Citizen Science

Our ability to alter the environment continues to increase at a rate that far exceeds our ability to predict the environmental consequences of our actions. As a consequence, ecologists, land planners, and policy makers are continually challenged with new environmental problems for which available information is wholly inadequate to base solutions. Information has become the most common factor limiting our ability to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.

The emerging field of citizen science allows the public to make a direct contribution to discoveries that lead to better ways of managing our natural resources. A growing number of citizens are now active participants in the scientific process. Citizen science allows scientists to address questions that were unthinkable just a few years ago. Questions that are so broad in scope that they may only be approached with a large network of observers. The Center for Conservation Biology invites you to participate in projects designed to close critical information gaps. Please join the growing ranks of citizens who contribute time and expertise to help achieve information objectives.