Savannah River Ecology Laboratory

Here’s a side by look of two male Eastern fence lizards 🦎 the males are famous for their bright blue patches, but the intensity and shade of that coloration can vary quite a bit from one individual to another 💙🩵

Join us in congratulating Emily Erard-Stone on the successful defense of her master's thesis, Evaluating Sorbents for the Removal of Iodine-129 Species in Groundwater at the Savannah River Site.

Emily, a candidate for a Master of Science degree in Geology, defended her thesis on June 11, marking the successful completion of years of hard work, research, and dedication.

Congratulations Emily on this outstanding achievement, and best wishes on your next chapter! 🎉

You might notice some new visitors in your garden this summer, like we did with this grapevine beetle 🪲 The adults (like this one) feed on grapevine leaves and fruit, while their larvae spend up to two years developing in decaying wood underground.

As summer temperatures rise across the CSRA, SREL Outreach Coordinator, Amanda Hurst, spoke with WFXG FOX54 about snake safety, identification, and the ecological importance of both venomous and nonvenomous species.

Snakes are valuable members of our ecosystems, helping regulate rodent populations and supporting overall environmental health. We encourage residents to stay alert in areas with tall grass, brush piles, and other natural habitats while respecting wildlife from a safe distance.

🔗 You can watch the interview and read the full story here: https://www.wfxg.com/community/aiken-county/savannah-river-ecology-lab-warns-csra-residents-to-be-on-the-lookout-for-snakes/article_69f97b17-a0a1-48eb-8c48-2a400475c72d.html

Thank you to WFXG FOX54 for helping us share this important information with our community!

Savannah River Ecology Lab warns CSRA residents to be on the lookout for snakes As the heat continues to increase the Savannah River Ecology Lab warns residents to keep their eyes on their feet during snake season.

Have you found a baby bird on the ground? It may not need rescuing!

Many young birds leave the nest before they can fully fly. These “fledglings” spend a few days on the ground or hopping through shrubs while their parents continue to feed and protect them nearby. This particular bird is a fledgling mockingbird.

The best thing you can do is leave them alone and give them space. If the bird is alert, active, and has feathers, its parents are likely still caring for it. Keep pets indoors, watch from a distance, and let nature do its thing.

🦟 “What if we killed all mosquitoes?” That question was recently explored in an international science feature examining the complex relationship between mosquito-borne disease, ecology, and emerging mosquito management strategies.

The story includes insight from Dr. Dan Peach of the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and Department of Infectious Diseases, whose work focuses on mosquito ecology and vector biology. The article discusses how researchers are working to better understand the ecological role mosquitoes play while exploring approaches that could help reduce the spread of disease. 🌎🔬

Check out the article here 🔗 : https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2026/5/12/what-if-we-killed-all-mosquitoes-1402

We’re excited to welcome Scott Carver to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory today from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the SREL Cypress Room.

Dr. Carver is a Professor of Disease Ecology and Associate Dean for Research and Operations in the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia, as well as Associate Director of the Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases. His research focuses on the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases, particularly animal pathogens and wildlife health, with an emphasis on conservation and solutions-oriented research.