The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association speaker series for the winter and spring of 2014 is: “Citizen Science in the Sheepscot Watershed: You don’t have to be a Scientist to do science!”

The programs will introduce participants to a variety of citizen science projects for people of all ages, from counting birds at feeders through the winter, observing nesting songbirds and American Kestrels, noting seasonal changes in the natural world, to identifying and monitoring vernal pools. 

Citizen science is a way for the public to collect data and contribute valuable information to professional scientists who then use that data to draw conclusions and understand how plant and animal communities work.

In most cases previous experience is not required, only a commitment to make observations, collect and submit accurate data, and a willingness to learn and share. Citizen science is a wonderful way to introduce science to kids and involve people of all ages, in addition to providing fun family activities!

The SVCA speaker series will kick off Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m. with an introduction to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Citizen Science Projects; including Project Feeder Watch, e-bird, and the Great Backyard Bird Count. Those new to birding are welcome to come learn about these projects, which are a fun way to learn more about birds. Natural history and bird identification skills will be part of the evening and will be appropriate for all ages.

A follow up birding field trip to watch feeder birds and take a walk will occur on Saturday, Jan. 18. (Preregistration is required for the field trip, and is limited to 15 people.)

All Wednesday talks take place at the SVCA office, 624 Sheepscot Road in Newcastle at 6:30 p.m. (with snow dates on Thursdays). A $5 donation is suggested but not required. All Saturday field trips or workshops require preregistration, and are open to anyone whether they attended the prior talk or not. Box building workshops will require a fee for building materials.

Please check the winter program series on the SVCA website at www.sheepscot.org, or call the office for more information 207-586-5616.

Save the dates for our other citizen science talks:

January 29

John Pratte, Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologist will talk about its successful volunteer program monitoring and maintaining nest boxes for wood ducks and other waterfowl. A field trip to train volunteers and monitor SVCA’s nest boxes will occur when ice forms on the ponds.

February 5

Esperanza Stanicoff form the University of Maine Cooperative Extension will introduce the “Signs of Spring Program” engaging volunteers in gathering seasonal data related to climate change. A follow-up training will occur March 22 at 10 a.m.

February 19

Annie Kassler will speak on bats of Maine and how the public can help keep track of these nocturnal and “natural insect controllers.” On February 22 at 1 p.m. there will be a bat box building party for all ages; preregistration required for the workshop.

March 5

Larry Barnes, a falconer from Wiscasset will introduce the Kestrel Partnership, a project designed to train citizens to build and monitor nest boxes for this smallest of falcons. March 8 at 10 a.m. will be a box building workshop where participants can build their own box or work on one for an SVCA Preserve.

March 19

Phillip deMaynadier, Maine IF&W biologist will speak on vernal pool ecology and conservation, and the significance of these pools for forest breeding amphibians.  An April field trip is planned to learn about identifying and monitoring vernal pools, date TBA based on weather.

April 16

Hildy Ellis from Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District will present information on creating backyard bird habitats in conjunction with the many Citizen science projects related to birds in our backyards. May 10 at 7 a.m. will be a bird walk around Sheepscot Village.

The Citizen Science series will culminate in SVCA Preserve “Bio Blitzes” in May. A BioBlitz is an intense period of surveying in an attempt to record living species within a designated area. Volunteers will help conduct plant and animal inventories on some of SVCA’ public preserves. Experienced and non-experienced naturalists are welcome to join in the fun as a wonderful way to learn about the Preserves and what’s there in addition to proving SVCA with valuable information about the properties. Dates will be announced in the spring so check the website for details.

For more information, visit our website at www.sheepscot.org or like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sheepscot.