# Meeting Notes: Citizen-Science Bird Survey

Date: July 10, 2026
Time: 6:30-7:45 PM
Location: Riverside Community Center + Zoom

## Attendees

- Maya Chen, survey coordinator
- Luis Romero, volunteer lead
- Priya Nair, data manager
- Hannah Brooks, local Audubon chapter
- Eli Morgan, park ranger
- Sam Patel, outreach volunteer
- Denise Walker, school liaison
- Robert Kim, participant

## Agenda

1. Review survey goals and target locations
2. Confirm survey dates and volunteer shifts
3. Discuss data collection standards
4. Plan volunteer training
5. Outreach and community participation
6. Safety, accessibility, and field logistics

## Discussion Notes

The group agreed that this season’s survey should focus on breeding bird activity along the Riverside Greenway, North Pond, and the restored meadow near Oak Trail. Priya noted that last year’s data had strong participation but inconsistent effort tracking, especially start/end times and distance covered.

Hannah recommended using eBird checklists with a shared project tag so data can be reviewed more easily. Eli flagged two trail closures near North Pond and suggested alternate access points. Denise confirmed that the high school ecology club is interested in joining if training materials are available by early August.

## Decisions

- The survey will run from August 17 through September 14, 2026.
- Morning survey windows will be prioritized, with suggested start times between 6:30 and 9:30 AM.
- Volunteers will use eBird for observations and submit a short effort form after each outing.
- Three core survey zones were approved: Riverside Greenway, North Pond, and Oak Trail Meadow.
- A one-hour virtual training session will be held before fieldwork begins.
- New volunteers will be paired with experienced birders for their first survey.

## Action Items

- Maya: Draft the volunteer schedule and circulate it by July 17.
- Priya: Create the shared eBird protocol and effort form by July 19.
- Luis: Contact returning volunteers and confirm availability by July 22.
- Hannah: Prepare bird identification slides for common local species by July 24.
- Eli: Send updated trail access notes and safety guidance by July 16.
- Sam: Post the volunteer call on community channels by July 18.
- Denise: Coordinate student participation and permission requirements by July 31.

## Next Meeting

Date: July 29, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Purpose: Finalize training materials, survey schedule, and volunteer assignments.