> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dave Wilson [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
> Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2005 2:45 PM
> To: 
> Subject: Nutria-hunting volunteers needed!
> 
> 
> Dear Volunteers,
> 
> In spring 2005 the Nutria Survey Project will be looking for 
> volunteers to help searching for one of the top 100 worst 
> invasive species. The search will take place in the marsh 
> areas of E. A. Vaughn Wildlife Management Area, parts of the 
> Newport Bay and on the Weidman Farm. The goal of the project 
> is to find signs of nutria populations, if there are any.
> 
> Native to South America, nutria (Myocastor coypus) were 
> introduced to Maryland in the 1940’s to promote the fur 
> industry. Shortly after this some of the large semi-aquatic 
> rodents escaped, or were released from the breeding 
> operations and established a population in the wild. Nutria 
> are herbacious and prefer feeding on marsh grasses, and other 
> marsh vegetation, as well as a variety of agricultural crops. 
> They excavate plant roots exposing the marsh sediment to 
> erosion. Nutria also compete with native muskrats for habitat 
> in the marsh.
> 
> You can help the Nutria Survey Project by participating in 
> the fieldwork. Project leader Verena Chase will walk with you 
> on the marshes and explain, how to find signs of nutria. She 
> will present information on nutria and other invasive species 
> in Maryland. It is also a good possibility for birding and to 
> learn the basic use of a GPS. The trips are going to be four 
> to six hours long. The walk will be leiserly but in wet and 
> uneven conditions.
> 
> If you’d like to volunteer or to get more information on 
> the Nutria Survey Project, please call Verena at 410-629-1575 
> or write her an email to 
> 
> _________________________________________________________________
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