Get Involved: Open Space - Naturalists

Naturalists

Description:

Naturalists take observations and submit data on the local plants and animals in Open Space.

Time Commitment:

No minimum number of hours required.

Position Details:

Naturalists help monitor the health of Open Space by taking observations and submitting data on the local plants and animals in Open Space. Currently, there is limited data on local flora and fauna trends in Open Space. By contributing valuable observations, Naturalists play a key role in helping us better understand and support these ecosystems into the future.

Naturalists can log observations on their phone using iNaturalist and Merlin/eBird apps or through paper reports. Naturalists can also be involved in specific inventory programs such as the Native Bee Watch, Monarch Monitoring Program and raptor nest monitoring.

Key Responsibilities:

• Rove around Open Space areas and identify plants/animals of interest using guidebooks/mobile applications.
• Log observations on iNaturalist/eBird using personal phone or write observations down on paper.
• Complete Site Visit form after each visit.

Requirements:

• Comfortable being outdoors, walking on or off trails over uneven terrain.  
• Basic experience in identifying plants and animals is required.
• Able to use mobile apps like iNaturalist or eBird, using personal phone.
• If not able to use apps, comfortable identifying plants and animals using field guides or other printed resources.
• Able to represent Open Space in a friendly, inclusive, and welcoming manner while interacting with the public and answering questions in the field.
• Complete background check and sign a volunteer waiver.
• Available to participate in a one-day Orientation & Field Training session in June.
• Has access to reliable transportation to reach Open Space areas.
• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Volunteer Benefits:

• Directly contribute to our enhanced understanding of Lafayette’s flora and fauna.
• Inform Open Space management decisions to better preserve wildlife and ecosystems.
• Learn more about your local ecosystem and improve your identification skills.
• Enjoy the mental and physical benefits of observing nature closely.
• Opportunities to attend additional trainings such as Native Bee Watch, Monarch Monitoring Program, etc.
• Flexible volunteer schedule based on your availability.

Interests:

Wildlife, Photography/Videography, Conservation, Stream Ecology, Ecology, Habitat Restoration, Outdoor Skills, Computers/Technology, Natural History, Environmental Stewardship, Resource Management, Hiking/Walking, Bird Watching, Sustainability, Native Plants, Environment

Skills:

Hiking/Walking, Insect ID, Wildlife Conservation, Botany, Monitoring/Research, Bird ID, Mammal ID, Plant ID, Local Cultural History, Birds/Raptors, Reptile/Amphibian ID