Citizen Science

Definition Citizen science is defined as the participation of non-scientists in data collection for scientific investigations (Trumbull, D. J., R. Bonney, D. Bascom, and A. Cabral Thinking scientifically during participation in a citizen-science project. Science Education 84: )

Why Time More research opportunies Low costs Public engagment Too much to do Conservation value

Birds Cornell University: Christmas Bird Count (Audubon Society 1900) eBird Great Backyard Bird Count NestCams Birds Studies Canada - BSC: Breeding Bird Atlas Canadian Migration Monitoring Network Atlantic Canada High Elevation Landbird Program Canadian Loon Surveys Nocturnal Owl Survey

Project FeederWatch (BSC) White-breasted Nuthatch Photo: Dave Archer

(Birds Continued) Environment Canada Breeding Bird Survey (BSC) Nest Record Scheme Piping Plover Atlantic Canada Shorebird Surveys

Other Species Other Programs Nature Canada: Frog Watch Ice Watch Plant Watch Worm Watch Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre: Maritimes Butterfly Atlas

Nature NB’s Biodiversity Stewardship Project Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) Important Bird Area (IBA) Protected Natural Area (PNA)

What will be recorded? Basic site information Site pressures: –Pollution –Recreation –Forestry Species Lists: –Birds, plants etc.

Challenges Data quality Validation Maintaining engagement Outreach materials - feedback Longterm commitment Training Balance scientific with volunteers needs

Importance Climate change monitoring Linking the public with science Tools for species management and conservation Data for Environmental Impact Assessments Ecological monitoring of more species Determine sites for conservation Extending the capacity of scientists to do research

Thanks Merci