Dragonfly Larvae Sample Collection Event- September 15th, 9am-1pm

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Join National Park Service staff on a nationwide community science effort! Help to collect dragonfly larvae samples to be sent to a laboratory for mercury concentration testing. This testing will improve understanding of mercury risks and how to mitigate them through land management practices! Work will involve a 1.5-mile uphill hike to the sample site and back, using dip-nets to collect dragonfly larvae samples, and using a field guide to identify dragonfly larvae.

Rain Date: September 29th, 2024

Training: There will be a roughly 45-minute training presentation before going out on trail. Prior knowledge of park trails helpful but not required.

Directions: Parking is available across the street from the National Park at Billings Farm and Musuem, 69 Old River Road Woodstock, VT 05091. We will meet in the Forest Center at the park; after crossing the street from the farm, there will be a fork in the path with a directional sign, take a right and follow the path to the first building around the bend.

What to wear: Weather-appropriate outerwear, rubber boots or other closed-toed shoes that you do not mind getting wet.

What to bring: Plenty of water, cell phone as backup communication in case of radio failure and snacks if needed!

Physical Requirements: The work will be moderately physically demanding. Volunteers should be comfortable with roving off trail, moderately steep incline, hiking up to 3 miles and standing or walking for 4 hours. Work will be almost entirely outdoors in temperatures ranging from 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While working outdoors, there is risk for poison ivy, poison oak, ticks and stinging insects.

If you are under 18 and interested in volunteering, please contact us directly (grace_whitfield@partner.nps.gov) as we have special guidance and volunteer.gov does not allow minor applications. Volunteers must be 12 years or older for this event.

Start Date - 2024-09-15

End Date - 2024-09-15