OPPORTUNITY FOR WILDLIFE WATCHERS TO HELP DNR

Become a citizen scientist and help the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) collect data on frogs, toads, raptors, herons or egrets. The Volunteer Wildlife Monitoring Program (VWMP) is a six-hour training designed to prepare folks for collecting and submitting data on Iowa's declining wildlife to the wildlife diversity program. These data are crucial to the DNR's ability to monitor declining populations of frogs, toads, nesting raptors, and colonial waterbirds. Six training workshops have been scheduled across Iowa.

Three frog and toad survey workshops will instruct people in identifying frog and toad species by sight and sound, locating appropriate survey sites, and collecting and submitting data. It is as easy as taking a drive on a few summer nights. Frog and Toad workshops are scheduled in Oskaloosa, Atlantic and Mason City.

Participants in the three bird nest monitoring workshops will learn how to identify raptors and colonial waterbirds (herons, egrets) and locate and monitor their nesting sites. Surveyors will visit nests two to three times during the spring and summer and collect data on the number of young successfully fledged. Bird nest monitoring workshops are scheduled for Fort Dodge, Burlington and Dubuque.

Information presented at the trainings will appeal to adults with an enthusiasm for the outdoors and an interest in observing wildlife. Pre-registration is required with a small fee to cover lunch. Training sessions usually run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information on registration and other details visit http://www.iowadnr.com/wildlife/files/divvols.html or contact Stephanie Shepherd at 515-432-2823 x102 or [log in to unmask].

Bird Nest Monitoring:

February 24 - Burlington
Des Moines County Conservation Board, Starr's Cave Nature Center
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Lunch provided)
FEE: $7

March 24 - Dubuque
Dubuque County Conservation Board, Swiss Valley Nature Center, Peosta
10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Lunch provided)
FEE: $7

March 31 - Fort Dodge
Webster County Conservation Board, Bob Heun Shelter House, John F. Kennedy Park
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Lunch provided)
FEE: $7

Frog and Toad Call Survey:

February 17 - Oskaloosa
Mahaska County Conservation Board, Russell Wildlife Area Conservation Center
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Lunch provided)
FEE: $6

March 3 - Atlantic
Atlantic Public Library, 507 Poplar St.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Lunch Provided)
FEE: $6

March 10 - Mason City
Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board, Lime Creek Nature Center
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Lunch provided)
FEE: $5.50