Citizen (or Community) Science invites people of all ages to contribute to real scientific research simply by observing and sharing what they see outdoors. Whether you’re spotting birds, tracking plants, or noticing changes in the environment, your observations help scientists monitor the health of our trails and natural areas. It’s a fun way to connect with local plants and wildlife while making a difference. You only need to get outside, explore and pay attention!
There are thousands of projects listed on scistarter.org. Here are some projects to get you started that are perfect for people of all ages.
Budburst– Help track seasonal changes in plants.
Frog Watch– Report the calls of local frogs and toads and help scientists conserve amphibians.
How’s My Waterway– Not exactly Citizen Science, but a great site to track the health of local waterways.
iNaturalist– download the app and help identify as many species of living things (plants, animals, etc.) as you can. These observations help scientists monitor biodiversity.
Izzak Walton League– Monitor Our Waterways
-Request a free salt watch and nitrate watch kit and enter data on cleanwaterhub.org
-Get the Creek Critters app to assess water quality by identifying and recording aquatic organisms.
–Stream selfie– help track the location and health of waterways!
Journey North– Track butterfly and bird migrations anywhere, including on the trail or in your own backyard.
Noise in Your Neighborhood– Help track noise pollution by monitoring sound levels and creating noise pollution refuges.
Project Squirrel– Help scientists understand squirrel ecology. (Squirrels are cute)
Tree Snap– Help scientists identify and track diseased trees. Our beech trees are particularly threatened by beech leaf disease, which is prevalent throughout our hiking trails.
Even on a rainy day, you can still be a scientist. Every observation helps build knowledge that protects our local outdoors and benefits everyone. Make your next visit to the Bethany Land Trust trails a chance to do a little science while you explore!
Happy hiking,
Ali Beres-Nork
