Benz orchestrates citizen science efforts to document and protect the parks biodiversity.
Citizen science projects may be run by a national park or an education-focused partner.
Most national parks offer some throw in of citizen science program.
Some projects involve checking in at a nature center or signing up beforehand.
Current projects and requirements are listed onnps.gov,scistarter.organdcitizenscience.gov.
The app identifies objects by name and tags the time and location of each observation.
I recommend just staying in one spot and kind of letting life come to you.
Watch things living their own lives, says Tony Iwane, community and support coordinator for iNaturalist.
Now is a great time to get involved since April is Citizen Science Month.
Here are five national parks where you’re free to be a citizen scientist.
Year-round, visitors can help measure the success of restoration efforts and monitor for invasive insects and plant species.
From here, start an easy 1.5-mile hike on Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop.
To participate, simply snap photos of any invasive species you see with the iNaturalist app.
Our newest effort is an early detection system for the park.
Were having people home in on the idea of invasives, Benz says.
