Hatters offered chance to be scientist for a day with interpretive centre program

By ANNA SMITH on April 27, 2024.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

The MH Interpretive Program invites residents to begin taking their first steps into the world of citizen science and become a scientist for a day with a free event in Police Point Park.

The May 8 program will be an introduction to how everyday people can use the technology in our their pockets to contribute to real scientific research. It will feature a short presentation within the Nature Centre on how and why citizen science is conducted, as well as the basics of the iNaturalist app and how to make quality observations.

Following that, participants will go on an observation walk through the park’s ecosystems, in order to “practise their newly learned skills.”

Attendees should bring along smartphones or tablets with a working rear-facing camera and the iNaturalist app installed, or if they prefer to work without a smart device, a digital camera, a notebook and a writing utensil.

The Interpretive Program encourages participants to wear sturdy footwear and to dress for the weather, and notes that participants must be at least 13 years of age or older unless accompanied by an adult, as per iNaturalist’s user agreement.

The event will run from 1:30-3:00 p.m, and while it is free to attend, space is limited, so those interested are encouraged to register by calling 403-529-6225.

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