The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking citizen scientists for two different projects this summer — monitoring wild turkeys, and photographing Asian longhorned beetles and other invasive pests.

Participants can record observations of turkeys while exploring the forests and fields around their home or driving through New York State this summer.

"Having up-to-date population data is essential to ensuring effective management decisions and have a better understanding of how wild turkey populations fluctuate in New York," Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a release from the DEC.

Since 1996, the DEC has conducted the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey to estimate the number of wild turkey poults (young of the year) per hen statewide. Weather, predation, and habitat conditions during the breeding and brood-rearing seasons can all significantly impact nest success, hen survival, and poult survival. This index allows the DEC to gauge reproductive success and predict fall hunting potential.

During the month of August, survey participants record the sex and age composition of all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel. Those who would like to participate may download a Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey form from the DEC website. Detailed instructions can be found with the data sheet. Survey cards may also be obtained by contacting the regional DEC office, by calling (518) 402-8886, or by e-mailing wildlife@dec.ny.gov, typing “Turkey Survey” in the subject line.

Participants may also submit observations online.

Pool owners are invited to join in the DEC’s fifth annual Asian longhorned beetle Swimming Pool Survey now through Aug. 30 to help keep watch for the exotic, invasive beetles before they cause serious damage to forests and street trees.

The Citizen Pool Survey takes place this time of year when ALBs are expected to emerge from and become active outside of the trees they are infesting.

The invasive beetles are originally from Asia and have caused the death of hundreds of thousands of trees across the nation, particularly maple trees in: New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Ohio.

The DEC's Forest Health Program developed a simple and easy survey for people to participate in who have swimming pools and are willing to keep an eye out for these insects.

Pool monitoring offers a simple, economical approach to surveying for Asian beetles in the state and has the potential to become New York's most effective method for detecting the invasive beetles. With citizens involved in looking for this pest, there is a better chance of finding new infestations early, helping DEC and other state and federal agencies focus their efforts to eliminate infestations.

In addition to owning a swimming pool, participants will need to take digital pictures, by phone or camera, and send them by email or text message.

Those that don't have a pool can still help. The DEC expanded its photo collection to include anyone who spots a suspect beetle, whether it is found in their pool or not.

Residents are also encouraged to submit photos if they believe they’ve found an emerald ash borer, known as EAB, or another invasive pests damaging trees. Photos can be submitted to the forest health program email address listed below.

For more information on ALB and the Pool Survey, visit DEC's website. To sign up for the survey, contact: NYSDEC Forest Health Program’s Jessica Cancelliere by email at foresthealth@dec.ny.gov or by phone at (518)478-7813.