Ecological Preserve

Joe Barbieri, a Rutgers BS Ecology, Evolution & Natural Resources graduate and EcoPreserve volunteer installed a Monarch butterfly waystation in the small meadow near the entrance to the EcoPreserve. The official certified waystation number is: 30734.  Joe is in the process of removing various invasive plants that are overshadowing the milkweed plants that Monarchs depend on. He will reseed the waystation after a few hard frosts with native milkweed and native wildflowers (common milkweed, butterfly milkweed, New England aster, wild…

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Understanding the interactions between ecosystems and climate is key to predicting how ecosystems are responding, and will continue to respond, to a changing climate. Professors Mary Whelan and Ben Lintner of the Department of Environmental Sciences are introducing first year students in their Byrne seminar to some of the fundamental principles governing the complex interplay between ecosystems and climate. On Friday, September 17th, students in the course visited the Rutgers EcoPreserve to gain some firsthand exposure to a forest ecosystem….

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Brothers from Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, also known as FIJI, raised the funds to purchase seven white dogwood trees to plant in the EcoPreserve.  A number of fraternity members came out in late August to plant and fence the sapling trees (to protect against deer browsing). A week later Hurricane Ida came through and dropped this large red oak (in left of photo above). Luckily it missed the dogwood sapling.  Hopefully the dogwoods will continue to survive and grace the…

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Please use caution while visiting the EcoPreserve!! A bridge on the Red Trail got picked and pushed off its footing and should not be used.  The bridge on the Green Trail has also shifted. Walk your bike across the bridge.  We hope to fix the bridges later next week when we can return to campus. Update: the Red and Green Trails bridges have been stabilized but still need additional repairs. They have been flagged with orange tape. Use caution and…

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