8Trees Inc. is launching the Citizen Science Coverboard Project,  in alignment with our ongoing data collection initiative across the Niagara-Hamilton, Haldimand and Norfolk regions.Â
What is the purpose?
Southern Ontario, being part of the Carolinian ecozone and representing the most southern region in Canada, is one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. The Niagara-Hamilton region sits within a UNESCO biosphere reserve, a designation that recognizes the scientific significance of the unique geological feature, the Niagara escarpment. Amphibians and reptiles represent a large proportion of the species at risk in the region, and many are associated with the Niagara escarpment. However, there are significant knowledge gaps on amphibian and reptile habitat use across this landscape. Due to the growing human population and expanding residential areas, we are finding that people are encountering rare wildlife in their own backyards without even knowing it.
Our primary objective is to create a network of citizen science volunteers to monitor wildlife coverboards in a standardized way on their own private lands. We are targeting areas based on our recent habitat suitability analysis for Gray Ratsnake and Eastern Foxsnake (both are species at risk in Canada), and therefore the boards will be placed in areas that target snakes and salamanders.
Our secondary objective is to encourage citizens to document wildlife whenever they can. This includes any interesting plants and animals seen while walking on trails, in parks, near shorelines, and even on a sidewalk. These are called incidental observations and are welcome additions to the database.
What does a volunteer do?
We ask volunteers to house three coverboards (modified planks of wood, 4×4 ft. in size) on their lands and check underneath for presence of animals once per week. Volunteers must document their observations using “My Field App“, an easy-to-use data collection tool for your smartphone. Simply open the app, take a picture of the ground under the lifted board, and submit your observation even if nothing is there!
It is important to note that we do not require or encourage any handling of wildlife, only taking photos!
How long would you need to volunteer for?
For as long as you like! We hope volunteers will commit to monitoring for at least one full season (April to November).
What about Covid-19?
8Trees Inc. follows government-advised social distancing protocols. We will deliver coverboards to curbside addresses (unless otherwise instructed) and send instructional documents on proper coverboard installation, etiquette, data collection and species identification. Participants may also visit our “field guide” webpage photos to help with species identification.
How do I volunteer?
Please send an e-mail to support@8trees.ca if you have any questions or wish to volunteer!