Everyone can contribute to science

Many of the most important conservation discoveries begin with simple observations made by community members. Citizen science provides an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to contribute to scientific research by observing, recording, and sharing information about the natural world. From tracking wildlife and documenting plant species to participating in habitat monitoring projects, every observation adds to a growing body of knowledge that helps researchers, land managers, and communities make informed decisions. Together, these individual contributions can have a powerful impact on conservation, stewardship, and our understanding of the places we call home.

Background

Citizen science has become an increasingly important tool for conservation, environmental monitoring, and scientific research around the world. Professional scientists and environmental organizations often face limitations in time, funding, and geographic coverage. By involving members of the public, citizen science projects can collect information across much larger areas and over longer periods of time than would otherwise be possible.

Photo by Mackenzie Brown

Data collected by citizen scientists helps researchers track changes in wildlife populations, monitor the spread of invasive species, identify species at risk, and better understand how ecosystems respond to environmental changes. In many cases, observations submitted by volunteers have led to important discoveries, including the identification of rare species, new migration patterns, and emerging environmental concerns.

Citizen science is particularly valuable because it allows people to contribute while participating in activities they already enjoy. Whether hiking, birdwatching, fishing, gardening, farming, or simply spending time outdoors, individuals can collect observations that add to a growing body of knowledge. Even a single observation can provide valuable information, particularly when combined with thousands of others contributed by people across a region.

Beyond its scientific value, citizen science also strengthens connections between people and the natural world. Participants often gain a deeper understanding of local ecosystems, wildlife, and environmental challenges while helping to inform conservation and stewardship efforts. By contributing observations and sharing knowledge, community members become active participants in helping protect and better understand the landscapes and species that make our region unique.

The Waterton Biosphere Region has supported citizen science through a variety of initiatives, including hosting BioBlitz events that use these apps and bring together community members, naturalists, and experts to document as many species as possible within a specific area and timeframe. These events help build a better understanding of local biodiversity and contribute valuable information to regional conservation efforts. Citizen science observations also play an important role in developing and updating species lists for the Waterton Biosphere Region, helping us track the plants, animals, and other organisms that call this area home.

Today, a variety of free and user-friendly mobile apps make it easy for anyone to participate in citizen science. Whether your interest is plants, birds, fish, or invasive species, there are tools available that allow you to contribute meaningful observations with just a few taps on your smartphone. Every record contributes to a better understanding of our environment and helps inform conservation and stewardship efforts across the Waterton Biosphere Region and beyond.

Which App Should I Choose?

Not sure where to start? Use the guide below to find the citizen science tool that best matches your interests.

  • I want to identify plants and wildlife → iNaturalist
  • I’m exploring nature with children → Seek
  • I enjoy birdwatching → eBird
  • I want to report invasive species → EDDMapS
  • I’m interested in fish and aquatic ecosystems → CANFISHPASS

iNaturalist

iNaturalist is a free citizen science platform and mobile app that helps people identify and record observations of plants, animals, fungi, and other living organisms. By simply taking a photo and uploading it through the app, users can receive identification suggestions powered by artificial intelligence and confirmed by a global community of naturalists and experts.

Observations submitted through iNaturalist contribute to a growing database of biodiversity information that is used by researchers, conservation organizations, land managers, and government agencies around the world. These records help track species distributions, monitor changes in wildlife populations, detect invasive species, and identify areas of ecological importance.

One of iNaturalist’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Whether you are hiking a trail, working on your property, exploring a local park, or simply observing nature in your backyard, you can contribute valuable information. Every observation, from a common wildflower to a rare species, helps build a better understanding of the natural world. With millions of observations contributed by users worldwide, iNaturalist has become one of the most important citizen science tools for documenting biodiversity and supporting conservation efforts.

For a step-by-step guide on “How to use iNaturalist” click here. 

SEEK - (Gamified iNaturalist for families)

Going out with the whole family? Get the kid friendly Seek App.  

This iNaturalist tool makes it super simple for young wildlife photographers to contribute to local biodiversity. When they take pictures of plants and animals, the app’s image recognition will help identify the species automatically. Plus, they can earn badges for spotting different kinds of species and completing exciting challenges. 

