Community Science

A park scientist works with volunteers.

Photo by Jamonn Roberts.

Become a scientist for a day

Community science projects bring together members of the public and National Park Service researchers to learn about our parks and our environment together. By contributing your time and abilities, you can play an important role in essential scientific research in your national parks. Check out some of our ongoing projects and learn how you can participate.

 

Volunteers help collect stream data.

NPS Photo

Foothills Stream Monitoring

Despite being the most biologically rich ecosystem in the parks, the foothills region of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is vastly understudied. New and innovative methods in aquatic and terrestrial wildlife monitoring may reverse this knowledge gap, providing new and enriching education and community experiences. Volunteers will learn and take part in both traditional and cutting-edge wildlife monitoring techniques along with collecting water samples and measuring stream characteristics.

 

As seasons change, so does the color of foliage in the foothills.

Photo by Laszlo Balogh

Studying Oak Mortality

The most recent drought in California, exacerbated by record high temperatures, proved to be the most severe in recorded history. The devastating effects on conifer forests has been well documented, although there is a lack of knowledge on oak woodlands as a whole. Help us learn more about the trees that populate the foothills of the Sierra Nevada by spending a day in the field. Volunteers will learn to identify and measure trees as well as examine potential causes of death. Due to seasonal constraints, this project will be limited between the months of February and May.

 

iNaturalist

Park researchers can't have eyes everywhere, but you can help make sure they don't miss a thing! With the iNaturalist app, you can use your phone or tablet to make a wildlife observation for any of the wildlife, wildflowers, or any other living organism in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Be sure to download the app before heading to the parks as connectivity can be limited. Visit iNaturalist on the web to learn more.

 

Questions & Scheduling

For more information or to participate in one of our community science projects, email the volunteer program.

Are you a school group?

Our education team leads in-park learning experiences developed specifically for students. Learn about field trips and how you can bring students to participate in real research in the parks.