2017-Apr-22
Spring Into Marsh Monitoring - Volunteers needed
“Volunteers needed” says Lands and Forest committee member Freda Klassen
Spring into Marsh Monitoring
The gear is ready, the coffee is brewed, and you’ve reviewed your bird calls. You’re all set to start your first Marsh Monitoring survey of the season! Whether a beginner or a seasoned expert, each volunteer for Bird Studies Canada’s Marsh Monitoring Program (MMP) contributes to wetlands science by surveying for secretive marsh birds (and – in Ontario – for amphibians, too). (Photo: Cody Pytlak)
Wetlands are among the world’s most diverse and productive environments, upon which countless species of plants and animals depend. Yet these habitats are often overlooked and undervalued. Understanding long-term population trends of the species using these ecosystems is becoming increasingly important for their conservation.
Between April and July (depending on the region), MMP volunteers visit local marshes, surveying for species that are not well detected by other survey methods. Their observations provide biologists with the ability to track long-term trends for these fragile species and habitats. Check the online map (here) to see if a wetland in your area is currently being monitored.
How you can contribute:
Great Lakes Region: The Great Lakes MMP is always looking for more volunteers to monitor birds and/or frogs. Kathy (volunteer@birdscanada.org) can help you find a route, and you can check the online map to see if your local wetland is currently being monitored!
