Meeting Notes: Spring Citizen-Science Bird Survey

Date: April 18, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM
Location: Riverside Community Center, Room 2B
Facilitator: Maya Chen

Attendees:
- Maya Chen, Survey Coordinator
- Dr. Elena Brooks, Ornithology Advisor
- Samir Patel, Volunteer Lead
- Jordan Reyes, Data Manager
- Priya Nair, Outreach Coordinator
- Tom Gallagher, Trail Captain
- Denise Howard, School Liaison
- Marcus Lee, Returning Volunteer
- Hannah Ortiz, New Volunteer

Agenda:
1. Review survey goals and timeline
2. Confirm survey routes and observation windows
3. Discuss volunteer training requirements
4. Review data submission process
5. Identify outreach needs
6. Assign next steps

Discussion Notes:
- The survey will run from May 4 through June 16, with observations scheduled between sunrise and 10:00 AM.
- Priority species include warblers, swallows, sparrows, woodpeckers, and raptors commonly observed along the river corridor.
- Dr. Brooks emphasized consistent observation duration and accurate habitat notes to improve data quality.
- Volunteers will use the BirdTrack mobile form, with paper backup sheets available for participants without reliable phone access.
- Trail conditions near the north wetland loop remain muddy, so that route may need an alternate access point if rain continues.
- Denise reported strong interest from the middle school ecology club, with 12 students likely to participate under adult supervision.

Decisions:
- Survey teams will use four fixed routes: Riverwalk East, North Wetland Loop, Meadow Edge, and Old Mill Trail.
- Each route will be surveyed twice per week when volunteer coverage allows.
- All new volunteers must attend one training session before submitting official observations.
- Data submissions are due within 24 hours of each survey walk.
- The final community results presentation will be scheduled for late June.

Action Items:
- Maya Chen: Finalize route maps and distribute them by April 22.
- Dr. Elena Brooks: Prepare a one-page field identification guide for priority species by April 25.
- Samir Patel: Confirm volunteer team assignments and backup walkers by April 28.
- Jordan Reyes: Test the BirdTrack form and paper-to-digital entry process by April 24.
- Priya Nair: Post the volunteer reminder on the community newsletter and social channels by April 21.
- Tom Gallagher: Check trail conditions on the North Wetland Loop and report any access concerns by April 23.
- Denise Howard: Coordinate student permission forms and adult chaperone schedule by April 30.

Next Meeting:
Date: May 2, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Riverside Community Center, Room 2B
Purpose: Final volunteer briefing before the first survey week.