Be a citizen scientist at Presque Isle

Our family is at Presque Isle State Park quite often. If we’re not running or biking around the park, we are walking the dog, kayaking in the lagoons or bay, or lounging on one of the beaches. We know the park very well and, yet, there is always something new to discover.

I recently learned about a citizen science project at “The Feather, ” a wooden observation platform that overlooks an inlet of Presque Isle Bay that provides an excellent view of a wetland ecosystem.  (This structure is about a mile or so into the park, just after the Vista 3 parking lot on the bay side.)

On the railing of the platform, where it overlooks the wetlands, you’ll find a bracket to hold your cell phone and an invitation to participate in a Chronolog citizen science project helping to document the changing landscape, vegetation, and water levels of the wetlands. Simply snap a photo and email it to the address provided on the sign. Then, Chronolog adds your photo to the hundreds more that it has received to create a timeline.

See the timeline from The Feather here. 

“This area was once overrun with invasive plant species (primarily phragmites and narrow-leaved cattail) to the point of degradation of the area, so it was no longer accessible by spawning fish, or able to be traversed by amphibians and reptiles. Park staff and interns have worked very hard to return this area to a native wetland and allowing for open-water once again. Water levels are now able to fluctuate naturally with the ebb and flow of the level of Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay”

Your photographs taken at this location will help document the natural changes that occur in this area including water level, seasonal changes to plants, and the variety of bird and animal species that utilize this wetland. The Chronolog site is sponsored by the Presque Isle Partnership.

Check it out next time you’re at PISP!