Communities, Cameras and Conservation

RMCC established Communities, Cameras and Conservation (CCC) , a citizen-science program combining wildlife research, education, and stewardship. CCC seeks to raise awareness about the relationships between humans and wildlife through citizen participation in meaningful field research and outdoor learning.

RMCC piloted CCC in partnership with Estes Park Middle and High School in 2008. The primary objective was to increase conservation education through engagement in field research activities. Students were trained to monitor self-triggering remote cameras that were part of an on-going study of mountain lions in Rocky Mountain National Park. Students attended lectures on mountain lion ecology, were trained on wildlife sign identification, and received instruction on how to use the cameras. Students typically checked cameras on a weekly basis: they downloaded images, changed camera batteries, and recorded camera data. They also collected data on primary and secondary prey species such as elk, deer and small mammals; recorded animal tracks and other wildlife sign; and learned GPS and GIS techniques used in wildlife research.

All wildlife benefits when a community becomes engaged in the scientific process of conservation. CCC opened a bountiful outdoor classroom of new learning opportunities for students. And in an era of little physical activity and its related health issues, vigorous hikes to the camera sites added  positive health benefits and increased students’ self-confidence.

CCC’s remote cameras remain a consistent source of excitement for students, teachers and volunteers. With a great sense of anticipation, they venture out to check the cameras year round–never knowing if a camera may have “captured” a wild animal–even a mountain lion. By evaluating the images and recording animal tracks and sign, students gain first-hand knowledge of animal behavior. Integrating real-life research into the classroom curriculum provides positive opportunities and experiences for students who in turn, have presented their  findings to the school and community. Seeing natural images of mountain lions and other wildlife captured by the cameras give the students a new appreciation and respect for the animals that share their “backyard.” Many nonparticipating students have become excited about wildlife simply by listening to their peers and viewing the images. Over time, the data will provide meaningful presence-absence information on resident wildlife and a sense of wildlife species’ trends (increasing, stable, or decreasing).