CHRONOLOG
A citizen science project with the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
In April of 2021, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge introduced a new citizen science project to the refuge called Chronolog! Chronolog is a website that produces time-lapsed videos over a specfic area. Over time, as more pictures are uploaded, you can see the many different changes of the landscape! In the map below, all 4 of the Chronolog sites have been marked, as well as the paths to get to each site!
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Arc GIS Map
What is citizen science? :
Citizen science can be identified as "public participation in scientific research." This Chronolog project by the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society (BBNWR Society) is heavily dependent on the citizens in the local community to come to these sites and participate in uploading these pictures to see the different changes in the landscapes over time!
Sunset Point Overlook at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge | Chronolog
Sun Set Point Overlook is the first Chronolog site. This site is by the Canoe/Kyake Launching area and is very close to the main visitor parking lot. From this site, you can see the amazing sunrise/sunset, as well as the many different types of birds who like to relax in these waters, such as tundra swans and ducks.
Dune Trail Beach at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge | Chronolog
Dune Trail Beach is the second Chronolog site. This site is located right off of the West Dike Trail and it's a great place to have this Chronolog post located because you can see the difference in the shore line everyday. The shoreline is constantly changing based on the weather, tides, and by human activity as well. This is the site that citizens and refuge staff members will see the most change in the area.
Wildlife Viewing Window at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge | Chronolog
The third site is the Wildlife Viewing Window. This area allows visitors to view wildlife activity beyond the wall without causing any kind of disturbance to their resting time. Inside the Wildlife Viewing Window are impoundment pools that the refuge staff members regulate depending on the season and the types of birds that migrate to the area. These pools are meant to provide the most accurate/ideal habitat to the many species of birds that like to travel to the refuge.
Impoundment Complex at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge | Chronolog
The last Chronolog site is the Impoundment Complex. The site itself is blocked off from visitors so it can cause the least amount of disturbance to the birds resting in these impoundment pools. There is, however, a trail near the site that visitors are allowed to hike and cycle on from April 1st - October 31st. After that time period, the trail is cut off from the public and only refuge staff members are allowed to enter/occupy that trail.
Even refuge staff members are encouraged to not enter this area, but photos of this site are uploaded once a week to the Chronolog website by the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge biologist!
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