Exploring Pony Pasture - Richmond, VA

 So you want to visit the Wetlands and Pony Pasture, but what is there to see?  Check out this handy map that highlights some entrances, activities, and sightings around the park! https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1rqejgvcqytKMf9DHqKPnEdMpAyDVry0&usp=sharing

 So we know what biodiversity is, but why study it? Why is it important? Studying biodiversity helps us to understand the health of an area and identify any problems that are occurring. It's important to regularly study an area and gauge any patterns that could be concerning. For example, if a species meant to be in that area is missing or if there is a lack of biodiversity - what is causing that? What species are there? If an area is full of diversity - what stewardship practices are in place that are contributing to the success?  Regularly studying an area's biodiversity can also help monitor the impacts of targeted stewardship and establish management plans that can help restore an area with poor biodiversity. An example of this would be proactively removing invasive species and watching for native species to return.  But, why does it matter? An area that is biodiverse and healthy helps our lives. A biodiverse ecosystem means that the soil is healthier - meaning erosio...

 Biodiversity is a general term that is used to describe the variety of different species in a given area. This takes into account multiple variables: the number of species in an area, the totals of each individual species, and the genetic diversity of each species. Species included everything from plants and animals to microorganisms and fungi.  Katie Virginia Spring Beauty ( Claytonia virginica )

  Why Study Pony Pasture? As part of the James River Park System, Pony Pasture and the Wetlands (Pony Pasture for short) is a park located along the James River in Richmond, Virginia. This park is popular for its miles of trails and river access. During the summer, Pony Pasture is in its peak season: with many visitors enjoying swimming, kayaking, and climbing on the large boulders that are set out in the middle of the river.  While this park mostly sees visitation for recreation, a few avid naturalists can be spotted exploring the trails and looking at the biodiversity. By spending an early morning or evening in the park, you can come across dozens of species including songbirds, migratory birds, Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Red Foxes. Additionally, by looking along the forest floor, you can encounter Trout Lily, Virginia Blue Bells, Mayapples, and much more.  Pony Pasture does struggle, however, with education and interpretation, and many visitors do not know the...