Beachwalkers and Birders Wanted

Posted July 13, 2015 at 5:42 am by

Photo: S. Oliveira/COASST

Photo: S. Oliveira/COASST

Help make a difference for the environment by collecting data for the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST).

Photo: B. Blackie/COASST

Photo: B. Blackie/COASST

COASST is a citizen science project dedicated to involving volunteers in the collection of high quality data on the status of coastal beaches and trends of seabirds. Our goal is to assist government agencies and other organizations in making informed management and conservation decisions, and to promote proactive citizen involvement and action. COASST volunteers systematically count and identify bird carcasses that wash ashore along ocean beaches from northern California to Alaska. Volunteers need NO experience with birds, just a commitment to survey a specific beach (about ¾ mile) each month.

If you are interested in participating, join COASST staff for a training session. Hear about how COASST started, learn how to use the custom Beached Birds field guide, and try out your new skills with some actual specimens. There is no charge to attend a training session, but plan to provide a $20 refundable deposit if you would like to take home a COASST volunteer kit complete with a COASST Beached Birds field guide. Training activities take place in multiple locations:

  • Saturday, July 25th – San Juan Island, WA
    11:00AM – 3:30PM
    San Juan Island Library
    1010 Guard Street
    Friday Harbor
  • Saturday, July 25th – Lopez Island, WA
    11:00AM – 3:30PM
    Lopez Island Library
    2225 Fisherman Bay Road
  • Sunday, July 26th – Orcas Island, WA
    11:00AM – 3:30PM
    Orcas Island Public Library
    500 Rose Street, Eastsound
  • Sunday July 26th – Shaw Island, WA
    12:00 – 3:00PM
    Shaw Island County Park, Day Use Area

To reserve your spot at a training session, please contact coasst [@] uw [.] edu or 206-221-6893. If you can’t attend this event, please check our website at www.coasst.org or call 206-221-6893 for additional information on upcoming events and trainings.

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Categories: Around Here

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