BioBlitz 2018

Lake Farm County Park

June 22-23, 2018

Property Description

With a view of the capitol, scientists surveyed almost 1,000 acres of Lake Farm County Park and surrounding areas in Dane County. Habitats consisted of prairie, wetlands, and streams as well as the northern end of Lake Waubesa. Included in the survey were Lake Farm County Park, the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District Wildlife Observation Area, and part of the Capital Springs Recreation Area, including Centennial State Park. View map.

Interesting Discoveries

Bryozoan (Pectinaatella magnifica) — New county record and new watershed record.
Crab Spider (Xysticus britcheri) — Typically a more northern species but well within its range.
Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum) — typically a more southern species, this tick now appears to be becoming established in southern Wisconsin. Identified by the single white splotch on its back, this tick, like other ticks, can transmit bacteria that carry disease.
Single-dotted Wave Moth (Idaea dimidiate) — Among the more notable findings was the introduced European Geometrid moth. First documented in Door County in 2013, the few subsequent records were in counties bordering Lake Michigan.
Brook Lobelia (Lobelia kalmii) — An attractive, delicate plant with pastel blue flowers that grows in high quality wet calcareous areas such as fens.
Specialized fungus (Eocronartium muscicola) — Grows parasitically on mosses.
Iowa Darter (Etheostoma exile) — While not unexpected (it is one of the few darter species known to tolerate, if not prefer, small lakes, as opposed to riverine habitats), many small-bodied species of fishes have been extirpated from the Madison Lakes since the early 1900s.
Healthy diversity of frog species and some pollinator species (bees, flies, and butterflies/moths) indicating habitats that can support those species.