Journey North
ORMN Project Contact: Carolyn Smith - catheal(at)mac.com
Project Background
Journey North engages citizen scientists in a global study of wildlife migration and seasonal changes. Using data collected by citizen scientists it publishes migration maps and other educational tools. Although it is considered a best-practices model for citizen science for children, adults are encouraged to participate in order to increase data available for scientific study.
Journey North engages citizen scientists in a global study of wildlife migration and seasonal changes. Using data collected by citizen scientists it publishes migration maps and other educational tools. Although it is considered a best-practices model for citizen science for children, adults are encouraged to participate in order to increase data available for scientific study.
CS (Citizen Science) Activities with Journey North
Monarch Butterfly Monitoring
Journey North’s Monarch Butterfly Monitoring program is one of the best sources of data regarding the biology of monarch butterflies available to scientists. Data is shared with the cooperative network of monarch monitoring programs known as Monarch Net, as well as other collaborators such as Monarch Joint Venture. All monarch observations submitted are included on Journey North’s real-time maps. ORMN volunteers first register with Journey North. Using the online data entry system, ORMN volunteers report early and late sightings, such as the first monarch butterfly seen in the spring, the first milkweed to emerge in the spring, the first monarch egg seen, the first monarch larva seen and the last evidence of eggs and larvae. For adult monarchs, report number seen, length of time observing, butterfly’s behavior, environmental and behavior observations. Include wind, weather, habitat, and other observations. Upload any photographs taken.
Journey North’s Monarch Butterfly Monitoring program is one of the best sources of data regarding the biology of monarch butterflies available to scientists. Data is shared with the cooperative network of monarch monitoring programs known as Monarch Net, as well as other collaborators such as Monarch Joint Venture. All monarch observations submitted are included on Journey North’s real-time maps. ORMN volunteers first register with Journey North. Using the online data entry system, ORMN volunteers report early and late sightings, such as the first monarch butterfly seen in the spring, the first milkweed to emerge in the spring, the first monarch egg seen, the first monarch larva seen and the last evidence of eggs and larvae. For adult monarchs, report number seen, length of time observing, butterfly’s behavior, environmental and behavior observations. Include wind, weather, habitat, and other observations. Upload any photographs taken.
- Locations: Anywhere in Virginia. As long as you report your data to Journey North, your volunteer hours can be counted, including if the monitoring site is on your own property.
- Physical Requirements/Safety Hazards: Involvement in Monarch Butterfly Monitoring may include exposure to heat, cold, dampness, rain, ticks, poison ivy, snakes and insect bites/stings.
- Special Requirements: Access to computer and internet for online reporting.
- Time Commitment: Varies during spring to fall. Volunteers determine their level of involvement.
Report volunteer hours and travel time on VMN-Better Impact.