Tifft Nature Preserve Management Plan - Buffalo Museum of Science

mowing few grassy areas. Both of these policies should continue at the preserve
into the future.
2. Control Goose Nesting – In early spring, goose eggs could be oiled to prevent
hatching and should continue for several years (5 to 10 years) to reduce the size
of the goose population. Oiling eggs is a simple, inexpensive, non-intrusive, and
effective way to reduce goose populations and is much less controversial than
capturing and killing geese.
Myrmica rubra Ants
A population of non-native Myrmica rubra ants occurs on the preserve and can
cause problems when ants become aggressive and attack with a painful sting. The red
colored ant, native to Europe where it causes few problems, lives under stones, fallen
trees, and sometimes in the soil, often along woodland edges and riverbanks. The
species is currently established in portions of Japan and North America where it is
considered invasive and a nuisance. The ants were discovered on the preserve in the
mid-1980’s and soon became such a serious pest that sections of the preserve needed
to be closed to the public at times. Most problems occurred in the south central portion
of the preserve where the population was largest (Brasure 1996). Several specialists
have been consulted on controlling the species, including a visit by the famed
entomologist and author E.O. Wilson.
Since 1992 Tifft Nature Preserve has been actively trying to control the Myrmica
rubra ant populations. At first (1992-94), boric acid in peanut butter or sugar water bait
were used, but were not effective in reducing ant numbers. In 1995, the preserve
started applying the insecticide Amdro (active ingredient: 0.73% Hydramethylnon),
which is dispensed in soybean oil on corn grits, following the emergence of ants in the
spring (Brasure 1996). Monitoring after application has shown the insecticide to be
effective at controlling the ants to levels where they are not a major concern. Effects
from the insecticide on non-target organisms have not been observed. The active
ingredient in Amdro has low toxicity for both oral and dermal exposure and is not listed
as a carcinogen, but is toxic to fish and should not be applied directly to water.
Therefore, due to the effectiveness of the product and its low toxicity, it is recommended
that spring and summer applications of Amdro continue as needed to control Myrmica
rubra ants on the preserve. Amdro is designated as a restricted use pesticide in New
York State and product application requires Pesticide Applicator Certification by the
NYS DEC, Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste, Bureau of Pesticides.
Power Line Management
There are two sets of National Grid power lines running through or adjacent to
the preserve. The set of large high voltage (115,000 volts) lines along the eastern edge
of the cattail marsh are not located on City of Buffalo land (i.e. the preserve), but are on
property owned by the power company. A lease agreement between the City of Buffalo
and the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences allows the Society to operate Tifft Nature
Preserve on city land. In this lease, the city has a wetland easement on the National
Tifft Nature Preserve Management Plan 41