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DCL
Some people pay close attention to the environment. They note when migratory birds leave in the fall, and remember when they return in the spring. They keep track of annual snowfall in their yards, and compare it year-to-year. They say that this summer is hotter than the last three and, thanks to their own records, know it to be a fact. Over time, such careful observations help build a deeper relationship with nature and a greater awareness of the world in which we live. They can also help professional scientists with their research.
This idea, that untrained citizens can contribute valuable scientific data, has been heralded by some researches as a new alternative to scientific inquiry and dubbed "citizen science." Of course, there is some criticism of the validity of such research from the highly-trained,
If you are interested in becoming a citizen scientist, check out these projects:
- USA-National Phenology Network: Help the USGS track the effects of climate on seasonal changes, plants, and animals.
- CoCoRaHS: Participants in this grassroots research initiative measure participation in their area to help develop more detailed maps of weather data.
- SKWARN: This NOAA administered program uses citizen scientists to track severe weather across the country.
- IceWatch USA: Data contributed to this Nature Abounds program will help scientists track the effects of climate change.
- Project BudBurst: Participants track first leafing, first flower, and other events to help scientists studying the effects of climate change.
- Journey North: This program is a global study of migratory patterns and seasonal change.
- eBird: This program allows birders to contribute observation data, helping researchers study species abundance and diversity across the country.
