Volunteer Black-Footed Ferret Monitoring Program
"Fall Population Monitoring & Kit Trapping"
Ferret Trackers
Ferret trackers assist in monitoring Black-footed Ferrets with special permitted night-time spotlight surveys. A great way to learn new skills, make a difference and have fun!
Location: Grasslands National Park (GNP) - Val Marie, Saskatchewan
Program Title: Volunteer Black-Footed Ferret Monitoring Program (A Citizen Scientist Program)
Volunteer Project Coordinator: Ashley Wruth
Volunteer or Group Name: Ferret Trackers
Volunteers learn how to use monitoring equipment at their orientation session © Neil Deringer
Project Dates
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Project #1: 5 nights Tuesday pm to Sunday am from: Aug 13 - 18, 2013
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Project #1a: 2 nights Tuesday pm to Thursday am from: Aug 13 -15, 2013
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Project #1b: 3 nights Thursday pm to Sunday am from: Aug 15 -18, 2013
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Project#2: 5 nights Tuesday pm to Sunday am from: Aug 20 - 25, 2013
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Project#2a: 2 nights Tuesday pm to Thursday am from: Aug 20 - 22, 2013
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Project#2b: 3 nights Thursday pm to Sunday am from: Aug 22 - 25, 2013
Orientation / Training Afternoons: Aug 13, Aug 15, Aug 20, and Aug 22, 2013. Arrive rested - you will be starting surveys that evening!
Tasks: Volunteers will commit to:
- Participate in 1 afternoon of scheduled group orientation and training prior to your first night of fieldwork.
- Participate in 2 ,3 or 5 nights** of night-time spotlight surveying for black-footed ferrets.
- Accurately record and complete required data entry sheets and program evaluation documents necessary for a successful volunteer monitoring session.
- Citizen Scientist code of conduct, roles, responsibilities, and logistics
- Follow Ferret survey protocols, safe work practices and responsible care/use of equipment
- Provide communication feedback, suggestions and problems in a respectful and timely manner
**Depending on which project you applied for
All monitoring equipment is provided! A packing list for general equipment and personal items is provided © Parks Canada
Skill Level: Requirements for volunteers:
- Ability to hike at night, in variable weather conditions.
- Must be physically fit.
- Able to hike 15-23 km/night (depending on location of colony) over an 8 hr. period.
- Able to carry 25-40 lbs in their backpack, while hiking on flat and/or uneven terrain.
- Fluent English communication skills (oral, reading, writing).
- Comfortable with night-time work (sunset to sunrise) and working alone, as part of a remote team.
- Data recording and observation skills and basic map-reading ability.
- GPS skills or willingness to learn how to use a GPS.
- Interpersonal skills -responsible, reliable, motivated, patient, enthusiastic and able to communicate personal needs.
Resources Available for Volunteers:
- Spotlight & 12 volt battery, radio, scanner, head lamp, reflectors, map & data sheets, GPS unit, (for loan if needed: compasses, a few external or internal frame backpacks)
- Packing list for volunteer's general equipment/personal needs
- Transportation to and from the necessary monitoring sites from Grasslands National Park
DONATIONS TO SUPPORT YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THIS BLACK-FOOTED FERRET RECOVERY PROGRAM ARE APPRECIATED.
For more information, please contact:
Ashley Wruth
Volunteer Black-footed Ferret Monitoring Program Coordinator
Grasslands National Park of Canada
P.O. Box 150
Val Marie, SK
S0N 2T0
Tel : 1-306-298-2166 ext 233
Email : grasslands.info@pc.gc.ca or ashley.wruth@pc.gc.ca
Fax : 306-298-2045