How to start a 501(c)(3) non-profit in North Carolina

 Followers,

Hello and good evening. Trust all is well. To follow-on to the last post about a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Haw River Assembly, I decided to draft up a quick "how-to guide" for those who may consider taking their passion to the next step and create a non-profit.

Please see attached "how-to guide."

As always, comments and feedback are welcomed and encouraged.

I hope you enjoy.

Regards,

Waterboy1981

How to start a 501(c)(3) non-profit in North Carolina

Non-Profit Organization Summary: Haw River Assembly

Hello again followers. I hope that you have enjoyed and been inspired by the posts thus far. Inspired enough to come be a part of preserving the crucial Haw River. This is our backyard, let us keep it clean and protect it.

With that said, it takes a united effort between federal and state agencies, non-profit organizations, and you the most critical piece of the puzzle, the volunteer. In this segment, I have attached a brief overview of one such non-profit that is leading the charge with strength, compassion, and true dedication, the Haw River Assembly.

If you are on the fence at this point about helping us protect the Haw River, please take a short moment to look at the presentation and check out the link to the Haw River Assembly.

Review of a Non-Profit Organization: Haw River Assembly

As always, questions and comments are welcomed and highly encourage.

Enjoy.

Cheers,

Waterboy1981

Citizen Science Project: Caterpillars Count! (NR5724) - Participation Journal post #1 (4)

Hello once again,

I do hope all is well. Now that we have discussed a few of the foundational aspects and considerations for a Citizen Science Project, specifically Caterpillars Count!, let's get into the "fun" stuff, the science. This will be the first installment of many in which we start taking a closer look at the "raw" field data. However, as with any good project, a wise scientist always ensures that he/she keeps a meticulous journal. Let's take a moment to ponder a few things about our participation journal as well as what I needed to do obtain that data.

1) Did you have to do any training before you could participate?

Yes. It was a 3 part process. Note, I would like to commend the project developers with the ease of training and application for the layperson. 

Three part series:

    1 - Review the Arthropod ID guide (Arthropod ID guide) and Dichotomous key (Dichotomous key)

    2 - Take the Arthropod Photo ID quiz (Arthropod Photo ID quiz)

    3 - Virtual Survey Game (Virtual Survey Game)

*It's that easy: 1, 2, 3. Note: It is extremely important to print out both the guide and key. Keep a copy in your field bag or backpack.

2) Experiences thus far in the project

This project has opened my eyes much more to the world around me. I felt that I was quite observant prior to with a healthy love of the natural world. However, this project has moved both of those up several notches. I would always tell people to "stop and smell the roses" to the world around them, as there is so much happening right in front of their noses. Nonetheless, it is quite different when one begins to slow things a bit more and look even closer for minute details on an arthropod. I would happily say that this project has fanned the proverbial flames of interest thus far. On that note, the following section contains the sample data points for 5 days, morning and evening. I have also included a several pictures and videos from the project as well as few random observational ones.

Day 1

Site 1

Time: 15:36

Position: 36.014N, -79.318W

Temp: 99.5

Barometric pressure: 29.81

Humidity: 40%

Survey Cluster: 60 leaves

Notes: unidentified fungus, "leaf bug," and unidentified eggs. No arthropods noted.

Site 2

Time: 15:45

Position: N 36.020, -79.35

Temp: 99.5

Barometric pressure: 29.81

Humidity: 40%

Survey cluster: 20 leaves

Notes: Positive sighting, cluster of 20 daddy long leg spiders. No sign of any other arthropod.

Day 2

Site 1

Time: 0930

Temp: 83

Barometric Pressure: 29.57

Humidity: 70%

Notes: same cluster of eggs on leaf 32, no change in hatching, comparison with picture taken on day 1; no sign or evidence of any arthropod.

Site 2 

Time: 0940

Temp: 83

Barometric Pressure: 29.57

Humidity: 70%

Notes: 8 daddy long legs (harvestman spiders); noted what appears to be female

Site 3

Time: 1021

Position: N36 1' 17.34", W79 21' 34.38"

Temp: 90

Barometric Pressure: 29.53

Humidity: 70%

Notes: site 3 has no canopy cover; several sections of what appears to be either monarch caterpillar feces; noted slug (gastropod vs arthropod); noted new spider (needs identification); noted 2 snails (gastropods); ***PLEASE NOTE THE SNAILS ARE ONLY EATING THE JAPANESE HOP, INVASIVE SPECIES.

Day 3

Site 1

Time: 1303

Temp: 82.3

Barometric Pressure: 29.58

Humidity: 80%

Notes: No changes. No evidence of arthropods.

Site 2

Time: 1308

Temp: 82.3

Barometric Pressure: 29.58

Humidity: 80%

Notes: less activity with Huntsmen spiders, only 4 females noted, 2 males.

Site 3

Time: 1330

Temp: 89

Barometric Pressure: 29.56

Humidity: 69%

Notes: no evidence of arthropods; no evidence of snail activity; no feces noted today.

