If you enjoy getting out in the wilderness, taking pictures, learning about the environment, and getting just a little bit messy, then you might be the citizen scientist North Branch Land Trust is looking for!

Luzerne County based-North Branch Land Trust is a regional nonprofit committed to conserving the natural, working, and scenic lands in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

This month, with the support of American Water Charitable Foundation and PPL Foundation, the Land Trust is inviting the community into the field to provide insight into the health of our habitats and learn a bit more about the plants, animals, birds and insects that inhabit them!

Citizen scientists are members of the community who assist in observations, gathering data or testing hypotheses with or without a science background.

Environmental groups depend on citizen scientists because they can provide a larger scope of data points than a small team of professionals.

If you have participated in Audubon’s Great Backyard Bird Count, Game Commission’s Wild Turkey Sighting Survey or posted a find to the species identification application iNaturalist, you have worked as a citizen scientist!

“It is exactly this kind of tangible connection to the land that creates a passion for conservation and awareness of the natural world…and all its wonders!” said Ellen Ferretti, Executive Director of North Branch Land Trust.

Upcoming Citizen Science Events

North Branch Land Trust is engaging passionate citizen scientists this autumn with multiple opportunities for conservation fun out in the field.

On September 21 and 22, citizen scientists of all ages can assist Senior Energy and Sustainability student Melissa Lopez from Penn State University at the Hanover Crossings Marsh Bio-Blitz.

If you have comfortable walking shoes and a device with a camera, you can gather data on the numerous species that inhabit North Branch Land Trust’s Hanover Crossings Marsh Sanctuary!

This data will help North Branch track invasive and native species and guide our restoration efforts.

On September 24, young conservationists also can join North Branch at the George and Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary for Loving Our Local Waters/Amando Nosotros Aguas Locales.

Participants will learn about our local watershed, explore the waterways of Picton Wildlife Sanctuary, and help create signs to protect our local natural resources.

At the conclusion of this educational workshop, NBLT will host a bilingual stewardship sign design contest, including digital transformations of designs created during this workshop.

It is important to engage both the community and up-and-coming leaders in the natural settings right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Melissa Lopez told North Branch, “The outdoors has always been my happy place. As I became older, I realized more and more that the earth must be protected so future generations also have the ability to enjoy the beauty this world has to offer.”

Lopez developed the Bio-Blitz event as a means to share her formal knowledge outside of academia and to encourage everyone to take active steps in mitigating the effects of climate change. 

“We are thrilled to have Melissa join our team. We cannot wait to hear all about her adventures exploring these great outdoor Preserves,” said Executive Director Ferretti.

Professor Brandi Robinson from Penn State University is excited to see her students out in the field, “Having the chance to collaborate with local community partners like North Branch Land Trust provides our graduating Energy and Sustainability Policy students a unique opportunity to apply the concepts and skills they’ve cultivated in their classes out in their communities where they have broad and tangible impact.”

Other projects being undertaken by graduating students this semester include an energy audit and solar feasibility study for a church facility, a retrofit plan to convert an existing building to a high-efficiency multi-use local government building, recommendations for turf replacement and water-wise incentives in a Colorado city, an analysis of illegal waterway dumping and community engagement to prevent it in Allegheny County and an analysis of sustainable restoration options for a historic building   

These citizen science events have been made possible through the American Water Charitable Foundation 2022 Water and Environment Grant, PPL Foundation’s 2022 Sustaining Grant, and support from North Branch Land Trust members.

Community-focused charitable organizations are vital for nonprofits seeking innovation in the ways they impact the region.  

"The PPL Foundation is committed to strengthening communities through innovative approaches that address critical social challenges," said Ryan Hill, president of the PPL Foundation. "We're proud to work together with our nonprofit partners year-round to improve the lives and well-being of residents in the communities we serve."

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is committed to participating and investing in programs that benefit communities served by American Water,” said Carrie Williams, president, American Water Charitable Foundation.  “We are proud to further American Water’s ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor and good steward of the environment.”

If you would like to participate in these events on September 21, 22 or 24, please visit The North Branch Land Trust’s Events webpage or contact North Branch Land Trust at info@nblt.org.

For more information on land conservation, programs, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the North Branch Land Trust website, following them on Facebook and Twitter.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates (bottom of page).

[Posted: September 12, 2022]

9/19/2022