Please Note: The Taking Flight with Citizen Science webinar series can be used as continuing education or service hours for OCVN certification.
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Virtual Kickoff for Taking Flight with Citizen Science
Session 1 - Keynote
Matt Shumar, Program Coordinator of the Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, has provided our keynote and kick off. Matt helps us explore the role citizen science is playing in bird conservation and how we can use the tools of citizen science to improve our naturalist skills and conserve bird habitat at our local patch and park.
Meeting Recording:
https://osu.zoom.us/rec/share/ptREBO_N8iBOSbfJyR3tA54jHIq8T6a8gXRNq6ILz0qCSuBlrXJoKtGFwXws8-st
About eBird: https://ebird.org/about
eBird Essentials (free online course): https://ebird.org/news/ebird-essentials
eBird Breeding & Behavior Code definitions: https://support.ebird.org/en/support/solutions/articles/48000837520
Session 2 - Building Curious Kids’ Local Connection and Global Perspectives with eBird Citizen Science
Session Leader: Jennifer Fee, Manager of K-12 Programs, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Description: Citizen-science projects like eBird take students outside to carefully observe and document their local environment, notice patterns, and ask authentic questions. These projects help kids connect locally and see their environment in a global context. Jennifer will share free resources (including apps, hands-on activities, and multimedia resources) to put in your “engaging kids” toolbox as well as tips for successfully engaging young people in outdoor observations and citizen science using an inquiry mindset.
Meeting Recording:
https://osu.zoom.us/rec/share/zul0AZu37mhJbY3j1kvTdqEiIq_hX6a80SlIqaVbyE71MYuK7OXYiCSop9eA6R7c
Evaluation for Session 2 Building Curious Kids: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3eHFVhXWCHPqQ2p
Resources:
Leading Nature Walks: 5 Keys to Success https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI_k_cTmgMs
Science and Nature Activities for Cooped Up Kids https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/parents/
Bird Sleuth Explorers Guidebook https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/explorers-guidebook/
Session 4 - Taking Flight with Community Science: Bees
Denise Ellsworth, Pollinator Education, Department of Entomology/Extension, The Ohio State University leading the session.
Program Description:
How many bee species call Ohio home? We need community scientists to help answer this question! Denise will help us explore the role of community science in bee conservation, and how The Ohio Bee Atlas on iNaturalist can help us to improve ID skills and get enthused about the natural world. Denise will also share a smorgasbord of other community science projects.
Meeting Recording:
https://osu.zoom.us/rec/share/791SbJb581hJe6_B-F36c64YQJbpT6a8gXIeqacNn0...
Resources
Ohio Bee Atlas: http://go.osu.edu/ohiobeeatlas
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/home
The Great Sunflower Project: https://www.greatsunflower.org/
Bumble Bee Watch: https://www.bumblebeewatch.org/
Bees of Ohio—A Field Guide https://cpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/u.osu.edu/dist/2/86606/files/2020/06/Bees-...
Journey North
Journey North is a citizen science migration tracking database. The Monarch butterfly is a focus, but they track sightings of other migratory wildlife as well. This database is timely to share as warm weather is on the horizon and the Monarch butterflies current position surely means Ohio will be getting our first in the next 7-10 days.
The Monarch butterfly is currently being considered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for potential listing under the Endangered Species Act and the reasons for the butterfly's steep decline are complex. Monarchs complete an annual multi-generational journey from Mexico to the United States and Canada and back every year. Monarch butterfly reproduction is dependent upon milkweed as a host plant and connecting plant phenology (when plants grow and bloom) with migratory timing is an important component of understanding the species' dynamics. The Monarch butterfly is an iconic species, continentally recognized by nearly all citizens, and will take a whole group effort to conserve.