COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – The Columbus Botanical Garden is hosting its Naturalist Symposium this weekend, a two-day event centered on citizen science technology and community involvement in environmental protection.
What to expect at the event
The symposium introduces attendees to apps such as iNaturalist and eBird, which allow users to photograph insects, birds, and other wildlife and submit that data to scientists. The event is open to families and community members.
One focus of the weekend is WaterWatch, a program that allows Columbus residents to participate in efforts to keep the Chattahoochee River and other city waterways clean.
“So our whole weekend this year for our naturalist symposium is all about citizen science and using technology and apps and community science to do more to protect our environment,” a speaker said. “And so WaterWatch is a way that people in Columbus can get involved right here keeping the Chattahoochee River clean and all of the other our waterways in the city.”
Speaker day details
Speaker day is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guest speakers from across the region will be in attendance.
Admission for members is $50. Non-members may attend for $60.
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