Involving citizen scientists in natural resource management and public engagement at a National Wildlife Refuge

Located on 570 acres of the South Valley region near Albuquerque, New Mexico, Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is the first urban refuge in the southwestern U.S. Objectives of the refuge include (1) tracking the... [ view full abstract ]

Located on 570 acres of the South Valley region near Albuquerque, New Mexico, Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is the first urban refuge in the southwestern U.S. Objectives of the refuge include (1) tracking the ecological condition of plants and animals and their response to environmental and climatic change, as well as management activities, (2) communicating these patterns and responses to stakeholders, and (3) engaging the general public. In order to meet these challenges, the Refuge has undertaken a monitoring program that involves citizen scientists in data collection, summary, and communication of results back to the public.

Phenology monitoring is carried out through use of the USGS-led USA National Phenology Network’s phenology monitoring program, Nature’s Notebook, appropriate for professionals and citizen scientists. A core group of 10 volunteers makes weekly visits to the Refuge to carry out monitoring of focal species including birds, native tree and invasive plants. The project also incorporates youth: senior students from a local high school are involved in monitoring design, data collection, and resources for species identification, and members of the Youth Conservation Corps assist with weekly observations.

While these citizen scientists require guidance in initial training, monitoring scheduling, and troubleshooting data collection and entry issues, a locally-based individual in a leadership position can provide guidance with minimal time commitment. The effort of these citizen scientists toward data collection, data entry, and public engagement saves the Refuge an estimated $5,000 annually. The data collected will be used in design and development of habitat restoration from current farm field to native habitats in support of biodiversity and conservation of native species. This project serves as an example for other National Wildlife Refuges and protected areas in how to successfully engage citizen scientists in natural resource management and community engagement goals.