Virtual Classroom Trainings

Citizen Science Naturalist Program

2023

If you are interested in nature and would like to learn more about our local flora and fauna, we have just the program for you!

If you are concerned about our warming climate and would like to participate in projects that are gathering vital information about its impacts, we have just the program for you!

If you like to be outdoors and are interested in meeting people that care about the earth as much as you do, we have just the program for you!

Join the Citizen Science Naturalist Program at Mount Auburn Cemetery!

Our program provides eleven virtual classroom trainings led by local experts that will introduce beginners to flora and fauna and provide a deeper dive for more experienced nature enthusiasts.  Volunteers will learn about field research protocols and conservation techniques through classroom and field trainings that will prepare them to become capable biodiversity research assistants for a number of projects on the grounds of Mount Auburn Cemetery.  Volunteers will also have an opportunity to contribute to national environmental projects.  Tutorial data collection walks and additional activities will be provided throughout the year.  No experience is required!  An in-person get together at the new event space at Hazel Dell will close out the classroom piece of our program.  Citizen scientists will have an opportunity to get to know one another and connect with field researchers and classroom trainers at this event.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Paul Kwiatkowski, Director of Urban Ecology & Sustainability at Mount Auburn Cemetery: pkwiatkowski@mountauburn.org

You will receive zoom links to the virtual classroom trainings after signing up for the program.  All trainings will be recorded.

2023 Virtual Classroom Schedule

1. Amphibians & Reptiles: Saturday March 4, 11:00am – 1:00pm.
2. Tree & Shrub Phenology: Tuesday March 7, 7:00pm – 9:00pm.
3. Mammals: Saturday March 11, 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
4. Nature Photography: Saturday March 18, 11:00am – 12:00pm
5. Birds: Monday March 20, 7:00pm – 9:00pm.
6. Fungi & Lichens: Monday April 3, 2:00pm – 3:00pm.
7. Insects: Wednesday April 12, 12:15pm – 2:00pm.
8. Intro to GIS and Mapping for Citizen Science: Friday April 14, 11:00am – 12:30pm.
9. Informal Educators & Crowd-Sourced Science: Tuesday April 18, 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
10. History of Mount Auburn Cemetery’s Connection to Landscape Stewardship: Thursday April 20, 10:00am – 11:00am.
11. Botany & Gardening for Pollinators: Tuesday April 25, 6:00 – 8:00pm.
12. In-Person Get Together: Sunday April 30, 3:00 – 5:00pm.