Citizen Science season 2 has begun for the Dargatz Family!
As part of the Waukesha County Parks program Conservation in the Parks citizen science program, volunteers have been trained to monitor wetlands in Waukesha County's wonderful parks and natural areas.
We are fortunate enough to have one of the participating wetlands just a two minute walk away from our front door. We monitor in the Weiland Preserve, a property of the Waukesha County Land Conservancy (https://www.waukeshalandconservancy.org/).
Last season, we enjoyed monitoring the wetland as a family, but this year, we are letting the kids even more involved. Our oldest, even had her own waders this time around. We're early in the season, but thought it'd be fun to show you all a little bit about what we do and maybe even empower you to know you can join in on the fun.
Last year, Embry had an unfortunate run in with a digger crayfish she affectionately named Snippy. One of our first finds this year was his older and much larger sister. Ms. Snippy Bigclaw. Seriously though enjoy the videos of our finds and stay tuned for future updates.
I am bummed that I am not able to do other citizen science projects at this time with my kindergarteners. Before the pandemic hit, we were practicing for our participation in the Great Wisconsin Birdathon (https://wibirdathon.dojiggy.com/af2079e/regPages/pages/?p=b71cdaba) and waiting for the green to return so we could search for garlic mustard, and then pull it as part of the Garlic Mustard Pull-a-thon (https://sewisc.org/garlic-mustard-pull-a-thon). Hopefully, we get the opportunity to participate in these at our school trail. Otherwise, you are free to join in on the fun with your own family.
I also highly recommend looking into the Conservation in the Parks program at https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/landandparks/park-system/ConservationintheParks/ to see all the wonderful opportunities available throughout 2020. Chances are you'll find a Dargatz family member there!
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