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Citizen Science... ...continued from page 43
site uses the term “citizen science.” There are several reasons. For starters, the law that authorizes federal agencies like the NPS to support public involvement in research uses the term “citizen sci - ence.” Furthermore, the term is widely used around the world, in- cluding in the titles of scientific journals and the names of scientific societies. Most people and organizations in this field — including the NPS — intend “citizen” to mean a general citizen of the world, not a legally-defined citizen of a country. When someone mentions “cit - izen science,” there tends to be an immediate understanding of what they’re talking about. But perhaps most importantly, community science is one partic - ular type of citizen science – one in which a community drives the project. In community science, a community may pose the research question, decide what type of data to collect, or use the results to in- form some action. There is typically a professional scientist or scien- tific organization that collaborates with the community but does not control the research project. For most projects in national parks, the NPS or a partner (like a university) controls the project. It’s the professional scientists and managers who decide what topic is important (like flowering times), how to study it, and how to use the results. The public - which may range from park visitors to student groups or local community mem- bers - is invited, encouraged, and enabled to participate. They typi- cally do so by collecting data. That type of project is not driven by a community, so it’s not community science. There are some community science projects that involve parks and NPS programs, and there will be more in the future. This site specifi - cally refers to them as community science but uses the broader term citizen science to refer to the wide range of volunteer-based scientific activities that the NPS supports. Terminology aside, the underlying fact is that science is for every- one, no matter if you know a lot about science or a little, have partici- pated in science before, or not. The NPS is dedicated to making science inclusive to all and ensuring that every person has the right and the opportunity to participate in scientific research. National parks, which are open to everyone, are great places to realize that opportunity. Amid the grand vistas of a national park sometimes it’s nice to stop, focus on a small patch of ground, and count the flowers.
Let’s Get Started - Join A Project! Coast to coast, there’s a project out there for you. There are many opportunities to become a citizen scientist in na - tional parks — and a summer vacation is the perfect time to dive in with a project as a perfect family activity. Here are some resources to help get you started: • www.nps.gov/subjects/citizenscience/be-a-citizen-sci - entist.htm — visit the NPS list of current projects. • Find additional projects on sites like SciStarter.com and CitizenScience.gov . They also include searchable databases of projects, and provide toolkits to help get you involved and organized. • If you already use programs like eBird* or iNaturalist *, you can continue to do so in any national park, even on your own. Current Projects in the DMV: • George Washington Memorial Parkway (DC/ MD/VA) All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, aka, the GWMP Bug Lab Purpose: Document all species found at George Washing - ton Memorial Parkway so park managers understand what lives there. Activities: Use laboratory facilities to sort insects cap - tured in traps along the parkway. Location & Timing: Participate in the park, year-round. Requirements: Must be a teen or adult to participate; training is provided. To Participate: Email to express interest. More informa - tion at: www.nps.gov/articles/citizen-science-and-entomol - ogy-at-george-washington-memorial-parkway.htm • Shenandoah National Park Citizen Science Timelapses — Help document how the landscapes change during the seasons over time from various designated loca- tions. All you need is a cell phone! Details at: www.nps.gov/ shen/learn/photosmultimedia/timelapses.htm • The Dragonfly Mercury Project (DMP ) — A nation - wide study that works with citizen scientists and community volunteers to collect dragonfly larvae for mercury analysis. Many parks in Maryland, DC and Virginia are included and open for participation. Learn more at: www.nps.gov/sub - jects/citizenscience/dragonfly-mercury-project.htm • Billy Goat Trail Steward — While not a strictly scien- tific venture, this is an opportunity to volunteer to protect the unique ecology and sustain the long-term viability of Bear Island by educating visitors using Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. Assist in promoting the safety, enjoyment, and appreciation of the Billy Goat Trail by its visitors. This position is in the Great Falls area of C&O Canal National Historical Park. To learn more and apply online: www. volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000lXx - pAAE/billy-goat-trail-steward.
Reprinted with permission from the National Park Service website (www.nps. gov/subjects/citizenscience/citizen-science.htm).
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44—PATHWAYS—Summer 23
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