Citizen Science is an endeavor in which scientific knowledge is advanced through the collaboration of researchers with engaged members of the public. Citizen scientists lend their passion, knowledge, and skill to observe phenomena, record data, and assist, actively, with researchers in the field.

This guide has been created to bring together selected resources that speak to citizen science as a topic of scholarship and community of practice as well as to tangible opportunities in which our public and research staff might engage.

While opportunities abound, it has been my intent (primarily) to identify and to link to programs, projects, and educational tools (library collections and services) from within our "neighborhood"--our institution, Wisconsin and the Midwest.

Great Lakes Bioblitz, 2020

Educators, families, and students are invited to participate in the Great Lakes Bioblitz! The bioblitz will take place in yards and other outdoor spaces that respect the stay home and social distancing practices required at this time.

What is the Great Lakes Bioblitz? A bioblitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many wild, living things as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. This bioblitz focuses on the entire Great Lakes Basin (US) and Ontario. It runs for four weeks.

Jump into the project from iNaturalist.

Journey North: Tracking Migrations and Seasons

Find the project that inspires you!

Spring 2020 (examples):

• American Robins
• Monarch Butterflies
• Tulip Test Gardens
• Weather and Songbirds