Community-Involved Research Projects for Endangered Species Conservation
Citizen science is defined as: "scientific work undertaken by members of the general public, often in collaboration with or under the direction of professional scientists and scientific institutions" - OED
Citizen Science is a great way for members of the local community to get involved in larger research efforts, often by monitoring and collecting data on wildlife species and their habitats. This data becomes crucial in informing greater scientific research and conservation efforts. These activities also provide an opportunity for community members to explore and learn more about the surrounding natural world.
Altacal is run by volunteers and relies on community members to help actualize these research projects. We facilitate several projects and opportunities for local volunteers to get involved, including yearly surveys and ongoing monitoring efforts.
Christmas Bird Counts |
BCEP Bird Counts and Banding |
Greater NorCal Survey and Monitoring Projects
Chico & Oroville Christmas Bird Counts
The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is the longest running community science project in the United States – it started in the year 1900! The Chico CBC was started in 1956 and Altacal became the primary organizer once they formed as a nonprofit organization. The Oroville CBC began in 1969 and also continues today. Mary Muchowski is the current compiler for the Chico CBC and Gaylord Grams is the current compiler of the Oroville CBC.
Butte Creek Ecological Preserve Bird Counts and Banding
Dawn Garcia initiated a banding station at BCEP, an official MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) station for studying and banding passerines. Our outreach program “Ecology in Flight” provided hundreds of school children and skilled volunteers with an opportunity to participate and learn how we extract the birds from the nets, measure, and band them. Over 1,300 birds of 45 species were banded.
Climate Watch Surveys (National Audubon)
These surveys were created to monitor certain species over the years to figure out how they are affected by climate change. There are survey blocks in a grid that covers the entire country. You can sign up to cover one of these 10x10 kilometer (6.2x6.2 mile) blocks to monitor one or more of the target species. Each surveyor sets up 12 points within the best habitat for whichever species you choose within the block and that can be surveyed in one day. Winter surveys take place from January 15 to February 15 and summer surveys take place from May 15 to June 15. The target species in California are western and mountain bluebirds, and white-breasted, red-breasted and pygmy nuthatches.
Central Valley Shorebird Surveys (Point Blue)
Altacal members have been participating in the Central Valley Shorebird Surveys that were developed by and are coordinated by Point Blue (Point Reyes Bird Observatory). Each route is 20 stations that are ½ mile apart and are conducted between November 15th and December 15th each year. If you would like to volunteer, contact us.