First, some statistics. As of this writing we have recorded 207 plant populations representing 187 unique species/taxa, making 144 collections. 63 plants are currently represented by photo vouchers, either because we did not find enough of them to collect without risking harm to their local population, or because we found them in a non-reproductive state (the herbarium requires that all incoming specimens have flowering and fruiting material). 48 of those species are of non-native origin. There are currently 406 observations in the iNaturalist project, largely from the project team, but also including the observations of METRO staff and various visitors – accounting for 264 observations of plants, 61 of fungi, 53 of insects, 10 of birds, and 8 of arachnids.
Highlights so far
Quercus x saulii (Q. alba x Q. montana). Saul’s oak. A stable, naturally occurring hybrid (in technical terms a “nothospecies”) of the common white and chestnut oaks. We have found one mature canopy tree of this hybrid that is seeding a number of saplings in its vicinity. It appears that this is the first collection of this plant in Westchester County.
Moehringia trinervia. Three-nerved sandwort. Unfortunately, this is not a “good” discovery – but it is a good thing that we made it. Previously documented only twice in all of North America, this Eurasian herb species is abundant on the Library Field site, where it exhibits invasive characteristics. For more on this discovery, see the previous blog post dated 5/12/26.
Cypripedium acaule. Moccasin-flower. We were able to photograph the only individual orchid known at Library Field before the locally abundant deer population got to it, which unfortunately occurred before the flower was able to reach maturity. Excessive deer browse is a major issue in eastern forests generally, as unnaturally large populations put heavy pressure on the plants of the forest floor.
Galls/leaf miners/plant pathogens. In addition to the plants themselves, we have been keeping an eye out for the various insects, mites, and pathogenic organisms that interact with, symbiotically depend upon, and/or parasitize the plants at Library Field. Although these are outside of the explicit scope of the project, they are an integral part of the ecological functioning of these forests and wetlands. We have been capturing them as iNaturalist observations, to provide at least a partial picture of the larger community of organisms that are supported by the flora of Library Field.
As fall is quickly approaching, work on the flora project will soon be winding down as well. Before that happens, however, the landscape here will go through one last transformation on its way to winter dormancy. Over the next two months, the woods will fill with asters and goldenrods, warm-season grasses will set seed, and oaks and hickories will drop their annual investments in acorns and nuts to the forest floor. This mast of seeds, nuts, and fruits will support a burst of late-season activity, as both resident and migratory animals descend upon the forest to collect stores for the winter and fuel their journeys.
I will also be hosting one more citizen science event, cosponsored by the Ossining Public Library, on Saturday, October 3rd. This will be a fun outdoors, hands-on workshop exploring the tools, techniques, and philosophies behind the powerful but accessible citizen science tools that anyone can use to learn more about the world around them, expand their day-to-day experiences with nature, and engage with a broader scientific community of experts and eager amateurs of all skill levels. More information is forthcoming.