Research


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

Learn more about the research initiatives underway at Welkinweir.

Bioacoustics Wildlife Monitoring
Green Valleys Watershed Association received a grant to establish a wireless network of bioacoustic recorders at Welkinweir. The recorders capture nearby sounds that are then analyzed to identify bird song and calls. So far, several species that are difficult to see in the field have been documented here in this way. Learn more at GVWA's page by clicking the image above.
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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?

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!