Felix Neck’s Citizen Science season has begun! Citizen Science engages volunteers to collect data that helps determine best management practices for a variety of species. Wildlife monitoring projects include surveying odonates (dragonflies and damselflies), salamanders, breeding birds, coastal waterbirds, osprey, and horseshoe crabs. The following training sessions will help volunteers gain the skills needed to participate in these wildlife initiatives.
Osprey Monitoring Program: Ospreys and their nests are a signature sight on Martha’s Vineyard. Having struggled in the early 1970s from DDT use, these iconic birds have made a tremendous recovery. An annual census provides valuable data for protecting osprey. Sanctuary staff, with osprey researcher Rob Bierregaard and lead volunteer Dick Jennings, will train individuals to help continue this important survey program.
Training Opportunities: Two osprey nest monitor training sessions will be held at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary: Wednesday, April 12, 5 – 7 pm, and Saturday, April 15, 1 – 3 pm. Registration is required. Please call the Sanctuary at (508) 627-4850 or go online towww.massaudubon.org/felixneck for more information and to register for a training.
Horseshoe Crab Spawning Surveys:Join the effort to gather data on and help protect this ancient marine species. Horseshoe crab spawning surveys are conducted during the new and full moons of April, May, and June. Volunteers are expected to attend a training session and complete at least two surveys. In addition to the training sessions, naturalist Susie Bowman will offer two lectures at local libraries about the natural history of this species, its uses in the bait and biomedical industries, and how you can get involved with this Citizen Science project.
Training Opportunities: Two horseshoe crab survey training sessions will be held at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary: Saturday, April 22, 1 – 3 pm, and Wednesday, May 17, 4:30 – 6:30 pm. Registration is required. Please call the Sanctuary at (508) 627-4850 or go online towww.massaudubon.org/felixneck for more information and to register for a training.
Library Lectures: Presentations about horseshoe crabs and our Citizen Science program will be held at the following locations and times: April 18, 6:30 – 7:30 pm at the Oak Bluffs Library, and May 9, 7 – 8 pm at the Vineyard Haven Library. For information on our other Citizen Science projects, call Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary at (508) 627-4850 or emailfelixneck@massaudubon.org.
Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 35,000 acres of conservation land, provide school, camp, and other educational programs for 225,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Founded in 1896 by two inspirational women who were committed to the protection of birds, Mass Audubon has grown to become a powerful force for conservation in New England. Today we are respected for our sound science, successful advocacy, and innovative approaches to connecting people and nature. Each year, our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries welcomes nearly half a million visitors of all ages, abilities, andbackgrounds and serves as a base for our work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (800-283-8266) or visitwww.massaudubon.org.
Mass Audubon at Felix Neck
PO Box 494
Vineyard Haven MA 02568
felixneck@massaudubon.org