In the heart of the Allegheny National Forest lies a deeply personal connection for Amy Bue, rooted in her childhood memories and family history. This verdant landscape, renowned for its diverse ecosystem, holds a special place in her heart due to her grandfather's hunting cabin, which served as a backdrop for many cherished moments of her youth. These formative experiences amidst the forest's serene beauty not only shaped her early years but also sparked a lifelong passion for nature and conservation. Amy's intimate bond with this natural wonder, imbued with familial ties and childhood explorations, continues to inspire her dedication to understanding and preserving the unique flora and fauna of this cherished woodland.

A Micro Study in the Allegheny National Forest

Amy Bue's personal connection to the Allegheny National Forest extends beyond nostalgia, manifesting in a dedicated micro study she conducts within its lush confines. This self-initiated project represents a blend of personal passion and scientific inquiry. In her quest to deepen the scientific understanding of the natural world as a whole, Amy Bue embraces a hands-on approach to data collection. She contributes valuable data through tools like the iNaturalist app, meticulously capturing images of the forest's diverse species, contributing to a larger pool of data accessible to scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. Amy also takes part in nature journaling, a practice where her observations are meticulously recorded, creating a rich, personal archive of the forest's ecological narrative. This blend of technology and traditional recording methods not only aids scientific research but also fosters a community-oriented approach to conservation, where shared knowledge becomes a powerful tool in understanding and preserving the natural world.

Involving Scientists in Bigfoot Research

Amy Bue's approach to involving scientists in her research is uniquely innovative, centered around the intriguing allure of Bigfoot. She strategically pitches the idea to scientists, suggesting that, even if they are skeptical about Bigfoot's existence, they can still benefit from the enthusiasm and fieldwork of Bigfoot hunters. By encouraging these scientists to "harness" the efforts of Bigfoot enthusiasts, Amy opens a pathway for collecting valuable ecological data, like photographs of rare plants or potential new species. This clever tactic not only broadens the scope of research in the Allegheny National Forest but also bridges a gap between mainstream science and cryptozoology, fostering a collaborative environment where varied interests converge for the greater good of scientific discovery and environmental exploration.

Aspirations for Discovery and Collaboration

Amy Bue's aspirations in the realm of citizen science are fueled by a profound desire for discovery and collaboration. She dreams of unearthing previously unknown or supposedly extinct species in the Allegheny National Forest, a testament to the untapped potential of this rich ecosystem. Her vision extends beyond the quest for Bigfoot, encompassing a broader scientific pursuit. Amy believes in the power of collaborative efforts, where the enthusiasm of Bigfoot hunters and the rigor of scientific methods can synergistically lead to significant ecological findings. This approach underlines her belief that even if the search for Bigfoot doesn't yield its intended result, the journey itself can unveil other valuable environmental insights, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of combining diverse interests and expertise in the pursuit of knowledge and conservation.

This is a section from a much larger interview for an upcoming Wildman of the Woods Documentary featuring Amy Bue. 

Bio

Amy Bue, a dedicated naturalist and passionate advocate for wildlife conservation, is the driving force behind Project Zoobook. With a deep-rooted connection to the Allegheny National Forest from her childhood, Amy's work is characterized by her innovative approach to citizen science. She adeptly combines her love for nature with a keen interest in cryptozoology, particularly the search for Bigfoot, to engage both the scientific community and the public in meaningful ecological research and conservation efforts. Her commitment to documenting and sharing data on the diverse flora and fauna of the forest exemplifies her dedication to fostering collaboration and discovery in the field of environmental science.