This ongoing program will contribute to much needed research on the dragonflies in our parks.
Dragonflies play an important role in our environment. They feed on mosquitoes, are a food resource for fish and amphibians, and are important indicators of aquatic ecosystem health. There are more than 6,000 species worldwide and about 140 in Minnesota.
Join the Dragonfly Survey and help contribute to the research of these organisms. With your help we will be able to gather data on dragonflies in local parks and work to ensure their conservation.
Duties & responsibilities
- Volunteers are required to attend a two-hour training, which covers basic dragonfly information like identification, biology and habitat. Volunteers will get hands-on training on how to capture dragonflies using nets and how to handle and identify them.
- At each monthly survey, your team leader (who conducted the training) will work with you and the team to help identify the dragonflies you catch.
Qualifications
- Ages 5 and older are welcome with an adult present.
- Able to commit to the survey season.
- Must be comfortable working in an outside environment.
- Enthusiastic about invertebrate conservation and/or the outdoors a plus.
Required training
Training will take place at the start of each event.
Date/time
Surveys are conducted monthly from May to October.
Location
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Time commitment
The Dragonfly Survey is a six-month commitment. Volunteers are asked to commit to the required training and the monthly survey dates (14 total hours).
Sign up/questions
Go to the
Volunteer website.