SBSC Weekly Highlights, August 22, 2005
Submitted by Kristin Brown
USGS SCEP student provides rattlesnake training for Sedona resort: Southwest Biological Science Center SCEP student Erika Nowak hosted two rattlesnake ecology and safe handling trainings for over 15 grounds and other employees of the Seven Canyons Resort in Sedona, Arizona. These trainings came at the request of Lisa Rhodes, a resort manager. The trainings covered rattlesnake ecology, snakebite, and (hands-on) proper handling techniques. The trainings included discussion of potential areas of rattlesnake activity in the golf course resort, with an emphasis on the potential role of human modifications of the environment affecting local rattlesnake distribution. As a follow-up, Nowak provided a special rattlesnake holding bucket the staff will use to transport venomous snakes. For more information contact: Erika.Nowak@nau.edu, 928-556-7462.
Media contact:
Brandon Kline of Channel 12 News (Phoenix, AZ) contacted Southwest Biological Science Center SCEP student Erika Nowak to discuss why snakes are apparently appearing in Sedona, Arizona homes in increasing numbers. Nowak was interviewed for information about this phenomenon based on previous trainings she has given local fire stations in rattlesnake ecology and handling. She also discussed proper procedures for handling snakes, and aspects of her PhD work on the connection between human modifications of the natural environment and rattlesnake distribution and behavior. This story ran on Channel 12 News on August 8.
Cyndy Cole of the Arizona Daily Sun newspaper (Flagstaff, AZ) participated in a Grand Canyon Youth (GCY) / USGS, Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (GCMRC) science river trip from August 5 - 12, and wrote an article based on her 8 day experience. She and the youth experienced collecting valuable field data in support of GCMRC ecosystem studies along the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon; the primary project consisted of verifying, documenting and inventorying geo-referenced control points for input into a control point database. These fun and educational river trips provide an opportunity for the youth to learn in-depth about Grand Canyon, thereby creating the potential for a lasting feeling of environmental stewardship. The story ran on the front page of the paper on August 22. Contact: Kristin Brown, Flagstaff, AZ (928) 556-7084.
