Community Science - Skagit Land Trust

From monitoring wildlife populations to documenting habitat conditions, community science efforts expand our capacity to care for the lands entrusted to us. Skagit Land Trust offers various community science opportunities that connect people directly to the lands they help protect. Volunteers, students, and researchers play a vital role in gathering information that deepens our understanding of local ecosystems and informs stewardship decisions. These programs provide meaningful opportunities to learn, contribute, and build a stronger connection to the natural world right here in Skagit County.

Community Science Volunteers
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Scientific Research Project Requests

Are you a scientist or student interested in collecting data or carrying out a research project on Skagit Land Trust properties? Click below to learn more!

We welcome opportunities to learn more about the lands we protect. All research conducted on Skagit Land Trust properties requires a permit. To apply, please complete the Request to Conduct Scientific Research on Land Trust Properties form* and submit it to Stacy at volunteer@skagitlandtrust.org at least one month prior to your proposed project start date.

This process helps us track ongoing research, understand what data is being collected, and ensure that all projects are conducted thoughtfully and with minimal impact to sensitive ecosystems.

*Please email info@skagitlandtrust.org to receive this information in another format.

Great Blue Heron Monitoring Program

Skagit Land Trust’s Heron Monitoring Program engages trained volunteers in observing one of the largest Great Blue Heron colonies in the Salish Sea, helping us better understand nesting success and long-term population trends.

Interested in becoming a volunteer heron monitor? Contact Volunteer & Education Coordinator Stacy Dahl at volunteer@skagitlandtrust.org.

Nesting Season Observations

Through three live heron cameras, teams of observers monitor the colony from its reoccupation in late February or early March through fledging in mid-to-late summer. Volunteers observe nearly 350 nests, recording data on eggs, chicks, and fledglings.

This colony is a major contributor to the Great Blue Heron population in the Salish Sea, and the data collected provides valuable insight into reproductive success and overall colony health.

A small team also conducts observations from outside the heronry, capturing activity not visible via camera. Monitoring protocols were developed with guidance from wildlife biologist Ann Eissinger, a leader in community-based heron research.

Nest Counts

Each year, with cooperation from neighboring landowners, Skagit Land Trust conducts a nest count within the heronry. Around 500 nests are usually documented in this relatively small area.

While some adjacent properties are not accessible—and likely contain additional nests—long-term trends show a growing colony both on Trust lands and nearby areas. Post-season surveys of nest trees help determine how many nests were actively used each year.

Together, these counts help us estimate the number of herons relying on the colony for nesting and reproduction.

Interested in becoming a volunteer heron monitor? Contact Volunteer & Education Coordinator Stacy Dahl at volunteer@skagitlandtrust.org

iNaturalist Projects

Skagit Land Trust invites community members to visit our properties and make some discoveries using the iNaturalist app! Grab your camera and your sense of adventure, and head out to one of the properties we’ve identified below. If you observe any plants, animals, or wildlife, on a property, take a photo and upload it into the iNaturalist app (free on the app store). The app will create a collection of observations from the community for us all to view. Your observations will help create an ecological survey for each Skagit Land Trust property. These surveys will help guide stewardship and management efforts throughout Skagit County.

A Note on Skill levels: No need to be an environmental professional — if you are unable to identify a plant or animal you see on the property, the app will make suggestions and other members of the community will help to confirm. Or, if you happen to be knowledgeable with identifying plants and animals, help others identify on the iNaturalist app or website! This activity is fun for all ages, bring your whole family out on the land to make scientific observations using the iNaturalist app!

Questions? Please contact our Volunteer and Education Programs Coordinator, Stacy, at info@skagitlandtrust.org

Watch the recording of our iNaturalist training which took place on Earth Day. View the video on YouTube.
View the powerpoint from our iNaturalist training with a step-by-step guide on how to make observations and join projects using the iNaturalist app. You can also access the PowerPoint presentation via google slides or as a PDF.
View tutorials from the iNaturalist website.

Skill levels. No need to be an environmental professional, if you are unable to identify a plant or animal you see on the property, the app will make suggestions and other members of the community will help to confirm. Or, if you happen to be knowledgeable with identifying plants and animals, help others identify on the iNaturalist app or website! This activity is fun for all ages, bring your whole family out on the land to make scientific observations using the iNaturalist app!

We have selected six of our easily accessible properties that we think you will enjoy visiting. These properties are either new to us — meaning that any data you collect will be extra helpful — or they are good for wildlife observations!

Barr Creek Conservation Area

This property is in Rockport, WA and totals 44.35 acres. There is a short trail up to a waterfall in Barr creek!

Find directions and more information about Barr Creek.

View the Barr Creek project on iNaturalist.

Cumberland Creek Conservation Area

This property is located just past the town of Day Creek off of South Skagit Highway and totals 211 acres. This property is home to a network of trails that feature an oxbow pond, mature forests, and views of the Skagit River. If you see elk on this property, please be sure to give them plenty of space. A good rule of thumb is to keep a football field’s length between you and the animal.

Find directions and more information about Cumberland Creek.

View the Cumberland Creek project on iNaturalist.

Day Creek Conservation Area

This property is located just past the town of Day Creek off South Skagit Highway and totals over 42 acres. This whole property is not easily accessible to the public yet, however, the newest portion of it, acquired in fall of 2020 is! You can access this portion of the property at 10489 Warfield Rd. Help us learn who and what calls this property home.

Find directions and more information about Day Creek.

View the Day Creek project on iNaturalist.

Hurn Field Conservation Area

You have likely driven by this property many times on your way up river. Stop at the Hurn Field wildlife viewing pull off and see if you can spot any elk! If you do happen to see elk in the field, please remain in the parking pull off as not to disturb them. Otherwise, you may venture out into the field to make some observations.

Find directions and more information about Hurn Field.

View the Hurn Field project on iNaturalist.

Tope Ryan Conservation Area

The Tope Ryan Conservation Area property protects over 20 acres of former agricultural land including 900 feet of shoreline along the Samish River north of Burlington. The property also contains native riparian forest and several acres of pasture. This is a great property for wildflowers and bird watching. If you venture out into the field, please watch your step. There are very active beavers in the area that have built deep channels in some portions of the property. Walking sticks are advised.

Find directions and more information about Tope Ryan.

View the Tope Ryan project on iNaturalist.

Utopia Conservation Area

About 7 miles east of Sedro-Woolley, ¼ mile east of the intersection of Utopia and Hoehn Rd, there is a gate with Skagit Land Trust signs. Park in front of the gate or on the road shoulder. Although there isn’t currently a developed trail through this 88-acre property, one of our kind neighbors keeps a path mowed to the Skagit River which is .6 miles from the gate. Follow the trail across Wiseman Creek and through several areas of restoration plantings.

Find directions and more information about Utopia.

View the Utopia project on iNaturalist.