Tree Swallows are nesting

Tree Swallows are nesting

In the fall of 2013, Principles of Natural Resource Management students Sara Morris-Marano, Danielle Podmayersky, Brittney Chrans and Noha Haggag built and installed 6 tree swallow boxes around the newly constructed stormwater detention basin/wetlands adjacent to Avenue E on Livingston Campus.  Four of the 6 boxes are now occupied with the swallows swooping back and forth across the wetlands snatching up insects to feed their young.  Tree swallows have a violet-green back, white underside with a slightly forked tail.  

Run for the Woods! May 10

Run for the Woods! May 10

Run for Woods! 5k run will be held on Saturday May 10 at 9am. This event is organized by the RU Ecology & Evolution Graduate Students Association. Proceeds go to the Livingston Eco Preserve for trail maintenance and habitat restoration. All are welcome and please invite your friends and family for a fun day! Snacks will be provided for all runners/walkers afterwards before the award ceremony. Prizes will be available for winners of each age group (male and female). Preregister…

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Cross-country skiing in EcoPreserve

Cross-country skiing in EcoPreserve

Out Enjoying the Winter Woods in EcoPreserve This winter’s heavy snows brought with it a great opportunity to enjoy the EcoPreserve’s trails on cross-country skis or by snowshoe.  With its varied terrain and many trails, the EcoPreserve is one of the better places to cross-country ski in Central New Jersey. One memorable ski this winter had a pair of great-horned owls hooting a duet while a near full moon rose in the east.

Camera Trapping Documents Preserve Wildlife

Camera Trapping Documents Preserve Wildlife

Several students in the Principles of Natural Resource Management class conducted a month-long survey of wildlife  using motion-activated digital cameras stationed at various locations in the RU EcoPreserve.  The resulting images revealed an abundance of deer (Odocoileus virginianus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), feral cats (Felis catus) and raccoon (Procyon lotor) throughout the Preserve. They also captured photos of a pair of coyotes (Canis latrans) at one of the camera stations (see photo above).