VOLUNTEER PROJECT INSPIRATION GUIDE 2015
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Table of Contents Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................................. 0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................... 2 Design-Your-Own Volunteer Project .................................................................................................................... 3 Legend ................................................................................................................................................................... 3 City of Edmonton Volunteer Opportunities ........................................................................................................ 4 Natural Area Steward................................................................................................................................ 4 Ecological Monitors................................................................................................................................... 4 YegTreeMap .............................................................................................................................................. 5 Alberta Weed Spotter App ....................................................................................................................... 6 Invasive Plant Manager ............................................................................................................................. 6 Naturalization Steward ............................................................................................................................. 7 Root for Trees Program ............................................................................................................................ 7 Adult Educator .......................................................................................................................................... 8 BioKit Guide ............................................................................................................................................... 8 PlantWatch ................................................................................................................................................ 9 Resource Fair Educator ............................................................................................................................. 9 Communications Volunteer .................................................................................................................... 10 Master Naturalist Program Development ............................................................................................. 10 Photographer .......................................................................................................................................... 10 Master Naturalist Program Interviewer .................................................................................................. 11 Story Bank Contributor ............................................................................................................................ 11 Community Partner Volunteer Opportunities .................................................................................................... 13 Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute ............................................................................................... 13 Alberta Conservation Association ........................................................................................................... 13 Alberta Volunteer Amphibian Monitoring Program ............................................................................... 13 Alberta Invasive Species Council ............................................................................................................ 14 Alberta Mycological Society ................................................................................................................... 14 Alberta Plantwatch ................................................................................................................................. 14 Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Northern AB (CPAWS) ........................................................... 15 Cows and Fish – Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society .......................................................... 15 Edmonton and Area Land Trust............................................................................................................... 15 Edmonton Native Plant Group ............................................................................................................... 16 Edmonton Nature Club ........................................................................................................................... 16 Edmonton Urban Coyote Project ........................................................................................................... 16 Evergreen ................................................................................................................................................. 17 Sustainable Food Edmonton ................................................................................................................... 17 Peregrine Project..................................................................................................................................... 18 Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton ......................................................................................... 18 1
