museums as agents of community action and social responsibility
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Empowering and Supporting the Public in Biodiversity Discovery and Documentation for Research, Conservation,
and Community Building
Alison YoungCitizen Science CoordinatorCalifornia Academy of Sciences@[email protected]
Citizen science is a process by which everyday people take an active role in scientific discovery, joining forces with researchers and managers to answer important science and management questions.
Citizen Science
People contributing to and furthering the scientific endeavor.
Citizen Science at the Academy
Goals:• Connect people to and educate people about their local nature• Document biodiversity to collect data for research and management
purposes• Conserve biodiversity through research, management, education,
and stewardship
“… we can’t conserve species if we don’t
know what or where they are.”
– Kenn Kaufman
Endangered Marin Elfin Butterfly caterpillar found by citizen scientists on Mt. Tamalpais
ConnectingPeople toNatureThroughTechnology
Grassroots Bioblitzes
Pillar Point: San Mateo County
Citizen science at the Academy:• Teaches people about nature & the process of science & empowers
them to take part in the scientific endeavor• Provides valuable data for research & management• Connects people to their local nature & each other• Builds community, in person & online• Leads to conservation through education, better management, &
stewardship
Citizen science provides a way for people to DO somethingPeople are actively making a difference - in their own communities, in places they love, for their local museums & scientists & resource managers
