Citizen Science in North America

Citizen science in North America has a rich and diverse history, with its roots dating back to the late 19th century. One of the earliest and most notable examples of citizen science in North America is the Christmas Bird Count, which was first conducted in 1900 by the National Audubon Society. Today, the Christmas Bird Count involves tens of thousands of volunteers across North America who gather data on bird populations during the winter months. Another well-known citizen science project is Project BudBurst, which is run by the Chicago Botanic Garden and engages volunteers in monitoring the timing of plant life cycle events. In addition to these projects, there are numerous institutions and organizations dedicated to promoting and supporting citizen science in North America, such as SciStarter, a platform that connects people with science-related projects and activities. The evolution of citizen science in North America has been marked by increasing recognition of the value of public participation in scientific research and the development of innovative ways to engage citizens in scientific endeavors. (Incomplete listing)

MCSA

2/26/2023

Audubon Christmas Bird Count - This project takes place every year in December and is a bird census that has been conducted for over 100 years. The project takes place in various locations across North America.
iNaturalist - This project is a platform for citizen scientists to record observations of any kind of living organism. It can be accessed online or via a mobile app and is available across North America.
Great Backyard Bird Count - This is an annual event that takes place in February and is a project where citizen scientists can help collect data on bird populations in their own backyards. The project is available across North America.
Project FeederWatch - This project encourages people to set up bird feeders and observe the birds that visit. It takes place from November to April and is available across North America.
Globe at Night - This project asks citizen scientists to measure the darkness of their local skies to help measure light pollution. It takes place in various locations across North America.
Monarch Larva Monitoring Project - This project is a long-term monitoring project that tracks the health of monarch butterfly populations across North America.
North American Bird Phenology Program - This project collects data on bird migration patterns across North America.
North American Butterfly Association - This project encourages citizen scientists to record sightings of butterflies and moths across North America.
National Park Service Citizen Science - The National Park Service offers a range of citizen science projects that take place in various locations across North America, including bird monitoring, plant surveys, and more.
American Birding Association - The American Birding Association encourages bird enthusiasts to participate in various citizen science projects, including bird counts and migration tracking.
Earthwatch Institute - This organization offers a range of citizen science projects across North America, including wildlife surveys, ocean conservation projects, and more.
Project BudBurst - This project collects data on the timing of plant blooms across North America.
eBird - This project is a global database of bird sightings that allows citizen scientists to contribute observations from anywhere in North America.
FrogWatch USA - This project collects data on frog and toad populations across North America.
Nature's Notebook - This project collects data on the timing of plant and animal events across North America, including flowering and migration.
Globe Observer - This project collects data on various aspects of the environment, including weather, land cover, and more.
Bat Conservation International - This organization offers citizen science projects that focus on bat monitoring and conservation across North America.
Urban Coyote Initiative - This project collects data on coyote populations in urban areas across North America.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology - The Cornell Lab of Ornithology offers a range of citizen science projects, including bird monitoring and conservation.
Reef Check - This project collects data on coral reef health across North America.
Marine Debris Tracker - This project collects data on marine debris found on beaches across North America.
National Phenology Network - This project collects data on the timing of seasonal events across North America, including plant flowering and migration.
Scistarter - This platform connects citizen scientists with a range of projects across North America, including environmental monitoring, wildlife surveys, and more.
Wildwatch Kenya - This project allows citizen scientists to monitor wildlife in Kenya remotely from anywhere in North America.
JellyWatch - This project collects data on jellyfish populations across North America.
Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team - This project collects data on seabird populations and coastal habitats across North America.
Zooniverse - A website that offers a range of citizen science projects, from tracking penguins in Antarctica to studying cancer cells. Based in Oxford, United Kingdom, with projects located around the world.
GLOBE Observer - A NASA-sponsored project that allows citizen scientists to contribute to climate and weather research by submitting data on clouds, land cover, and more. Based in Washington, D.C.
Foldit - A game that challenges players to fold proteins, which can help scientists develop new drugs and treatments. Based in Seattle, Washington.
COASST - A program that trains citizen scientists to survey beaches for dead birds, which can provide important information on bird populations and health. Located in Seattle, Washington.
Phylo - A game that challenges players to align sequences of DNA, which can help scientists study genetic diversity and evolution. Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Citizen Science Soil Collection Program - A project that allows citizens to collect and submit soil samples, which are used to map the distribution of microorganisms in the soil. Based in State College, Pennsylvania.
Bat Detective - A project that asks citizen scientists to identify bat calls, which can help researchers study bat populations and behavior. Based in London, United Kingdom.
EyeWire - A game that challenges players to map the connections between neurons in the brain, which can help scientists better understand brain function. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Foldscope - A low-cost microscope that allows citizens to observe microscopic life, which can help promote scientific curiosity and understanding. Based in Palo Alto, California.
The Lost Ladybug Project - A project that asks citizen scientists to collect and submit ladybug sightings, which can help researchers understand the decline of certain ladybug species. Based in Ithaca, New York.
SkyTruth - A platform that uses satellite imagery to track environmental issues, such as oil spills and deforestation, which can inform policy decisions and advocacy efforts. Based in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
Happy City - A project that asks citizens to provide feedback on their neighborhood and city, which can inform urban planning and design. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
CosmoQuest - A project based in Germany that enables citizens to contribute to scientific research by analyzing data from NASA's spacecraft missions. Website: https://cosmoquest.org/
The Big Butterfly Count - This UK-based project encourages citizens to count butterflies and moths in their local area and report the results. Website: https://www.bigbutterflycount.org/
iSpot - A UK-based project that allows users to identify and report sightings of plants and animals. Website: https://www.ispotnature.org/
OPAL - A UK-based project that involves citizens in environmental monitoring, including air and water quality, biodiversity, and soil health. Website: https://www.opalexplorenature.org/
HOOP - A project based in the Netherlands that trains citizens to collect data on invasive species in their local area. Website: https://www.hoopvoorburg.nl/
Treezilla - A UK-based project that involves citizens in mapping and measuring trees. Website: https://treezilla.org/
BioBlitz - A project that involves citizens in a rapid survey of biodiversity in a specific location. Takes place in multiple locations across Europe. Website: https://www.bioblitzuk.org.uk/
The Great Sunflower Project - A project based in the USA but with a significant presence in Europe that involves citizens in collecting data on bee populations. Website: https://www.greatsunflower.org/

