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exploring the modern world of citizen-science

filmmaker & Explorer

Follow me on my journey to document the new world of modern citizen-science and its contribution to conservation. What started as a simple beach debris survey down the coast of Washington has taken me to remote volcanic islands in the Alaskan Aleutians as well as joining the hunt for invasive species in the Salish Sea.

science

THERE’S A REVOLUTION HAPPENING IN SCIENCE. AND NOW, MORE THAN EVER, YOU CAN BE PART OF IT.

A Sad Gray Whale of a Tail

Science

Despite the foulness riding the breeze from the south, curiosity kept us moving forward. We knew we had to be close to our target.

Sun and Halibut at Toleak Beach

Science

Once again we were blessed with some outstanding weather and we had the bonus of watching the opening of Pacific Halibut and all the serious anglers heading out beyond James Island.

Another Run at Toleak Beach

Science

What’s the saying about Murphy’s Law? Weather, tide….all was in our favor I was thinking what a great day, that's when Murphy's Law kicked in.

Despite Record Snowfall A Successful Beach Survey

Science

Tides and weather are the keys to whether we have can conduct a successful bird survey. Tides are predictable; the weather has been anything but this year.

Winter Storms Creating Havoc with COASST Surveys

Science

We haven’t had quite the cold weather we usually get but the wind has been remorselessly beating up Washington and playing havoc with our attempts to get to our beach for a COASST survey

First Beach Cast Bird Found

Science

I really don’t want to think about the number of miles or the total elevation lost and gained that were traveled to find our first bird but it finally paid off with the discovery of our first bird (and second) to document for the volunteer COASST program.

A Summer Hunting the Green Crab

Science

This was only our second year for this site, and actually our first full year. Last year we had a late start as we waited for the permits to make their way through the system. I mention this because it makes is somewhat difficult to come up with any hard conclusions regarding the data.

Third Survey at Toleak Beach

Science

Bending down for a better look I saw yet another bit of cougar scat. It wasn't fresh but that didn’t keep my head from constantly swiveling as I started up the trail to Scott’s Bluff.

up next

Helping Parents Locate 3 Missing Children

We headed out the Carbon River valley for a relaxing weekend away from any obligations and maybe go searching for a popular ghost town know as Melmont. The community had once been a thriving coal community.

What we weren’t expecting was getting involved in searching for a trio of kids who had wandered off from their group.

upcoming events

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Alaska Volcano Observatory

-- August 2019 --

Steve will be heading north once again to the Last Frontier. This trip will be about helping the Alaska Volcano Observatory conduct field research. The team will be conducting hard science to support AVO’s mission:

“Assessing the full range of potential hazards at specific volcanic centers. This effort involves studying a volcano to determine the style and frequency of past eruptions, and potential impacts of future activity.“

My latest work

July 18, 2019

A Sad Gray Whale of a Tail

Science
July 10, 2019

Most Unusual Hut at Frenchman's Cove

Journal
June 3, 2019

Sun and Halibut at Toleak Beach

Science
May 26, 2019

Looking a Little Closer at Lake Sylvia

Journal
May 14, 2019

How Did Port Gamble Stay Off The Radar?

Journal
May 5, 2019

Another Run at Toleak Beach

Science
April 27, 2019

Exploring Mayfield Lake and Surrounding Valley

Journal
April 19, 2019

Is It Time To Forgive SeaWorld

News
March 27, 2019

A Quick Visit to the San Diego Museum of Natural History

Journal