Volunteers Sought for Dragonfly Mercury Project at Upper Delaware River

BEACH LAKE, PA — The National Park Service is seeking five to six volunteers to participate in the Dragonfly Mercury Project, a nationwide citizen science initiative that monitors mercury in aquatic ecosystems.

Volunteers will assist with collecting dragonfly larvae for mercury analysis on Aug. 4 and 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.

“The National Park Service has participated in this nationwide citizen-science event for more than a decade,” said Ingrid Peterec, chief of interpretation. “Public involvement in the project is essential to its success and helps strengthen community connections to the Upper Delaware River Valley.”

The Dragonfly Mercury Project engages volunteers in collecting samples that help scientists and resource managers better understand mercury contamination and its risks to people and wildlife. Since 2009, more than 8,500 volunteers have contributed to the nation’s largest assessment of mercury contamination by sampling at more than 190 national parks and public lands across the United States.

Volunteers will work with National Park Service staff at the Milanville office and at sampling locations along the Upper Delaware River corridor, including Tusten Mountain River Access and Callicoon River Access.

The event is weather dependent because participants will enter the river during sampling. If weather conditions prevent sampling, the event will be rescheduled for Aug. 11 and 12, 2026.

The National Park Service will provide supplies and safety equipment, including Coast Guard-approved life jackets, personal protective equipment and data collection materials. Volunteers should bring their own lunch. The opportunity is open to all ages and experience levels. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. The position is unpaid.

Those interested in volunteering should contact upde_interpretation@nps.gov.