Take a hike with citizen science!

Photo: USFWS
Photo: USFWS

Planning a hike this summer? Be a trail blazer and add some citizen science to your adventure.

Our editors highlight five projects, below, to add to your backpack!

Check out the SciStarter blog for updates on your favorite projects and find new projects in our Project Finder!

Happy trails!

The SciStarter Team

Photo: Alli Phillimore
Photo: Alli Phillimore
Track a Tree

Volunteers are needed throughout the United Kingdom to track how the presence and timing of flowering plants alter as climate changes. Choose trees near you and track the development of flowers beneath the treethroughout the season.

Get Started!

santa fe national
Photo: USDA

Santa Fe National Forest Site Stewards 

The Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico is home to many culturally and historically significant sites. Monitor and document any changes that occur at these sites, either due to natural causes or vandalism.

Get Started!

Photo: Georgia Murray
Photo: Georgia Murray

Mountain Watch 

Collect data on the timing and development of flowers while hiking in the Appalachian Mountains. This information is used to track the effects of climate change and the health of mountain ecosystems. Plant guides are available to help hikers identify flowers. Read more about this project on the SciStarter Blog.

Get Started!

Photo: USFWS
Photo: USFWS

Connecticut Turtle Atlas  

Connecticut is home to 12 different turtle species. Record turtle sightings (and locations) from your smartphone to help researchers better understand and protect these species. Read more about this project on the Scistarter Blog.

Photo: Brooks Weisblat
Photo: Brooks Weisblat
Habitat Restoration Bird Monitoring
The island of Virginia Key, just of the Miami coast, was decimated by the dumping of waste from dredging nearby areas. Restoration is underway and researchers need your help evaluating environmental developments by monitoring bird species and vegetation growth.

 

AnnouncementsNASA and SciStarter are enlisting citizen scientists for nationwide research that examines soil moisture conditions and water availability. Sign up by August 8 to learn more!

The Chesapeake Bay Parasite Project needs citizen scientists to participate in a native crab surveyAugust 7-9 and 14-16.

Our pals at Science Cheerleader just published a free eBook on iTunes. The Science of Cheerleading explains basic physics and engineering concepts AND connects America’s 3 million cheerleaders to citizen science!

Contact the SciStarter Team
Email: info@scistarter.com
Website: https://scistarter.com

Categories: Citizen Science, Ecology & Environment

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About the Author

Arvind Suresh

Arvind Suresh

Arvind Suresh is science communicator and a former laboratory biologist, he has a Master’s degree in Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh. He enjoys reading, teaching, talking and writing science. Connect with him on Twitter @suresh_arvind.