Operation Caterpillar Count

Join Operation Caterpillar Count!  Become a citizen scientist and assist researchers by collecting data on insects populating the trees and shrubs in the park.  Scientists use this data to determine when soft bodied insects such as caterpillars are available to birds feeding their newly hatched chicks.  Newly hatched birds cannot eat the hard bodies of insects like older birds can.  Knowing when the insects become available to the birds and when the baby birds are hatching help the scientists understand how climate change is affecting the availability of the food vs. the need for the food.  Virginia Master Naturalists from Merrimac Farm will instruct participants on how to participate in this important project at home and hopefully return to the park for periodic recounts and surveys throughout the spring.  For enquiries or to register to attend, please contact the park's visitor center at (703)583-6904 or leesylvaniavc@dcr.virginia.gov

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