April: Family Discovery Day Program: Citizen Science!
April 13, 2024
NEW THIS YEAR, and perfect for the whole family! Every month, our signature Family Discovery Day Program will feature a different topic and rotate between our River Campus & Mountain Campus. The program could include (but is not limited to) a guided hike, a nature education topic, a citizen science lesson, and other hands-on learning opportunities! Please register ahead of time so we know you are coming!
April Topic: Citizen Science- Intro to iNaturalist!
Explore and observe all of the flora and fauna around you! What will you discover? What will you learn? Our ranger will teach you something new and help you connect to nature. Extend your day by bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy after the program ends!
Each program will always include:
- Ranger Presentation: The importance of citizen science & how to use iNaturalist (An application tool that can be used on phones or computers). Feel free to bring your camera as pictures will be important on this adventure.
- Nature Connection: 5-10-minutes of silent reflection, using all 5 senses to absorb the world around you.
- Guided Hike: Our ranger will lead you on a beginner-level walk in the great outdoors. All trails are kept in good condition but may have rocky and uneven terrain. Expect a moderate elevation gain.
What is iNaturalist? (https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/what+is+it)
Vision iNaturalist’s vision is a world where everyone can understand and sustain biodiversity through the practice of observing wild
organisms and sharing information about them.
Mission iNaturalist’s mission is to build a global community of 100 million naturalists by 2030 in order to connect people to nature and advance biodiversity science and conservation.
How it works:
1. Download the free iNaturalist app or go to the iNaturalist website (you can contribute photos you’ve downloaded onto your computer from there).
2. Get outside!
3. Take pictures of all the bugs, butterflies, plants, and animals that you find.
4. Add your observations to the project: NWDC Citizen Science Biodiversity Discovery
5. Share your pics on social media using the hashtag #NWDCcitizenscience
EXPLORE & DISCOVER!
Before you arrive:
- Check the weather and dress accordingly.
- Please make sure you have a water bottle and a snack.
- Please note that this is a non-smoking program.
- Check our Facebook page for updates.
Join us next month at the Mountain Campus in Pueblo on Saturday, May 11, 2024!
