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Glacier Park Citizen Science Opportunities, Training Available

So-called citizen science participants can gain an increased understanding of important park resources

By beacon staff
Visitors snap pictures of a mountain goat near Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon

The Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center is offering opportunities for visitors to assist Glacier National Park in monitoring species of concern during summer. So-called citizen science participants can gain an increased understanding of important park resources while collecting valuable data for park managers. Visitors who want to become citizen scientists are encouraged to sign up for a one-day training session to learn how to identify, observe, and record information on mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pikas, and common loons in Glacier.

Once trained, citizen scientists are free to collect data during hiking trips in the park on their own schedule. Citizen scientists are most needed on (or near) Spring Loon Day on May 13, Summer Loon Day on July 15, and Goat Days on August 18-19.

Contact the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center at [email protected] or (406) 888-7986 to sign-up.

Common Loon Citizen Science

Gather information on the distribution and reproduction of common loons to understand more about population trends and nesting success.

Training Dates for West Glacier: May 11, June 15, July 13

Training Date for St. Mary: June 1

Huckleberry Phenology ScienceCache (new program)

Use an interactive app on your mobile device to help U.S. Geological Survey scientists monitor changes in the timing of huckleberry flowering and berry production to learn how climate variability affects this important bear food.

Training Dates for West Glacier: May 23, June 6

Training Date for St. Mary: July 5

High Country Citizen Science

Observe mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and pikas at selected sites to assist with population and distribution estimates.

Training Dates: June 7, June 22, Aug. 15

Training Date for St. Mary: July 6