Introduction Introduction This Inspiration Guide is a resource for Master Naturalists as they select and carry out their volunteer activities. It is meant to inspire and inform you about the exciting and diverse volunteer roles that Edmonton’s Master Naturalists can play. There are existing volunteer programs that provide more defined and structured volunteer opportunities. Please use these as a starting point, but by no means feel limited to them. There is much room for creativity and innovation when choosing or creating your volunteer projects. We hope that this Inspiration Guide motivates you to focus on the ways that your unique interests and skills can contribute to the vitality of Edmonton’s natural areas. Volunteer Requirements: Each Master Naturalist is required to volunteer at least 35 hours in approved activities that meet the following criteria: 1. The activities are completed within City of Edmonton boundaries. 1 2. The activities contribute to the protection/restoration of and/or community education about biodiversity. The Program Coordinator should first approve any new volunteer activities. 3. At least 15 of the total 35 hours must be dedicated to the City of Edmonton’s Projects or Programs. Please see Section 1 of this manual for a list of City of Edmonton opportunities. The 35 hours of volunteer work must be completed by September 1st of the year following course completion (approximately 14 months later). However, course graduates are most welcome to volunteer more than 35 hours, or to continue additional volunteer work beyond the 14 month timeframe. We want to build greater community capacity by supporting long term volunteerism. Structure of this Guide: This guide is divided into two main parts: Section 1: City of Edmonton Volunteer Opportunities • A minimum of 15 hours must be completed through City of Edmonton Volunteer Programs listed in this section Section 2: Community Partner Volunteer Opportunities • These opportunities are managed directly by our partner organizations. Please contact the organization directly for more details or to get involved. 1 This program is funded and managed by the City of Edmonton with the purpose of protecting and enhancing Edmonton’s urban natural areas. 2
Design-Your-Own Volunteer Project We encourage our Master Naturalists to take initiative to design their own volunteer projects based on their personal interests and skills. You can use any of the opportunities mentioned in this Inspiration Guide as a starting point or chose a unique topic of your choice. All Master Naturalists are encouraged to think ‘outside of the box’ as long as the project contributes to the protection, restoration or education of Edmonton’s natural areas or biodiversity. Any new projects must be approved by the Program Coordinator. When designing your project please keep in mind any tools, resources or training you might need and any costs you might encounter. Please also consider the amount of time and length of commitment required to ensure the project is successfully completed. The Program Coordinator can help you with the planning process and will provide support, if possible. Legend Schedule Fixed This type of position has a set schedule with specific dates and times for volunteer work Sporadic These volunteer positions are infrequent with no regularly occurring date(s) Flexible The schedule of these positions is usually determined by the volunteer Duration Long-term A commitment of 6 or more months is favourable Short-term A commitment of less than 6 months is acceptable Episodic Any event-based or very short-term position 3
Section 1: City of Edmonton Volunteer Opportunities City of Edmonton Volunteer Opportunities The volunteer opportunities in this section are organized though the City of Edmonton. If you are interested in joining one of these programs, please contact the Master Naturalist Program Coordinator. We will connect you to the appropriate City of Edmonton department or staff member who coordinates the volunteer opportunity. The City of Edmonton will provide you with volunteer position details, training and support. Natural Area Steward Natural Area Stewards assist with the management and care of a City-owned natural area of their choice, including tree stands, wetlands or a portion of the river valley. Volunteers may choose to work independently, join an existing stewardship group or create their own stewardship group. Stewardship activities vary based on the management requirements of the site and the interests of the volunteer, but could include monitoring the site according to a checklist, removing litter, watching for and reporting vandalism, assisting with naturalization, educating community members about the benefits of the site, and leading others in cooperative stewardship activities. A Master Naturalist Stewardship Manual will be handed out during the course. This manual provides more details on stewardship locations, volunteer activities, contact information and the Stewardship Checklist. Stewardship group at Roper Pond Time Commitment: 3 or more hours/month Schedule: Flexible Duration: Short or long-term Seasonality: Year round Ecological Monitors Ecological Monitors work in natural areas of their choice to monitor and report on the plant and wildlife species that they observe, and other natural features. Such inventories help to measure the health of a natural area and to create a record of how it changes over time. Monitoring results may be used to create bird, plant or invertebrate lists, or to observe changes in features like water quality or invasive species distribution. Monitoring water quality at a wetland 4