Day 4

Site 1

Time: 1445

Temp: 87

Barometric Pressure: 29.53

Humidity: 68%

Notes: no evidence or sign of arthropods; no changes in egg activity

Site 2

Time: 1453

Temp: 87

Barometric Pressure: 29.53

Humidity: 68%

Notes: significant increase in Huntsmen spider activity, 13 noted; no other sign of arthropods

Site 3

Time: 1509

Temp: 89

Barometric Pressure: 29.50

Humidity: 64%

Notes: noted return of feces on leaf; noted Japanese knotweed; noted Japanese Hop; noted new spider, species not identified to date.

Site 4 *(new site established)

Position: N 36 2' 9.93", W 79 21' 16.30"

Time: 1547

Temp: 92F

Barometric Pressure: 29.48

Humidity: 56%

Notes: Positive arthropod activity, 4 June beetles eating white flower

  

Day 5

Site 1

Time: 1022

Temp: 86F

Barometric Pressure: 29.55

Humidity: 65%

Notes: No sign or evidence of arthropods; no changes in egg activity; no changes in fungal growth

Site 2

Time: 1030

Temp: 86F

Barometric Pressure: 29.55

Humidity: 65%

Notes: 8 Huntsmen spiders, dormant, no activity; no other sign or evidence of arthropod activity.

Site 3

Time: 1045

Temp: 84F

Barometric Pressure: 29.55

Humidity: 69%

Notes: 2 snails (gastropods) have returned today, maintaining activity on Japanese Hop; no other sign or evidence of arthropod activity

Site 4

Time: 1648

Temp: 92F

Barometric Pressure: 29.47

Humidity: 57%

Notes: All flowers have been completely eaten by June beetles, 1 remaining June beetle

*This includes the 5 day representative data.

3) Is this a project that I'm considering staying with after the course ends? 

Yes. I want to continue providing data for the larger phenology project. In addition, I have engaged with the main researchers about expanding community involvement. Furthermore, I am working on a new research project with a fellow entomologist at the USDA regarding the snails and the Japanese Hop.

This concludes the first chapter in this series concerning the Caterpillars Count! citizen science project. 

I do hope everyone enjoyed it. Let's also hope that it has sparked your brain and inspired you to go out to the Haw River Trail.

Cheers,

Waterboy1981

Citizen Science Project: Caterpillars Count! (NR5724) - Public Outreach (3)

Hello followers,

Welcome back. In the previous posts, we looked at what a citizen science project is and some considerations in design parameters. As the design aspect begins to lay the foundation for a good project, the next phase is what really has the potential to strengthen it, Public Outreach. 

As we all may know, the world is one big system in which we are all interconnected from the bacteria to us. Following that train of thought, the strength lies in that interconnectedness. This becomes a force multiplier. As noted in the first post, the burden should not lie on the shoulders of a few researchers. It is everyone's responsibility to be involved and take ownership of this amazing world, guiding the future of humanity in the best possible direction.

Without further ado, let's dive into the "public outreach" segment of this project. As with the previous post on design, I will post a several foundational questions with associated answers based on Caterpillars Count!

1) What is the user experience like?

As a novice user myself, I felt the user experience was great! The key is user involvement and dedication of time to utilize the training materials provided. If the user dives head first, the experience can be amazing.

    How is the project advertised to the public?

This project is advertised on several platforms to include: Sci Starter (the largest project database with over 3,000 projects), National Science Foundation, North Carolina Wildlife, and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Institute for the Environment. 

    Could that be improved? 

Yes. After a discussion with my sister, who happens to be a 3rd grade teacher, who serves as the primary environmental science teacher for her school for over 13 years in NC, she was never aware of such a project. I feel that the outreach could be expanded to all NC public schools, k-12. In addition, I adamantly feel that the community outreach should be improved via avenues such as fairs, individual community representatives who work within their own community to expand knowledge and interaction.

2) Do you think this project has a positive impact on conservation in general (from an outreach and educational perspective)? Could this be improved?

Despite the need for improvement from an advertising perspective, I do wholeheartedly feel does provide a significant positive impact on conservation. The training, educational materials, and depth of the project does not limit itself, rather extends and promotes conservation to a myriad of venues. As noted in the previous question, my only suggestion at improvement would be more local community involvement and outreach, educating the general public more on the true importance of this project.

3) Do you think there are goals for this project beyond the stated scientific goals? 

Yes. As noted, the project provides a plethora of materials for educators to include lesson plans and videos, For Educators. The project also does well with promoting science and assisting the lay person in how to identify specific flora and insects as well as a virtual survey game, where the user can practice their surveying skills, Virtual Survey. I highly encourage you to take a moment, clink on the links, peruse, and play the game.

Is the focus more on collecting scientific data, or engaging the public? 

It seems to be a healthy mixture of both through promoting a positive and engaging environment. In turn, this inspires the user strengthening the overall project and scientific data.

Do you think there is anything problematic about their focus?

No. 

4) In general, in terms of the outreach and educational value of this project, are there things that you'd change if you were in charge?

