perchandsally

Perchandsally is a collaborative multimedia project and online brand founded in 2021 by two creators who operate under the handles Perch and Sally. The project blends nature writing, illustration, photography, and citizen science to explore freshwater ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on perch species and urban river habitats. The name combines the fish perch with the given name Sally, chosen to evoke a friendly, approachable tone and a sense of partnership.

Originating as a small zine created to raise awareness of local waterways, perchandsally expanded into an online platform hosting a variety of content. Its stated goals include promoting ecological literacy, encouraging public participation in data collection, and celebrating biodiversity through accessible storytelling and art. The project aims to bridge science and community engagement by providing resources that are usable in classrooms, community groups, and informal education settings.

Content and format commonly include illustrated narratives, species profiles, field notes, practical guides for river cleanups, and interactive maps that incorporate citizen-contributed monitoring data. Materials are typically released with open licenses to support reuse in educational contexts and to foster collaboration with schools, libraries, and environmental organizations.

Impact and reception have been strongest within niche audiences focused on environmental education and nature-centric storytelling. Perchandsally is frequently cited as a useful tool for teaching topics such as freshwater ecology, conservation practices, and data collection methods, owing to its approachable language and emphasis on participatory science.

Challenges acknowledged by the project include maintaining volunteer engagement and ensuring data quality for community-derived information. In response, perchandsally emphasizes clear contribution protocols, proper attribution, and ongoing outreach to new participants.

See also: citizen science, environmental art, nature journaling, freshwater ecology.