You can use the Master Naturalist Stewardship Checklist to assist you with general ecological monitoring of a natural area. Specific projects may also be looking for volunteers but will vary year to year. There are also a variety of ecological monitoring programs in place that volunteers can use to track and report observations. Examples within the City of Edmonton include yegTreeMap, and ABWeedSpotter (see below). Community organizations include ABMI’s NatureLynx, Urban Coyote Project, RiverWatch and ACA’s Alberta Volunteer Amphibians Monitoring Program (see section 2). Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per inventory Schedule: Flexible Duration: Short-term or long-term Seasonality: Primarily spring/summer YegTreeMap YegTreeMap is an online map database of trees in Edmonton. It allows individuals, community groups, and the City of Edmonton to collaboratively create an accurate and informative inventory of the trees in Edmonton. Using this interactive map you can register the trees in your yard, your community or even trees you planted at your Root for Trees event. You can also track stewardship activities taking place in Edmonton’s urban forest. Collecting tree data can support the City with monitoring invasive species, pest control, forest health etc. YegTreeApp can also be an educational tool for guided walks and the eco benefits of trees. To participate, register to create an account on yegTreeMap. Use the mobile app or online app to indicate the species of tree and its location. You can also map other details such as tree diameter, date planted, tree health and more. For more information please visit www.edmonton.ca/trees or contact the Program Coordinator. Please note: This map is accessible through an online website or Documenting tree health via the OpenTreeMap app available for android or apple devices. Time Commitment:
Alberta Weed Spotter App Alberta Weed Spotter is an easy-to-use application designed to help Albertans identify and report weeds to authorities. The application includes all 75 species currently regulated under Alberta’s Weed Control Act. The goal of the app is to help improve strategic weed management decisions and allow for quicker responses to new weed infestations. For 2015, citizens should continue to call 311 for weed complaints in Edmonton. To download, visit www.edmonton.ca/weeds. Please note: Currently, this app is only compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Time Commitment:
Naturalization Steward Naturalization Stewards work to improve the ecological function of Edmonton’s natural and non-natural areas by planting native species, maintaining naturalized plantings, and enhancing habitat value by adding features like bird and bat boxes. Naturalization efforts may be focused on backyards, school yards, community gardens, or other areas of the volunteer’s choice (from third parties, if needed). With approval, Naturalization Stewards can also assist in naturalization projects organized by the City or community groups. Time Commitment: 3 or more hours/month Schedule: Flexible Duration: Short-term Seasonality: Spring/Summer Planting native species in a natural area Root for Trees Program The City of Edmonton wants to double the size of our urban forest and we need the help of Master Naturalists and the community. Root for Trees is an enhanced tree planting initiative which intends to increase tree planting within the city through continued partnerships with corporations, individual residents and community groups. You can get involved with this naturalization process by planting as an individual or planning a planting event in your community. The program provides a planting site, trees, shovels, gloves and an event facilitator. Visit www.edmonton.ca/rootfortrees for more information and to fill out the online planting quest form. Participating in the Root for Trees Program Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per session Schedule: Flexible Duration: Episodic Seasonality: Spring - Fall 7
Adult Educator Master Naturalists who like public speaking may enjoy becoming Adult Educators. These volunteers give presentations or lead interpretive walks about Edmonton’s biodiversity and natural features to interested groups of adults, either identified by the Program Coordinator or through a volunteer’s own connections. Possible audiences include but aren’t limited to community groups, clubs, seniors facilities, and colleges and universities. Presentation topics are very flexible and would depend on the volunteer’s background and expertise, and the needs and interests of the audience. The Program Coordinator may be able to provide some presentation material, as required. Time Commitment: Approximately 3-4 hours per Delivering educational programing presentation including preparation Schedule: Sporadic Duration: Episodic Seasonality: Year round BioKit Guide An Edmonton BioKit has been developed with the aim of helping new immigrants, community groups and families living in Edmonton to feel more connected to and knowledgeable about the city’s natural environment. The BioKit is a booklet full of information and activities about Edmonton’s biodiversity. The booklets are designed to be used by adults or children to explore the natural environment through creative, hands-on learning with the help of a facilitator. Master Naturalists can help to ‘animate’ the guides by leading nature walks and nature games with interested groups. For access to BioKits please contact the Program Coordinator or visit www.edmonton.ca/naturalareas. There is also an opportunity for Master Naturalists to assist with the development of formal, supplementary BioKit materials such as a BioKit Activity Guide with nature games and activities. Time Commitment: 2-3 hours/session Learning about Edmonton's natural environment Schedule: Sporadic Duration: Short or Long-term Seasonality: Spring/Summer/Fall 8
