The Community Trail Camera Program brings communities and wildlife together through collaboration and education. In partnership with rural communities, trail camera networks are installed and maintained by us and local volunteers to reveal which apex predators share the landscape and how they move through it. These insights can help residents understand predator behavior, reduce conflict, and build confidence in safe coexistence. The program strives to foster awareness, empathy, and pride—empowering people to see apex predators not as threats, but as essential parts of a healthy ecosystem.
Discover how the Community Trail Camera Program is partnering with rural communities to monitor apex predators, gather valuable data, and strengthen local coexistence through education, collaboration, and shared wildlife awareness.
At EWC, we believe camera trapping is more than a scientific tool — it’s a way to connect people with the wild spaces and wildlife around them.
Through community partnerships and volunteer networks, our trail camera program blends citizen science with conservation outreach, empowering people to take part in meaningful research while deepening their relationship with local ecosystems.
By establishing a presence in rural and semi-rural areas, the project creates powerful opportunities for education, awareness, and dialogue about the apex predators and other wildlife that share these landscapes. In doing so, it fosters a stronger appreciation for coexistence and helps build trust between communities and conservation efforts.
The community connection is truly the heart of this work. It’s what makes the program valuable — not just for the data we gather, but for the relationships we build and the shared sense of purpose we inspire.
We aim to engage everyone — from lifelong wildlife enthusiasts to those who may never have paused to consider their connection to nature. Together, we’re cultivating understanding, curiosity, and respect for the species we live alongside.
By the project’s end, we hope each participating community is left with the knowledge, tools, and data needed to make thoughtful coexistence decisions — and with a renewed sense of wonder for the incredible wildlife that calls their own backyard home.
Trail cameras are the perfect fit for this program because they let us observe wildlife ethically, accurately, and without disturbance. Triggered only by motion, they offer a genuine glimpse into how species—especially apex predators—use shared landscapes. This non-invasive approach protects wildlife while providing valuable data on population trends and behavior. Beyond research, the images inspire curiosity, foster empathy, and support evidence-based conservation policies that strengthen coexistence between people and the predators that keep ecosystems balanced.
