On May 6th, UMD students, faculty, golfers, neighbors and wildlife experts conducted a species-count at the University of Maryland Golf Course. Over 131 identifiers validated 875 observations of more than 300 species on the golf course.
This project was part of the Audubon Internationals 2023 BioBlitz competition. Dr. Shannon Browne, faculty at UMD's Department of Environmental Science and Technology, organized the BioBlitz at UMD. Her students from ENST 462, additional volunteers from ENST214, and UMD Golf Course management assisted in the species count.
On the golf course, students were able to practice wildlife identification skills they had only read about in the classroom. Professionals from the community shared techniques and strategies learned over their careers. All participants learned the immense value the golf course as a home to a diversity of species.
Did you know the golf course is home to a Keeled Treehopper, Versute Sharpshooter or a Mile-a-minute Weevil, not to mention a beautiful Baltimore Oriole or Pileated Woodpecker? With knowledge gained, UMD will be better equipped to take protective actions needed to keep and further develop a healthy, diverse ecosystem on UMD's beautiful green property.
Are you curious about the variety of species found during the BioBlitz? View the BioBlitz iNaturalist website. Identifiers are welcome!
