Help study and protect one of the Gorge’s squeakiest residents: the pika! Cascades Pika Watch engages volunteers to locate and map Oregon's pikas
Pikas' particular habitat and temperature requirements make the species vulnerable to global warming trends — and of special interest to scientists studying the effects of climate change.
Cascades Pika Watch volunteers conduct 1-2 monthly sitting surveys to track and log pika presence in the Columbia River Gorge and across the region. Sites are accessed via public hiking trails, and no special skills are required, other than a willingness to learn and a desire to contribute to scientific knowledge. Volunteers can opt to receive in-person or virtual training on identifying pikas in the field. They will then choose survey sites, where they will scan the boulders for signs of movement while listening for the pika’s calls.
Sign up for training:
Select an in-person or virtual training. Refresher training is available for returning volunteers.
Pika Watch gear: Shop now