Citizen Science in Urban Settings

"Participation in nature-based Citizen Science [through exposure to Natural Environments] could promote health through... increased (a) physical activity, (b) social interactions and (c) exposure to an increased quantity and diversity of microbiota."

"Citizen Science is shown as an agent to improve [Natural Environments] through the generation of environmental research, gains in scientific literacy, and indirectly through policy change that acts to generate new NEs (such as through nature-based solutions in urban areas), or through preservation of existing areas."

Williams CR, Burnell SM, Rogers M, Flies EJ, Baldock KL (2021). Nature-Based Citizen Science as a Mechanism to Improve Human Health in Urban Areas. Int J Environ Res Public Health; 19(1):68. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19010068.

Citizen Science and Communities

Citizen Science Projects (CSPs) in public libraries offer a unique opportunity to engage underserved communities in scientific exploration and learning. By providing access to tools, resources, and guidance, libraries can help bridge the gap in scientific literacy and opportunity that often exists in these communities. Through CSPs, participants can engage in hands-on research and data collection, contributing to real scientific studies while gaining valuable skills and knowledge.

In urban areas, children may have limited access to nature and natural spaces. Library-led CSPs can bring nature closer to these children by introducing them to the natural world within their own neighborhoods. Projects focused on local flora, fauna, or environmental conditions can encourage children to explore and appreciate the nature around them, even in the heart of the city. Through these experiences, they can develop a deeper understanding of and connection to the natural world.

Additionally, CSPs can foster a sense of community and collaboration among participants, particularly in underserved areas. By working together on research projects, participants can strengthen social bonds and build relationships based on shared interests and goals. This sense of community can also extend to the broader scientific community as participants contribute to real scientific studies and interact with researchers and other citizen scientists.

For example, a collaboration with the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) could yield several Citizen Science initiatives:

• Partner with NYBG's Mertz Library to host a series of workshops and events focused on botany, horticulture, and environmental conservation. During these events, participants could learn about various Citizen Science projects, such as monitoring plant phenology, collecting data on local pollinators, or documenting biodiversity in urban green spaces.

• In collaboration with NYBG's horticulturists and botanists, the library could host plant identification walks in nearby parks or gardens. Participants would learn to identify local plant species and contribute their findings to ongoing research projects. This would not only encourage community members to engage with nature but also generate valuable data for scientific studies.

• To promote the use of NYBG's extensive digital resources, the library could offer training sessions on accessing and utilizing databases such as Global Plants, which contains digitized plant specimens from herbaria around the world. This collaboration would encourage patrons to explore and appreciate the wealth of knowledge available through NYBG's collections. 

• By working together, the library and NYBG could foster a deeper understanding of the natural world among community members, encourage participation in Citizen Science projects, and contribute valuable data to ongoing research efforts.

Another example of partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of the Buffalo area:

• Citizen Science Workshops: The library and Boys and Girls Club can co-host interactive workshops to introduce young club members to Citizen Science projects. These workshops can cover topics such as environmental monitoring, biodiversity, and climate change, and demonstrate how participants can contribute to real scientific research. 

• Citizen Science Field Trips: The organizations can partner to organize field trips to local parks, nature preserves, or even the Buffalo River, where participants can engage in hands-on Citizen Science activities. These outings can help young people connect with nature and learn about their local environment while contributing valuable data to scientific studies. 

• Citizen Science Clubs: With support from the library, the Boys and Girls Club can establish Citizen Science clubs for their members. These clubs can provide ongoing opportunities for young people to explore different projects, collaborate with peers, and develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and research methods. 

• Resource Sharing: The library can provide Citizen Science kits, books, and other educational materials to the Boys and Girls Club, while the club can share their experiences and successes with the library community. This exchange of resources and knowledge can strengthen the impact of Citizen Science initiatives in Buffalo. 

• By working together, the library and the Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo can empower young people to become engaged citizen scientists and contribute to a better understanding of the world around them.

Find some ideas below or learn more on our NYS Citizen Science and Sustainability pages!