River Source and the USFS Biologist Andre Silva are seeking volunteers to assist with tracking the presence of NM Meadow Jumping Mouse and protecting its habitat along the San Antonio Creek starting Monday, September 9 and going to Thursday, September 12.
The New Mexico Jumping Mouse is an indicator species that is endangered due to habitat loss occurs from excessive cattle grazing, heavy human and vehicle traffic and stream diversions. Tall herbaceous plants need to be abundant and seed producing along with native grasses next to streams to help the mouse gain weight, give birth and raise young in the ~3 to 4 months it is out of hibernation and active. Grass that is less than 24 inches tall becomes non beneficial to the mouse.
The project involves setting and daily monitoring of track plates, a non-invasive way of capturing the paw prints of the mouse. Track plates consist of a plastic box about the size of a shoe box with 2 entry holes cut into sides, a piece of self-adhesive, clear paper cut to the dimensions of the enclosure and attached sticky side up with double sided tape, and a piece of felt fabric, saturated in solution of mineral oil and carpenter’s chalk. After checking the track plates each morning, participants can choose to help improve fencing along streams to protect the habitat of the mouse or…. combine that service with monitoring fish populations by going fishing on San Antonio Creek !
Participants should be prepared to camp at least one night and help with the project at least for two days and one night. Other participants are likely young adults from nearby Native American Pueblos along the Rio Grande and River Source staff.
To get an idea of what the work looks like, please see the video below.
To register or ask questions, please contact Rich Schrader at [email protected] and [email protected].
