Nature's Detectives: Exploring Citizen Science

Citizen science relies on everyday people to collect data and collaborate with scientists to improve our understanding of the natural world. Anyone can participate in citizen science, regardless of background, age or location. All you need is curiosity and a desire to contribute your observations. 

Citizen science programs benefit individuals, communities and the scientific field. These programs provide a unique opportunity for personal growth and learning and help connect people with nature and each other. They also provide researchers with valuable, cost-effective data to inform conservation initiatives and government policy at the local, regional, and national levels.

Below are some of the oldest and most popular citizen science projects. To join any of these projects, you can visit their respective websites, sign up, and start contributing your observations. These projects require minimal time commitments and no scientific experience, making them accessible to everyone.

The USA National Phenology Network is a nationwide research initiative that monitors the relationship between climate and biological phenomena. Phenology focuses on when things happen in our natural world, such as when flowers bloom, when birds migrate, when leaves change color, etc. In 2009, the USA National Phenology Network launched Nature's Notebook, a national citizen science project for monitoring plant and animal phenology.

You can join the program as a backyard observer to monitor seasonal changes in plants and animals that interest you. You can also join a local, regional or nationwide phenology program, such as Pollen Trackers, which tracks open flowers and pollen release; Nectar Connectors, which tracks the bloom timing of nectar sources for pollinators; or Green Wave, which tracks seasonal color changes in trees.

Project FeederWatch combines birdwatching and citizen science into one fun project. This North American survey, launched in the late 1980s, asks U.S. and Canadian citizens to report the number and types of birds they see in backyards, parks, nature centers and other places. You don't have to have a bird feeder to participate (though it can attract more birds). You only need a habitat with plants, water and/or food.

The Project FeederWatch season occurs between February and April of every year. You can count birds for as many minutes or hours as you want each day, and you only have to participate on days of your choosing. This flexibility allows you to contribute to the project at your own pace and convenience.

NestWatch is a bird monitoring program operated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This citizen science program began in 2019. It focuses on observing and reporting bird nesting activity in backyards, parks, schoolyards, business spaces and other locales. The goal is to learn when nesting occurs, how many eggs are in each nest and how many baby birds successfully leave the nest.

To participate in NestWatch, you sign up online, read the program's code of conduct and take a short online quiz to get certified. Then, you report your observations through the NestWatch website or app. This program is an excellent way to learn how to find bird nests, identify eggs, get plans for do-it-yourself birdhouses and see bird breeding data from around the country.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Cooperative Observer Program (COOP Program) has existed since 1890. It is one of the oldest citizen science programs in the United States. This partnership between citizen volunteers and the NWS provides data for local, regional and national weather forecasting and climate outlooks.

Many historical figures, including Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and George Washington, kept daily records that are still used to understand climate and weather. Volunteering for the COOP Program can make you part of these historic records. All you need is the ability to record and report daily temperature and precipitation observations and a willingness to allow the NWS to place measuring instruments on your property. The NWS will provide the training you need to perform your volunteer tasks.

You can participate in the Community Snow Observations (CSO) if you live in an area with snow. This NASA-funded citizen science project began in 2017. It seeks to understand snow depth around the world. To participate, you go out into the snow and measure the depth from the ground up using measuring tape, a ruler or a snow probe. Then, report the depth using one of their recommended smartphone or desktop computer apps. This project needs data on snow depth in rural areas, urban areas and vast mountain places. The CSO motto is "anytime, anywhere."

Since 1993, the North American Butterfly Association has operated a citizen science project called the Butterfly Count Program. This program depends on the public to count butterflies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The goal is to gather data, have fun and raise awareness about butterflies. Seasonal counts occur in the United States in the spring, summer, and fall. To participate, you need a group of at least four people to count butterflies with eyes, cameras or binoculars. You can find an active count near you or register one in a new location.

Globe at Night is an international citizen science project sponsored by DarkSky International and the U.S. National Science Foundation NOIRLab. It invites participants to observe the night sky and measure sky brightness. The project, launched in 2006, aims to gather data points and raise awareness about the impact of light pollution on our health, energy consumption, ecosystems and astronomical research.

To participate, you go outside more than one hour after sunset, observe the constellations in the night sky, measure brightness using established protocols and report your findings on the Globe at Night website. Globe at Night runs new monthly campaigns for every part of the globe and provides resources to help you learn constellations.