Research | Friends of the Great Swamp

In addition to organizing and hosting regular events, Friends of the Great Swamp leads and participates in a variety of projects whose goal is to protect and conserve the Great Swamp Watershed. We engage in local research that supports other organizations in maintaining water quality, protecting wildlife habitats, and supporting conservation groups. These are just a few of the types of projects we’re involved with:

Water Quality Testing
Each year, a group of trained volunteers collects samples from tributaries and rivers of the Great Swamp and submits data for analysis to determine water quality and document changes.

Wildlife Surveys
Volunteers conduct bird counts, especially of the migratory birds that use the Great Swamp as a flyway and rest stop in the spring and fall. Several groups have conducted tracking surveys to determine the movement and habits of mammals in the watershed. Citizen scientists have joined professionals in determining the presence and distribution of a new species of leopard frog, Rana kaufeldi, found inhabiting the Great Swamp. Some have helped with surveys to determine the location of the New England Cottontail and presence of the Northern Metalmark Butterfly.

Turtle Tracking
Wood, bog, and box turtles have been found in the Great Swamp watershed, and several citizen scientists have been monitoring them using radio telemetry. Michael Musnick, who previously served as a FrOGS board member, devised predator excluders for wood turtle nests, worked with Metro North to install turtle ramps to help them cross railroad tracks to get to their nesting sites, and set up an “Adopt a Turtle” program to help the public get involved in saving wood turtles. John Foley, another board member, and Dr. Jim Utter, FrOGS board chair, have been monitoring bog turtles.

To view a Turtles of the Great Swamp presentation by John Foley, click here

To view a Wood Turtles presentation by Michael Musnick, click here

This Turtle Video produced by Science Friday highlights some of the work of turtle researcher Michael Musnick. Tiny Turtle Bridges

If your organization is involved in a related project that you would like our participation in, contact us.

Technical Documents