Ecological Preserve

Since the pandemic, Professor James White of the Rutgers Plant Biology Department has been using the Rutgers Ecological Preserve each Fall semester as a lab for two mycology courses: 1) Fungi in the Environment (3 credits; 11:776:400) and Poisonous and Edible Mushrooms (1 credit; 11:776:257).  Prof. White suggests that the field component has really improved the quality of the course experience for students. He notes that “I think that the students get a better experience of fungi when they are…

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The Blue Trail where it crosses the Buell Brook Ravine has become heavily eroded over the past several years. The Land Steward crew worked hard in this past summer’s heat to put in a series of switchbacks to make the climb easier up the steep ravine slope. On the eastern side, they refurbished the water and side bars to help stabilize the trailbed and stem erosion. Some side trails have been closed off to prevent erosion and protect the dry…

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Come out and celebrate National Trails Day at the RU EcoPreserve. Faculty director, Rick Lathrop, will lead a free hike on the Blue Trail along the Buell Brook Ravine. We’ll explore some of the natural and cultural history and do some trash pick-up on the way. Meet at 10 am at EcoPreserve parking Lot Road 3.  Bring water and insect repellant. For more information on National Trails Day. Find An Event  

Goldfinches and white-breasted nuthatch at RU EcoPreserve feeder station. Photo by Liam Fleisher. Rutgers student, Liam Fleisher, initiated the installation of a bird feeder station near the Trailhead Kiosk adjacent to the Avenue E Roundabout.  Interested in sharing his love for birds, Liam investigated various wild bird feeding techniques and installed a variety of feeders and foods.  A host of different species of wild birds have been attracted. The shelter of the kiosk provides a good vantage point to observe…

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