As naturalists, we are also citizen scientists, conducting scientific research, in whole or in part, as amateur or non-professional scientists. The Squamish Environment Society (SES) encourages and supports those interested in conducting or participating in research to better understand the ecology of the Squamish Valley.
Contribute to an Existing Project
A number of ongoing projects rely on volunteers to contribute data and maintain infrastructure. Find a project that matches your interests and get started!
Some of our projects are more planning, analysis and policy oriented, and less reliant on volunteers.
- Analysis of Data from Squamish Estuary Bird Counts, 1991 to present
- Wildlife Connectivity
- Estuary Conservation Priorities Update (now in fundraising stage)
Start a New Project
Below are potential areas for new citizen science. Let us know if you are interested in coordinating or contributing to any of these projects.
- Habitat: monitor the impact on fish and wildlife habitat as a result of motorized water craft in Central Channel and West Delta of the Estuary.
- Wildlife corridors: identify and map wildlife corridors in the Estuary as well as elsewhere in the Squamish Valley
- Amphibians: location of breeding sites for all species; sightings of Western Toad, Red-legged, and Tailed Frog.
- Bats: location of winter hibernacula and summer roosts; reporting of all dead bats; locations for all species.
- Aerial Insectivores: locations of Barn Swallow and Cliff Swallow nest sites; sightings of Common Nighthawk and Olive-sided Flycatcher.
- Raptors: sightings of: Peregrine Falcon, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Barn Owl and Short-eared Owl.
- Invertebrates: sightings of Pacific Sideband Snail.
- Marine Birds: Marbled Murrelet nest sites.
- Reptiles: snake sightings and winter hibernacula.
- Mammals: Mountain Goat and Grizzly Bear sightings and counts.
Header photo: gnome plant, Hemitomes congestum