Nature Journaling Citizen Science at Barts Cobble

Opportunity Overview:
Join a multi-year citizen science project at Bartholomew’s Cobble and contribute to documenting the landscape's changes over time. 
Nanci Worthington, with an MFA-IA in art and ecology, has been a nature journal keeper in New Marlborough for nearly 50 years and a natural scientific illustrator for over a decade. Since 2021, she has been leading a ten-year nature journaling project for the Trustees at Bartholomew’s Cobble in collaboration with their staff ecologist, titled "Art as a Tool for Citizen Science" and she's looking for your help! Volunteers will meet once a month at designated areas on the property to create journal entries, capturing what they see, feel, smell, and sense through illustrations and writing. The focus is on both obvious details and those that might seem small or unnoticed. Much like Nanci's personal work, this project is a collective effort to document the changing landscape over time. Citizen science plays a vital role in influencing environmental policy, identifying new invasive species, and aiding in effective management. 
After an initial training session with Nanci, each volunteer will have the opportunity to choose when they visit the property and the duration of their visit. This project can be done as an individual or with a group. Observations need to be done on consistent pre-planned dates that will be chosen by the volunteer (ex. you visit every last Saturday of the month throughout the year) and you will meet with Nanci at least three/four times per year for project updates. More detailed information along with a syllabus will be provided before beginning this project.  
Benefits:

• Learn to observe and enjoy nature in a new way
• Supporting a citizen science project 
• Connecting and working with like-minded staff and volunteers 

• Visit the same location on a regular series of dates and record observations
• Drawing and writing observations, tracking date, temperature, weather, what you hear/see/smell at the time of visit
• Take photographs and audio journal if needed including using the Merlin App for bird sounds
• Log volunteer hours

• Access to a smart phone to help with photography and audio observations
• Attention to detail to make observations
• Availability to meet at least three/four times a year for project updates
• Send monthly journals of observations to Nanci
• Please note: A background check is required for this role

Time Commitment:
Volunteers will make observations on pre-planned dates on a consistent schedule and meet with Nanci three-four times a year for project updates
For more information
Contact the Volunteer Services Team at [email protected]
To explore other volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer page at http://volunteer.thetrustees.org/
  More about The Trustees
Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for more than 125 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of both historic and cultural value, The Trustees is the nation’s first preservation and conservation organization, and its landscapes and landmarks continue to inspire discussion, innovation, and action today as they did in the past. We are a nonprofit, supported by members, friends and donors and our 116 sites are destinations for residents, members, and visitors alike, welcoming millions of guests annually. www.thetrustees.org.
  Inclusive Spaces for All
We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all. Together, alongside our partners and volunteers we are creating inclusive spaces of community for people of all backgrounds to enjoy and preserving these open spaces for everyone, forever. We are committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and experience.
  The Trustees is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, military service, application for military service, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The Trustees makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.