Citizen science involves professional scientists and everyday people engaged in activities such as biological inventories, long-term monitoring, and scientific research. The goals of citizen science projects are to generate meaningful, useful data that contributes to scientific understanding of a species. That understanding can then be applied to managing species and resources at the park level.
One of the most important components of citizen science is it allows everyday people the chance to gain in-depth knowledge about species found in the park and the issues or threats facing Waterton.
Two such projects are being offered in Waterton Lakes National Park over the next couple of weeks:
Spring Plant Count
May 26 & 27
Annually, on the last weekend of May, the Federation of Alberta Naturalists organizes a spring plant count. Scientist Emeritus Peter Achuff leads of group of interested volunteers counting the number of plant species flowering in the park. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the park while looking for and learning some of Waterton’s fantastic plants from an experienced botanist. Your sightings contribute to tracking climate-driven changes in the number of plants flowering in the park as part of an Alberta-wide snapshot.
If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please email Justin McKeown or phone (403)-859-5107.
Spring Bird Count
June 2 & 3
In support of a province-wide program of the Federation of Alberta Naturalists, Waterton Lakes National Park staff contribute to a count of birds in the park during the first weekend of June each year. Previous birding experience is helpful but not necessary. Binoculars are also helpful.
If you’re interested in participating or would like more information, please email Justin McKeown or phone (403)-859-5107.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com
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