Scientific data collected by citizen scientists helps National Park Service staff to make decisions about managing parks and resources. Working in tandem with professional scientists, data is contributed in-person, through mobile apps and virtually. Participants are trained in proper data collection to ensure quality data. In the process, they gather information about animal behaviors, life in the past, ecosystems, and the changing tempo of culture and nature. Working together, members of the public and scientists ensure that the National Park Service fulfills its mission to preserve and protect the nation's resources for this and future generations.
Learn about projects where the National Park Service applied data collected by the public for projects involving Animals and Zoology, Aquatic Ecosystems, Archeology, Archives Transcription, Birds and Ornithology, Bugs and Entomology, and Plants and Trees. If they inspire you, check out ways to Get Involved across the country and beyond!
NPS Photo/David Restivo
Last updated: May 2, 2024