Spring 2006

Table of Contents

“Citizen Scientists” are used more and more to amass the quantities of data unattainable to a single biologist or even agency.

Citizen Science – Your contributions matter!
By Patricia Thompson, WDFW wildlife biologist

“Citizen Scientists” are used more and more to amass the quantities of data unattainable to a single biologist or even agency.

There are national research projects using volunteer observers to track and assess wildlife populations, like Project FeederWatch , the Audubon Christmas Bird Count and the Breeding Bird Surveys .

WDFW is emerging as one of the leaders among states using groups of volunteers for data collection projects. The WDFW Winter Backyard Bird Survey* was the beginning of large citizen science effort. NatureMapping was born in Washington. And now we have embarked on a statewide effort, the Citizen Science Network, to unite communities around citizen scientists and their data.

The Citizen Science Network (CSN) will provide the opportunity for citizens to help meet the scientific data needs of their community through a give-and-take partnership with government, academic, and private organizations. CSN includes Eco-regional Citizen Science Support Centers to serve as training hubs and data repositories.

CSN will not just train volunteers to collect and contribute sound data, but will build the capacity of citizens to investigate their natural environment, facilitate sustainable decision-making, inspire appreciation for scientific inquiry, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the natural sciences.

In these ways, citizen science helps people as well as wildlife. It’s highly rewarding and enriches the lives of participants who are better able to make decisions about wildlife management and protection. Volunteers are introduced to the science of data collection that turns hobbies into valuable contributions. Many participants in our Winter Backyard Bird Survey said the experience elevated them to a higher plane of enjoyment and appreciation of birds.

Richard Louv coined the term “Nature Deficit Disorder” as a way of emphasizing our growing disconnect with nature and the consequences of this separation to both humans and the planet (see Louv’s book, “Last Child in the Woods – Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder”, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2005).

Demographics and wildlife diversity studies indicate that the majority of people now live in the most ecologically impoverished areas. Billions of people have fewer opportunities to interact with or develop an appreciation for the natural world. Growing bodies of research and anecdotal evidence have linked today’s childhood maladies of attention deficit disorder, obesity and depression to a societal alienation from the natural world.

Because nearby surroundings shape people’s perception of nature and the state of ecological health, conservation in general suffers from this nature deprivation. Projects involving citizens connect urban/suburban dwellers with nearby nature.

Even if there is a little of the “natural world” in your neighborhood, if you can experince it, there is great benefit to your attitude on nature and conservation, and to your overall health. CSN seeks to involve citizens in the nature surrounding their homes.

All citizen science projects, such as the WDFW Winter Backyard Bird Surveys, present an opportunity to involve new or relatively new birders and wildlife observers in a wildlife science activity. Today's beginning birder may someday become a healthy, knowledgeable conservation advocate, scientific researcher, wildlife manager or a citizen who supports measures to protect or restore avian habitat.

Watch for more news on the Citizen Science Network. And whenever you can, we encourage you to take up the call to become a Citizen Scientist!