Linwood Park 2012 BioBlitz Report Released

On September 15^th, 2012, the Lower Merion Conservancy and the Friends of Linwood Park joined forces for an all-day BioBlitz in Ardmore’s Linwood Park. A BioBlitz is a survey of all living plant and animal species within a designated area in a designated time. LMC and the Friends of Linwood Park could not have asked for better weather or a better turn out from the neighborhood.

The BioBlitz commenced at 8 AM with a casual bird walk, followed by an exciting insect prowl at 10 AM and an inventory of all the beautiful grasses, flowers, trees, and other plants mid-afternoon. The day concluded with a nice sunset stroll in the park where volunteers spotted a few mammal species. In addition to the BioBlitz, Linwood Park had several neighborhood volunteers working in the garden throughout the day. Visitors to the park were able to learn more about the Friends of Linwood Park, the Lower Merion Conservancy, and the importance of protecting open space and the natural environment in our community.

The event drew in first-time visitors to the park and also engaged attendees to look at open space and the natural world with a new set of eyes. By the end of the day, attendees of the BioBlitz counted an amazing 30 bird species, including hawks, falcons, woodpeckers, and more! During the insect prowl, over 25 insect and invertebrate species were identified, including three different types of bees, praying mantises, caterpillars, and slugs. Although nearly all the plants within Linwood Park have been previously identified, it was a great opportunity for residents to learn the different species of flowers, grasses, and other plants that exist in the park. Despite the relatively small size of Linwood Park, visitors were able to spot a variety of mammals, including chipmunks, squirrels, and even a cotton-tailed rabbit!

The BioBlitz was a great time for all those who attended and the Friends of Linwood Park and the Lower Merion Conservancy were delighted to share our time and knowledge with the eager participants that came throughout the day.

Here are the results:

BIOBLITZ INVENTORY