2022 Trumpeter Swan Project Volunteer Call

That’s right, the Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association is flying into year two of our Stewarding Trumpeter Swans Through the Seasons project! Even though it feels like we just wrapped up year one of the project, there is no denying that trumpeter swans are on their way and we need to be ready.

As we launch into year two of our project, we want to know where and when you see swans – maybe the swans are there temporarily during migration or maybe they’ll stay for the summer either breeding or loafing (akin to teenagers just hanging out). However they choose to spend their time, we want to hear about it! You can report your sightings to swans@watertonbiosphere.com or to Elizabeth at 403-563-0058.

You can view our project infographic here to learn more about reporting sightings and to learn even more about trumpeter swans and our project, you can view our project webpage here.

We want to send a huge thank you to Shell Canada-Foothills Legacy Fund, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Wildlife Habitat Canada, and Alberta North American Waterfowl Management Plan Partnership for funding our Stewarding Trumpeter Swans Through the Seasons project this year. We greatly appreciate your support and look forward to diving even deeper into this project in the months ahead!

 

Project Volunteer Call

• We provide training on how to identify trumpeter swans compared to tundra swans and how to collect and document your findings.
• Areas are assigned based on previous data on swan use of waterbodies and volunteer proximity.
• Volunteers go out once a week over an 8- to 12-week period to survey wetlands visible from roads in an assigned area, though some choose to go out more frequently.
• Multiple volunteers from further afield may be paired to allow more flexibility in scheduling.
• You get out to explore areas you might not have otherwise, while contributing information on swan use of the area that helps guide conservation actions.