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 regional or nationwide databases.

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

Get Involved

Our national park is involved with several ongoing citizen science projects. Here are ways that you can participate.

Take a Photo

This opportunity is a snap! We have four Chronolog photo stations in Cuyahoga Valley. The sites are Kendall Lake, the Towpath Trail at Stumpy Basin (south of Boston Trailhead), Lock 29 Trailhead in Peninsula, and Beaver Marsh. We’re planning to manage invasive plants more intensely at these locations. This is part of a long-term effort to restore the Great Lakes. US Fish & Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, and Great Lakes Restoration are project partners. By contributing to these photo stations, you can help document the successes and changes at each place over time before and after the habitat restoration work has been completed.

All you have to do is walk up to one of these signposts, put your phone in the bracket, and take a picture. Once you are ready to submit, email the photo to [e-mail] with the subject line given on the Cronolog sign. Each site has a specific code.

Report Forest Pests

When you visit Cuyahoga Valley, we encourage you to report sightings of two spreading threats to our forests: hemlock woolly adelgid (a non-native insect) and beech leaf disease (caused by a non-native, worm-like nematode). Researchers at Holden Forests & Gardens lead both studies. Report your observations on EDDmapS.org or iNaturalist to help scientists monitor the progression in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit their Forest Pests & Diseases page.

Become a Volunteer

Our Citizen Science Volunteers are involved in long-term studies of birds, butterflies, bats, trillium, and amphibians. Contact the park volunteer office by emailing [e-mail] to check for current openings.

Engage Your Students or Youth Group

Educators and youth group leaders can bring their students to Cuyahoga Valley for service learning. Some past projects have focused on citizen science. Contact the park volunteer office by emailing [e-mail] to discuss how we might work together.

Periodically, Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center trains teachers in how to collect citizen science data. Check our website for current teacher workshops.