Welcome to the Camas Citizen Science Monitoring Program

The Camas Citizen Science Monitoring Program was developed by the National Park Service Upper Columbia Basin Network (UCBN) Inventory and Monitoring Program in collaboration with Nez Perce National Historical Park. The Camas Citizen Science Program is part of a national initiative to monitor vital signs, or selected ecological indicators representing the overall health or condition of park resources. Camas was chosen as a vital sign at Nez Perce National Historical Park’s Weippe Prairie site (ID) and Big Hole National Battlefield (MT) because of its value as both a cultural and natural resource.

This project seeks to engage high school volunteers as ‘Citizen Scientists‘ in the long range scientific monitoring of camas populations. Students are trained in the classroom and then spend time in the field using data collection techniques specifically designed for this program. Results of the monitoring effort are available to National Park Service managers so that they can make better management decisions based on sound, scientific information.

Learning components of the program are tied to state science standards, and students work alongside ecologists, statisticians, natural resource managers, and interpretive rangers. This is a unique learning opportunity that students are sure to remember.

Why monitor camas populations?

Camas is an important cultural and natural resource. For the last 7,000 years, camas has been an important part of the Nez Perce history, life and culture, as well as those of many other tribes of the Pacific Northwest. The tradition of gathering, preparing and eating camas is part of a living culture that is passed down from one generation to the next. In addition, camas is one of a suite of wetland species associated with seasonal wet prairie ecosystems. Wetlands perform an important role in the local water cycle. They store and release water slowly, assisting in recharging water tables and providing habitat for wildlife. However, as a result of recent agricultural conversion, irrigation, flood control, and other land use practices, remaining wet prairies in this region have been drastically reduced. Recent climate change will also impact these wet prairie ecosystems and monitoring camas populations will provide the National Park Service an opportunity to track climate change impacts on park natural resources.

Camas constitutes an important cultural and natural resource in this region and is an indicator species that can provide information on the overall health of the wetlands at Nez Perce National Historical Park's Weippe Prairie site and Big Hole National Battlefield. Both sites honor the Nez Perce tribe and preserve the story of how this group of people lived as part of this landscape.

Who is involved?

Local high school students have been collecting camas lily data for the past two years at Nez Perce National Historical Park’s Weippe Prairie Site. Students have had the opportunity to interact with park staff and scientists by collecting scientific data, participating in an educational service project, and using technology while learning about this important resource.

Monitoring of camas and invasive weeds is a unique opportunity to integrate natural resource monitoring with the cultural history of the Nez Perce people and to provide an unparalleled educational citizen science opportunity for community members of all ages.

We thank all of the volunteers who have assisted the National Park Service in monitoring camas populations since 2007. Our monitoring efforts are greatly enhanced by your participation!!