The Landscape and Restoration Researcher will work to map key native fauna on the 21 Acres campus. This project builds on the previous work of species identification and documentation conducted by many 21 Acres contributors. The goal of the project is to identify at least 5 species of local fauna for which volunteers, staff, and community members can record observational data.
The student will start by selecting 5 key species from the 21 Acres master species list and constructing a food web with habitat considerations. This food web will help identify keystone species, umbrella species, and indicator species specific to the 21 Acres local ecosystem. The student will then develop a method for staff, volunteers, and community members to note observational data of these species over the course of the seasons. Finally, the student will present their research and methodology to 21 Acres staff including training on where to look and how to record our observations in a data collection format created by the student. This project will help us understand whether restoration work on campus is creating a bio-diverse habitat that supports farming and improves the overall health of our ecosystem.
Responsibilities
- Tasks as defined by the progress of the project
- Engage in research and representation of findings
- Communicate progress with the supervisor
Qualifications
- Self-motivated
- Skilled researcher
- Background understanding of ecological systems will help support the work
Schedule:
Much of the virtual project work can be done according to a schedule that works best for the student.
Check-ins with the project supervisor, or eventual in-person work on the 21 Acres campus, is limited to our campus schedule, Tuesday-Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm.
Contact jobs@21acres.org for more info!