wildlife camera surveys:
wolverine tracking project
Who comes out to play while the humans are away? Camera surveys are a low-impact way to unobtrusively collect information on the presence of wildlife in our forest. Cascadia Wild operates over twenty wildlife cameras in the Mt Hood National Forest, all maintained by Cascadia Wild volunteers who are taking part in long-term data collection that will shape research and management decisions - true community science!
Read more about the Wolverine Tracking Project, find out how to Join a Camera Crew, or continue reading for more information on the goals and structure of our camera surveys.
Read more about the Wolverine Tracking Project, find out how to Join a Camera Crew, or continue reading for more information on the goals and structure of our camera surveys.
goals
Our camera surveys have three goals:
- Record data on animal species detected - including date, time of day, number, age, and sex of individuals, and any relevant behavior
- Provide an opportunity for stewardship
- Expand participant's knowledge of and connection to our local wildlife and environment
structure
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Cameras monitor wildlife year-round!
Summer season: June to October Winter season: November to April. Orientations and trainings (GPS, office, and field sessions) begin in either May or October. Volunteers are part of a crew of 5-8 people who are responsible for a camera, for either the summer or winter season. Cameras are visited every 3-4 weeks, and each group is responsible for organizing who goes when. Plan for around 3 trips per season. |
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During your visit, you will need to change out the batteries and memory card, refresh the bait, and collect any hair or scat samples. Before heading out, you will also need to pick up equipment from the office, and return it after your trip. Checking a camera is usually a full-day trip. Some cameras are close to the road, others are a substantial hike or snowshoe in. You will be assigned to groups based on how far you wish to hike.
- Volunteers receive discounts on Cascadia Wild classes, programs, and workshops.
- All volunteers have the option to receive The Cascadia Wildlife Weekly Newsletter - which includes all the week's best wildlife photos and news - and have access to all of the season's camera photos.
- At the end of the season, we host a volunteer appreciation night to say thanks for your work!
camera crew participants
We welcome anyone to join the wildlife camera survey! However, we do have some qualifications:
Qualifications:
*Participants under 18 years old will need to be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
- Must be reliable and have time to visit the camera 3-4 times during the season.
- Must have transportation to Mt Hood National Forest. During the winter, highway regulations require 2-wheel drive vehicles to carry tire chains.
- Must be comfortable hiking off-trail and, for the winter season, must be comfortable snowshoeing.
- Must be able to carry up to 10 lbs of camera and site maintenance gear to the survey location.
- Must be able to use a GPS to navigate (we offer GPS training - see below).
*Participants under 18 years old will need to be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
Camera Crew Summer 2020 training
All new participants are invited to orientation.
After orientation, you will be able to register for the required a half-hour office training and a full-day on-site camera training in the field, plus an optional GPS training.
After orientation, you will be able to register for the required a half-hour office training and a full-day on-site camera training in the field, plus an optional GPS training.
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Orientation
Orientation is an opportunity to meet with the project coordinator and to learn more about the Wolverine Tracking Project Camera Survey, what is expected of volunteers, and why community science is so important in efforts to advocate for imperiled wildlife. |
GPS+Office Training
These trainings are usually offered in tandem. Experienced navigators are not required to attend the GPS training. The office training covers how to check out equipment and the in-office procedures before and after your camera check and is required. |
On-Site Camera Field Training
At this training, you will cover the field procedure for a site and camera check by setting up the camera for the season. This training is mandatory for all new participants. |
Returning Camera Crew? Welcome back! Online registration coming soon! In the meantime, please contact us to let us know your interest, or to ask any questions.
Can you find the animal in this photo? This bobcat was captured taking a roll in our summer commercial bait!
