The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County (FPWC), in partnership with Severson Dells Nature Center, is launching a series of virtual and in-person community science trainings. The program starts on Feb. 8 for people interested in volunteering as community scientists in area forest preserves.

Participants of all backgrounds and ability levels are welcome to become volunteer bluebird, frog, bat, bumblebees or budburst community scientists.

Community scientists volunteer at forest preserves throughout Winnebago County to record observations of a variety of species along with the environmental conditions within that habitat. Data collected by these individuals in the field are submitted to a variety of state and national repositories to aid in the collective understanding of the natural world, inform natural resource management, and inform the public education programs offered at Severson Dells.

Naturalist and Educator Andrea Wallace Noble explains why there is such a great need for community scientists.

“They are the frontlines of wildlife preservation; the data they contribute could be critical in ensuring the survival of a species,” Noble said. “The Rusty-patched bumble bee is a great example of this! A community scientist discovered this critically-endangered species at one of our forest preserves, which helped FPWC secure $100,000 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and shape the way we restore our land moving forward.”

Barbara Williams, a dedicated community scientist encourages others to participate. “It’s a really interesting program because you are part of a community and in the process of exploration and discovery,” she said.

The training series kicks off with a general informational session on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Specialized training on Zoom will follow focusing on the variety of species. To learn more about community science, visit www.seversondells.com/community-science