Thank you for your interest in helping our oldest relatives!
Wetland Watchers monitor wetland sites once a week in the afternoon from June until the end of September. You can choose the site you monitor or we can broker one for you! You can monitor wetlands with your kids, in groups, or use the opportunity to spend time in nature. Wetlands are the most biodiverse biomes (habitats) in the world. There is so much to see and learn when near a wetland, or simply soak up the sounds and beauty that surrounds you. Wetland Watchers contribute to knowledge of wildlife-biology in the region, and the information that is shared helps us increase wetland protection and conservation too. Wetland Watchers are Level 2 Guardians!
Thank you for all your time and dedication to helping Ontario's turtles! With your efforts this spring and summer, you will help us collect valuable data about Ontario turtle species that are rapidly declining. You will also help document turtle habitat, report turtle sightings and alert us to anything interesting you discover! Below are the steps you must complete in order to join our Wetland Watchers Team. Please ensure that you complete each of the steps before going our into the feild.
Step 1: Register to volunteer
Please click the button below and complete the registration form.
Step 2: Sign up for a live workshop
Our training workshops will provide you with all the information that you need to help turtles! Everyone who wishes to volunteer must fill out the Workshop Sign-Up Form (if you are unable to attend a live session or are a returning volunteer, please select that option on the Workshop Sign-Up Form). The available workshop dates are listed below:
- Thursday, April 28th at 7:00pm
- Tuesday, May 10th at 7:00pm
- Saturday, May 14th at 1:00pm
- Tuesday, July 26th at 7:00pm
- Thursday, August 18th at 7:00pm
Those who wish to sign up for pre-recorded session:
Pre-recorded training sessions are available below for people who are unable to make a live workshop; however it is strongly encourage you to attend one because they help to build community and provide you with a chance to ask questions! If you choose to only watch a pre-recorded session you will be required to complete our Wetland Watchers Quiz in Step 5. Also, please note: you must still fill out the Workshop Sign-Up Form and indicate that you are unable to make any of the live workshops.
Returning volunteers:
If you are a returning volunteer you are not required to attend another workshop session; however we strongly encourage you to attend one so you can re-familiarize yourself with protocols and our team. Please note: you must still fill out the Workshop Sign-Up Form and indicate that you are a returning volunteer.
Step 3: Re-watch training videos & download the protocols
The Land Between ecotone is extremely important for Southern Ontario's turtles. After attending a live session re-watch our training videos below to study Wetland Watcher protocol. NOTE: If you would like to enlarge the videos click play and then click the square in the bottom right.
If you are unable to attended a live session is it mandatory towatch these recordings (you must then pass the quiz in Step 5).
Turtle ID Training Video
Turtle ID's in Wetlands Training Video
Wetland Watchers Safety and
Protocol Video
Step 4: Read and download the protocol
After watching the videos, download and read the protocols. The Wetland Watchers Protocols will provide written details on what was discussed in the Wetland Watchers Training Video. The Wetland Typing Decision Tree will help guide you through the process of identifying which type of wetland you are monitoring.
Wetland Watchers Protocol
Learning About Your Wetland
Step 5: Pass the Wetland Watchers Quiz
After watching the training videos and reading the protocols complete the Wetland Watchers Quiz by clicking in the button below. Once you complete the quiz, your results will be sent to our team.
This quiz is mandatory for anyone who was unable to attend a live session.
Step 6: Online Submission Form and Printable Data Sheets
We have an exciting app currently in development, but until then we would like you to use our Online Submission Form or Printed Field Datasheets to submit your findings. If you chose to use a Printable Submission form, after you return home please add your data to your personalized online Google Sheet that was set up for you when you registered. Please contact us at citizenscienceTLB@gmail.com if you have any difficulties with this.
Online Submission Forms
Printable Submission Forms
Step 7: Complete the Safety Training and Safety Quizzes
Safety is of the utmost important at all times. Please make sure that you download and carefully read the Safety Protocol below. After you have completed reading the protocol/watching the videos, complete the quizzes below to confirm your knowledge — you must pass the quiz to join any of our community science teams. Once you have completed the quizzes, our team will be notified.
Road Safety Training Video
Outdoor Hazards Safety Training Video
Step 8: Read and Download Supporting Documents
Wetland Watcher will see much more than just turtles! You will also be able to discover many other species that live in wetlands such as various bird and plants! You will also be a line of defense to protect wetlands from the advancement of invasive species like Phragmities. Download and read the sheets below to learn more