Third, Fifth Annual
Ohio Caddisfly Safari
1-11 September, 1997
Summary of the 1997 Study
Wind, Rain and lack of a good internet connection did not stop the "bug
trippers" this year from making 62 light trap collections, almost 20 activity
trap collections and from running 20 - 30 m plant transects. We were not
disappointed this year by lack of Lake Erie storms. We had a wonderful
thunderstorm on Old Women Creek as we set up the light traps. The wind
and the rain worked to open the mouth of Old Woman Creek while we were
staying at the dorm. We learned later that week that the mouth of Arcola
Creek remained closed, much to the disappointment of the area residents.
This year we got just about everything done that we wanted to. There
were, however, exceptions: we did not get samples from Gott Fen and Morgan
Swamp due to logistical problems. We also had some trouble with the light
trap batteries ..we'll have to bring more batteries next year !
This was a year of firsts!
For the first time from Ohio, we were able to maintain an internet link
to folks across the country ~~~ thanks to Ayesha and her parents. We took
many questions and put photographs from our new digital camera on the web
so that the folks back home could see what we were doing. We hope to expand
the internet coverage of our activities on future trips.
Also for the first time, we had access to a pop up camper, generously
provided by Dr. David Goff. The popup kept the rain and caterpillar frass
from falling on our heads.
| This year we were able to use ham radios to keep in touch at some of
the remote sites. Anne (KF6NCW) and Ayesha (N3ZSI) got their ham licenses
just for this trip ! Kooser got his, but it did not come in time ... maybe
next time Jim! Finally, this year Joe and Jen got married, right after
the field work ! See the wetland in the background! |
 |
This year thanks goes to Mary Ann, Ryan, Jackie, Kim, Amy, David, Robyn
(or Robin, depending on the day), Valerie, Ayesha, Anne, Jim, Joe and Jen.
Also, special thanks goes to Mike and Carol who saved the day by providing
a place for us to "jack into the net" at Arcola Creek.
Summary of the 1996 Study
The 1996 Caddisfly Safari was held from 16-26 August 1996. Eighty-four
light trap samples and seven vegetation samples (4-30 M transects each)
were collected ! The best news is that almost half of the insect samples
were counted and sorted to order in the field.
Enough volunteers showed up for us to run two separate field teams. After
an orientation on the first day, the group spent the first three days at
the Sandusky-Huron sites. We stayed at the Old Woman Creek NERR dorm. On
the fourth day, the group split into a Columbus Area team and an Eastern
Ohio, Lake Erie Team. Both groups spent the next three days collecting
at a wide variety of wetland areas.
Both teams regrouped at Portage Lakes State Park on Day 7. No insect collections
were made on this day so that base camp could be set up. It rained a lot!
The last suite of collections went well in spite of a lack of electricity
and lots of rain. Special thanks to Dan, WD8MDF, who permitted our group
to recharge trap batteries in his nearby garage.
Not a single person came home with a leech this summer !
Thanks to all those that participated: Carol Oaks, Valerie Schaffer, Terri
Collett, Heather Will, Ryan Alter, Robin Patterson, Jeanne Brennan, Ayesha
Gray, Scuba Joe and Jen, Mary Ann Silagy, Matt Chase (who probably can
't read this without supervision) and Auggie Ruggerio.
Special Thanks to the Ohio Chapter of the Nature Conservancy.
Send in your Photos !