Citizen Science

Jim Bancroft doesn’t mind getting his feet wet for nature’s sake. Bancroft, 72, has been working as a Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) volunteer for almost five years, dedicating hundreds of hours to invasive species removal and citizen science projects like Bluebird Monitoring and Hoosier Riverwatch.

Hoosier Riverwatch is the project that takes him into the water at four different parks – Central Park, Flowing Well Park, Meadowlark Park and the future site of Bear Creek Park. There, Bancroft and other volunteers monitor the environment, including tree cover, undercut banks, and water flow velocity. They also check on what’s growing in the water such as macroinvertebrates, like mayflies and crayfish, that can indicate water quality.

“We go in with nets, turn over rocks and stir things up,” Bancroft said. “We bring what we find to shore and poke through it.”

Being outdoors fits right into Bancroft’s passion. He and his wife, Amy, have lived all over the country while Bancroft worked as a civil engineer. Their longest stint lasted about 30 years in Connecticut, where Bancroft led a local Boy Scout troop and spent plenty of time outdoors. Bancroft, an Eagle Scout himself, completed the Connecticut Master Naturalist program and volunteered with the Appalachian Mountain Club in New Hampshire, leading hikes and working as an alpine steward.

Almost six years ago, Bancroft and his wife relocated to Carmel to be near their grown children and grandchildren who live nearby. Before moving, Bancroft began researching local volunteer opportunities. He enrolled in the Indiana Naturalist Program, which led him to CCPR’s volunteer program.

While Bancroft tends to play down his volunteer impact, a quick look at his activities reveals his passion for park projects. When Bancroft arrived in Indiana, he reached out to CCPR to talk about bluebird nest boxes. The charismatic bluebird likes to nest in cavities. A tree branch isn’t enough – the bluebird wants to find a protective cavity to call home. Development has removed many of these natural cavities, but bluebirds are happy to use a manmade nesting box instead. When Bancroft arrived in Carmel, there were a handful of boxes in the area – now there are over 75.

“During the last couple of years, I’ve taught a class through CCPR. I’d tell them about the bluebirds and they would build a box to take home,” Bancroft said. “We always create some extra boxes for local parks.” Bancroft works with other citizen volunteers to monitor the nests and report egg hatching and hedging to Cornell University, which uses the statistics to study bluebird activities.

“Jim Bancroft is a wonderful person who puts 110 percent into his responsibilities as a volunteer and a leader with CCPR,” said Michael Allen, CCPR Parks & Natural Resources Director. “It’s very evident that other volunteers feel comfortable and assured when they work with Jim because his approach as a facilitator is not only knowledgeable but patient and allows folks time to learn and ask questions while getting hands-on with various stewardship initiatives.”

Volunteering gives Bancroft a chance to enjoy local camaraderie while pursuing his own passions. He doesn’t have much time to sit around in a recliner with the remote control in his hand, and that’s okay.

“It gets me outside,” Bancroft said. “It’s fun being outside with people of like interests, particularly with the Hoosier Riverwatch. I’ve always enjoyed bird watching, and bluebird monitoring goes along that line.”