Latah County Parks and Recreation

Moscow, Idaho

Amphibians: Monitoring Amphibians on the Palouse (MAP) Project

The MAP project gathers long-term data about amphibian populations on the Palouse.  It is one of an increasing number of nationwide amphibian monitoring programs that rely on volunteers to gather data.

Three MAP sites are located at Phillips Farm.   Biology students from the Moscow School District take part in annual amphibian monitoring studies.

To learn more about or to participate in the MAP project, visit the Moscow High School's MAP website and the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute's MAP website .

Birds: Cornell University's - The Birdhouse Network (TBN) Project

Cornell University's The Birdhouse Network (TBN) Project uses citizen-scientists to gather data about cavity-nesting birds.  Participants provide nest boxes for the birds.  During the breeding season, participants observe and record information about the birds, such as the number of eggs and young in the nest, and submit their data over the Internet to scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.  This data becomes part of a national database which will help answer large-scale ecological questions about bird populations.

The nest boxes located throughout the Phillips Farm were erected by Moscow High School students. 

To learn more about the project, visit The Birdhouse Network (TBN) website.  If you would like to assist with the survey, please contact the Director of Latah County Parks and Recreation.

Garden

Although currently fallow, this garden has produced many crops of potatoes, tomatoes, beans, berries, and other fine fruits and vegetables.  Master Gardener Scotte Hecht has shared his expertise with youthful gardeners here over the years.

If you would like to assist with the gardening efforts, please contact the Director of Latah County Parks and Recreation.

Orchard

Virgil Phillips planted many fruit trees on his property, some of which are now considered valuable heirloom varieties. He enjoyed experimenting with grafting.  Fruit trees are located near the parking area and the gazeboes.  Can you find any trees with three different varieties of apple on one tree?

Future plans for the property include establishing a new orchard, with grafts from the older trees.

If you would like to see the orchard come to fruition, please contact the Director of Latah County Parks and Recreation.

Pond

Virgil Phillips constructed this pond in 1960 for landscaping and irrigation.

Today it provides excellent habitat for native wildlife. It also serves as an outdoor laboratory for budding biologists.

When non-native fish are introduced to the pond, they eat the eggs and tadpoles of the native frogs and salamanders. Please help keep this pond fish free! Don’t release your unwanted pet goldfish here!