Citizen Science

A ranger helps a citizen scientist release a bird during the park's 2016 BioBlitz.

NPS / Sue Simenc

Citizen scientists are people just like you who voluntarily collect data to answer real-world questions. In national parks, they contribute information that helps the National Park Service make decisions. Sometimes citizen scientists work side-by-side with professional scientists. Others might work independently for years, or contribute to a project at a single drop-in event. There is a debate over whether community science is a better term (since you don't need to be a citizen to participate), or if that means something a bit different. Regardless, all are welcome.

At Cuyahoga Valley, citizen scientists help survey and monitor different species in the park. The data they collect is reviewed by park scientists and added to nationwide databases.

The park is involved with several ongoing citizen science projects. Explore the articles below to learn how community and citizen scientists help Cuyahoga Valley and other national parks.