Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, October 20th - 26th - Caswell County, NC

 Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week was posted by observer with station number NC-CS-1 in Caswell County, NC.  We were impressed with the many impacts they reported.  From lake levels to plants and wildlife to tourism, the observer shows that there are many types of impacts to be recorded around one's community.  We also appreciate that the observer named the species they were describing.  This will help us compare their current condition to normal conditions.  As you read their report, can you think of similar conditions or aspects of your community you can included in your next condition monitoring report?  Great job NC-CS-1!  Thanks for setting the bar!

 Categories

Agriculture
Plants and Wildlife
Tourism and Recreation
Water Supply and Quality

Just returned from a trip from NC through the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia then through Kentucky to southern Indiana. This trip consisted of traveling in USDA hardiness map zones 6 a and b plus 7a. Fall leaves were pretty but a little pas their peak. very disappointed in the lack of reds and oranges on the trip up but some more returning on the same route. Everything looked very lush. Talking with locals along the way most said they had been receiving ample rain. Those in southern Indiana said landscape plants and lawns required very little supplemental water during the summer. 
 Most farm ponds looked at or slightly above normal. 

At Hyco the lake level rose considerably after the heavy rains in the middle of the month. After a rapid increase, the level reached a peak on the 16th at 410.58 and has been slowly but steadily dropping every since. Even with the large rain the lake stayed clear. There are still many campers at the lake campground due to various construction projects int he area. Hummingbirds and butterflies are gone for the summer. Mums are in full bloom now, leaves are rapidly falling, acorns abound. Early morning find "fog" on the lake due to the cool air temp mixing with warmer water temps. With cool nights,pumpkins galore and most money crop fields empty, it's definitely fall and time for Halloween.

Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, October 13th - 19th - Charleston County, SC

 Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week was posted by observer with station number SC-CR-88 in Charleston County, SC.  In their report, they discussed ecological changes at a local park.  First, they identified the location they were referring to by name, Roxbury Park in Meggett.  This is important because different areas have different types of ecologies.  By identifying the location, we can better understand how weather is affecting the landscape.  The observer also included information told to them by a naturalist.  You too can include information from reliable of sources in your reports as well.  You can also include stories about weather and drought in your community that you've heard on the radio or tv or read in newspapers.  Though these sources are not considered reliable at times, they can offer valuable insight into local conditions.  Way to go SC-CR-88! 


Category:
Plants and Wildlife  
Agriculture 

With about an inch of rainfall last week, soil moisture in the vegetable garden has improved. At Roxbury Park in Meggett a week ago before the recent rain, there were very few mushrooms. Back at the park this weekend after the rain, I anticipated more mushrooms in the park but didn't in fact observe them. While I was there, Ken Carmen, the park naturalist, told me about a small depressional wetland that has been ephemeral in recent years (drying up part of the year) but this year has retained water the whole year. It's filled with moss and attracts song birds for bathing. That day, he'd seen at least 6 different species bathing, including some that are otherwise rare in the park this time of year.

Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, October 6th - 12th - Wake County, NC

 Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week was posted by a Wake County, NC observer with station number NC-WK-6 on October 12th.  We chose their report for several reasons.  First, they not only noted fall colors but also identified the type of tree (River Birch) that is showing changes.  In addition, they compared the tree to fall colors on other trees. Second, they offered some very useful information about pond in their area.  They noted muddiness and algae, both of which are indicators of the health of the pond. We don't often see these types if information in observers' condition monitoring reports but we'd like to!  We want to encourage all of you to note the species of plants you're referring to in your reports and be aware of changes in the bodies of water in your area.  You can note water levels, muddiness, algae and other observations.  Thank you for setting a great example NC-WK-6!  Keep up the good work!


 Categories:
Plants and Wildlife
Water Supply and Quality

While the leaves have started turning colors and falling from the trees, the most significant change is in the river birch trees in our yard. The other hardwoods barely seem to notice that it's fall. The new grass seed continues to grow. A great blue heron was fishing on the pond this morning, the water in the creek continues to flow and the pond is full. Several hard rains have brought more muddy water to what was earlier clear with a few strands of green algae starting to show up. The ground is rather soft in the low-lying areas.

Time for Some Rain Gauge Maintenance!

Sometimes we get into to a routine that with checking our rain gauges and recording our data that we forget to check the reliability and accuracy of our data.  Reliable data is that in which the methods used for gathering it yields consistent results.  Accurate data is data that is correct.  Reliability and accuracy can be compromised if your rain gauge is not set up properly.  Maybe everything is in order in terms of placement and cleanliness when you first set up your rain gauge but over time, all sorts of things can happen that can compromise your data.  Here's a check list to make sure your getting reliable and accurate data from your gauge.

• Is your rain gauge still located in an open area? (No structures, tress or brush surrounding it)

• Does your rain gauge have gunk in it? (bird poop, debris, algae)

• Is the post on which your rain gauge sit straight?(Warped wood, bent metal) 

• Is your rain gauge straight? (Not lose or leaning. Measure with bubble level)

• Is it far enough off the ground? (2 feet off the ground in open areas, 2 in developed areas)

So, check your gauge to make sure all to make sure you're getting reliable, accurate data. For more information about the correct placement of your gauge, view this slide show.

Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, September 29th - October 6th - Horry County, SC

Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week was posted on September 29th by CoCoRaHS observer with station number SC-HR-14.  In their report, they recorded the rainfall at their location and compared their total for this year to those from 2013 and 2012.  If you've been recording precipitation measurements and observing for a year or more, you can compare your rainfall totals with those you received last year and previous years. Your records along with those of other CoCoRAHS observers are available through the CoCoRaHs website.  Just go the CoCoRaHs homepage and click "View Data" at the top of the page. Then you can scroll to see different types of records.

Comparison with recent and historical records is one way scientists understand precipitation trends. Adding this kind of information to your reports is a great way to increase their usefulness.  It's also just plain fun to compare totals from previous years.  Thank you for the good work SC-HR-14!
 

 Categories

Plants and Wildlife 

 1.91" of precipitation the past week. The wet weather continues. Last week we surpassed the total measured rainfall of 48.03" recorded in 2013 and 48.34" recorded in 2012. We are now one tenth of an inch short of 50 inches for 2014! There was standing water in the wetlands and the creeks and drainage ponds are full. Everything is green and thriving.