Science and Monitoring
Community science brings the expertise of the public and scientists together in a reciprocal relationship for more widespread understanding of the natural world. These community-driven investigations engage the public in hands-on educational experiences and contribute large bodies of information to the benefit of conservation science.
We welcome experienced biologists, students, and all those interested to observe nature up-close. Join us for a survey: bird, butterfly, and plant phenology walks, water health, photo point monitoring, soil sampling and more. Stay engaged and see the latest species observation on the free community-science platforms:
Record bird sightings: Vesper Meadow hotspot on eBird.org
Record any species: Vesper Meadow Project in iNaturalist
See Vesper Meadow butterfly diversity over time through our collaboration with the Xerces Society and Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument: Cascade-Siskiyou Butterfly Monitoring Network
Botanical monitoring
We aim to decrease invasive plant populations over time, and increase the diversity of native plants. Our emphasis for seed collecting and propagation is on species that are high value for human food and medicine, pollinators and wildlife habitat
Wildlife Monitoring
From direct observation to wildlife cameras, professional breeding bird surveys to community science monitoring, we are stitching together the interconnected picture of living beings at and near Vesper Meadow.
Water Quality
We are documenting water health by assessing the macroinvertebrates that live in the creek. Creek and wetland health are monitored for flow, temperature, and stream bank structure. We invite you to participate in seasonal events such as riparian photo-monitoring.
Rare and Imperiled Species
To ultimately protect the most threatened creatures that live here, we are monitoring the populations and behavior of species like the Mardon Skipper and Oregon Vesper Sparrow.