We’re marking MMWD’s 100th anniversary with a free, all-day celebration of “citizen science” on the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed this Saturday, June 23. Join us for talks and walks on redwoods, reptiles, birds, butterflies, mountain lions and more! And be sure to check out the events below to discover how modern technology is making it simpler than ever for people to record and share their nature observations and learn what’s living in our own backyards:
iNaturalist: Turn your smart phone into a tool for citizen science at absolutely no cost! (9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.) Learn how to use one of many emerging apps that are revolutionizing citizen participation in the documentation, understanding and conservation of local biodiversity. Then head out in the field with Scott Loarie of iNaturalist to make some Mt. Tamalpais observations of your own. We strongly encourage participants to download iNaturalist onto their iPhone or Android phone prior to attending. Meet at the Sky Oaks Ranger Station.
Lake Lagunitas Scavenger Hunt (10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) Take the whole family on a self-guided journey of discovery around the lake, taking your time to find “refrigerator trees,” spot spots on turtles, and detect evidence of predators, big and small. Use the iNaturalist app to record your observations! But before you start, pay a visit to Ben Schleifer, MMWD Watershed Steward Americorps Intern, to pick up some tips and tools for your journey.
iNaturalist Photo Hike with Scott Loarie (10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) Practice making digital observations in the field while hiking along the shores of Bon Tempe Reservoir and beyond.
Drop-ins are welcome. Day-use parking passes are $8. Check out the full schedule of events and plan to join us for this special, once-in-a-hundred-years event!
