The 2013 Northeast regional meeting will be held in Griswold, Connecticut , from Friday, 21 June to Sunday, 23 June. The close proximity to Rhode Island will provide participants the opportunity to visit a wide variety of habitats in both states, including large rivers, forested streams, marshes, coastal plain ponds, and wooded clearings. This is a peak time in the region for many odonate species, and we anticipate a number of new records will be added to the state's database.
Accomodations
Meeting headquarters will be at the AmericInn (860-376-3200) in Griswold, CT where we have reserved a block of 30 rooms which will be held until 20 May. Conveniently located off Interstate I-395 at Exit 85, the AmericInn has given us a discounted rate of $79.90 + tax (2 Queen beds non smoking). When you reserve your room, mention that you are attending the Northeast Regional Meeting of the DSA to get this rate. The hotel offers wifi and a continental breakfast. There are a limited number of rooms with a microwave and refrigerator that are available on a first come basis. Please make your reservations as early as possible. Other hotels in the area include the Quality Inn (860-564-4021) and Holiday Inn Express (860-564-1010) in Plainfield, CT (I-395 exit 87). Camping is available at nearby Hopeville State Park (860-376-0313), Countryside (860-376-0029), Ross Hill (860-376-9606) and Deer Haven (860-376-1081) campgrounds. There are several restaurants in the area, and a Home Depot and Walmart for anyone needing acetone or other supplies.
Flying
For those flying into the region, Griswold is approximately 38 mi. SW from the TF Green Airport (PVD - Warwick, RI) and 58 mi. SE from Bradley International Airport (BDL-Windsor Locks, CT). Rental cars are available at both airports.
Arriving
Attendees should plan to arrive on Thursday evening, 20 June to take advantage of trips starting from the parking lot of the AmericInn on Friday 21 June at 8:30 AM.
Field Trip Locations
Field excursions on Friday and Saturday will occur in both Rhode Island and Connecticut. In Rhode Island, Arcadia Management Area and the Great Swamp Management Area provide excellent access to forested streams, swamps, ponds, bogs, and fens with good potential to produce Pine Barrens Bluet (Enallagma recurvatum), Attenuated Bluet (Enallagma daeckii), two species of Ophiogomphus (aspersus and mainensis), Taper-tailed Darner (Gomphaeschna antilope), Coppery Emerald (Somatochlora georgiana) and three species of Spiketails, (Cordulegaster diastatops, maculata, and obliqua). A fourth Spiketail, Cordulegaster erronea, has not been found in Rhode Island to date, but is present in nearby Connecticut and thus a target for survey in Rhode Island.
We will also explore several undersurveyed sites in eastern CT, including the Quinnebaug, Schetucket, and Pachaug Rivers (bring canoes/kayaks), and various wetland habitats in Pachaug State Forest (Voluntown). Target species include Gomphus abbreviatus (Spine-crowned Clubtail), G. adelphus (Moustached Clubtail), and three species of Ophiogomphus (O. aspersus, O. mainensis, & O. rupinsulensis). Approx. 30 miles to the west is the Connecticut River, which should provide opportunities for finding two elusive clubtails - Gomphus fraternus (Midland Clubtail) and Gomphus vastus (Cobra Clubtail). An early evening hunt for two species of Shadowdragons (Neurocordulia. obsoleta & N. yamaskanensis) will provide good sport for those willing to test their netting skills. Maps, site directions, county lists, and collecting permits will be provided at the meeting.
Other target species in both Connecticut and Rhode Island include Enallagma laterale (New England Bluet), E. minusculum (Little Bluet), E. pictum (Scarlet Bluet), Nasiaeschna pentacantha (Cyrano Darner), Rhionaeschna mutata (Spatterdock Darner), Celithemis fasciata (Banded Pennant) and C. martha (Martha's Pennant), among others.
Contact for more info
If you have any questions, please contact Ginger Brown <vbrown@fullchannel.net> or Mike Thomas <mikethomas206@comcast.net> at the email addresses listed above. Also, please let us know if you are planning to attend and when.
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