Small Mammal Survey

Each summer, volunteers help Dakota County Natural Resources staff to collect data on small mammals in our parks by setting live traps (trap and release). This hands-on weeklong opportunity is a great way to learn new skills.

Wildlife monitoring is an important part of understanding our local natural areas. This is one of many different surveys Natural Resources conducts. The information collected is compiled over time and used to better manage our parks.

Duties & responsibilities

• Attend the evening training and at least one other evening of setting traps.
• Join staff for morning shifts as they identify and measure the species caught (optional).
• Learn new information and skills in wildlife monitoring.

Qualifications

• Ages 10 and older are welcome with an adult present.
• Must be comfortable with working in an outside environment.

Required training

Must attend an evening training that includes instructions on how to set/bait traps. At this time, volunteers will help staff set the first round of traps.

Date and time

Surveys conducted for week long periods in the summer.

Time commitment

Volunteers must attend the training to participate. They must commit to one other evening of setting traps. There is no requirement for morning shifts, but checking the live traps in the morning does have limited capacity — priority will be given to folks to who set traps the night before. You are welcome to sign up for as many shifts as you want. Shifts last 1-2 hours.

Location

Various

Sign up/questions

Go to the Volunteer website.