Volunteer "Species Stewards" adopt one or more species of native prairie or savanna plants. On semi-monthly or more frequent visits, stewards log locations, bloom dates, and seed ripening dates, and collect seed to be used to restore additional prairie on old field sites. Additional opportunities for individual or group seed collection and sowing are provided. Buckthorn-busting is also available.
This poster was presented at the April 2011 workshop, Engaging and Learning for Conservation. It describes the Community Science Program, including four highlighted projects, at The Natural History Museum North Campus.
The Salt Marsh Program relies on trained volunteers who work side by side with salt marsh ecologists. We monitor tidally restricted salt marshes on Cape Cod, focusing on four areas of study: salinity, plants, birds and fish. Our goals are to: 1) increase awareness and stewardship of salt marshes through direct study of ecology and funtion; 2) build and maintain a skilled base of volunteer monitors; 3) obtain scientifically useful information on key indicators of salt marsh health; 4) document the need for and effectiveness of tidal restoration.
Monarchs in the Classroom provides a wide variety of materials and professional development opportunities for teachers, naturalists and citizens throughout the US. Two groups of behind the scenes people work together in a unique partnership to make this program successful: classroom teachers and scientists committed to sharing their expertise with the broader community. All of our programs reflect this partnership, combining real science with techniques that work for teachers, students and citizens, and promoting practices in which children learn science in ways that reflect the inquiry methods used by scientists to understand the natural world.
Operation Possum was a large-scale, community-based study of possums in South Australia. In 2008, Operation Possum collected data about possum species, how people manage possums, and participants’ attitudes towards possums, with a total of 2,234 online surveys completed from 462 different suburbs and towns. The conservation of wildlife living close to people can be complex, especially when the species behaves in ways that disturb or distress people, as possums certainly do. However, we found that a general admiration of possums, with a caveat regarding their less desirable behaviours, defined the relationship with these adorable yet troublesome marsupials: the paradox of the possum. Results from this project, including information about possums, stories submitted by participants, management strategies (and their effectiveness), and an introduction to Citizen Science, have been published as a book - The Possum-Tail Tree: Understanding Possums through Citizen Science.
Mountain Birdwatch is a long-term monitoring program for Bicknell's Thrush and other montane forest birds. From the Catskills to Mount Katahdin, trained volunteers conduct dawn surveys along foot trails that pass through some of the region's most awe-inspiring forests. The typical time commitment is one to two mornings each June, with overnight camping recommended on remote routes. Participants receive training in bird identification, experience the thrill of alpine adventure, and help guide the stewardship of vulnerable mountain habitat.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Vermont Center for EcostudiesBird Studies CanadaCanadian Wildlife ServiceWhite Mountain National ForestJudith Scarl
OPIHI (Our Project in Hawaii’s Intertidal) is a school-based monitoring program of Hawaii’s rocky intertidal where students improve their scientific skills while gathering data in an area that has not been well studied in Hawaii. While taking part in OPIHI, students learn about topics in marine ecology and conservation, species identification, and sampling techniques. Most importantly, students build their confidence and interest in science. We hope this place-based learning connects students to their local environments and natural resources and encourages wise stewardship.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
University of HawaiiReefcheck HawaiiJoanna Philippoff
Coastal breeding bird populations at Boston Harbor Islands, a National Park area, are monitored each spring and summer. Monitoring data helps park managers understand what species breed in Boston Harbor and correlate changes in coastal breeding bird populations with management actions. Boston Harbor Islands was designated as an Important Bird Area in 2002 and birdwatching is an important experience for many park visitors. This citizen-science monitoring program involves and engages the public in park stewardship. The information they gather helps to protect coastal breeding birds and their habitats.
Volunteer “Grunion Greeters” experience a grunion run and witness the remarkable behavior of the silvery little fish as they come completely ashore to spawn. Volunteers monitor local California beaches and collect basic information during a grunion run. The data are used by Pepperdine University researchers conducting studies on these charismatic fish and to ensure their protection on the beach.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Karen MartinNational Marine Fisheries Service
A BioBlitz is a rapid biological survey of a property in which as many species from as many taxonomic groups as possible are counted during a 24-hour period. It is used to provide a snapshot of wildlife in any area, and identify any rare or endangered species there. As a volunteer you would participate in training to learn how to collect data during the BioBlitz, and on the day of the event you work with experts to identify species. By participating in the BioBlitz, you get the opportunity to meet and spend time with people who are interested in the environment, and learn about critters in Wisconsin!
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science CenterSarah Braun
This poster was presented at the April 2011 workshop, Engaging and Learning for Conservation. It describes the goals and conservation outcomes of the citizen science Queen Conch Earthwatch Project in Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, Belize.
A citizen science project designed to monitor the distribution and abundance of bird species throughout the Fresno-Clovis Metro Area in the Central Valley of California.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
California State University, FresnoFresno Audubon SocietyMadhusudan Katti