Snapshot Wisconsin

Beaver Creek has exciting news! We will be partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on their Snapshot project. This project aims to encourage people to participate in citizen science opportunities, something that Beaver Creek is passionate about. It will use trail cameras to snap pictures of native animals as a way to monitor wildlife year-round. Similar to Beaver Creek’s Biotic Inventory, this will help the DNR track wildlife in the area and make wildlife management decisions.

During summer 2016, Beaver Creek performed a Biotic Inventory of the species at the reserve. With the help of both experts and citizen scientists alike, we were able to catalog over 30 species of dragonflies, 12 species of frogs, 27 species of lichen, and more! With our new trail camera and help from the Wisconsin DNR, we can track some of the more elusive animals. You can find the full article on the Biotic Inventory here.

As of now, Snapshot Wisconsin has nearly 600 trail cameras returning over eight million photos! With Beaver Creek’s new trail camera, we can add to this number and help track numerous species on the reserve. We can use your help, too! After photos are collected, they will be uploaded to Zooniverse.org where volunteers and citizen scientists can be a part of this project by helping to classify animals. We are excited to be a part of this project, and look forward to seeing where it takes us!

Interested in learning more about the Snapshot Wisconsin program? Click here to get involved! To help classify animals, click here.

Calling All Citizen Scientists!

Looking for an exciting, new program dedicated to conservation education and service to take part in this summer? The Wisconsin Master Naturalist (WIMN) Volunteer Training program is offering just that, right here at Beaver Creek this June!

BCR Naturalist, Jim Schwiebert showing visitors mushrooms
growing along a trail

Modeled after similar programs in states across the country, WIMN Volunteer Training offers 40 hours of combined in-class instruction and field work in natural history, interpretation, and conservation stewardship to become a certified WIMN. The course covers eight topic areas, including geology, ecology, plants, wildlife, education and interpretation, water, aquatic life, and human influences. Developed with the UW–Extension’s Environmental Resources Center, this is an excellent opportunity for adults interested in learning more about Wisconsin’s natural resources, sharing that knowledge, and engaging in citizen science opportunities.

After completing the course, WIMN Volunteers will complete 40 hours of service and eight hours of advanced training courses to remain certified. There are numerous opportunities in multiple focus areas, so everyone can find a project that they are passionate about. If you finish the course and are excited to teach it, you can take a two-day workshop to become a WIMN Instructor.

The training is being held from Monday, June 5th, until Saturday, June 10th.The training will be taught by Beaver Creek Reserve staff, volunteers and an array of guest presenters. While most of the sessions will take place right here at Beaver Creek Reserve, there are several field trips planned as well. The course fee is $250, and includes all class materials and a one-year membership with the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. The registration deadline is May 26th, and the class size is limited to only 20 participants, so register soon!

If you are interested in learning more about the WIMN Volunteer Training program, click here. To register for the course at Beaver Creek, click here.

All information found at www.wimasternaturalist.org.