This project is supported by the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Microbial Observatories Program (grants MCB-0132097, 0132083 & 0131659). It would not be possible without the cooperation (access permission) and material assistance (use of ATVs, trailer and fuel) of the Salt Plains NWR staff, part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF, the USFWS, or the Salt Plains NWR.