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DCL
If you dreamed of being a scientist but took a different career path, here's your opportunity to do some side work to save the planet as a citizen scientist and your help is requested.
Calling Citizen Scientists!
Volunteers from all over the US are needed to get outside and start paying attention. The USA-National Phenology Network would like to use observations made by the volunteers about seasonal events such as the flowering of plants and trees to track the effects of climate change.
How the USA-National Phenology Network Program Works:
The program provides easy-to-follow methods for volunteers to utilize so the data is organized and accurate. Avid hikers, campers, bird watchers and outdoorsy types can provide a lot of input about what they notice from season to season.
So, if you want to be a citizen scientist, Check out the USA-NPN website, and make your next hiking trip an activist activity.
How the Data is Used
The data collected is important in understanding how climate change effects seasonal cycles of the flora and fauna all around us. And who better to make the observations than people who know their areas well!
Among other uses, data collected by USA-NPN will help resource managers predict wildfires and pollen production, detect and control invasive species, monitor droughts, and assess the vulnerability of various plant and animal species to climate change.
