Our April 14th Community Forum was a hit! This year’s forum focused on how scientists are using camera trapping technology to better understand our natural world and how local residents can use technology to discover wildlife in their own backyards. The audience was captivated by the stunning images and videos of the creatures that live among us, while learning about important conservation issues, like connectivity. Attendees left excited and empowered to get out in nature and join in on citizen science.
Speakers included Dr. Ed McGowan, Director of the Trailside Museums & Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park; Dr. Scott LaPoint, Research Scientist at Black Rock Forest; and Dr. Brent Boscarino, Invasive Species Citizen Science Program Coordinator at the Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM). The event program, with bios for all speakers, is available here. Thanks so much to our speakers for their fascinating and engaging presentations.
Press Coverage
You can read a recap of the forum in this feature story in the Highlands Current: Behind the Scenes … in the Forest. Additional event details are available in this press release.
Presentations
- Dr. McGowan: Golden Eagle camera-trapping study in Harriman State Park
- Dr. LaPoint: Black Rock Forest fisher study
- Dr. Boscarino: Citizen science opportunities and mobile technologies for naturalists
Resources
Here are some resources to help get you started in citizen science:
- Learn to use iNaturalist with this video tutorial
- Explore volunteer opportunities on citizen science surveys with LH-PRISM
- Additional citizen science projects and opportunities can be found on the Community Greenway Collaborative’s website