Chapter 1: Discovering the Project

My partner stumbled upon a unique volunteer opportunity in Oregon through a community Facebook group: the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife was seeking individuals to document roadkill with geotagged photographs. This initiative aimed to assess the impact of roads on local wildlife and pinpoint areas where animals are frequently struck by vehicles. Initially, the notion of photographing roadkill seemed unsettling, yet within a few days, I came across several snakes, woodpeckers, and even a large stretch of frogs—prompting me to sign up.

Trigger warning: Some observations may be disturbing. All images depict living animals.

For some time, I had been searching for a way to contribute to local environmental efforts that aligned with my skills, but nothing had resonated. Previous volunteer experiences, like park clean-ups, felt more like a superficial morale boost than a genuine improvement to the environment, often resulting in more play than productive work.

Chapter 2: Finding My Niche

My attempts at participating in bird surveys for local wildlife organizations also fell short. While I could identify various ducks from a distance, I struggled with the patience required for counting and photographing birds. The focus seemed more on soliciting donations than on training volunteers effectively. Therefore, I remained on the lookout for a nature-centric volunteer project that would aid in preserving local flora and fauna. The roadkill documentation project checked all the boxes: it allowed me to utilize my identification skills while providing a straightforward photographic task.

Cycling was the perfect way to engage in this project. As an avid cyclist, I travel thousands of miles annually, often on routes that traverse agricultural land—areas that are prone to wildlife crossings yet lack human observers.

The first video, "Turning Roadkill Into Art | National Geographic," explores how artists transform roadkill into stunning pieces of art. This unique perspective adds depth to the conversation surrounding wildlife and conservation efforts.

The bicycle serves as an ideal mode of transport for this kind of work. It allows me to cover substantial distances while maintaining the ability to stop quickly and document my findings without causing a traffic disruption. This project has turned out to be a perfect match for my interests and lifestyle.

Chapter 3: The Experience of Documenting

Previously, my routine involved cycling with a phone mounted on my handlebars. Now, I find myself stopping multiple times during each ride to capture photos. This new documentation process has seamlessly integrated into my cycling habits, enhancing my connection to the local landscape.

After each ride, I diligently identify my observations and upload them to the Roadkills of Oregon iNaturalist project page. Fellow participants review my uploads, helping me refine my identification skills. Their insights have proven invaluable, allowing me to learn more about the wildlife in my area.

The second video, "Dude Making a Difference - Cycling Across the USA | Book Trailer," showcases the journey of an individual advocating for environmental change through cycling, echoing the themes of connection and responsibility found in my own experiences.

Chapter 4: Insights and Observations

Over the past few months, I’ve documented dozens of wildlife encounters, including birds, snakes, marsupials, and bumblebees. While I may not be the most active contributor, my cycling gives me an advantage in spotting wildlife that others might miss.

From my observations, a few trends have emerged:

• Wetland areas intersecting high-speed roads tend to be particularly hazardous for animals.
• The peripheries of wildlife refuges often experience bird strikes, indicative of healthy populations spilling over into danger.
• Spring sees a higher number of incidents due to breeding migrations.

The Roadkills of Oregon Project began in March, and since then, hundreds of participants have shared thousands of images. While many contribute simply by documenting all wildlife they encounter, only a small fraction focus specifically on roadkill.

Although I lack the statistical training to analyze this data comprehensively, I am eager to see how experts will utilize this information for wildlife conservation efforts.

Chapter 5: Conclusion

I share my story to highlight the unconventional blend of skills that led me to this project. The essence of my experience is the myriad ways one can pursue passions while contributing positively to their community. If you’re interested in supporting Oregon's initiative, further details can be found online (note: the link may contain graphic images). Similar programs exist in other regions as well.

For now, I’ll continue cycling and documenting my findings. While it may seem unappealing at times, this commitment to exercise and exploration brings me immense fulfillment as I contribute to the preservation of local wildlife.

Matt enjoys discovering deceased animals and sharing his findings on social media. With a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, he is also knowledgeable in semiconductor manufacturing but prefers discussing bicycles and heat pumps. Currently, he is seeking employment.