Nature - Community - Science 

Explore nature in your yard, at parks, during recreation, etc. and share what you observe. You can send photos or videos or use iNaturalist, eBird or other online apps. Try trail cameras or doing a frog walk.  We’ll help you get started.

Field work, also known as Citizen Science, involves identifying and documenting species or features in various locations around Meriden. Some experience and equipment for being outdoors is useful and training  will be offered depending on the subject. Organizations or schools may want to use this as projects. If you enjoy being outdoors and have an interest in discovering scientific facts, you are a good candidate.

It is vital that the NRI be well grounded in scientifically validated facts.  Scientists and other experts have produced extensive documentation describing the flora, fauna, and geology found in Meriden. We need volunteers to research this material and enhance sections with relevant data. If you enjoy researching the internet or library to discover interesting information, you are a good candidate.

Key components of the NRI will be to discuss benefits and value as well as opportunities and challenges. Providing specific and relevant information about how people interact with Meriden’s Natural resources will be extremely helpful. The information needed can be found through literature and in person. If you have a strong interest in history, outdoor recreation, or society’s relationship with nature, you are a good candidate.

The NRI aims to incorporate as much local and place-based knowledge as possible in each chapter. If you have substantial experience with Meriden’s natural resources and are interested in sharing what you have learned, we can use your help.