DUNNELLON, FL (352today.com) – An experienced and active local birder, citizen scientist and nature enthusiast will be lending his time and expertise to lead a couple of hands-on nature classes in Dunnellon next month.
The classes, led by perhaps Ocala’s most hardcore birder, Art Van Arsdale, will serve as an introduction to using technology to help observe, identify and document local floral and fauna while building a greater knowledge of and love for the local ecology, with a particular focus on the iNaturalist smartphone app.
The events will take place on Sunday, November 15 and Friday, November 20, 2026, at 9 a.m. They will begin with a presentation and tutorial on the app’s use and benefits, which will be followed by guided real-world field practice.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Take great photos with iNaturalist
- Use the app and navigate the basics
- Determine if you have a proper identification
- Learn how your observations are used in citizen science
- Best practices for recording observations
- App limitations
- Tips for success
Mr. Van Arsdale requests that those interested in attending either of the classes download either the iNaturalist (Apple, Android) or Seek (Apple, Android) app prior to showing up.
Both classes are free and open to the public. The group will gather for each class at the Ross Prairie Pavilion, located at 10660 SW HWY 200 in Dunnellon.