LNT TRAINERS CABIN COURSE SNP's Pinnacle Research Station BEAR September 19&20, 2015

 

CourtneyTrustee and I taught 7 new LNT Trainers

The LNT Trainers course teaches and trains students on the knowledge and skills needed to train others about Leave No Trace (LNT)

Below is a link to a recent article about the historic CCC building now used as the Pinnacles Research Station where the class was held.  While volunteer activity of all types is hosted at this building it is primarily used as a base station for scientist doing research in the park.   We enjoyed being able to share this facility with two scientists who are currently doing research in the park.   One scientist was doing research on the park on Wood Rats and the other does research in the park on Native Pollinators and gave a presentation on her field at Big Meadows on Saturday night.

  

http://www.dailyprogress.com/madisonnews/news/funds-being-raised-to-restore-snp-s-pinnacle-research-station/article_d816a154-aca6-11e4-bdb4-5b6af18b5500.html

Here is a little teaser about an SNP Facebook  pollinator posting if you like SNP check out its Facebook Postings

Shenandoah National Park

September 17 at 3:22pm ·

Pollination is a vital stage in the life cycle of all flowering plants.
When pollen is moved within a flower or carried from one flower to another of the same species it leads to fertilization. This transfer of pollen is necessary for healthy and productive native and agricultural ecosystems.
• About 75% of all flowering plant species need the help of animals to move their heavy pollen grains from plant to plant for fertilization.
...

• Most pollinators (about 200,000 species) are beneficial insects such as flies, beetles, wasps, ants, butterflies, moths, and bees.
Shenandoah National Park is a wonderful place to observe pollinators!

See More

During Class We had a black bear visit us.

If you are interested in North America Bears the following organizations website is an excellent resource.

http://www.bear.org/website/

Sunday September 13, 2015

Wonderful cool clear Fall-like late summer Sunday.

Double Click On Pictures For Larger Image

Ranger Grant W.

A couple examining the map that includes the R and S markers after returning from their hike.

Some of the ground cover is beginning to color up.

A blow down across the Weakley Fire Rd not far from PO Junction.   I sent a note out about it from around 3PM and if you look at the  picture below I found it taken care of when I passed it on the way to my car around 8:30 PM

Blowdown from above is already all taken care of just four or five hours after I encountered it.

Fall Aster's

Sunset from the summit.

Dusk from the Saddle Trail slab that looks down on Byrds Nest Shelter

Twilight from the last view point just above the CCC Stairs on the Saddle Trail about half mile up from Old Rag Shelter.