it was overall agreed that insects may be more accessible (while also not having nearly as many restrictions), there are very valid fears and hesitancies towards handling them. Discussions will happen respectfully and with all considerations in mind!
That's all for now, see you all on Tuesday!
What happened on Friday 4/3:
Reminder for Tasks before Tuesday 4/7:
- Think of at least 1-2 possible topics (does not have to be related to the hike, but preferably as specific as you're comfortable with)
- With the topic(s) you have in mind, find at least 1 scientific article that relates to it (this can be an article with general information, interesting findings, or research we can possibly build off of)
- Keep in mind something interesting you saw during the hike (this will be used for yet another name game, just for fun)
- Also be ready to discuss ideas both in smaller groups and with the class!
Agenda for Tuesday 4/7 (tentative, subject to change):
(We will be meeting in the classroom! Briggs 158)
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