Volunteer as a citizen scientist watching birds and wildlife

Citizen scientists are invited to help maintain a healthy and vibrant ecosystem in the Bay of Quinte.

The environmental challenges relating to fish and wildlife populations and habitat have been officially classified as restored by the federal and provincial governments.

Now, citizen scientists become “boots on the ground” to ensure the ecosystem doesn’t start to backslide.

Volunteers are needed to monitor for wetland birds and frogs around the bay – whether it’s at the cottage, in the backyard or at a designated monitoring site. The information gathered will ensure the long-term protection of the area’s fish and wildlife.

For those interested in monitoring Ospreys and Eagles, all they have to do is email photos taken with a smart phone, from the monitoring location.

By participating in Community Wildlife Monitoring Program you are helping in the rehabilitation and long-term protection of the Bay’s overall ecosystem. As wetland birds and frogs are good indicators of environmental health.

There are two programs, you can choose one or do both, Frogwatch Ontario is a good entry level

program and great for the kids due to its simplicity. The Marsh Monitoring Program is more extensive and includes both birds and frogs.

You will receive training and support through the Community Wildlife Monitoring Program.  On Monday, March 4 at 7pm at Quinte Conservation, 2061 Hwy 2, Belleville. Naturalist, Terry Sprague will host a presentation explaining how the programs work and how you can help with the long-term protection of the Bay of Quinte. Tech expert, Matt Richardson will explain the tech side of monitoring for Ospreys and Eagles.

The Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan is in partnership locally with Lower Trent Conservation and Quinte Conservation. For more information, visit www.bqrap.ca;  or contact Terry Sprague at 613-848-4549 or email tsprague@xplornet.com