From the desk of Lucas Foertsch, Environmental Specialist II:
Infrastructure has become a need of the modern era, but so too has the effort to mitigate its impact on the surrounding environment. The design, creation, and long-term care of mitigation projects is imperative to the health and longevity of our local ecosystems. Although my work is not directly focused on wildlife, it is always beneficial to note which species are utilizing a habitat and the information it can provide. Observing sensitive indicator or endangered species is exciting, but often times many of the more mundane species, like the ones in these photos, can provide meaningful insights into the condition of a habitat.
🦋 Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly: It had freshly metamorphosed and appeared to be drying its wings on the trunk of a small sapling along the boundary of a wetland in Santa Claus, IN. They have a range of host plants and habitats, and although they’re not an especially informative species, it made me feel like a Disney Princess.
🦀 Crayfish: This large specimen was found utilizing a recently created vernal pool on a wetland site near Austin, IN. The pools were excavated late last year as part of an effort to improve the size and quality of a wetland habitat in the region, which already include a diverse range of amphibians, reptiles, aquatic invertebrates, and provide a water source for terrestrial animals.
🦎 Long-Tailed Salamander: It was seeking shade between frail layers of compressed shale in a bedrock-bottom stream in Yellowwood State Forest. The goal of the project is to protect and enhance the stream following a nearby construction project. It is encouraging to see sensitive indicator species, like salamanders, present throughout the bed and banks.
🐍 Northern Water Snake: This juvenile snake was sunning itself, suspended atop a single stalk of woolgrass. Unlike his incredibly ill-tempered elders, he was very docile and willing to strike a pose. Well-vegetated wetland habitats provide a fantastic hunting opportunity for them, while also offering them cover to limit their exposure to other predators. This and many other species of snake are thriving on this wetland property near Little York, IN.
🐢 False Map Turtle: It was found sunning itself on large stones we used to prevent erosion along a bend in the Flatrock River in Flatrock, IN. This stretch of the river has many species of turtles, including a plethora of softshell turtles. They can be seen basking along the rocks and any downed logs in the area; but, if you’re there at the right time of year, you’re sure to find masses of half-dollar-sized juveniles fumbling about.
Seeing these common, positive habitat contributors is a good thing! All our Environmental Services team can do is create the best quality habitat possible and hope it provides these species with adequate resources. #LifeAtLochmueller