I learned two valuable lessons today thanks to the great
group of COASSTers that joined me for a focus group conversation in northern
California. The first, and certainly most quirky, is that getting a group of
folks together to talk about dead birds and what they mean is much more fun
than it sounds! Second, I was reminded that there is absolutely never a reason
to be bored. Ever. With regards to my second point, the volunteers I spoke with
today all reflected that COASST has been one avenue through which to chase
knowledge of all sorts, often kindling interests previously unexplored. Despite
varied initial motivations to engage in the program, each has found that the
consistent, purposeful, and focused trips to the same beach that the COASST
program facilitates has not only enhanced first-hand knowledge about birds
(both dead and alive), but also piqued all sorts of new interests. From coastal
geomorphology, geology and aeolian sediment
transport, to weather patterns and ocean currents, to riverine landscape change
and erosion patterns, these COASSTers have found plenty to intrigue them while conducting
their monthly surveys. Part of that, I suspect, is that COASSTers as a whole
are a naturally inquisitive bunch. Nonetheless, having a reason (or should I
say prod) to get out to the same stretch of beach at least once a month
provides a unique opportunity to notice both subtle and not so subtle localized
change. Those changes that only a regular visitor of a place would notice are
what make COASST volunteers so valuable as members of a collaborative
scientific research team. There
is always the prospect that something new will spark a sense of curiosity,
leading to further investigation, observation, and learning. Hence, I say, this
crew of COASSTers has convinced me there is never a reason to be bored. Taking
their example as a guide, I’m encouraged to open my eyes and ears more often so
that curiosity can ignite a domino effect of lifelong learning.
In the summer of 2013 I ventured across the U.S. Pacific Northwest for 2 months to conduct field research with citizen scientists in the COASST (Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team) project as a part of my dissertation research in the geography department at the University of SC. This blog chronicles my travel along the coasts of 3 states (WA, OR, CA) and invites you to follow along the stories of the places I visited, the people I met, and the beautiful world around me.
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