Are you passionate about nature and interested in contributing to conservation efforts? Join us for a unique volunteer opportunity to learn how to collect data for Calvert County orchids.
Our training program equips volunteers with the skills needed to conduct thorough field surveys, and gather essential data crucial for conservation efforts. Orchids can be good indicators of healthy ecosystems because they have a low tolerance for changes in their environment.
PRIOR TO THE WORKSHOP: Download the iNaturalist app to your phone and create an account.
Please bring a fully charged cell phone, and your iNaturalist password for the iNaturalist training portion of the program.
What we will cover
- Training on orchid identification techniques and data collection protocols.
- Practice using iNaturalist to add observations and confirm observations made by others.
iNaturalist Links:
- Calvert Orchid Conservation & Research Project: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/calvert-orchid-conservation-research-project
- iPhone App: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/inaturalist/id421397028?mt=8
- Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.inaturalist.android
Heavy hors d'oeuvres and soft drinks will be available.
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The Project aims to facilitate the documentation, research, and conservation of orchid species within Calvert County. Orchids are often considered indicator species, reflecting the health of their ecosystems, yet they face significant threats from habitat loss, climate change, and illegal trade. This project encourages citizen scientists, researchers, and conservationists to collaborate in identifying orchid species, recording their distributions, and monitoring their populations. By leveraging the collective knowledge and observations of participants, the project seeks to enhance our understanding of orchid ecology, guide conservation efforts, and ultimately contribute to the preservation of these charismatic and ecologically important plants in Calvert County.
