Snowpack Monitor Training - Albany Pine Bush

The Albany Pine Bush is home to the rare Karner Blue Butterfly, a state and federal endangered species. In an effort to better understand its habitat requirements, a study is underway to assess the effects of snow depth on the overwintering success of the butterfly's eggs. Part of this study involves intensive monitoring of snow depth at numerous controlled sites within the Preserve during the winter months. This work is done by volunteers, and I just volunteered for the upcoming winter. Today we had a brief training meeting to go over the process and what we're expected to do. I'll be spending about an hour every two weeks, on the same day, in all kinds of weather, walking around and taking snow depth readings. I'll post more about this once the snow flies and these walks begin.