As noted above, the only aspect that I would seek to strengthen and expand is the outreach to the general public, those community members without any scientific background. As we are all connected in this massive world, I feel it prudent to attempt to involve all people, removing that potential divide. 

I hope everyone enjoyed this segment. I highly encourage all followers to click on the links above and dive in head first. Don't worry the water is deep enough!

As always, I highly encourage and welcome any feedback.

Cheers,

Waterboy1981

Citizen Science Project: Caterpillars Count! (NR5724) - Project Design (2)

Hello,

Welcome to the second part of a four part series about citizen science projects, specifically Caterpillars Count! In the first installment, we briefly talked about what a citizen science project is as well as one that was just conducted and still ongoing. 

Now, we'll take a closer look at a few design aspects that one may consider during their individual endeavor, with the goal of satisfying the following questions. Please note that the individual answers pertain to this current project, Caterpillars Count!

1) What happens to the data you'll be collecting? 

The data collected is uploaded onto the Caterpillars Count! app or via the website under each survey area created by the user. The data is then compiled by the Pheno Mismatch project. 

 

    How is it used? 

The data collected on the abundance and phenology of caterpillars and other insects during the growing season (spring and summer) is used by researchers to relate trends in arthropod populations to bird population trends in our survey area, Haw River Trail, to better understand how changes in climate and land use impact the respective plants and animals. 

    Are the project managers losing any opportunities in how they use the data?

Based on my experience thus far in the project and after review of the specific parameters, I feel that project managers are not losing any opportunities.

2) Are there aspects of the project design that might be problematic? Things you'd change?

App and web-based interface - The potential exists for user error based on the relative technical nature of the survey applications, specifically the "branch survey code." Training is provided on "how to use." However, I would  suggest potentially an associated tutorial video for those novice users.

3) Are there aspects of the project design that are innovative or clever?

 Despite the potential "user" issues with the app and web-based interface, it is innovatively designed in the systematic surveying process from site to arthropod to plant information, following a systematic research method.

4) How have the results of this project been shared (or will be shared in the future)?

The results are shared via a data exploration page that allows you the ability to see your results as well as compared to other survey sites.

    Is the focus on communicating directly with other scientists? With the public? Both?

The focus is on a cooperative effort to establish links between the citizen scientists, researchers, and the public. I have attached the direct link to the Data Explorations page. that help to illustrate this concerted front.

Data explorations page

Hope you enjoy the 2nd part, project design. More to follow with Public Outreach, 3rd part of this series. As always, feedback is highly welcomed and encouraged.

Thank you.

Regards,

Waterboy1981

Citizen Science Project: Caterpillars Count! (NR5724) - Introduction (1)

Home To Sea Followers,

Hello. As we are all aware, the world is quite a large place, much too large for the number of scientists and conservationists to attend to. Luckily, the effort to protect, preserve, and conserve our planet does not have to fall solely on their shoulders. Solution - Citizen Science Projects. As defined by the Oxford dictionary, a citizen science project is "scientific work undertaken by members of the general public, often in collaboration with or under the direction of professional scientists and scientific institutions." Who is the general public? That's you and I.

In this series, we will dig a bit into a citizen science project that I conducted, "Caterpillars Count!," Caterpillars Count!. This citizen science project is part is led by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, part of the Pheno Mismatch, funded by the National Science Foundation.

So, now to the what and why? The purpose of this project is for measuring the seasonal variation, also known as phenology, and abundance of arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders found on the foliage of trees and shrubs. The reference noted below was the jumping point for this project as well as the larger project, Pheno Mismatch.

If you remember our post on invasive species, some of those will circle back around in this series as well as one we did not cover. In addition, we will look at a few other arthropods besides just caterpillars, beetles, spiders. To spice it up even further, we will throw in a gastropod or two, which ties back into our invasive species conversation.

In any good citizen science project endeavor, it can important for one to examine the framework for strengths as well as potential areas of development. With that said, this series will be broken down into the following posts: Introduction, Project Design, Public Outreach, and Participation Journal which includes the data results of the week long project. 

Please do note that this will remain an ongoing project with future posts/data to follow. 

Reference:

Mayor, S.J, R.P. Guralnick, M.W. Tingley, J. Otegui, J.C. Withey, S.C. Elmendorf, M.E. Andrew, L Leyk, I.S. Pearse, & D.C. Schneider. 2017. Increasing asynchrony between arrival of migratory birds and spring green-up. Scientific Reports, 7:1902. 

Forest for the Trees, Yes!: Local tree species of the Haw River

Hello again all,

In this installment, we look to dive into the world of dendrology, the scientific study of trees. Of the 655 species of trees in North Carolina, we are going to briefly explore 9 species that were identified during my journey down the Haw River trail in Swepsonville, NC. 

As an ever evolving conservationist, lover of nature, this journey was one of the most fun filled, educational, and surprisingly challenging/eye opening. 

I have included some tid bits of lessons learned in the attached power point that will hopefully assist and inspire you to take a similar journey.

Please enjoy and feedback is highly welcomed.

Thank you.

Regards,

Waterboy1981

Forest for the Trees, Yes!