We have a lot to thank trees for - shade, beauty, habitat for insects and birds - and they can also be indicators of a changing world. As climate change continues, we look to trees for insights on what is happening in our communities and what is to come. Come to the Charlestown Navy Yard to get trained up and join the millions of citizen scientists around the world supporting scientific projects and studies that benefit both people and the planet!
Trainings will equip local people of all ages and backgrounds with the observation tools they need to study local plant life. Together we will take a close look at the plants of the Navy Yard and discuss how they interact with animals all over the food chain, how they respond to the seasons, what this all has to do with climate change, and why it’s so important to monitor local plants.
After joining us for two trainings, we expect participants to be able to take their skills and knowledge and continue to collect data around the Navy Yard and beyond! We are hoping to build a community of participatory scientists based in the Yard that can monitor the plants and contribute to a climate resilient Boston by collecting good data. Hope to see you at the Yard!
Where- Commandants House at the Charlestown Navy Yard.
Travel- Attached below is a map for reference. The GPS directions for the park is 21 2nd Ave, Boston MA, with the vehicle entrance gate at 1st Ave and 5th St. There are also a variety of public transit options nearby including the 93 bus and trains to North Station.
If you are driving in, please fill out the parking form when prompted during registration. Vehicle information is required in advance for you to be allowed past security.
Parking- Parking in the park is along 2nd Ave (near the tennis courts), or in parking spots down Pier 1 past the USS Constitution.
Meeting location- The Commandants House is the large house on the hill at 2nd Ave behind the tennis courts, denoted in the attached map as building G. Meet us in the driveway that leads up to the House from the left. Seen on the map just left of the Officer’s Quarters 265.
*Bathrooms are available in the Visitor Information building, marked number 5 on the map.
What to Bring:
Binoculars (suggested)
Hand lens or magnifying glass (suggested)
Sun block
Bug spray
Water bottle
Hat and/or sunglasses
*Staff will provide a limited number of binoculars and magnifying glasses.
What to wear:
Comfortable walking shoes
Layers and/or long- sleeved shirt
Work Expectations: All work will take place on easy terrain with access to basic amenities. Main tasks include: using binoculars and hand lenses to observe plants and recording and entering data.
Note: This program will proceed rain or shine. In case of severe weather, we will contact participants before the event and cancel if needed.
Start Date - 2022-10-01
End Date - 2023-09-30
Activities include: Botany;Conservation Education;Science
Difficulty_Level: Average
Hosts Housing Amenities: N/A
1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240, US
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
The U.S. National Park Service, www.nps.gov, cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. We care for more than 400 national parks and help communities preserve their historic places and open spaces.
21 2nd AveCharlestown, MA 02129
September 2, 2023
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