Post on 31-Aug-2014
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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
Get Started!
Thank you