Seek is easy to use because it doesn’t require an account, login, or any personal information. All observations stay on your device, so nothing is automatically shared with scientific databases. If you would like your family’s observations to contribute to citizen science, you can sign in to your iNaturalist account through the Seek app and choose to upload those observations.
Download Seek

eBird

eBird is a free citizen science platform developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that allows birdwatchers of all skill levels to record and share their bird observations. Users can submit checklists through the website or mobile app, documenting the species they see, the number of individuals observed, and the location and time of their observations.

The information collected through eBird is used by researchers, conservation organizations, and government agencies around the world to monitor bird populations, track migration patterns, identify important habitats, and assess changes in species distribution over time. The millions of observations submitted each year have created one of the world’s largest biodiversity databases and have contributed to hundreds of scientific studies.

Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply curious about the birds visiting your backyard, eBird provides an easy way to contribute valuable scientific information while learning more about local and migratory bird species. Every checklist helps improve our understanding of bird populations and supports efforts to conserve birds and the habitats they depend on.

EDDMapS

EDDMapS (Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System) is a citizen science tool used to track invasive species across North America. The platform allows users to report sightings of invasive plants, insects, diseases, and other organisms through a mobile app or website, helping land managers and conservation professionals identify and respond to emerging threats quickly.

Early detection is one of the most effective strategies for controlling invasive species before they become widespread and difficult to manage. Reports submitted by citizen scientists help create real-time maps showing where invasive species are found and where new infestations may be developing. This information supports monitoring efforts, management planning, and public awareness initiatives.

Anyone who spends time outdoors can contribute to EDDMapS. Whether hiking, gardening, ranching, farming, or enjoying local parks and natural areas, observations submitted by community members provide valuable information that helps protect native ecosystems, agricultural lands, and biodiversity from the impacts of invasive species.

CANFISHPASS

CANFISHPASS is a citizen science initiative that invites anglers and fish enthusiasts to contribute information about fish movements and barriers to fish passage. The program uses observations submitted by the public to help identify locations where culverts, dams, road crossings, or other structures may be preventing fish from accessing important habitats.

Maintaining connectivity within rivers and streams is essential for healthy fish populations. When fish are unable to move freely between spawning, feeding, and overwintering habitats, populations can become isolated and more vulnerable to decline. Information collected through CanFishPass helps researchers, watershed groups, and resource managers better understand these challenges and prioritize restoration efforts.

By sharing observations made while fishing, paddling, exploring waterways, or spending time near streams and rivers, participants can contribute valuable knowledge that supports fish conservation and watershed stewardship. Even a single observation can help improve understanding of aquatic ecosystems and guide actions that benefit fish and their habitats.

Tips for All Experience Levels

You’ve just Sprouted as a Species-Spotter

  • Explore different habitats

    Stroll through the prairies one day and take a sit by a pond the next. Visiting different habitat types will mean you will get to see the different species who call them home.

  • See something that doesn’t belong?

    By identifying invasive species, you can help track their spread and conserve local biodiversity. Check out examples of common invaders here.

  • Go out with friends or family

    The more eyes the merrier and the more likely you will spot something.

  • Seek out no-to-slow-movers

    Think plants, fungi, snails, or worms. These creatures give you time to observe every tiny detail.

You’ve got your degree in Backyard Biology 

  • Look for rare or overlooked species

    Challenge yourself to find the lesser-loved species like small insects or unique fungi.

  • Focus on your taxonomic specialties

    You know what they look like and where they like to be. 

  • Look for range shifters

    Search for species outside of their normal range to help us understand how populations may be shifting as our climate and landscape changes. 

  • Lend a hand to newer participants

    Sign into your iNaturalist account and search for “Waterton Biosphere Region”. Then filter on “Needs ID” to help identify species observations.

Photography Tips

  • Take Photos with Your Cell Phone

    The best camera, is the one you have with you!

  • Go Slow

    If you are photographing a bird, animal or insect, go slow so you don’t startle them.

  • Use Zoom

    You can’t always get as close as you may want, so be sure to use the zoom feature.

  • Find out more

    Click on the image to find out more photography tips specific to contributing to citizen science!

Make an adventure out of it!

Here are a few items to consider bringing with you on your outing:

  • Your smartphone or camera 
  • Weather-appropriate footwear and clothing 
  • Some water, snacks, and a lunch
  • If you have them, a field guide, pair of binoculars and/or hand lenses
  • A map of the area you will be wandering and/or a GPS device
  • Bear spray (make sure it hasn’t expired!)