Dragonfly Surveys
Help us document dragonfly and damselfly species throughout the Johnson Creek Watershed! Odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) are not only beautiful to look at- they are important indicator species in aquatic areas, like the riparian zone along Johnson Creek! Entomologist extraordinaire Zee Searles Mazzacano from CASM Environmental will train volunteers in survey protocol and identification skills.
No experience necessary! This opportunity is open to all! Sign-up with a partner/group or sign-up on your own and you will be paired up with other volunteers!
Click here to RSVP
When: Orientation – Saturday, May 30th, 9am-4pm, with an hour lunch break.
Survey Season – Weekends from June to October. Surveys are self scheduled with your survey group.
Where: Indoor training – Gresham City Hall – 1333 NW Eastman Pkwy, Gresham, OR 97030
Outdoor training – Brickworks Stormwater Pond, more directions will be provided at the indoor training.
Survey Season – surveys will take place at stormwater ponds in SW Gresham and Brookside Wetlands in Portland June-September
Time commitment: Orientation – 6 hours
Survey Season – Sign-up for 3-4 surveys (about once a month) during the season. Surveys typically take between 1.5 and 2 hours (between 6-8 hours total survey time)
How to prepare: This event will happen rain or shine, so dress for weather: rain coat, warm layers, sun hat, and sunscreen as necessary. Wear sturdy, close-toed shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring a filled water bottle, a snack, and LUNCH. There are some spots to grab a quick lunch in Gresham if you want to eat out!
We will provide: We will provide nets and guide books (Dragonflies and Damselflies of Oregon, A Field Guide by Gordon & Kerst), but you are welcome to bring your own net, guide, binoculars, and good camera. We can also provide bus fare to and from the event. Please contact info@jcwc.org to arrange bus fare.
Health and Safety: We will follow current Oregon Health Authority guidelines. Masks are not required, but encouraged in indoor spaces where social distancing is not possible. Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.
Children are welcome to participate in surveys. Anyone under the age of 16 is required to be accompanied by an attentive adult.
Accessibility: These surveys require walking/standing/squatting for up to two hours in 65-80 degree weather. Surveys take place on the banks of ponds that may be steep and slippery, surveyors must have solid footing. Volunteers must be willing to handle live insects, including the use of nets to catch and identify species.
Before the training please download and sign up for iNaturalist App on your mobile device. All data collection will take place using the iNaturalist app.
Click here to RSVP
Directions to Site:
Gresham City Hall – 1333 NW Eastman Pkwy, Gresham, OR 97030
By Transit: Take the Max Blue Line to Gresham City Hall OR Take the 21 Bus and exit NB NW Eastman and Division, SB 1300 Block NW Eastman.
By Bike: Take the Springwater Trail Corridor and exit at SW 7th street and SW Eastman Parkway. Bike along Eastman Parkway until reaching the destination.
Thank you to our funders and partners for supporting watershed health. East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, City of Gresham, and CASM Environmental.