If you are interested in wildlife conservation in British Columbia’s beautiful Elk Valley and enjoy looking at photos of wildlife, become a community scientist to help researchers.
The collaborative ‘Reconnecting the Rockies’ project needs your help!
Y2Y and partners, including researchers, government, industry and conservation organizations in the Yellowstone-to-Yukon region are working on a safe passage system for people and wildlife on Highway 3 between Hosmer, B.C. and the Alberta border.
This system consists of nine wildlife crossing structures — including overpasses and underpasses — to be completed over the next five years. These crossing structures will be paired with fencing along the highway to keep wildlife off the road and keep people on the road safer.
The volunteer opportunity
An important part of this project is the remote camera monitoring program, which will be used to assess the effectiveness of these efforts. Cameras are placed under each structure and in areas surrounding the structure. These cameras capture thousands of images.
Your help is needed to identify the animals in these images!
As a virtual volunteer, you will receive the training needed to classify remote camera photos using an online program called Wildtrax. You will classify photos on your own time, at home, and can contribute as much or little time as you like. This is an amazing opportunity to learn about what wildlife you share space with in your area and contribute to safer highways for all!
Interested in volunteering? Don’t wait! Spots are filling up.
To learn more and submit your interest, please email Emily Chow, wildlife biologist with the Government of British Columbia.
