The end of 2021 marks another very successful year for the Runge Biodiversity Project. During the last year, 58 observers added 1,954 observations of 841 different species. Of the 841 species observed, 190 are new to the project, an amazing addition.

Even more impressive is the contribution made by participants who took part in a Insects @ Night program at the nature center. Participants had the opportunity to observe insects at black lighting and bait stations. During the course of the night, 8 iNaturalist observers recorded over 300 observations of 155 different species, 65 of which were new to the project!

The most observed species in 2021 were:

1 - Swamp metalmark (Missouri Species of Conservation Concern) - 24 observations
2 - Common box turtle - 18 observations
3 - Monarch - 17 observations
4 - Pearl crescent - 14 observations
5 - Green frog - 12 observations

Thanks to your observations in 2021 and years past, we surpassed 10,000 total observation in September with the addition of a gray tree frog observation (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/94924281), and added our 200th observer to the project in October. The current total for the number of observers, observations, species, and most observed species for the life of the Runge Biodiversity Project are:

202 Observers
10,271 Observations
1,830 Species

1 - Monarch - 94 observations
2 - Wild turkey - 83 observations
3 - Common box turtle - 80 observations
4 - Swamp metalmark (Missouri Species of Conservation Concern) - 72 observations
5 - Purple coneflower - 67 observations

Thank you for your continued effort and support as we strive to learn more about the biodiversity that calls Runge Nature Center home.

Challenge yourself to get outside this winter by participating in our iNaturalist Observation Scavenger Hunt. Scavenger hunts can be found at the front desk of the nature center. After completing the hunt using the iNaturalist app or website, and adding your observations to the "Runge Biodiversity Project," stop at the front desk to receive a free nature discovery item. Get out, explore, and observe this winter at Runge.