TownGreen seeking volunteers for marsh restoration Participatory Science Program

TownGreen will host an information session about its new marsh restoration Participatory Science Program on Monday, July 14, from 6 to 7 p.m., at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce in Gloucester and online via Zoom.

The program is led by John Cigliano, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Biology, and former Director of Environmental Conservation at Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA.

Volunteer participatory scientists will be trained to help collect necessary marsh data by sampling research sites, collecting data on salt marsh vegetation, benthic animals (e.g., snails), birds, and invasive species.

These data will be added to long-term data sets that will allow tracking of changes in the marsh post-restoration. The data will be shared with appropriate government and non-profit organizations, volunteers, and the public, so that long-term management and protection of the salt marshes will be possible.

Participatory science volunteers will:

• Sample marsh sites
• Observe and record plant species in quadrat PVC frames to determine plant community composition
• Record ecological parameters, such as bare soil, dead vascular plant species, macroalgae (e.g., seaweed), open water (creek, ditch), wrack (seaweed, seagrass, driftwood, other organic materials, and debris deposited on the marsh), phragmites and perennial pepperweed (invasive species), and benthic animals (e.g., snails) in each quadrant
• Record birds and other animal species that we encounter

When: Monday, July 14 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Location: Greater Cape Ann Chamber Conference Room, 24 Harbor Loop, Gloucester
Who: Teens 16+ and adults. TownGreen is seeking 10-15 volunteers to sign up.

The work in the marsh starts with a training program (Friday, August 15) and then a fieldwork weekend (Sat., August 16 and Sun., August 17). Timing will depend on tides and weather. Participants will be notified via email as the dates approach.

Interested?: Click here to RSVP for the info. session.
Webinar option: Join the info. session on Zoom
Questions?: Reach out to maureen@town-green.org