Citizen Science
CITIZEN SCIENCE
Citizen Science is scientific research carried out by members of the public who volunteer their time. Data is collected in the field and submitted for use by scientists and the community at large. Information collected by citizen scientists contributes to overall, and specific knowledge about the state of natural ecosystems around the world.
For PDSB Educators: if you are looking to reach out to the Peel Field Centres for further ways to connect your learning to the environment visit the PDSB Field Centre Share Point site.
The Adopt-A-Pond Citizen Science App is fun and easy to use. Once you have created an account, your profile will keep track of all your past sightings. You can also log in to the website to view and download information about all of your submissions. Consider the app your personal log book for turtle and frog sightings.
The Toronto Zoo's Adopt-A-Pond Wetland Conservation Programme works to design and deliver impactful conservation-focused research, restoration, and outreach that highlights the importance of saving Canada's sensitive wetland species and their habitats. This app is the next step in reaching out to engage more Canadians in protecting local biodiversity through citizen science.
Over time, trends in FrogWatch observations may detect measurable climatic change in Canada. FrogWatch data also contribute to scientific databases on frog distributions.
Your FrogWatch Observations help scientists:
Track climate change using phenology (the study of times of recurring natural phenomena) data
Identify positive and negative population trends
Learn about the range and distribution of frogs and toads (especially in the northern extent of known ranges)
The purpose is to collect, record and store location and species information on Ontario turtles, including species at risk. Turtles are most often seen in June when they are traveling to reach their nesting sites. Adopt-A-Pond can help you learn to identify turtles by using the online resources! Contact Adopt-A-Pond to receive a hard copy of the Ontario Turtle Tally Package or see the on-line Turtles of Ontario guide to learn to identify the turtles in your area. All data collected online is shared with the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) and the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas at Ontario Nature.
Once you have Logged In, you can help monitor bats in four different ways:
Add the location of a bat house you have recently installed (click here).
Add the location of a maternity colony occupying a bat house or human structure (click here).
Add a count of the number of bats occupying a maternity colony you reported (click here).
Report a bat sighting (e.g. bat roosting in a patio umbrella) (click here).
This website is a collaborative effort among researchers in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Yukon.
Every single day, Citizen Scientists (volunteers) like you share their energy, skill, and bird sightings through Birds Canada’s research and monitoring programs–and this action helps inform conservation action!
eBird Mobile makes it easy to record the birds you see in the field, and seamlessly link these observations with eBird--a global online database of bird records used by hundreds of thousands of birders around the world. This free resource makes it easy to keep track of what you see, while making your data openly available for scientific research, education, and conservation.
Earth Challenge makes it easy for everyone to monitor the environment! Capture research quality environmental data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature. The Earth Challenge app not only lets you engage in citizen science to record the environment around you, but it also provides you with the tools to help protect it.
iNaturalist is a leader in sharing and identification of wild species across the world.
Take your nature knowledge up a notch with Seek! Use the power of image recognition technology to identify the plants and animals all around you. Earn badges for seeing different types of birds, amphibians, plants, and fungi and participate in monthly observation challenges.
The Lost Ladybug Project out of Cornell University is a way for your family or your class to help entmologists in researching the decline of native ladybird beetle species across North America. This is an excellent Citizen Science opportunity for students of all ages including Early Years classes interested in backyard widlife.
The MilkweedWatch program asks members of the public to assist researchers and citizen groups concerned with the health of monarch butterfly populations by identifying the location of milkweed plants, which are crucial for monarch reproduction in Canada. The data you submit will assist in the monitoring of the presence and abundance of milkweed, and help researchers and conservation groups protect, preserve and foster milkweed across Canada. Your observations make a difference!
Canadians are fortunate to live in a country with a wide variety of plant species. By participating in PlantWatch, you can learn more about our country’s botanical diversity, while helping scientists track the effects of global warming and climate change in Canada.
QuestaGame is a points driven citizen science program based out of Australia but available around the world. Participants can take photos of wildlife in their community and send those photos in for points. If you can name the species, you get extra points as well.
The WormWatch National Earthworm Survey will help scientists determine how many earthworm species are in Canada and where they live.
This information is important. The number of worms in a specific volume of earth can tell us a lot about how the habitat is being managed, because earthworms are very sensitive to soil disturbance. Learning more about the distribution of earthworm species can be used to help improve soil health and reclaim degraded sites. Gardeners, naturalists, farmers, schoolchildren, everyone can participate in WormWatch. They will use the data that you collect to create a Canadian database of earthworm species and habitat distribution.
Currently, 25 different earthworm species have been found and identified in Canada. Perhaps with your help they can find more!