Cornell Lab of Ornithology Citizen Science: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/citizen-science/ - Engages the public in bird monitoring and conservation projects.
Zooniverse: https://www.zooniverse.org/ - Offers a wide range of projects, from studying penguins in Antarctica to identifying animals in camera trap photos.
The SciStarter Citizen Science Finder: https://scistarter.org/ - Helps people find, join, and contribute to science projects.
Citizen Science Association: https://citizenscience.org/ - Promotes the development and use of citizen science.
Citizen Science Salon: https://www.discovermagazine.com/environment/citizen-science-salon - Shares stories about citizen science projects and people.
Project Budburst: https://budburst.org/ - Tracks the timing of plant life cycle events across the United States.
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/ - Encourages people to document and share observations of the natural world.
Globe at Night: https://www.globeatnight.org/ - Collects data on light pollution.
Earthwatch Institute: https://earthwatch.org/ - Engages people in scientific research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.
eBird: https://ebird.org/home - Collects data on bird observations from around the world.
The Lost Ladybug Project: https://www.lostladybug.org/ - Helps track ladybug populations and distribution.
North American Butterfly Association: https://www.naba.org/ - Promotes the conservation and study of butterflies and their habitats.
National Wildlife Federation: https://www.nwf.org/Home/Citizen-Science - Offers a range of projects focused on wildlife and habitats.
The Nature Conservancy: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/citizen-science/ - Engages people in projects to protect and restore natural areas.
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center: https://serc.si.edu/citizen-science - Offers a variety of projects focused on understanding and protecting the environment.
The Audubon Society: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/citizen-science - Engages people in bird and habitat monitoring projects.
National Geographic Society: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/idea/citizen-science-projects/ - Offers a range of projects focused on science, exploration, and conservation.
The National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/citizen-science/index.htm - Engages people in monitoring and research projects focused on national parks.
The Cornell Citizen Science Program: https://www.citizenscience.cornell.edu/ - Offers a range of projects focused on science, education, and community engagement.
The North American Association for Environmental Education: https://naaee.org/eepro/projects/citizen-science - Offers resources and support for environmental education and citizen science.
The NatureBridge Citizen Science Program: https://naturebridge.org/citizen-science - Engages students and educators in hands-on science and environmental education.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science: https://www.aaas.org/programs/citizen-science - Supports the development and use of citizen science.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: https://www.noaa.gov/office-citizen-engagement/citizen-science - Offers a range of projects focused on climate, weather, and ocean science.
The Citizen Science Center at the California Academy of Sciences: https://www.calacademy.org/citizen-science - The Citizen Science Center at the California Academy of Sciences engages volunteers in scientific research, providing opportunities to work with scientists and collect data on a variety of topics including biodiversity, ecology, and climate change. Their website provides information on current projects, how to get involved, and resources for educators.
The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Citizen Science Program: https://www.rmbl.org/citizen-science/The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Citizen Science Program allows volunteers to participate in research on a variety of topics related to ecology and the environment in the Rocky Mountains. The program offers opportunities for individuals, families, and school groups to participate in hands-on research projects and learn from scientists. Their website provides information on current projects, how to get involved, and resources for educators.