Details: Ribbit! Ribbit! It's that time of year again.
Join Skagit Land Trust for amphibian monitoring in 2017. Skagit Land Trust is coordinating with the Whatcom County Amphibian Monitoring Project to establish a baseline of amphibian data on Trust-owned properties. We are looking for volunteers to assist us with egg mass monitoring from March through May 1st.
Past amphibian monitoring volunteers are encouraged to come refresh your skills and sign-up for your favorite location!
The training will consist of an educational classroom portion from 9:00am*- 11:45am designed to enhance your amphibian egg mass identification skills. Following the classroom portion is a field visit from 12:30pm- 3:00pm to a Trust property where we will practice hands-on monitoring skills. Location TBD.
*We will start promptly at 9:00am- please arrive a few minutes early.*
Volunteer Job Description:
Individuals considering getting involved should be comfortable working in water and being outside in all weather and comfortable on uneven ground. Field work will be off trail with many obstructions. We do have some equipment to lend. This class is free and we hope that, in return, you will assist with approximately 12 hours of data collection during some of our planned group adventures from March through May 1st.
Monitoring throughout the season requires:
-identifying egg masses and noting sightings of tadpoles or adults
-completing 4 site visits (about every other week) on the Land Trust site you choose
- walking through muddy shallow wetlands (the Trust has waders, walking sticks, and other helpful gear available for lending), over uneven terrain, and possibly lifting up to 20 lbs
- filling in data sheets, using GPS units to record data points, and entering data into an online database
- working with other volunteers
-working outdoors in possibly rainy, cold, or less-than-ideal weather
-properly sanitizing work gear to eliminate cross-contamination of amphibian habitats
***An RSVP for this event is required. Space at the training will be limited - please let us know you're interested as soon as possible. E-mail Lisa at lisam@skagitlandtrust.org or call 360.428.7878 to RSVP or to ask any questions.
15 spaces left! Reserve your spot today!
Directions: Skagit Public Utilities Department: 1415 Freeway Drive Mount Vernon, WA 98273
We will car pool from Skagit PUD to the Trust site for a field visit. Anyone willing to drive please mention this with your RSVP.
Please Bring: Writing utensil and notepad. A bagged lunch (the Trust will provide coffee and snacks for the morning), water bottle, waterproof or water resistant shoes/boots, and rain gear.