Research – Welkinweir

Welkinweir is a living laboratory for the study of ecological issues, sustainability, and land stewardship.

Learn more about the research initiatives underway at Welkinweir.

Carbon Monitoring and Research

Project staff from the University of Washington Precision Forestry Cooperative have selected Welkinweir as one of the sites where they will be collecting field data on carbon stocks. Forests currently store vast quantities of carbon as cellulose, which they accumulate by removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Understanding current forest stocks as well as the rate of CO2 removal are important elements in assessing climate change.

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Citizen Science

Every day, observations of birds, amphibians, plants and more by community members are contributing to vital research on the natural world. Browse the galleries below to see creatures that have been observed at Welkinweir!

Biodiversity Citizen Science

Herps

"Herps" is a collective term for amphibians and reptiles. Several of these fascinating creatures make their homes at Welkinweir, primarily around the waterways.

You can learn how to identify the amphibians and reptiles you see at Welkinweir and in your own community, as well as help researchers track their populations, by visiting the Pennsylvania Amphibian & Reptile Survey.

Birds

Did you know? Welkinweir is a birding "hotspot"! Over 140 species have been documented by bird watchers, who submit their observations online through eBird to help researchers track bird populations and migrations. Visit eBird to check out their latest sightings, then add some of your own during our weekend naturalist walks!

Insects

Welkinweir supports an incredible diversity of insect life: from migratory dragonflies and Monarch butterflies, to resident bees and other important pollinators, and more.

Did you know?

The Penn State Master Gardener program has certified Welkinweir as a Pollinator Friendly Garden.
Welkinweir is a North American Butterfly Association Certified Butterfly Garden.
Our gardens and natural areas are a Monarch Waystation: one of many gardens in the United States that supports all stages of the Monarch Butterfly life cycle!
Welkinweir is part of the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge - a campaign to raise awareness of and support for pollinating insect habitat.
We have partnered with local non-profit Bee Positive Honey to sponsor a honeybee hive in one of our meadows.
You can help protect pollinators and other insects, too! Learn more from the Xerces Society.

Mammals

Welkinweir's variety of habitats supports many mammal species, from tiny Southern Flying Squirrels to large White-tailed Deer.

Did you know? You can submit your mammal observations to the Pennsylvania Mammal Atlas, an effort to survey the entire state to determine the range of all 64 mammal species. Visit their website to learn more!