BBC Presents Community Science

April 22, 2026 • 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Black Butte Ranch Community Center

What if protecting a bird that has declined by 90% could start right outside your window? Have time to spare, a smartphone, and burning curiosity? Join us and help scientists save one of our region’s most striking birds.

The Evening Grosbeak is not only strikingly beautiful, but an essential wildfire reduction partner because it feeds on insects that weaken tree health. Hoping to save these birds from possible extinction, researchers have asked communities to gather and share information about them. 

The global theme of Earth Day 2026 — “Our Power, Our Planet” — highlights the power of community action to protect our planet’s future. This Earth Day, Black Butte Conservancy invites you to discover a simple, engaging way to participate in a community science project while learning about the remarkable birds you’ll encounter along the way.  

The program will begin with a presentation by Sevilla Rhoads, followed by small-group outdoor sessions where volunteers from the East Cascade Bird Alliance and Sisters High School will introduce participants to eBird, a simple application to use on a smartphone to record and share bird observations with researchers. No birding or technical skills are required. Everyone can participate, even grandkids.

No registration is required. Accessibility questions are welcome.