Mohonk Preserve’s Community Science Program, launched in 2014, invites members of the community to engage in scientific research and long-term ecological monitoring through direct participation in natural history observation, data collection, and analysis. This program aims to provide educational and science-based volunteer opportunities for participants of all ages and experience levels and promote a deeper understanding of the local impacts of climate change.
Community Science Volunteers
- Receive training and support from Preserve staff and experienced volunteer leaders
- Become a critical part of the Conservation Science team’s efforts on the Shawangunk Ridge.
- May participate in a wide range of ongoing studies and projects
Community Science Volunteer Opportunities Include:
Studying The Seasons
Phenology Project
Record the timing of seasonal events of specific flora and fauna species at the Foothills Phenology Trail. (Year-Round)
Phenology can be considered Nature’s calendar. It is the study of seasonal and cyclical changes in plants and animals, like the flowering of plants, the emergence of insects, or the migration of birds.
The timing of these events are influenced by environmental triggers (sunlight, temperature, and precipitation) making phenology a leading indicator of climate change.
Phenology records around Mohonk Lake date back to 1925, when Daniel and Keith Smiley started noting the date of spring bird arrivals. The Preserve’s Daniel Smiley Research Center continue this tradition of natural history observation and have expanded the scope of the Smileys’ phenology records to monitor seasonal changes in plants and other fauna at Mohonk Preserve on local, regional, and national levels.
Phenology Project Volunteer Observers document distinct stages in select trees, shrubs, wildflowers, butterflies, amphibians, and reptiles throughout the year. The Mohonk Preserve Foothills Phenology Trail is accessible from our Testimonial Gateway Trailhead.
Volunteer as a Phenology Observer
- Join a dynamic group of volunteers
- All ages and experience levels are welcome
- No prior science or research background required
- Receive training and group learning opportunities and workshops
- Spend time outdoors
- Scheduling incredibly flexible
- Hone skills in data collection, species identification, and botany
- Gain a deeper understanding of the local impacts of climate change
- Receive the Phenology Trail Newsletter to see what is happening out on the trail
When and How to Observe
- Once trained, volunteers observe on their own schedule and submit their data online within 24 hours.
- Observers document specific life cycle stages occurring for a given species at each visit.
Resources:
Peregrine Watch
Monitor nesting activity of a New York State Endangered Species, the Peregrine Falcon (February-August)
As a New York State Endangered Species and protected under other Federal regulations, Peregrine Falcons are an integral part of the ecosystem and Mohonk Preserve cooperates with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to ensure the continued recovery of the species. In 2018, we had our first successful Peregrine fledglings in the Trapps since 2005!
Each year, the Peregrines are monitored by Conservation Programs staff and volunteers as part of the Peregrine Watch program. This program runs from late February through August. Participants monitor and observe Peregrine behavior and breeding activity to identify cliff areas that should be temporarily closed off to protect breeding falcons. Once nest sites are identified, observers continue to document the breeding season and record nest activity data – egg laying, incubation, prey exchanges, presence of chicks, chick feeding, chick fledging, and young in flight. Participants also contribute to public outreach about the importance of Peregrine conservation. Follow updates from the Peregrine Watch program here: Peregrine Watch Updates – Mohonk Preserve.
Volunteer as a Peregrine Watch Volunteer
- Join a knowledgeable group of birding volunteers
- No prior science, research, or bird background required (However, Bird Knowledge is Highly Recommended)
- Required equipment includes a personal pair of binoculars
- Receive training and group learning opportunities
- Spend time outdoors
- Scheduling is flexible but weekly observations are expected for the duration of the breeding season
- Hone skills in data collection and bird identification
- Volunteers must be able to submit observation reports online within 24 hours (must have access to internet and a computer).
- Volunteers may download a print version of the Peregrine Observation Report form and submit it to padlercolvin@mohonkpreserve.org.
StreamWatch
Monitor stream water quality and habitat characteristics. (March-November)
The StreamWatch program at Mohonk Preserve launched in the summer of 2017 with support from a grant from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund through the Hudson River Estuary Program of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Community scientists collect conservation-based water quality data within the Kleine Kill and Coxing Kill watersheds. These watersheds are located on the Shawangunk Ridge and drain into the Hudson River via the Wallkill River and Rondout Creek.
Volunteer community scientists are trained in specific data collection and naturalist observation protocols and conduct regular monitoring in these two watershed areas. StreamWatch data allow researchers and land managers to evaluate water quality, identify vulnerable or invasive species, determine the need for riparian buffers and changes to current agricultural practices, and inform future Mohonk Preserve projects.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Attend group orientation and individual site orientation
- Desire and ability to hike to stream locations (sometimes off-trail) with provided sampling equipment
- Required personal equipment includes waterproof footwear (rubber boots, water shoes, old sneakers that can get wet)
- Collecting data in volunteer pairs is required; staff will work to assign volunteers if you cannot sign up with another person
- Collect and enter data online at least once per month
Resources
Special Projects
Assist Conservation Science staff and Research Associates with high priority research projects tailored to your skills and interests. (Year-round)
There are many opportunities for volunteers to support the vital work of continuing the legacy of conservation science on the Shawangunk Ridge. These could include partnering with our Research Associates, helping to digitize our world-class collections, or volunteering with Conservation Programs staff on field-based or data analysis projects.
Program needs vary based on current projects and seasonality, and efforts are made to match volunteers with projects that are a good fit for their skills, interests and availability.
Examples of possible projects include:
- Assist Research Associates with monitoring of Lake Mohonk, including water quality indicators and observations of ice cover
- Assist Conservation Science staff with vegetation and bird surveys in grasslands and forests
- Assist with digitization of specimens and records from the Presreve’s Daniel Smiley Research Center collections
- Assist with data curation and organization for Mohonk Preserve’s long-term natural history records
- Record observations of plant, animals and fungi while out on Preserve lands using the iNaturalist application on a phone
Volunteer Requirements:
- Based on program needs and tailored to your skills, interests and availability
- May be done individually or as part of a small group
- Contact Conservation Science staff to learn about current opportunities.
For more information about the Community Science Program contact:
Penny Adler-Colvin
Community Science Coordinator
padlercolvin@mohonkpreserve.org
Banner photo by John Mizel