Kate Ruskin of New Jersey Audubon writes:

    Citizen scientists are needed for heron surveys [and you can take a training session right here in the Meadowlands]!

     The New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) is recruiting volunteers for wading bird surveys coordinated through its Citizen Science program.

   The study, now in its second year, will run from May until October in the
Hackensack Meadowlands, Raritan Bay, and surrounding watersheds.  

     Volunteers  are asked to commit to two surveys per month over the course of the study period and one pre-season training workshop.

     Click "Continue reading" to learn more.

    Citizen Science Associates will be required to visit their assigned sites to
determine avian abundance and distribution.  Volunteers will use standard
count methodology, and record habitat and behavioral observations when
possible.

    We're offering three training sessions (about 10am-2pm): Monday, April 20th  and Saturday, May 30th at the NJ Meadowlands Commission in Lyndhurst, NJ;  Saturday, May 9th at Cheesequake State Park in Matawan, NJ.

   If you cannot commit two days per month for the duration of the survey but are still interested in participating, contact us with your availability and we'll do our best to work it out. 

   Additionally, if you cannot participate in this study but know of any particular sites in your area that you think should be included in this survey, please let us know.

    Please contact me here if you are interested in participating in this project or for more information.

   Looking forward to working with you!