2026 Pre-Conference: Emerald Pathways, Through a Troll's Eyes

In December of 2025, Dix Park in Ralegh got five new permanent residents – Troll build by Thomas Dambo. The five Trolls are over 10 feet tall and built from salvaged mostly natural materials. But as permanent residents of Dix Park they will be able to observe changes over time.

As science educators who work with data collected by citizens, we thought this would be a great opportunity to engage new groups of people in the collection of data. The North Carolina Arboretum established new Eco-Explore sites near Mother Strong Tail and Dax. The Division of Air Quality is adapting the Lichen or Not Data sheets to highlight the small things that are growing near Daddy Bird Eye, and Dax and Dux will be looking at how adults can use citizen science tools to increase the value of watching birds, bugs, and other things—that we want to watch anyway.

Participants of the Emerald Pathways, through a Troll’s Eyes field trip will meet near the Stone House at Dix Park. We will divide into groups and participate in citizen science exploration at three sites at Dix Park under the careful eye of the resident trolls. The field trip will be focused on citizen science activities that you can take back to your school or education center, but we will also be providing some new programs focused on the Earth and Human Activity Strand of the NC educational standards.

12:30 -- Welcome: Abby Lewis, Dix Park, City of Raliegh Parks and Recreation

1:00 to 1:45 – Rotation One: NC DAQ, Grove with Daddy Bird Eye, Lichen or Not

2:00 to 2:45 – Rotation Two: NC MNS, Dax and Dux explore Citizen Science tools

3:00 to 3:45 – Rotation Three: TNCA, Mother Strong Tail and Dix explore the Pine Loop

4:00 to 4:30 – Wrap up

4 hours of Criteria 2 for the NC EE Certification