Delaware Amphibian Monitoring Program (DAMP)
Volunteer Orientation
Friday, March 1      7 - 9 p.m.
Registration begins at 6:45pm

Location: St. Jones Reserve
                   818 Kitts Hummock Rd.
                   Dover, DE 19901
                   (To be held in "The Barn")
                   Directions to the St. Jones Reserve

Description: Concerned about the decline in amphibian species? Join a national project working to assess frog and toad population trends. Data is collected using a calling survey technique where volunteers identify local amphibian species by their vocalizations. By driving a specified route and listening to calls roadside, you can help identify species throughout Delaware. Learn more about the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP).

Requirements: This project requires a primary and secondary surveyor. DAMP volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and are required to have a licensed motorized vehicle and a valid driver's license with the ability to drive at night (or with the commitment of the co-volunteer to drive). Surveys begin a half hour after sunset and take about 3 hours to complete. Primary volunteers need access to a computer with Internet and the ability to play sound files in order to meet the quiz requirement. Volunteers are asked to participate for at least 3 years.

What to bring: Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight (we will listen for frog calls pending weather conditions).

Contact: Pre-registration is requested along with route choice. Route availability can be viewed on the NAAMP website. We would like to cover all the vacant routes, but can have more than one volunteer per route if there are no vacant ones near where you live. (We especially need coverage in Sussex County).

For more information or to register for the orientation, please contact Vickie Henderson at 302-735-8657 or vickie.henderson@state.de.us.

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Cedar Swamp's Bye Bye Boxwood!
Saturday, March 9    1 - 3 p.m.

Location: Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area - Vogel Tract View Map

Project Description: Ornamental boxwood shrubs are stifling native wildlife habitat at this Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area site by outcompeting native plants and taking over the understory. Volunteers will be using hand saws, pruners and loppers to remove the shrubs.

What to bring/wear: Work gloves, hand saws, pruners and loppers will be provided, but volunteers may bring their own.

Age requirement: Volunteers under the age of 18 must provide a parental consent form. An adult must accompany volunteers under the age of 16.

Contact: Volunteers are asked to pre-register with contact information in case of inclement weather leading to postponement. For more information or to volunteer for this event, contact Lynne Staub at 302-735-3600 or lynne.staub@state.de.us.

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Citizen Osprey Monitoring Project (COMP)
Volunteer Orientation
Sunday, March 10    1 - 3 p.m. (with optional nest visit after orientation)

Location: St. Jones Reserve
                   818 Kitts Hummock Rd.
                   Dover, DE 19901
                   (To be held in "The Barn")
                   Directions to the St. Jones Reserve

Description: In past years, the Osprey population in Delaware has seen a rise in nesting pairs. Osprey have come a long way from earlier declines and are making a comeback. Help is needed to monitor nests throughout the state. New nests are being built every year and keeping track of them is much easier with the assistance of volunteers. Knowledge of nests in your area will assist with the statewide aerial survey which will be completed in 2014. Volunteers are asked to observe their nest at least every other week to collect data starting with nest building in mid-March to departure of adults and juveniles in late summer.

Requirements: This is a great family project. A licensed motorized vehicle and a valid driver's license (or co-monitor with a valid driver's license) is required if your nest is not near your home. All persons under the age of 18 must have a consent form signed by a parent or guardian.

What to bring: Binoculars, and location information for any nest you are interested in monitoring (closest intersection/road names required)