Covering the people, projects and phenomena of citizen science
Blog: Citizen Science Projects, People, and Perspectives
Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with SciStarter and Citizen Science!
By Arvind Suresh, Apr 22, 2015
Photo: NPS
Earth Day is April 22 and Arbor Day (in the USA) is April 24!
Just about every one of the 1,000 projects featured on SciStarter contributes to a better planet but here five projects you can do to participate in research about trees, just about anywhere on Earth.
Covering 13 counties in three states, this project’s goal is to create an inventory of all the trees in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. That will enable scientists to estimate the environmental benefits the region receives from its trees.
This project relies on volunteers to locate and record the positions of curbside trees in East Harlem, New York. That information will then be used to assign tree stewards and help government agencies with tree maintenance.
Identify Boston’s trees to learn what factors affect the health and benefits of urban trees. The project runs through the summer and has fees associated with it.
Mapping every tree in Great Britain sounds like a lofty goal, but with the power of citizen science, it’s definitely possible! It’s easy to help, and participants who can’t identify a tree on their own can upload a photograph and get help from the Treezilla community.
Many people want to participate in a tree-related citizen science project, but don’t feel confident in their tree ID skills. If that sounds like you, check out the Leafsnap app! It uses image recognition software to help you identify trees based on their leaves.
Are you in or near Philadelphia, PA? We want to meet you at Philly Tech Week and the Philadelphia Science Festival April 22-May 2. Check this out!Don’t miss the monthly #CitSciChat on Twitter: the last Wednesday of the month at 3-4pm ET, moderated by Caren Cooper @CoopSciScoop and presented by @SciStarter.Contact the SciStarter Team
Email: info@scistarter.com
Website: https://scistarter.com/
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.
