Last day of trapping!

First, I want to tell all of you how much I enjoyed seeing you (at least some of you!). It was so neat to be able to talk with you and answer your questions. I will share more when I return on Monday! Thanks to Ben and Katie who were brave enough to talk to the news crew. Awesome! Remember, it is not how much or how little we are doing for the environment, it is that we are just doing something!

Well today was our last day of trapping. Team B came from behind and trapped 3 voles! We were quite excited. Out of 5 teams, Team B finished 3rd. Not too bad. This afternoon was dedicated to 'teacher stuff.' Since we all live in different time zones, the scientists really have to work hard to make sure all of us have some time to work on our blogs and Skype with our classes. Several teachers walked down to the ocean while others just hung out at the green house. This evening Dr. Chris finished his lecture on small mammals. He also led us through tallying our data. It is a bit complex! At our first research site, we figured out that there are approximately 5 voles per hectare. At our second research site, we figured out that there are approximately 7 voles per hectare. Dr. Chris was expecting the numbers to be a little higher, but weather was a factor. On average, we figured there are approximately 11,500 deer in all of Keji National Park. We arrived at this number based on the 10 deer skat quadrats we conducted while we there. Throughout the year, the researchers will continue this work with other volunteer groups and eventually produce an annual report. It is a very long process and it requires a great deal of work!

Mr. Wignall attempting to catch Team B's vole.

Tomorrow we will go to Keji Adjunct Seaside Park. I am really hoping to see some seals and maybe some whales! Check the blog over the weekend to see if I saw any! Have a great weekend and I will see you all on Monday morning! :)