The NatureMapping program
For many years SSI has also promoted another great program: NatureMapping. NM is citizen science and holds great value for Idaho's schools and communities. It is also a national program that began in Washington state (http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/) and has expanded to many other states. NatureMapping is, in essence, a monitoring and data-gathering program that grew out of the GAP Analysis program.
Community groups, citizen scientists, and schools are first trained in basic identification, observation, record keeping, and mapping skills. Protocols are then developed for gathering data necessary to answering questions and learning about local plants and animals. We've observed that school kids pick up GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and GIS (Geographical Information Systems, computerized mapping) readily, while we adults struggle with technology. The ESER program of Stoller has worked with high school kids on invasive weed mapping – a valuable service for land managers. More information about these programs may be found at www.stoller-eser.com, www.stoller-eser.com/nie and www.natureprobe.com.
SSI promotes the model that the State of Virginia has adopted called Wildlife Mapping that incorporates the training workshops and curriculum of the Master Naturalist program and utilizes the trained volunteers in their WildlifeMapping program. Trained volunteers are able to submit data on the Virginia Department of Game and Fish's website. There is also more information at www.gap.uidaho.edu.
A resource containing a tremendous amount of information about geology, wildlife, human history, and GIS-based maps that may be helpful to both MN and NM programs in Idaho is the Digital Atlas of Idaho.
SSI will continue to offer the field study courses, we are seeking to expand our offerings to other venues and formats. We're developing on-line courses that would take a student from earth's beginnings to conservation biology, particularly as it relates to Idaho's vast (and threatened) pristine roadless areas.
SSI has established a network of naturalists throughout the state and If you'd like help in locating naturalists in your community or need resources for your own projects, please call: 208-788-9686.
If you'd like to try your hand at NatureMapping, please download a printable IdahoNatureMapping data collection form.