Accumulations of nuisance drift macroalgae along the open coast Atlantic beaches of the Cape Cod National Seashore have been observed on an anecdotal basis for over 50 years. This entire stretch of coastline is sandy, with no solid substrata for algal attachment. During the summer of 2006, we collected data on drift macroalgal accumulations repeatedly throughout this National Seashore. Peak biomass (consisting of several filamentous red species and green algae, primarily Ulva lactuca) was found in early August, mainly at the northernmost site. Our data, together with ocean current patterns and anecdotal evidence, suggest that macroalgae may originate in rocky shorelines of northern New England and are transported south by Gulf of Maine currents. Algae are most likely caught along the Cape Cod National Seashore shoreline by sand bars, particularly in the northern part of the shoreline.

Bryophytes are often noted for their growth on specific rock types and their value as indicator species. However, some evidence suggests that restriction of a species to specific rock types may be less rigid and could vary under different environmental conditions. We assessed richness and distribution patterns of bryophytes at 22 rock outcrop locations in upstate New York (NY) and coastal Maine (ACAD). At each location, detailed surveys were done in five replicate 5-m by 2-m plots on vertical rock faces. We report on the 194 bryophyte species found in these surveys and present detailed analyses for the 137 species that occurred at two or more of the 22 locations. In general, liverworts were less likely to be dominant within a plot than mosses. Within-site dominance and frequency of liverworts were less well correlated to larger-scale frequency (number of locations and regions of occurrence). In NY, although there was no significant difference in bryophyte richness by rock type, rare species were more often found on calcium-containing rock types. Rock type, soil influence, number of liverwort species, and region were significant correlates with bryophyte species composition patterns. The importance of rock type in explaining species composition patterns was still significant though weaker when ACAD locations were included in the analysis. This difference resulted from a higher prevalence of leafy liverwort species on calcium-containing rock types in ACAD. Our results present further evidence that apparent restrictions to specific rock types may shift depending on environmental conditions such as increased humidity and narrower temperature extremes that occur along the north Atlantic coast.

A survey was conducted in New Brunswick (NB) over 5 years (1996–2000), to assess the status of Quercus macrocarpa (Bur Oak). Bur Oak in NB is separated from the fringe of its contiguous native range by approximately 750 km. Historically, the species occurred throughout the lower Saint John River Valley and in the floodplains of the Grand Lake Complex. The range in NB has been reduced and fragmented, and now consists of a few small populations, along with scattered individuals, occupying a combined area of less than 5 km2. The most isolated of the small populations in NB is at least 40 km from the nearest seed or pollen source. Elements of a conservation strategy are presented, which include preservation of existing stands by government and non-government organizations, landowner education, and restoration planting in appropriate habitats.

Tsuga canadensis (Eastern Hemlock) is a common forest species that is declining throughout its range in the eastern United States because of the invasion of an exotic forest pest, Adelges tsugae (Hemlock Woolly Adelgid). This pest kills infected trees, and over time, infected stands are replaced by deciduous forests. The conversion of forests from hemlock to deciduous species is predicted to impact the hydrology, chemistry, and biology of associated headwater streams. In this study, we examined the macroinvertebrate communities of two adjacent headwater streams with differing hemlock influence in central Massachusetts. Abundance, taxa richness, diversity, and unique taxa were generally greater in the deciduous stream. Differences in the distribution of functional feeding groups were observed: the hemlock stream had a greater percentage of collector-gatherers while the deciduous stream had a greater percentage of shredders and predators. These findings suggest that macroinvertebrate communities in streams draining hemlock and deciduous watersheds may differ in structure and function, and that anticipated hemlock mortality may impact the region's stream ecology.

Stenamma diecki is a small ant with a widespread distribution. Systematic plot excavations in two locations have allowed us to collect data on a large number of S. diecki nests in order to examine seasonal and spatial differences in nest demography and allocation decisions within this species. Populations of this species from New York and Vermont nest in cavities far more commonly than has been reported, and thus we could compare our results with data on this species and with patterns of demography and reproduction for two other well-studied cavity-dwelling ants. We found nests were monogynous at all locations, but showed considerable variation in mean queen number and mean worker number. Most nests did not produce any males or reproductive females in a season, and this pattern was also site specific. Sexual and reproductive allocation was similar for all sites tested. Finally, demographic patterns within a site over 3 seasons are consistent with those predicted by seasonal polydomy.

We report several cases in which Gordionus lineatus (Horsehair Worm) (Nematomorpha) parasitizes the diplopod Cambala annulata (Myriapoda, Diplopoda) in Ohio. Diplopods as host for nematomorphs in North America have previously only briefly been mentioned. This report is the first host record for a Nearctic Gordionus species. Gordionus lineatus is also a new record for Ohio. Though the sample size is small, the prevalence may be high (50%). Myriapods appear to survive the parasitization. As Cambala annulata is likely to be herbivorous, pathways of infection with nematomorphs are discussed.

The distribution and status of the bats of Prince Edward Island (PEI) is largely unknown. We addressed this information gap by compiling records from museums and published documents, and surveying for bats with traps and ultrasonic detectors during the summers of 2004 and 2005. Myotis lucifugus (Little Brown Bat) and M. septentrionalis (Northern Long-eared Bat) were the most abundant and widespread species of bats on the island. These species form maternity colonies, but the potential for there to be large natural hibernacula on the island is considered low. Lasiurus cinereus (Hoary Bat) is the only other species of bat that has been recorded on PEI, but its occurrence is rare. Diversity and abundance of bats on PEI may be limited by its northern insular geography, patchy distribution of forested areas, and lack of hibernacula. These limitations make protecting such resources on PEI and in neighboring provinces important for conserving the region's bat fauna.

Surveys of dragonfly exuviae have been used to assess rare species' habitats, lake water quality status, and wetland restoration programs. Knowledge of the persistence of exuviae on various substrates is necessary to accurately interpret exuvial surveys. In 2006, we recorded exuvial persistence at defined areas in a variety of small freshwater wetlands in Rhode Island. Exuviae were field-identified, labeled with small daubs of nail polish, and observed every three weeks from June through September. Overall, exuvial persistence displayed exponential decline, disappearing rapidly during the first few weeks, and more slowly thereafter. The initial rate of decline was similar for most species, but differed in some taxa. There was no significant difference in exuvial retention on emergent vegetation vs. rock substrate.