Data gathered by people who have jobs outside of science-based careers can add valuable information to research being done by biologists and other resource experts, according to a Missouri Department of Conservation news release.
If you’re looking to become involved in a citizen science effort, consider signing up for MDC’s virtual program “Top 10 Series: Citizen Science Projects.”
This free program, scheduled 2:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, is part of a year-long “Top 10” series of programs put on by the staff of MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center in Joplin.
At this program, MDC Administrative Assistant Tim Smith will discuss some ways people can get involved in gathering data and making a difference in the natural world.
This program is open to all ages. People can register at bit.ly/3dA5WgG
An example of a project in which citizens play a vital role is eBird, according to MDC. This project has grown from a phone app to a worldwide science effort that logs more than 100 million bird sightings around the world each year. This data is reviewed by experts and helps track bird populations and bird migrations. Data from eBird has been used in hundreds of conservation decisions and peer-reviewed papers.
Another popular citizen science effort is iNaturalist. This nature app helps people identify plants and animals and also connects them with over a million scientists and naturalists who can help them learn more about the outdoors. By recording and sharing their data, subscribers to iNaturalist broaden the data bases for biologists and researchers working in a variety of natural resource fields.
Though the Wednesday program is free, registration is required to participate. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.