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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. 2000. Thinking
scientifically during participation in a
citizen-science project. Science Education
84:265-275.)
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
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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