Citizen Science at The Wilds
| This Purple Coneflower bloomed the first year the pollinator plot was installed. The blue bowl on the left has diluted soapy water in it. It is a simple technique WildeCampers used to survey what bees are using the habitat. |
| Newly installed Pollinator Plot (20x20m) in June 2009. Check back to see how the plot looks in 2010. |
| WildeCampers built 4 rain barrels by reusing durable food-grade drums. |
| These rain barrels were attached to downspouts on an outbuilding. They collected water that was then gravity-fed to the pollinator plot for watering the plants. |
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Introduction
The Wilds is proud to advance conservation by engaging our guests in scientific research that helps improve the quality of life for all creatures. Citizen science provides an opportunity for everyday people to contribute to natural resource conservation while participating in enjoyable activities. Citizen scientists make a difference by acquiring knowledge about local ecology that can be used in educational programs as well as included in conservation management plans. Below you will find information about how to get involved in citizen science at the Wilds or how to implement your own citizen science project.
The WildeCamper’s Pollinator Garden Plot
With funding from the Ohio Environmental Education Fund, a pollinator garden plot was installed at the Conservation Education Camp in 2009. In a small space, habitat was created for butterflies, birds, bees and other pollinators. These small pieces of habitat are critical for native wildlife and healthy ecosystems. They are also easy to create. By using a variety of native grasses and flowers, the pollinator habitat almost maintains itself once established.
The inspiration for installing a citizen science pollinator plot for youth is the native pollinator research on-site led by OSU’s Dr. Karen Goodell and the successful restoration of a larger-scale Butterfly Habitat by the Restoration Ecology program area at the Wilds. Enjoy a stroll through this area adjacent to the main parking area next time you visit.
Summer WildeCampers maintain the plot and conduct scientific research on questions of their choice. In 2009, these citizen scientists applied a scientific method to discover what type of pollinators preferred what color of flowers, which plants grew fastest, and the different native bee species using floral resources at the study site. They also learned how to build and use rain barrels to water the pollinator plot. Hopefully the lessons these youth learned at WildeCamp will help guide their conservation choices and may encourage them to install a small pollinator garden at their home, school or in their community. In 2010, youth ages 8-19 will be part of the pollinator plot when they attend WildeCamp at the Wilds.
Below are some resources to help you establish a pollinator garden around your home:
- Complete list of plants used to create the Youth-Managed Pollinator Plot (Species List)
- Slides of the eight dominant plants in the Youth-Managed Pollinator Plot including pictures and growing requirements. (PPT for Citizen Science)
- Volunteer with the Restoration Ecology program area to learn more about restoring habitats. (Restoration Ecology Aide)
- Visit the Ohio Lepidopterist for more information about the state-wide citizen science project and attending the annual Long-term Butterfly Monitoring Workshop where you can learn about identification, establishing a butterfly monitoring transect, vouchering and other topics of interest. (The Ohio Lepidopterists)
- Visit the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes to learn when they are hosting a Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop or follow their instructions to build your own rain barrel.
