The alpine ponds of the White Mountains are remarkable ecological systems with many species of amphibians and insects dependent on them for part of their life cycle. Scott Smyers, Oxbow Associates, will present a summary of a collaborative long-term biological monitoring project comparing alpine ponds to similar pond systems from other parts of New England. Join Tin Mountain on Thursday, May 24 at 7pm to learn more.
Scott Smyers is the Senior Scientist for Oxbow Associates, Inc. a wetlands and wildlife consulting company specializing in rare amphibian and reptile study and mitigation. He has studied the behavior and ecology of amphibian and reptile species native to the eastern United States for more than 10 years. Scott’s research interests include life history plasticity and population biology of amphibians, ecology of freshwater turtles, and the functional ecology of larval caddisflies in ephemeral ponds. He also collaborates with Beyond Ktaadn in research associated with the ecology of organisms that inhabit ephemeral ponds, specifically amphibians, reptiles, and insects.
Scott’s presentation will review the focal species in alpine ponds, focusing on amphibians and aquatic insects. He will also discuss why it is important to study the details of how populations vary between ponds and from year to year within the same pond. The information will focus on several high elevation ponds in the White Mountains. If you are interested in getting involved or just learning more about the findings, you won’t want to miss Scott’s presentation!
Tin Mountain’s Nature Program Series is sponsored in part by L.L. Bean and the Evenor Armington Fund, and the Residence Inn by Marriott North Conway. Donations of $3/person or $5/family are appreciated; members are free. For more information call 447-6991 or visit www.tinmountain.org.