Citizen Science Volunteering in the Park

Citizen science projects are data collection initiatives that scientists can reference to inform their work. Its an excellent park activity to do on your own by using one of the apps mentioned below, while our regular volunteer opportunities are delayed.

Check out the park’s video on how to use some of these apps with Ranger Sharon.

Interested in contributing to these citizen science projects in the park? Email Paula Swingley (paula_swingley@nps.gov). We keep track of volunteer hours spent searching for and recording sightings.

iNaturalist is a smartphone app and desktop platform that helps users identify and record the plants and animals around them. The data collected helps scientists and land managers answer scientific questions all over the world. The park’s “project” is Life of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Participants have submitted more than 6,000 observations and recorded more than 700 species, including several species previously unknown to be in the park! All you need to do is open the app, point it at plants or wildlife in the park, and let the algorithm do its magic to identify them.

eBird is an app that helps users find more birds, keep track of bird lists, explore the latest sightings from around the world, and contribute to science and conservation. It is one of the most mature citizen science programs, and is a major part of the birding community. 

Journey North is a citizen science program for people of all ages. User sightings are mapped in real-time as waves of migration move across the continent. Journey North has specific projects for mapping hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, American robins, sunlight and seasons, and many more.

Bumble Bee Watch is a collaborative effort to track and conserve North America’s bumble bees. Users upload and identify photos of bumble bees, which helps researchers determine the status and conservation needs of bumble bees. Bees are all the rage in conservation right now, and you can be a part of the movement by participating.

Mississippi Park Connection and park staff are developing our own citizen science initiative to collect tree data for the Plant for the Future campaign. We will post future opportunities to get involved on our volunteer page soon.