Exploring Tools for the Citizen Scientist

There have never been more programs available for people to engage in “citizen science.” In the Upper Valley there are Vermont eBird and New Hampshire eBird as well as iNaturalist. These online tools not only help you track your own sightings but put a wealth of useful and interesting data at your fingertips.

Exploring and understanding all these programs have to offer can be somewhat daunting, but Vermont Center for Ecostudies “Citizen Science Outreach Naturalist” Nathaniel Sharp is more than capable of helping interested users navigate their way.

On Tuesday, April 23, at 7 p.m., Nathaniel will introduce both the eBird and iNaturalist portals showing how to enter data into both websites. He will also discuss the myriad uses of eBird and iNaturalist, ranging from tracking the migratory patterns of birds, to pinning down locations for hard to find species, to viewing phenological changes throughout the year. On Sunday, May 5, we will meet first at the library at 2 p.m. and then travel together to the Lyme Hill Conservation Area to put our new skills to work. Come to one or both events.

Whether just starting out or experienced and looking to maximize the range of information available to them, attendees are sure to find Nathaniel’s talk both informative and entertaining. This program is co-sponsored by the Converse Free Library and the Lyme Conservation Commission, with the support of Lyme Gardeners.