Stunt Ranch Santa Monica Mountains Reserve is a proud supporter of Project Phoenix. Project Phoenix, is a joint project from UCLA, the La Kretz Center of California Conservation Science, and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, that use community science to investigate how wildfire smoke impacts bird behavior. The project, directed by La Kretz Center Postdoctoral researcher Dr. Olivia Sanderfoot, brings together scientists, enthusiasts and California communities — with a goal of developing conservation strategies to help birds cope in the face of increasing wildfires, air pollution and climate change.
Participants can volunteer as little as 10 minutes a week to document birds in their neighborhoods. A team of researchers will then analyze the data they collect to learn how birds adapt their behavior during different types of smoke exposure.
People of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of previous birding experience, are invited to participate. Additionally, online resources, such as five free courses from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, are offered on the Project Phoenix website to support those new to birding!
For more information about Project Phoenix and its research findings, please visit projectphoenix.study or contact projectphoenix.socal@gmail.com.