For June 15-16, 2007, perfect spring weather greeted dozens of
volunteer scientists to explore the wilds of the 2000 acre
strong Watchung Reservation in the western portion of Union
County on this third annual Bioblitz of a Union County park; the
Watchung Reservation. The largest park in Union County
produced the promise of being the biodiversity heartland
of the Rahway River Watershed. By days end, a staggering
550 species had been counted tentatively, with many more
plants and animals still to be counted. The public at
large came to partake of the free exhibits, guided
hikes, natural history presentations and other
festivities throughout the weekend.
Some
of the highlights were just
remarkable, a Northern Harrier, a
raptor of open marshes and farmland circled bioblitz
central lazily at the Trailside Nature Center. Where did
it come from? And where was it going? A species
of white milkweed, rare for New Jersey was identified by
Dr. Emil DeVito. A six pound giant of a large mouth
bass was captured an placed in a aquarium for all to see
along with species of Sunfish, bullhead catfish, perch
and pickerel. A pair of Hooded Warbler were found
feeding a nearly fledged young in a remote corner of the
Watchung Reservation. Not far from the Hooded
Warbler, singing Hermit Thrushes were discovered, a
rarity more likened to be found in the New Jersey
Highlands instead of the Piedmont region of the State.
The Rahway River Association congratulates the Union
County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the hard working
staff of the Union County Parks for their tireless
effort to make this the best Bioblitz ever! And, we are
greatly appreciative of the countless volunteer
scientists and naturalists that made the Watchung
Reservation Bioblitz such a great success!
