Join the Citizen Scientist Naturalist Program!

If you are interested in nature and would like to learn more about our local flora and fauna, please continue reading this message!

If you like to be outdoors and are interested in meeting people that care about the earth as much as you do, please continue reading this message!

If you are concerned about the potential impacts facing wildlife and wildlife habitat due to our warming climate, please read below!

Our program provides ten classroom trainings led by local experts that will introduce beginners to flora and fauna and provide a deeper dive for more experienced nature enthusiasts.  Most classroom trainings will be held on zoom.  Some will be held by a hybrid in-person/zoom format.  Participants will learn about field research protocols and conservation techniques that will prepare them to become capable biodiversity research assistants to support a number of projects on the grounds of Mount Auburn Cemetery.  Volunteers will also have an opportunity to contribute to national environmental projects.  Tutorial data collection walks and additional activities will be provided throughout the year.

No experience is required.  This program is free to all!

If you are interested in participating, please contact Paul Kwiatkowski, Director of Urban Ecology & Sustainability at Mount Auburn Cemetery: pkwiatkowski@mountauburn.org

You will receive a full training schedule, including zoom links to the live virtual classroom trainings after signing up for the program.  All trainings will be recorded and made available following each session.

Amphibians & Reptiles: Saturday March 9, 10:30am – 12:00pm (Virtual)
Insects: Saturday March 16, 3:00pm – 5:00pm (Virtual)
Mammals: Saturday March 23, 1:00pm -3:00pm (Virtual)
Tree & Shrub Phenology: Monday March 25, 7:00pm – 9:00pm (Virtual)
Nature Photography: Saturday March 30, 3:00pm – 4:30pm (Virtual)

Birds: Friday April 5, 7:00 – 9:00pm (Virtual)
Fungi & Lichens: Saturday April 13, 3:00 – 4:30PM (hybrid in-person/zoom training: PowerPoint at Story Chapel followed by a walk on the grounds)
Participatory Science, Education, & Apps: Monday April 15, 12:15pm – 1:45pm (Virtual)
Botany & Ecological Gardening: Thursday April 18, 1:00 – 2:30pm (Virtual)
History & Landscape Connections: Monday April 22, 1:00 – 2:00pm (Virtual)