Barbara networking with Puddles the NWRS Blue Goose at the Conserving the Future Conference
I wondered what citizen science was by definition. I realized we’d done it at my local refuge, Assabet River NWR, part of the Eastern Massachusetts Complex. During the course of conversations with Friends and other contacts, I realized what a vital part of our work citizen science is, how this work broadens our appreciation of the natural world and just how much fun we have doing it.
The workshop came and went, and nearly a day later, I’m still reviewing how it went. I’m glad I remember some things, like mentioning all the presentations for the conference are on the flash drives we received at registration. I missed making some points I’d hoped to make.
My hope is that participants came away with a sense of how to use citizen science on refuges, engage Friends
groups and volunteer support, and recognize some of the benefits such an effort will bring. Whether projects are “out of the box” or projects that you cook up yourselves, they are best served with interpretive programs, publicity and other outreach. Unexpected expertise exists in your community, and when you find it, it can work wonders. Participation in citizen science projects strengthens understanding of the natural world, and strengthens ties of support and stewardship for one’s local refuge and for the refuges system as a whole. Maybe folks made a connection with a new approach, a new idea, a new contact, or a new perspective.
Sandra shared her enthusiasm for Project Budburst, her work with the FWS on Project Budburst for refuges. Thank you, Sandra, for your organization and its work, for your effort delivering this workshop, and for your enthusiasm. I’m honored to have been a small part of such a gathering of so many people so deeply committed to conservation.
I hope we encouraged those who attended this workshop on citizen science to join in the adventure!
Barbara Volkle, Friends of the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
