Citizen scientists
(pg 1 of 3)
Another way to help river systems-be a citizen
scientist. Citizen volunteers play important roles
in monitoring the environmental health of river and
stream communities.
Retirees can play an active role. Wendell
Snider, a retired veteran from Hastings, is a
diligent observer, recorder and reporter of
wildlife along the Mississippi River.
Every day of the year, Mr. Snider pushes his
walker along the trail that flanks Lake Rebecca to
record activities of bald eagles and peregrine
falcons. His information is an important data
source for the DNR's Nongame Wildlife Program and
the Natural Heritage Information System, a
statewide database of Minnesota's rare species and
natural features. Mr. Snider's acute observation
skills also helped solve a wildlife mystery. Listen
to the audio to learn more.
