From Linda Winnie, Co-Chair, Owen Sowerwine Committee

Owen Sowerwine Natural Area
Owen Sowerwine Natural Area

Flathead Audubon’s OSNA Volunteer Monitoring Program starts its 12th year this month!

This Program provides the on-site information that underpins our management of the Owen Sowerwine Natural Area.

Reports from Volunteer Monitors in March through November keep our OSNA On-the-Ground Manager up to date on maintenance needs at Owen Sowerwine, and add to our records on the bird and wildlife and native vegetation species present at Owen Sowerwine. In addition, Volunteer Monitors relay feedback from OSNA visitors and neighbors that helps us improve our management of the Area.

YOU CAN HELP by becoming an OSNA VOLUNTEER MONITOR.

Here are 2 ways to participate.

1. Take an OSNA Volunteer Monitoring Form along when you visit OSNA. Use it to tell us what you observe. The fill-in-the-blank and check-list parts of the Form give guidance on what to look for, and there is also space for additional information and comments. Send it to the address given on the Form.

2. Or sign up for a scheduled monitoring visit. In addition to “whenever you go” feedback, we try to insure a regular flow of information by scheduling someone to do a monitoring visit every half month. Pick the month you want for your scheduled visit, and whether you want the first half of that month or the last half. You’ll get a reminder call when your chosen monitoring period is coming up. To get on the schedule, you can sign up at the March FAS meeting, or contact me: lindawin626@gmail.com or 755-1406.

The Monitoring Form can be printed from the OSNA section of the website (under Conservation), along with an OSNA trail map. These will also be available at FAS meetings, or contact me to have them mailed to you.

THANK YOU to all who have served as Volunteer Monitors over the years. Your help has been invaluable! Please let me know if you are able to help again this year.