In the Citizen Science project “Peatland Detectives”, young people are turned into real researchers in the middle of Vorarlberg’s most valuable habitats – the peatlands. More than 50 students from five schools in Vorarlberg were actively involved as „Peatland Detectives” again this year. The project not only promotes scientific skills, but also experience of nature and awareness of nature conservation.
What exactly do “Peatland Detectives” do?
The students become “nature detectives” themselves and explore moorland sites in the surroundings of their school. Accompanied by biologists, they monitor typical indicator species and explore the wildlife in ditches and wet meadows. In the Rhine Valley, the focus is on observing the marsh gladiolus and the Siberian iris, while in the Bregenzerwald, the bog sundew and the mealy primrose are counted and documented by the “Moordetektive”. In addition to monitoring, the students explore the wildlife of ponds, pools, and ditches with nets, magnifying glasses, and identification keys.
Particularly valuable: most monitoring areas are located outside protected areas. This means that data is collected from locations that are not regularly monitored. The information gathered meets scientific quality standards and can be used by authorities and research institutions. Over the years, this creates a solid foundation for the preservation of these unique habitats.
Find out more at: www.Moordetektive.at
