The C.R.E.W.'s Green Valley Project (GVP) Thousand Oaks Youth Council is exploring how changing climate conditions, particularly El Niño, may affect local bird populations and migration patterns.

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon characterized by unusually warm ocean surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean. These changes can influence weather patterns, ocean ecosystems, and food availability for wildlife. Strong El Niño events can contribute to extreme weather conditions and changes in bird habitats, potentially affecting where birds travel, feed, and live.

Through this project, Youth Council members are conducting bird surveys to document local bird species, observe population patterns, and better understand the relationship between climate conditions and wildlife.

Monitoring Local Bird Populations and Exploring the Impacts of El Niño

Work Completed So Far

Thousand Oaks Youth Council members have participated in bird surveys along local trails and natural areas, collecting observations of the different bird species they encounter.

During these surveys, students:

Identify and record bird species observed in the area.
Use tools such as the Merlin Bird ID app to help identify birds through photographs and sounds.
Document environmental conditions, including weather, temperature, humidity, and time of day.
Research how El Niño can influence bird habitats, food availability, and migration patterns.
Practice scientific observation, data collection, and species identification.
Develop personal research handbooks to organize their findings and document information about local bird species.
Create concepts for "Door Birds," an educational art project designed to connect bird conservation with public awareness.

These activities provide students with hands-on experience in environmental monitoring while contributing to a growing record of local bird observations.

What’s Next?

As the project continues, Youth Council members will focus on organizing and analyzing the data collected during their bird surveys. Students will explore patterns in bird diversity and distribution, compare their findings with available historical observations, and investigate how changes in local bird activity may relate to larger environmental trends.

The Youth Council is also exploring a temporary educational art installation featuring their "Door Birds." These student-designed bird artworks will include educational information about local bird species and could be displayed at trailheads to encourage community members to learn more about the birds in their area.

Students plan to bring their Door Bird creations on future trail visits to photograph them in natural settings. This creative component will help connect their scientific research with public education, encouraging trail visitors to appreciate and protect local bird populations.

Get Involved!

You can contribute to bird conservation and environmental awareness by observing the birds in your own neighborhood! Whether you're walking along a trail, visiting a park, or exploring your backyard, recording the birds you see can help you learn more about local biodiversity.

Meet the Team

Matilda

Hi my name is Matilda, I joined GVP to help me connect with nature outside of environment classes and also I thought it would be fun to observe birds/other animals.
Diego

Hi my name is Diego. I joined GVP because I wanted to see what I could do to have more of a connection to the environment. I find it cool looking at birds so far and learning about new species.
Leilani

Hi! I’m Leilani. I joined because my two main passions are art and wildlife. I was recommended to join while I was volunteering with the Teen Conservation Club at the Santa Barbara Zoo. I really want to convey wildlife conservation and awareness through my art. I also really want to be able to help wildlife in the area and learn more about them.
Piper

I’m Piper,I joined GVP because I feel very strongly about life on our planet and birds especially. Anything to help conserve the things I love is a great opportunity! I hope to learn more about whatever I can; conservation, what is being done, what I can do, information on endangered animals, etc.
Emma

Hi! I’m Emma, I joined GVP because I want to go into environmental engineering and want to learn more about it and similar fields. I hope to learn about data analysis and possible solutions to existing issues. I love environmental science and I’m excited to be part of this.
Charlie

Hello! I’m Charlie and I joined GVP because I had so much fun last session and want to learn more about data analysis. I love being in nature and am so excited for this session!
Nandhitha

Hi! I’m Nandhitha, I joined GVP because I want to be in the environmental science field and I enjoy working in conservation and being able to learn more research methods and data analysis.
Kayden

Hi! I’m Kayden and I joined GVP because I love birds, photography and conservation. I hope to be able to expand my love on these things. I would love to take some cool photos for the group.
Juliana

Hi! I’m Juliana, I joined GVP to gain more knowledge on wildlife conservation. I hope to gain more ideas on what I can do in my community for the wildlife.goes here