PlantWatch PlantWatch Alberta, Inside Education and the City of Edmonton have partnered to create a PlantWatch Program for grade 4 students in Edmonton. Master Naturalists are needed to help engage students in a citizen science project focused on the phenology of native plants in their community. The PlantWatch project supports students in identifying local plants, observing and recording when plants are in bloom and submitting this data to a national database. Master Naturalists will work along side Inside Education staff to support this innovative program. Master Naturalists will assist teachers in finding suitable site locations near schools, support field study observations and provide additional Student taking field observations expertise in answering question. Classes will focus on four main plants; dandelion, saskatoon, choke cherry, and lilac. Training will be provided and Inside Education staff will be leading all major program delivery. Time Commitment: 6 hours/school Schedule: Sporadic Duration: Short or Long-term Seasonality: March - May Resource Fair Educator Urban Parks + Biodiversity attends numerous resource fairs throughout the year to educate the public about issues facing Edmonton’s natural areas, and to share information about initiatives like the Master Naturalist Program. Volunteers are invited to assist at these events by staffing a booth, answering questions, handing out information, and generally serving as an ambassador for the Master Naturalist Program. A display board already exists, but there is some scope for improving it and adding new information, should a volunteer be interested. Time Commitment: Variable Schedule: Sporadic Duration: Episodic Seasonality: Year round Urban Parks + Biodiversity’s display board 9
Communications Volunteer Volunteers are invited to contribute to our Master Naturalist Program communications. We have a Facebook page, blog, and monthly e-newsletter that need your support! We’re always looking for content such as blog articles, newsletter content, photos and stories to share with other program participants. The Edmonton Master Naturalists blog is managed by our Master Naturalists and we’re looking for Blog Administrators to assist with the operations. There is a lot of room for creativity and flexibility in this position. Time Commitment: Variable Schedule: Flexible Duration: Short-term or long-term Seasonality: Year round Master Naturalist Program Development There is an opportunity for Master Naturalists to participate in the development of material for the Master Naturalist Program. Examples include the research and creation of session handouts, hands-on learning activities, field resources etc. Projects will vary from year to year and will depending on program need and the volunteer’s knowledge and interests. Please discuss available opportunities for MNP development with the Program Coordinator. Time Commitment: Variable Schedule: Flexible Duration: Short-term or long-term Seasonality: Year round Photographer Budding photographers are invited to help build up a collection of high-quality photos for use by the Urban Parks + Biodiversity in reports, promotional materials, and other communications. Photos may be of any topic related to Edmonton’s biodiversity, natural areas, or the Master Naturalist class itself. High resolution photographs are preferred if possible. Time Commitment: Variable Schedule: Flexible Duration: Short-term or long-term Photographing a natural area Seasonality: Year round 10
Master Naturalist Program Interviewer Volunteers are needed to help City staff interview prospective Master Naturalists for future classes. These interviews are held annually in the spring. The Program Coordinator will send out a notification when this volunteer opportunity arises. Time Commitment: 1-4 hours Schedule: Sporadic Duration: Episodic Seasonality: Spring (May) Story Bank Contributor Master Naturalists have important stories to tell about their volunteer experiences and interactions with Edmonton’s natural side or the Master Naturalist Program. Story Bank Contributors help by recording some of these stories, to be used as a source of inspiration for other Master Naturalists and as a way of measuring the program’s impacts. There is some flexibility in how these stories are documented. In the past, stories have been summarized in short written articles, although there is some scope for trying new media like web-based audio and video, should a volunteer have some expertise and interest in this area. Master Naturalists sharing knowledge Time Commitment: Variable Schedule: Flexible Duration: Short-term or Long-term Seasonality: Year round Core Project? No 11
Table 1: A Summary of City of Edmonton Volunteer Positions for Master Naturalists Schedule Duration (short Seasonality Time Commitment (list (fixed, Project Title: term, long term, (spring/summer/ fall/ hours, or variable) sporadic, episodic) winter) flexible) Natural Area Steward 3+hours/month Flexible Short or long term Year round Ecological Monitor 2-4 hours per site visit Flexible Short or long term Spring and summer YegTreeMap
