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Lake Whatcom Crane Fly Survey  |
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 The
Master Gardener crane fly survey was a pilot project in 2001 that
new Master Gardeners used to earn volunteer hours. This project was
developed by Scarlet Tang and Todd Murray in order to address water
issues in Lake Whatcom. Two courageous volunteers sampled 45 lawns
for crane fly larvae in the Lake Whatcom watershed in 2001. In 2002,
fourteen Master Gardener volunteers joined in this important service
to their community. The 2002 MG's were able to survey 78 lawns!How do they perform the survey? The Master Gardeners sample a 6-inch by 6-inch area of lawn, and then multiply the number of crane flies found by 4 to determine the number of crane flies per square foot of lawn. 
Our own amazing Master Gardeners, Sharon and Sandra (of 2001) developed
the handy "Lindsey Cranefly Sample Kit." The Kit contains
a sample board, steak knife and level rake. The sample board has a
6" x 6" square cut into it, and provides a comfortable platform
to kneel on. The sample board is laid on the turf, and using a steak knife, the Master Gardener cuts along three sides of the square. Only three sides of the sample area are cut because the turf will recover much quicker than if the whole square was cut out.  Using the handheld level rake, the crane fly sampler can then carefully peel back the turf and count the number of crane fly larvae in the square sample.  Soil
from the bottom of the turf can be teased from the roots by shaking
and twisting the turf vigorously. This dislodges any crane flies hanging
out in the thatch layer of the turf.  After
counting larvae, the MG simply rolls back the square, leaving little
evidence that any sample was taken! |
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Up Information |
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The 2003 survey will be limited to the following: - Lake Whatcom watershed residents - 100 participants  Sign
up quickly to reserve your spot in the 2003 Lake Whatcom Crane
Fly Survey!Homeowners click here to sign up. Master Gardeners click here to take part in the survey. |
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