Community Scientists – powered by Active SWV in partnership with the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
The Get Active in the Park program is in partnership Active Southern West Virginia’s Community Captain program and the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Interpretive Department. The extension of adding the Natural Resource Department provides access to activities, programs, and trainings to develop skills and knowledge in natural resource preservation and awareness.
Community Scientist program mission – Individuals are guided through skills and activities to increase capacity to preserve and protect the natural resources while improving the health, resilience, and knowledge of community members by creating better access to outdoor recreation for an improved culture of health and stewardship.
Activities, programs, and online education will provide access to natural resource management and preservation. Each opportunity will also incorporate Leave No Trace principals to practice while spending time in the park.
– Invasive species identification – Seed collection – trail damage notification – trash removal – photo station visits –
Build Your Tool Box
Activities, programs, and online education will provide access to natural resource management and preservation. Each opportunity will also incorporate Leave No Trace principals to practice while spending time in the park.
I-Naturalist Phone App Tutorial – Online
One of the world’s most popular nature apps, iNaturalist helps you identify the plants and animals around you. Get connected with a community of over a million scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature! What’s more, by recording and sharing your observations, you’ll create research quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature. iNaturalist is a joint initiative by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society.
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve uses data uploaded within the park to track vegetation growth, identifying invasive species, tracking pollinators, and recording erosion. By participating in this one-hour online tutorial, you will learn how to use the app and the benefits of your data collection to our National Park.
With this app, you will be equipped with a tool to use when out on walks and hikes or with group activities.
Learn more and download the app from here; https://www.inaturalist.org/
Sign up for the online training here; https://wvhealthconnection.talentlms.com/
Plant Identification Hikes – “I-Naturalist”
Join Active SWV Community Captains and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve biologists for a plant identification hikes offered year round.
I-Naturalist phone app online training will prepare you for exploring flora and fauna on your own hikes or while joining a Get Active in the Park Hike.
Become a Community Captain to lead others
Do you want to be a champion in your community, encouraging others to lead healthier, more active lives, all while having fun? Then becoming a Community Captain may be the perfect fit for you. Community Captains help remove barriers that prevent community members from being active by providing free physical activity programs in their communities.
Activities range from walks, hikes, tai chi, yoga, stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing, water aerobics, and more. Activities depend on the interests of each Community Captain, along with the resources available in their local area. You can find free Community Captain led programs on the Active SWV Events Calendar.
Every Community Captain receives leadership training designed specifically to help them confidently lead a physical activity program. Training includes CPR and First Aid certification, one-on-one program development, social media training, and ongoing support and encouragement from the Active SWV team. Additional professional training and certifications will be offered as each program grows.