Section 2: Community Partner Volunteer Opportunities Community Partner Volunteer Opportunities Master Naturalists may also choose to contribute to the volunteer opportunities offered by Edmonton’s conservation clubs and organizations. The following section provides some basic information about potential volunteer activities available with some of these groups. Interested Master Naturalists should follow-up directly with particular groups for the most current information regarding volunteer opportunities. The organization will provide you with the volunteer position details, training and support. Volunteers may also work with groups not on this list, provided their volunteer activities meet the criteria listed in the introduction of this guide. All proposed volunteer work should first be approved by the Program Coordinator. Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute Mission: ABMI provides information on the state of Alberta’s biodiversity in order to facilitate the responsible management of our environment. Their purpose is to collect information, convert information into knowledge, and communicate the results with resource managers, landowners, scientists and educators. The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute is looking for volunteers to assist us with testing their brand new, Alberta-specific citizen science App, NatureLynx! Volunteer Activities: • Monitor biodiversity by recording species sightings in the NatureLynx App • Act as a ‘knowledge expert’ to approve sightings and identify unknown species Contact: Contact information to be given to participants during the course W: http://www.abmi.ca Alberta Conservation Association Alberta Volunteer Amphibian Monitoring Program Mission: Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) delivers the Alberta Volunteer Amphibian Monitoring Program (AVAMP). Through AVAMP, volunteers are encouraged to submit location information on amphibian and reptile observations. We offer our volunteers ongoing support for amphibian and reptile identification as well as guidance in monitoring and submitting observations. Data collected by volunteers supports the conservation and management of Alberta’s amphibian and reptile species. Volunteer Activities: • Report observations of amphibians (and reptiles) using an online form. Contact: Contact information to be given to course participants W: www.ab-conservation.com/avamp
Alberta Invasive Species Council Mission: The Alberta Invasive Species Council The vote also changed the scope of the Council to include all species and the following objectives: 1. Make Albertans aware of the impact that invasive species have on the environment, economy, and society through communication, education and awareness. 2. Be recognized as Alberta’s voice on invasive species by acting as a key resource organization. 3. Foster partnerships between agencies with a mutual interest in invasive species management through communication and cooperation. Volunteer Activities: • Weed removal • Public advocacy and education Contact: Contact information to be given to course participants W: www.invasiveplants.ab.ca Alberta Mycological Society Mission: A non-profit organization and volunteer study group, whose members are fascinated by fungi. As the only mycological club in Canada's prairie provinces, AMS provides education to promote an understanding and appreciation of the Kingdom of Fungi. Volunteer Activities: • Mushroom photography/documentation • Education/outreach Contact: Contact information to be given to course participants W: www.wildmushrooms.ws Alberta Plantwatch Mission: An organization that recruits volunteer ‘citizen scientists’ to monitor the springtime leafing and budding of plants in order to observe the impacts of climate change on living things. Volunteer Activities: Volunteers are needed every spring to observe the flowering of 1-5 selected plants. Volunteer monitor plants and report budding and blooming dates back to Plantwatch. Please note: If you’d like to be part of the PlantWatch School Program please refer to page 9 of this manual and contact the MN Program Coordinator. Contact: Contact information to be given to course participants W: http://plantwatch.fanweb.ca/contact-info 14
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Northern AB (CPAWS) Mission: The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is a nation-wide non-profit wilderness protection organization. CPAWS Northern Alberta was established in 1968 as the first regional chapter. CPAWS Northern Alberta works with government, industry, First Nations and the public to ensure Alberta's natural heritage is conserved and protected. We focus on the management of parks and protected areas, the creation of more protected areas in northern Alberta, and the preservation and management of northern Alberta's wildlife, wilderness, and biodiversity. Volunteer Activities: Outreach within the Edmonton community, Blogging, Education, Administration. Contact: Contact information to be given to course participants W: http://www.cpaws.org Cows and Fish – Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society Mission: Strives to foster a better understanding of how improvements in grazing and other management of riparian areas can enhance landscape health and productivity, for the benefit of landowners, agricultural producers, communities and others who use and value riparian areas. Volunteer Activities: Outreach and education Contact: Contact information to be given to course participants W: www.cowsandfish.org Edmonton and Area Land Trust Mission: A non-profit conservation organization dedicated to conserving and stewarding the natural heritage of the region through private stewardship and partnerships. The EALT envisions an Edmonton region where natural area systems are valued, preserved for future generations, and play a key role in the social, economic, and environmental life of the residents of the area. Volunteer Activities: • Site stewardship and monitoring • Volunteers with a range of specialties for a Technical Board or other advisory capacities • Write articles on a variety of topics • Community education and outreach Contact: Contact information to be given to course participants W: www.ealt.ca 15
