Get the scoop on Document Spring11

The snow is melting fast, which can mean only one thing in Carlton County. (Hint: it’s not flooding. Although maybe flooding is part of the picture … literally.)

It’s time to “document spring,” through photographs and an app, using our powers of observation and cell phones, to track and record the progression of the season of rebirth in the Northland.

To find out more about this venture — a project of the Oldenburg Arts and Cultural Community (OACC) — we sat down with Document Spring project manager Glenn Swanson. He said the project is definitely a collaborative effort, from his Document Spring team to the sponsors to the citizen volunteers who will make up the grassroots amateur photographers and phenologists who will make Document Spring a reality in Carlton County.

But we couldn’t talk to everyone, so meet Swanson.

PKN: What is Document Spring?

Glenn Swanson: Document Spring 2019 is an art and citizen science “bioblitz” that brings together individuals, organizations, and high school- and college students to capture the emergence of spring with artistic and scientific observations. The project is guided by expert phenologists and photographers, whose skills help participants create snapshots of spring’s arrival at the St. Louis River, Jay Cooke State Park and other locations that reveal Carlton County’s unique and dramatic geography.

PKN: How did you first got hooked on phenology and/or photography?

Swanson: I am a longtime lover of the natural world. I spent my childhood exploring the hills of Duluth, the shores of Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. I understand the benefits of establishing a harmonious relationship with nature. When I began to explore ideas of deepening the connection people have with nature and discovered the ease of using the iNaturalist application for the purpose of phenological study, I began a more formal documentation of seasonal events.

PKN: Why you think this effort is worthy of your time?

Swanson: We believe every single person is critical to the future of our planet and that we are all better off when each of us lives in greater harmony with nature. Document Spring creates opportunity for community members to deepen their relationship with nature and each other through close observation, attentive reporting and the art of photography — furthering our understanding of where we live and expanding our connection to the surrounding natural world .

PKN: How can people participate?

Swanson: Participation requires registering with iNaturalist and subsequently with the Document Spring Project within the iNaturalist app. There are easy links to do this at OACC’s website, https://oacc.us. They can also attend a free community orientation 9-11 a.m. Friday, April 5, in room W-122 at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community college.

PKN: Does Document Spring have a long-term goal?

Yes. Document Spring’s long-term goal is to give people personal experience with capturing nature’s beauty and mystery, as well as with the scientific tools of measuring seasonal change so they can make informed decisions about climate science and environmental policies.

PKN: If I can’t attend the orientation, is there a way I can participate anyway?

Swanson: Yes, the orientation is helpful but not necessary. The orientation will be filmed and available on YouTube and OACC’s website (oacc.us) along with posted information.

PKN: Will there be a report or gathering or photo show at the end of Document Spring?

Swanson: There will be a free picnic for program participants Saturday, May 18, starting at 11 a.m., at Oldenburg Point within Jay Cooke State Park where photography and data will be shared and participants honored.

To find out more, contact Swanson at 218-384-4835 or [email protected].