Citizen Science at National Willdife Refuges

Citizen Science at National Wildlife Refuges

Engaging the public, monitoring natural resources,

making a difference

What is Citizen Science?

Citizen Science is..- A tool for research, education and community

development- Using volunteers in the planning, data collection or

analysis of a scientific project- On National Wildlife Refuges, citizen science projects

can be staff driven or organized by outside agencies or individuals

Basic Elements of Citizen Science

• Citizen science actively involves the public, people who are not professional scientists.

Citizen Science as an EE Tool

• Addresses questioning, analysis, and interpretation skills

• Teaches science and natural history content

• Fosters a sense of place and understanding of human-environment relationship

• Useful for reaching teenage audience

What Makes CS Successful?

• Meets project goals, both scientific and educational

• Attracts and retains participants• Attracts and retains organizers• Sustainable, particularly for long-term

studies

Oldest, Largest Citizen Science Project?

• 110 years•59,000 people/yr• 2,125 circles• 57,000,000 birds counted annually

Scientific NeedVolunteers

Authentic Science ExperiencesReliable Data

+ _______________= Citizen Science

• Driven by a scientific need• Simultaneously meets an identified need for

authentic science experiences in both formal and informal education

• Volunteers trained in same science protocol that professional scientists use, use many of the same tools, and produce the same reliable data that professionals do

• can meet the needs of both science research and science education at the same time.

Benefits of CSFor Refuges• co$t effective

• range of scales

• time periods

• educate and enhance communication with the public

For Participants• Take active role in

conservation work• Better understanding of

natural resource mgmt.• Personal benefits: fun,

sense of community, contribution to science, time outdoors, exercise, experience, connection to nature

Types of Citizen Science

Inventory

Research

Monitoring

But are the data good…?

+ =

Yes…Twice…Sometimes…It Depends…

Protocols designed with CS in mind–Proper training–Limit scope–Data checks, oversight –Proper equipment

Volunteers count the number of native and exotic crab species found on the Atlantic Coast from New Jersey to Maine, and in the process they learn about crabs and other creatures inhabiting the intertidal zone, as well as about the scientific process. Photograph: Linda Hurt (top) and Island Alliance (bottom).

David Delaney’s Invasive Crab Study

Back at the Ranch – CS projects at your Refuge

What is Phenology?

Phrenology claims to be able to determine character, personality traits and criminality on the basis of the shape of the head (i.e., by reading "bumps" and "fissures").

Not to be confused with ‘Phrenology’

Phenology is the science that measures the timing of life cycle events for all organisms

All Leaves Unfolded Blackgum

Full FlowerEastern serviceberry

Ponderosa Pine: First Needle

Willow Oak First Fruit

First FlowerRed Maple

First LeafTulip poplar

Green Ash All Leaves Unfolded

What are examples of plant ‘phenophases?’

Project BudBurst and Climate Change

• Plants provide context to detect response to environmental change

• Easily accessible

• Phenological observations are simple

• Provide personal connection

• Empowerment

Willow Oak: First Fruit

A photo of Lowell Cemetery, in Lowell, Mass., taken May 30, 1868, shows bare limbs. But the same scene photographed

May 30, 2005, by Boston University biology professor Richard Primack shows them in

full spring greenery.

Photo source: Abraham J. Miller-Rushing

Cherry Tree Phenology

• Temperature change over time can cause long-term shifts in bloom dates

• Smithsonian study: 1970 v. 2000, cherry trees blooming 7 days earlier

• In Japan: blooming front on April 1 has moved 125 north in last 40 years

Refuges taking action

Increase awareness of phenology as an area of scientific study

Increase awareness of the impacts of changing climates on plants and the environment, and

Increase science understanding and appreciation by engaging participants in the scientific process.

Educational Goals of Project BudBurst

Other Projects

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Thank you