Edmonton Native Plant Group Mission: An informal group of people in the Edmonton area who grow native plants and promote their use in gardens, parks, community leagues, schools, natural areas and other landscaping projects. The ENPG has a number of restoration projects, a weeding project (the Thistle patrol), a native plant nursery, and two demonstration native plant flowerbeds. Volunteer Activities: • Native planting and weed removal • Restoration projects and plant rescue • Community outreach and education (displays) • Potting plants for plant sales and cleaning/packaging seeds for seed sales Contact: Contact information to be given to course participants W: http://www.eng.fanweb.ca Edmonton Nature Club Mission: A nature club with the goal of encouraging an interest in, and the study of, the natural environment by its members and the community, and promoting the establishment and maintenance of natural areas. View the calendar on their website for upcoming events. Volunteer Activities: • Christmas Bird Count – Species Inventory • Nature Walk Leader • Executive positions • Contribution to an Edmonton Plant List Contact: Contact information to be given to course participants W: http://enc.fanweb.ca Edmonton Urban Coyote Project Mission: This project is a multi-faceted study on coyotes through the University of Alberta that aims to promote positive interactions between people and wildlife while minimizing the need for lethal management of coyotes. The researchers use GPS collars to track coyotes and also analyze their scat to learn how they use, and move through, the urban landscape. Volunteer Activities: • Scat collection • Outreach • Survey distribution • Habitat surveys and snow tracking Contact: Contact information to be given to course participants W: www.edmontonurbancoyotes.ca 16
Evergreen Mission: A national not-for-profit organization that makes cities more liveable by deepening the connection between people and nature, and empowering Canadians to take a hands-on approach to their urban environments. Volunteer Activities: • Schoolyard naturalization – resource person, project management • Ongoing care of naturalized sites • Working with school garden clubs • Updating native plant database Contact: Contact information to be given to course participants W: www.evergreen.ca Nature Alberta Mission: A province-wide organization that provides a unified voice for naturalists on conservation issues, encourages Albertans to increase knowledge and understanding of natural history and ecological processes, and organizes field meetings, conferences, nature camps, research symposia and other activities. Volunteer Activities: • Young Naturalists Club - Lead family nature programming (pond dip, bird/plant walk, nature games etc.) through the Family Nature Night events Contact: Contact information to be given to course participants W: www.naturealberta.ca/ync Sustainable Food Edmonton Mission: Sustainable Food Edmonton builds community and a better regional food system by: - engaging everyone in shared gardening, growing and food experiences - raising awareness - initiating and supporting projects and programs - influencing policy and continual improvement through research and evaluation Volunteer Activities: • Assist interested community gardens in selecting and incorporating native plants and habitat enhancements to naturalize portions of their sites • Share knowledge about native species and naturalization techniques through an online/newsletter Q&A segment for community gardens in Edmonton • Present/speak on how gardens in Edmonton can incorporate elements of naturalization at Sustainable Food Edmonton events Contact: Contact information to be given to course participants W: www.sustainablefoodedmonton.org 17
Peregrine Project Mission: The Peregrine Project is an educational campaign designed to raise awareness about Peregrine Falcons nesting on a University of Alberta campus building. Webcams have been tracking and broadcasting the activities of the at-risk birds since the early 1990s. Volunteer Activities: Help is needed during ‘Fledge Watch’ each July as the new birds learn how to fly. Volunteers track the birds’ movements through the sky and call for help if they become grounded. Contact: Contact information to be given to course participants W: www.ab-conservation.com/peregrinecam Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton Mission: The WRS provides compassionate care for injured and orphaned wildlife and educates the public on the importance of wildlife in the community. Volunteer Activities: • Wildlife hotline • Wildlife pick-up • Administration • Special events • Junior wildlife ambassador program • Enclosure maintenance Contact: Contact information to be given to course participants W: www.wildlife-edm.ca/volunteer 18
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