**Orchids and Allies: Citizen Science for Orchids, Wildlife, and Beyond**
Earlier today, some of the Sigar team, along with other volunteers and the Wild for Orchids Community Malta team, participated in a Citizen Scientist training session and a fieldwork identification session on Gozo.
In preparation for this year's orchid season, new and returning citizen scientists took part in a second round of training sessions.
This time, we were introduced to a new component of orchid fieldwork: pollinator monitoring (Allies)! 🐝📋
Today's session was divided into three parts:
1️⃣ Orchid identification recap (classroom)
2️⃣ Introduction to our new pollinator monitoring protocol (classroom)
3️⃣ A brief fieldwork session to apply our newly acquired skills at one of Gozo's #Natura2000 sites
Wild for Orchids is Malta's longest-running citizen science initiative focused on native orchid conservation.
**Get involved**
Check out the Facebook page for more information, or to take part in this fantastic project Wild for Orchids Community Malta
#naturelovers #citizenscience #volunteer #EveryoneNeedsNature
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Calling all Orchid Lovers on Gozo!
Sunday 4th January 2026 (09.00am – 12noon)
We are sharing details of this forthcoming Citizen Scientist training and fieldwork opportunity from 'Wild for Orchids Community Malta.'
FB page www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572406422138
'As we approach the height of the orchid season, we’re inviting all new and returning citizen scientists to join us for our second round of training sessions — and this time, we’re introducing a brand new element to our fieldwork: pollinator monitoring! 🐝📋
We’ll be hosting 1 session in Malta and 1 in Gozo, both split into 3 parts:
1️⃣ Orchid ID recap
2️⃣ Introduction to our new pollinator monitoring protocol
3️⃣ A short fieldwork session to put your newfound skills into practice!
Malta Training Session
🗓 Date: Saturday 03/01/2026
⏰ Time: 09:00-12:00
📍 Training Session Location: Argotti Botanic Gardens & Resource Centre, University of Malta Section (Triq Vincenzo Bugeja, Il-Furjana, FRN 1553)
📎 maps.app.goo.gl/fPCTaRJJMZhnTVPA8
📌 Fieldwork Location: Pembroke
Gozo Training Session
🗓 Date: Sunday 04/01/2026
⏰ Time: 09:00-12:00
📍 Training Session Location: Xewkija Volunteer Support Centre (27P6+QCJ, Triq Il-Madonna Tar-Rummiena, Ix-Xewkija)
📎 maps.app.goo.gl/hXtihvwKeDFVaNuo6
📌 Fieldwork Location: Ta 'Cenc
These sessions will prepare us for the busiest and most exciting stretch of the season – and your contribution will be more valuable than ever, as we begin gathering new data on orchid-pollinator interactions in the wild. 🪻🔬🦋
💡 Please confirm your attendance by filling in the registration form below so we can prepare materials and plan the session accordingly:
🔗 forms.gle/XmmA9vQUxjmJyKkw6
We can’t wait to see you there and launch this next chapter of citizen science together!
#WildForOrchids #PollinatorMonitoring #CitizenScience #MaltaNature #GozoNature #OrchidSeason2026 #ArgottiGardens #FloraAndFauna #CommunityInScience #WildlifeObservation
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