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Dragonfly Mercury Project

Calvert Stewards are partnering with the National Park Service to collect dragonfly larvae from different nature parks.

As part of our Dragonflies and Damselflies of Calvert County research program, the Dragonfly Mercury Project engages citizen scientists such as students and visitors to collect juvenile dragonflies in national parks. Dragonfly larvae live for years underwater eating insects and even small fishes. Mercury builds up inside the larvae and can give scientists insight into the health of the waters in which they live. Mercury is a toxic pollutant that can harm human health and wildlife health. Mercury often enters parks as air pollution from distant, human-caused, sources, like coal-burning power plants.

Visit the National Park Service Project Website for more information on the project and results.

Project Description (pdf)


Upcoming trainings and workshops

    • 04/28/2023
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Flag Ponds Nature Park
    • 39
    Register

    All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

    Having been around for some 250 million years dragonflies and damselflies, collectively called odonates, are some of the first winged insects on earth to fly. The ancient Celts called them 'big needle of wings', across the pond they are often referred to as 'water dippers' and the Danes affectionately termed them 'goldsmiths'. No matter what you call them, 'odes', with their impressive aerial displays, charismatic behavior and natural beauty have stolen our hearts.

    While odonates can be found all over the world, this presentation will primarily focus on the dragonflies and damselflies that call Calvert County home. Join Jason Avery, Program Manager for the Calvert Stewards Dragonfly Survey, for this highly visual exploration into the wonderful world of Odonata. Dive in and learn how to distinguish between dragonflies and damselflies and discuss what makes them so important to the ecosystem, life cycles, species diversity, habitat and conservation. Geared for beginners to advanced enthusiasts, this program has something for everyone. Additional topics such as photography, data collection, research findings and project participation will round out the evening with a "Q and A" session following the presentation.

    Location: Flag Ponds Nature Park, Education Building

    Program Fee

    Free for members and current volunteers; $8 per person for nonmembers 

    Naturalist in charge: Lydia Wells and Jason Avery


    COVID Policies and Procedures

    The Calvert Nature Society has developed policies and procedures for public program operations based on state and CDC guidelines.

    Please consider the safety, health, and well-being of all participants in our programs and stay home if the participant(s) are ill. Full refunds will be given for cancellations due to health concerns.

    Prior to participation in any Society sponsored program, we will ask each individual, if under 18 a parent, to agree to the participant waiver. The waiver agreement needs to be completed for each in-person program.

    Please read our full policy statement and waiver.

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