“Citizen science” (or “participatory science”) is a means of public engagement in research and monitoring that is expanding the scope, reach, and impact of science across public lands and waters, while addressing major challenges in conservation and natural and cultural resource management. Citizen science is providing opportunities to collect data at scales not feasible for professional scientists alone, and it is engaging people of all ages in compiling and using issue-relevant evidence to effect change.

Are you inspired to develop a citizen science project or want to strengthen an existing one? This toolkit is for you!

Toolkit

The 90-page Interagency Citizen Science Toolkit is designed to guide science engagement on public lands. Topics covered include establishing a basic understanding of citizen or participatory science, building a project team and identifying the audience for a project, collecting and managing data, sharing project results, and evaluating success. (PDF, 34 MB)

Case Studies

These 10 projects not only exemplify specific methods and best practices for citizen science, but are well-rounded examples of larger themes conveyed in the toolkit. (PDF, 26 MB)

Training Modules

The following 10 module videos can be used for both independent learning as well as instructor-led trainings. Powerpoint versions of the 10 modules are available upon request by emailing Hannah Webber (hwebber@schoodicinstitute.org).

Module 1: Understanding Citizen Science: An Overview of the Field

What is meant by “citizen science,” why is it important to federal land management agencies, and how is the public participating in science on public lands?

Module 2: Is Citizen Science a Good Tool for Your Needs?

Learn about the situations in which citizen science is most appropriate as a research technique and for engagement. This is a critical module to read and consider before continuing the citizen science project development process.

Module 3: Project Goals, Project Objectives, and Developing a Project Model

It is important to set goals and actionable objectives for a project.

Module 4: Building a Project Team and Identifying the Audience for Your Project

Citizen science efforts are often collaborations of multiple partners. This module discusses how to build a project team to develop a successful project.

Module 5: Engaging Stakeholders and Project Partners

Learn about the best ways to engage participants and partners in carrying out a project.

Module 6: Collecting and Managing Citizen Science Data

Many citizen science projects focus on data collection. This module delves into collecting and reporting data and designing appropriate surveys.

Module 7: Building a Citizen Science Project: Don’t Start from Scratch

Learn about getting started in citizen science by adopting or adapting existing projects and/or using a citizen science project development platform such as iNaturalist.

Module 8: Recruiting, Training, and Engaging Project Participants

Once a project is developed, you need to identify, train, and engage project participants.

Module 9: Sharing Project Results with Participants, Stakeholders, and the Wider World

Communication is key to meaningful, impactful science.

Module 10: Measuring Success

Module 10 is about evaluating a project to determine its success.

You can request the 10 module presentations as powerpoints by emailing Hannah Webber (hwebber@schoodicinstitute.org).