Maine Damselfly and Dragonfly Survey

MDDS Announcements 

{Last Updated 28 November 2007}

            This section of the MDDS web page gives us an opportunity to post updates and relevant information to survey participants in a timely manner without resorting to mass mailings.  The vast majority of MDDS participants have personal computers and Internet connections and for those not connected we believe most public libraries in the state have on-line computer service and assistance.  Please check this portion of the web page regularly and make note of the date when announcements have last been updated.  Please feel welcome to get hold of us as well via email (preferable) or phone with questions or suggestions (see MDDS Contacts).    

 Ø     MDDS Phase I Final Report Protocol:  Paul and Phillip have finished the final report for Phase I of MDDS.  I have posted this to the MDDS website as a pdf file (it's 11.3 mb, so a high speed internet connection is advised).   MDDS 2005 Final Report

 Ø     MDDS Phase II Protocol:  Our objectives and sampling protocol has changed somewhat for Phase II of MDDS.  We welcome your continued participation in the project and encourage you to familiarize yourself with the new Phase II protocol.  Please feel free to contact Ron Butler with questions concerning the new protocol, sample site selection, or MDDS.

Ø     2007 Vouchers:  I have received some voucher collections already - many thanks.   If you're still holding on to some, please send them along ASAP.  As in years past, please be sure the include your site visit and site description forms with your vouchers, and pack your specimens in lots of newspaper to cushion them while shipping. Vouchers can be mailed to me (Ron Butler) or dropped off  at the address given below.

                Dr. Ron Butler
                173 High Street
                Dept of Natural Sciences - Preble Hall
                University of Maine at Farmington
                Farmington, Maine 04938

 Ø      MDDS VOUCHER COLLECTIONS: 

·          The growing MDDS voucher collection with its thousands of specimens now has a home. Dick Dearborn has graciously agreed to host the collection at the Maine Forest Service's (MFS) Insect and Disease Laboratory in Augusta. The MFS lab is certainly more accessible than Phillip's home closet and far safer from dermestid pests. Dick has offered work space for MDDS volunteers to study the collection providing an appointment is made ahead of time. The collection is organized taxonomically and provides an outstanding opportunity for students to review labeled species material in the hand. The MFS lab is located at 50 Hospital St. (Route 9) between the Augusta Mental Health Institute and the intersection of route 17. The lab is open between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday, but because of staff shortages it is imperative that interested students of the collection make a prearranged appointment to view the collection. Appointments can be made by contacting the lab at 207-287-2431.

Ø      SUPPLIES: 

·          Datasheets & Field Envelopes - Active participants in need of more MDDS datasheets or field envelopes should contact me with requests for specific materials.  I will try to send supplies to you shortly after hearing from you. 

·          Acetone Containment - Several volunteers have had trouble locating appropriate tupperware containers for holding acetone. Paul Brunelle uses Superseal #1, 34 oz, 1liter containers which I think many of you saw at Eagle Hill during the introductory workshop. Apparently these are not available in the US and are now difficult to find even in Canada. Instead, Paul suggests you might try using a Glad container, sold in packs of 5, called Gladware (Entree Size, 739ml). It is about the right size for holding the MDDS field envelopes and holds up fairly well to the acetone bath. These containers are light however, and should probably be nested in a large freezer bag and a larger tupperware container if they are to be used in vehicles.

Richard Hildreth has suggested another product called “Servin Saver” made by Rubbermaid.  Made of plastic that apparently holds up well to acetone, they have tight fitting lids and come in several handy sizes.  Apparently the Shaws Super Markets in MA carry a nice variety of these.  These containers should also be nested in larger Zip-lock bags to further control spillage and to help keep the fumes inside.

Remember that whatever product you use to hold acetone, it is a good idea to use forceps when picking envelopes out of the acetone for drying.

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