RARE, THREATENED, AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

Freshwater Mussels
Biodrawversity has unmatched experience with freshwater mussel studies in New England. Ethan Nedeau has led more than 75 field studies in the region, published four books about freshwater mussels, authored several other related publications, and been actively involved in teaching and public outreach. Ethan has performed more surveys for the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) than any other company in the Northeast.

Other Freshwater Invertebrates
Biodrawversity can provide genus- or species-level identification of nearly all insect and non-insect macroinvertebrates from a range of freshwater habitats: headwater streams to large rivers, small ponds to large lakes, vernal pools, and a variety of other ephemeral and permanent wetlands. We are uniquely qualified for focused inventories of rare and endangered species and lesser-known invertebrates. Examples include dragonflies and damselflies, snails, crayfish, stream insects, and even oddities such as bryozoans and sponges.

Herpetology (Frogs, Salamanders, Turtles, Snakes)
Steve Johnson and Lori Johnson have extensive experience with amphibian and reptile studies throughout southern New England. They have led or participated in research on box turtles, bog turtles, spotted turtles, wood turtles, musk turtles, marbled salamanders, and four-toed salamanders. They each have considerable experience assessing vernal pools and pool-breeding amphibians in western Massachusetts.

Ornithology (Birds)
Steve Johnson has a doctorate in ornithology and extensive experience with bird identification. Steve has conducted graduate and post-graduate research on the behavior of Sedge Wrens, the nesting habitats of Bank Swallows, and vocal learning and song patterns of American Robins. He has taught ornithology classes at Antioch University New England, University of Massachusetts, and Hampshire College. He has also conducted bird surveys throughout southern New England as a consultant for natural resource agencies and private companies.

Botany (Plants)
Steve Johnson has overseen and conducted plant surveys and vegetation monitoring projects throughout Massachusetts. Steve specializes in wetland plants, but has also been involved in several upland plant surveys. He also has extensive experience with the design and methodologies of ecological and botanical field studies. We have strong ties to the regional scientific community, and we can develop highly effective collaborations with other regional botanical experts.

Biodrawversity is steeped in the fundamentals of community and ecosystem ecology of the New England region, and takes an academic and rigorous approach to applying general knowledge to specific natural resource challenges. This approach has given Biodrawversity the opportunity to work closely with state and federal natural resource agencies and non-government conservation organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy, that are also committed to science-based conservation and management. These types of projects vary widely in size and scope; examples include field research to answer questions of importance to resource managers, literature reviews and synthesis of scientific information, publications, development of sampling and monitoring protocols, and development of conservation and management strategies. See the services and projects listed under the “Design” and “Science Research and Writing” sections of the website.

Contact

Biodrawversity LLC
Amherst Office Park
441 West Street
Amherst, Massachusetts 01002
(413) 253-6561
ethan@biodrawversity.com