Earth Month in WNY! Step Outside and Document Protected Lands - A Citizen Science Event
Hi everyone! Earth Month has arrived! There is an exciting Earth Day event that I am leading in collaboration with F.I.E.L.D.
I invite you all to explore natural areas in Western New York, document what you observe, and take part in a live discussion on land protection and environmental conditions in the parks and places you visit.
Forum for Insight, Environmental Learning, & Discussion
You will have a chance to show your observation photos at the follow-up discussion.
The purpose is to engage community members in active citizen science and leave them feeling inspired. It’s also a great social effort. You will also be supporting me in my first leading of an organized community event.
Here is what you can do to participate:
Step 1: Go Outside
Visit a natural area in Western New York. This can include:
• a park
• a wetland
• a forest trail
• a shoreline
• any landscape that shows ecological value
Step 2: Observe
Spend time observing. Focus on what is present, not what you expect. Look for:
• wildlife activity
• plant growth or early spring changes
• water conditions
• habitat features
• signs of human impact or protection
Jot your notes down or sketch your finds.
Step 3: Capture Your Shot
Take 1-5 photos
that represent what you observed. Jot it down or draw it! Note your findings.
Use your best shots!
Step 4: Submit Photos
Submit your photos
Upload your photos and a short description using the submission form.
Your submission should include:
• location name or general area
• what you observed
• why it stood out
Selected submissions will be featured on Terra On The Bench and used in future environmental discussion content via F.I.E.L.D. and action planning.
Step 5: Join us on Zoom
Let Us Know You’ll Attend
After you have visited the sites and submitted your photos., you are now ready to RSVP to the zoom session where we will share your observations at the virtual F.I.E.L.D. session on April, 15th.
Step 6: Finally, Join FORUM
FORUM PAGE
Use the Forum to:
• share your experience
• compare observations with others
• ask questions about what you saw
• discuss patterns across locations
You will be asked to sign up
Why This Matters
You are participating in real citizen science actions. With your participation, you are gaining and bringing attention to the value of our protected lands. I work closely with partners to bring concerns to people who can either contribute to finding solutions or lead us in the right direction for taking action ourselves. We are showing them our findings so the claim of land protection is clearly visible and supported with observable material. We are better supported based on the observations we find.
Also, you build awareness, understand the systems, and contribute by documenting what is already happening.
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Want Location Ideas?
Options:
• Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, Depew, NY. Boardwalk trails, wetlands, easy access.
• Tifft Nature Preserve, Buffalo, NY. Urban preserve, birding, shoreline habitat.
• Niagara Gorge Trails, Niagara Falls, NY. Steep terrain, river corridor, strong currents.
• Buckhorn Island State Park, Grand Island, NY. Wetlands and marsh systems.
• Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area, Gowanda, NY. Forest and gorge system, use caution.
Use these tools to find more protected land near you:
📍Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, Depew, NY. Boardwalk trails, wetlands, easy access.
📍Tifft Nature Preserve, Buffalo, NY. Urban preserve, birding, shoreline habitat.
📍Niagara Gorge Trails, Niagara Falls, NY. Steep terrain, river corridor, strong currents.
📍Buckhorn Island State Park, Grand Island, NY. Wetlands and marsh systems.
📍Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area, Gowanda, NY. Forest and gorge system, use caution
📍Western New York Land Conservancy website
📍NYS Department of Environmental Conservation lands map
Google Maps search: “nature preserve near me”
📍View map @ https://www.wnylc.org/visit
“See you there!”
