Citizen science projects
“Citizen Science is the practice of public participation and collaboration in scientific research to increase scientific knowledge. Through citizen science, people share and contribute to data monitoring and collection programs.” – National Geographic
The Bow Valley Naturalists have been involved in Citizen Science (CS) projects almost since our inception, though we didn’t call it CS back then. For example, we have been participating in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) since 1975, which is North America’s longest-running Citizen Science project with participants in over 2000 localities throughout the Western Hemisphere. We established a MAPS bird-banding site in 1999. In 2010 we embarked on our own Citizen Science project called HELS, to record observations of specific high elevation species in our area that may be affected by climate change. Every spring and fall in the Kananaskis valley, volunteers count the many raptors migrating overhead, learn more at EagleWatch. You may also be interested in citizen science projects run by Birds Canada or Plant Watch Alberta. J
HELS
The High Elevation Localized Species (HELS) Map project was created to gain a better understanding of creatures living in the vicinity of tree-line in the upper sub-alpine eco-region. To this day, very little is known about these creatures, and understanding is the first step to help preserve their ecosystem.
MAPS
The Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) program was established in 1989 by The Institute for Bird Populations (IBP). Its goal is to provide long-term demographic data on land birds as an aid in identifying the causal factors driving population trends.
Christmas Bird Count
The Bow Valley Naturalists have organized the Banff-Canmore Christmas Bird Count (CBC) since 1975. The count is an excellent opportunity to spend the day looking for local birds and is traditionally followed by a potluck supper at the Banff Seniors Centre where results are compiled and stories exchanged about the day’s activities.