Chester, NH Bioblitz (June 1-2, 2024)'s Journal

As we near the halfway point of the bioblitz, let's take a look at where things stand. Over 250 observations have been submitted by 7 observers so far, and these observations include 156 species. Over 40 of these species represent novel iNaturalist records for the Town of Chester - well done! Most of the species documented so far during this weekend's bioblitz consist of plants (58%), followed by insects (31%), and vertebrates (7%).

Tomorrow brings a new day and new discoveries! Keep up the observations!

We will share a final event summary within 10 days, once observers have had time to finish uploading observations and identifications to be made.

For anyone unfamiliar Chester's public lands, the five sites listed below offer habitat diversity well-suited for bioblitzing. Reference maps will be available at bioblitz headquarters, located at 96 Towle Road, from 8am to 4pm on Saturday.

Spring Hill Farm (Towle Road)
Parking: 42.975136, -71.213780
On the east side of Towle Road, two loop trails access multiple forested wetlands, shrub wetlands, an open-water pond, Towle Brook, a cattail marsh, meadows, and a mix of hardwood and softwood upland forests. On the west side of Towle Road, a woods road provides access to pastureland, a large hayfield, and maturing woodlands that contain a vernal pool and several mature red oak trees. Combined, these parcels add up to about 150 acres.
Aerial map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NO5B2QsycaL-PKUlF-2ILr36APd0_hzv/view?usp=drive_link

Wason Pond
Parking: 42.981902, -71.218714
Located on the north side of Route 102 (Raymond Road), this well-loved community park features just over 100 acres of forests, wetlands, and ponds. Several miles of maintained trails weave through the property, and provide access to most habitats.
Aerial map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_5mwFzUfXn09MovzqajewIQRmvBdl0-R/view?usp=drive_link

Spring Hill Farm (Lane Road)
Parking – west parcel: 42.999402, -71.264938 (roadside parking)
Parking – east parcel: 42.998790, -71.260228
Combined, these two parcels north of Lane Road span some 64 acres of conservation land. Habitats include hardwood forest, meadow, open water, shrub wetland, and a stream. The west parcel has a single out-and-back trail, whereas the east parcel has several connected meadows that make for easy walking.
Aerial map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12SbTA6TC3m38sLZTjQ0gBkOoSNWlFNzN/view?usp=drive_link

North Woods
Parking: 42.998790, -71.260228 (roadside parking)
Split into two contiguous sections, the Town-owned North Woods property is accessible by walking in on one of two Class IV roads, Norton Road and Ledge Road, both of which are accessible on the south side of Lane Road. Roadside parking is best at the northern end of Norton Road, just be sure not to block the entrance. Habitats include large stands of hemlock-hardwood-pine forests, Appalachian oak-pine forest, numerous vernal pools, several streams, and wetlands of all types.
Aerial map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19zOdvJBnxhqgCfR0FIV1aSek0xTsI9om/view?usp=drive_link

Bridle Path Road
Parking: 42.944239, -71.280374 (do not block gate)
This 1-mile gravel road offers access to several wetlands, dry upland forests, and a powerline right-of-way with shrubland habitat. Please stay on the road to respect private property on either side.
Aerial map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ofSQ3SNUCZtPRS_LXHvNaBD0gzicrKn7/view?usp=drive_link

The Chester Conservation Commission, in partnership with Moosewood Ecological LLC, is hosting a town-wide bioblitz the weekend of June 1-2, and you are invited! Weather permitting, in-person events will be held on Saturday (rain-date Sunday), including guided woodland and wetland walks and a community bioblitz check-in. We'll also have an information table set up at Spring Hill Farm (96 Towle Road, Chester, NH) from 8am - 4pm to answer bioblitz questions, provide hand-on iNaturalist help, and assist with identifications. Can't make it on Saturday? No problem! All observations submitted within the town of Chester on Saturday and Sunday will contribute to this bioblitz. Check out the event description for more details, and please comment with any questions you may have.

Tagging iNat users who have submitted at least 30 observations within the vicinity of Chester this past year (apologies if you are no longer in the area): @tcullinane @colleen99 @bri0904 @lshepstew @natemarchessault @bgaudubon @tstinn @matthew883 @naturequ33r @katbird22 @peapod4 @albatross112 @evynathan @kelsie60 @kathy10901 @calicoarthropod @afernandez2 @jmcguigan @rte1122 @brigoud @stevemirick @david8085 @myk_i_am @hubica64 @willbpayne @nhaperkins @dpouliot @sd-603 @vulturine

And a few folks who may be willing to travel in the name of bioblitzing: @lynnharper @karolina @billryerson @nick2524 @radbackedsalamander

Feel free to tag others!

Happy iNatting,
Steven