Sanford Middle School students taking a photo at the CCON site at Stump Pond. Photo: Three Rivers Land Trust
Three Rivers Land Trust and Sanford Middle School science teacher Diana Allen have partnered to establish a new Climate Change Observatory Network (CCON) site at Stump Pond. On October 8, the land trust met with middle school students and teachers at the site to celebrate its installation and introduce this new community science opportunity.
Three Rivers Land Trust participates in Momentum Conservation’s Climate Change Observatory Network, a photo-monitoring program that works with environmental organizations and communities to observe, measure, and document long-term climate trends and climate adaptation projects.
“We are thrilled that Three Rivers is establishing CCON sites, and especially excited that this site was strategically selected to engage with the next generation of conservationists,” says Lindy Magness, Education and Partnerships Director at Momentum Conservation.
Located along the paved section of the Rail Trail adjacent to Sanford Middle School, the Stump Pond observatory allows students and other community members to help document changes at the pond over time. Instructions on the observation post show visitors how to take a photograph from the same vantage point and submit it to Chronolog, where each image becomes part of a growing visual record of seasonal and environmental change at Stump Pond.
“I’m so grateful for our partnership with Three Rivers Land Trust. Our students will have numerous opportunities over the years to use this real-world data in our learning,” said Allen.
For Sanford Middle School science students, the site creates an outdoor classroom within walking distance of their school. By observing seasonal changes and contributing to a growing photographic record, students can explore how a changing climate may affect a familiar local ecosystem. The project also invites the broader community to participate, building a long-term record of Stump Pond, one visit at a time.
The Stump Pond photo record can be viewed at chronolog.io/site/TRT101.
The post Local Partnership Sparks Next Generation of Conservationists appeared first on Sanford Springvale News.
