Out here in the Stanislaus National Forest we are done with sensitive plant surveys and wrapping up noxious weed surveys. Some of the last sensitive species blooming included Clarkia biloba sp. biloba and Clarkia australis, which thanks to the Rim fire disturbance have taken over the hillsides!

In the last few weeks I surveyed for plant species but also have had the opportunity to help with bat, Northern Goshawk and Great Grey Owl surveys. While mist netting we caught three species of bat; Tadarida brasiliensis, Myotis yumanensis,and  Eptesicus fuscus. While looking for owls and goshawks we surveyed known nesting areas as well as proposed timber units in the forest. With the rest of my time I have been helping with erosion control studies and range monitoring within the forest. It has been great being able to mix up the week with different activities and am looking forward to continuing to learn knew techniques in different fields!

-Emily

Above: Mexican free-tail. These guys were very relaxed and did not try to bite much.

Above: Big brown bat, man he looks angry!

Above: Mexican free tail