In a recent meeting hosted by the Redbud Audubon Society, conservation experts gathered to discuss an innovative project aimed at monitoring the health of Clear Lake's ecosystem through the study of grebes, a type of water bird. The initiative, led by Dr. Scott Butterfield, a conservation technology professor at Pacific Union College, seeks to utilize drone technology and artificial intelligence to enhance the monitoring process.

Dr. Butterfield outlined the project's goals, which include establishing a sustainable monitoring program that engages local high school students and tribal educational groups. The project, recently approved by the Blue Ribbon committee, will focus on using grebes as bio indicators of ecosystem health, capitalizing on their sensitivity to environmental changes. Historically, monitoring efforts have relied on traditional methods, such as canoe surveys, which have proven inconsistent over time.

The new approach aims to implement drone technology to conduct regular surveys of 37 grebe colony sites around Clear Lake. By training students to operate drones and analyze data, the project not only aims to improve monitoring efficiency but also to foster a new generation of conservation technologists. The anticipated outcomes include a comprehensive five-year analysis of grebe populations, which will provide valuable insights into the overall health of the lake's ecosystem.

The collaboration involves various local partners, including high schools and tribal organizations, emphasizing community involvement in conservation efforts. Dr. Butterfield highlighted the importance of integrating technology into education, noting that the project will also serve as a platform for students to learn coding and data analysis skills.

As the project progresses, it is expected to contribute significantly to the understanding of environmental health in the region, while also empowering local youth through hands-on learning experiences in conservation science.