Biodiversity in our backyard: Robinson Park’s Science and Nature Day

AGAWAM — People living in the Greater Springfield area may think they have to travel far to experience a wide array of nature and wildlife, but Robinson State Park may be the area’s best kept secret in biodiversity.

However, the park volunteers are hoping that secret gets out and to aid in that, they are hosting a Robinson State Park Science and Nature Day on June 20.

Scientists and teachers come from all over New England to show off the dizzying array of plant and animal life at Robinson State Park. The day begins with a bird identification walk at 7 a.m. West Springfield Science Teacher and avid birder Steve Svec will serve as a guide and point out the separate species of birds that live in the park or stop there while migrating. Birdwatching is a multisensory experience, and Nancy Bobskill, a volunteer with Robinson State Park, said that if a bird cannot be seen, it can be identified from its distinctive call. People are urged to bring binoculars and meet on Colemore Street, across the street from the park entrance.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will also be a “Big Tree Walk” through the park, which is home to 55 distinct species of trees. Rod Parlee, director of Connecticut Association of Conservation & Inland Wetlands Commissions, and certified arborist Matt “Twig” Largess will lead people through the park, discovering the variety of trees it offers.

Among the activities is what Bobskill called the “mini bioblitz.” From noon to 2 p.m., Parlee, Bob Nuzzo, and Veronica Bobskill and David Matevosian — two etymologists — will explore the park and identify the diverse array of plants and animals.

Nuzzo, a retired aquatic biologist, will point out the frogs, fairy shrimp and explosive array of salamanders that define the park’s vernal pool. Parlee explained that a vernal pool is a small pocket wetland, and is temporary, existing for only a few months each year before drying up. He urged people to explore it while they can.

“A bioblitz shows us what critters make this home,” said Parlee. He added that many of the plants and animals depend on a dense, uninterrupted forest canopy to survive and thrive. The Big Tree Walk and Mini Bioblitz are appropriate for all ages.

The event is nothing new — the park has hosted it for about 20 years. But lately, attendance has dropped off. While the event can accommodate between 75 and 100 people, it has recently seen crowds of just 25-30 people. Bobskill said advertising has changed since Science and Nature Day first began, and it is more difficult to attract people. She also said children and families have many programs to choose from this time of year.

Bobskill said the park has a rich history. At one point, there was a plan to log part of the park. Parlee, Largess and a group of volunteers advocated against cutting the trees down. Parlee explained that cutting down trees in a park of the park would allow invasive species to gain a foothold and spread into the rest of the forest. He also said people who use the park for purposes such as ATVing and mountain biking leave rutted paths that damage the plants and block small animals, like salamanders, from traversing the park and migrating. In turn, which damages the ecosystem.

Parlee said the volunteers who work in the park and set up events, like Robinson State Park Day, are dedicated to “proforestation.” He said, “The dedication, the passion — that’s what we all have in common.”

Robinson State Park is at 428 North St. in Feeding Hills and opens at 9 a.m. Most events start or take place at the Trestle Pavilion. It is suggested that people bring their own food, water, and sun and insect protection. Activities are free but there is an entrance fee to drive into the park.