The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission is looking for neighbors that live within half a mile of the preserve to help track changing weather patterns by measuring the depth of snow in their backyards. On Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 7 to 8 p.m., volunteers may come to the Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road to learn how to collect and submit measurements.

Regionally, climate change is altering seasonal weather patterns, especially temperature and precipitation, but little is known about specific changes in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, according to a release from the commission. The citizen science project is to help fill the knowledge gap.

“Many plants and animals have evolved to require cold, snowy winter weather,” said Neil Gifford, conservation director for the commission, in the release. “For example, such conditions appear essential to the success of the endangered Karner blue butterfly’s eggs, which overwinter under the snow.  Prolonged cold temperatures also provide the refrigeration critical to the germination of many native plant seeds, and snow can affect how much water is in vernal ponds for frog and salamander breeding in spring.”

According to Gifford, understanding how weather patterns in the preserve are changing is the first step to understanding what the commission can do to improve the long-term survival of the Karner blue butterfly as well as 68 other rare wildlife listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in New York State.

This program is free and recommended for people who are 15 or older. Snow monitoring materials will be provided. Participants must live within one half mile of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Pre-registration is required for all programs. The Discovery Center is located at 195 New Karner Road. To sign up, visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org/events or call (518) 456-0655.