The Huyck Preserve offers opportunities for the public to participate in ongoing scientific research. These citizen science events bring science and people together and provide valuable data to help us meet conservation goals. 

If you'd like the chance to participate in research, meet scientists in the field, and get up close with wildlife, all while enjoying time outside at Huyck Preserve, please join us for citizen science events! No experience is required, and you'll learn data collection skills and participate in active scientific research!

If you're interested in participating, join our newsletter, watch the event page, and like on Facebook for upcoming event dates.

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Phenology Trail (EMMA)

As part of the Ecological Monitoring and Management Alliance, the Huyck Preserve has set up a phenology trail. Phenology is the study of ecological timing, the periodic timing of plant and animal life cycles. This includes things such as when plants bud, bloom, or drop leaves, and more.

The Phenology trail starts at the Visitors Center and runs a short distance to the Lower Falls, over the bridge, then back to Rt 85 along Ten-Mile Creek. You'll see blue metal tags on the trees, shrubs, and plants we are studying.

Citizen Scientists walk the trail, noting different life cycle event stages in the marked species on the trail. The citizen scientists will learn to identify tree species and the stages of the annual tree life cycle. It is our hope that this data will identify shifts in the plant life cycling timing that are happening due to climate change. The data will be submitted to the National Phenology Network. 

 All interested people should contact [email protected]. The trail takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete while collecting data, and is great for local residents wanting a short walk for exercise, or the many dog walkers who already walk this short loop daily!