WHO WE ARE
The Edmonton Acoustic Research Stewardship (EARS) is a collaborative initiative whose goal is to coordinate and expand long-term bioacoustic monitoring across Edmonton through partnerships with community members and organizations. EARS is jointly run by the City of Edmonton, SENSR—a branch of the non-profit Biodiversity Pathways—, and the University of Alberta. The initiative brings together researchers, practitioners, and local collaborators to host autonomous recording units (ARUs) at a network of monitoring sites across the city and contribute to urban biodiversity monitoring.
SHARED OBJECTIVES
At the heart of EARS is shared infrastructure and coordinated data management. Equipment is rotated among sites, and all recordings form part of a centralized, city-wide dataset managed through SENSR. This model enables wide participation while maximizing the value of the data being collected.
COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP
EARS is made possible by a network of community stewards. These can be individuals, clubs, school groups, or organizations. Stewards host ARUs at suitable sites, follow simple deployment protocols, and help ensure data are collected. No prior technical expertise is required, training and support are provided.
CITY-WIDE SCIENCE
Through creating a network of stewards, EARS ensures broad coverage across both time and space of Edmonton’s urban environments. The information collected helps us understand urban wildlife, environmental noise, and how the city’s ecosystems are changing, supporting both research and better decision-making in urban planning.
Want to become an EARS steward? Contact Martin Hinojosa for more information.
