NatureBridge Public Participation in Scientific Research Projects
Phenology
NatureBridge students track phenological events of native plants (such as the timing of new leaf buds and pollen release) in national parks to monitor the impacts of climate change. Through our partnerships with the USA National Phenology Network, the University of California at Santa Barbara, and the National Park Service, students contribute to a national effort to understand the responses of plants and animals to environmental change.
Water Quality and Macroinvertebrate Monitoring
To learn about the importance of healthy aquatic ecosystems students collect water quality data on streams, lands, and ponds at NatureBridge locations. Students also identify macro-invertebrates living in these water systems as biological indicators of pollution levels and stream health.
Fisher Monitoring
In Olympic National Park and Yosemite National Park, NatureBridge supports park wildlife biologists monitoring fisher populations (Martes pennant and Martes pennanti pacifica respectively). Students check motion-activated cameras deployed in strategic locations in the park to detect these stealthy predators, contributing critical information about the population status and habitat requirements of fishers. These studies inform efforts to help the re-colonization of both fisher species to their former ranges. Students also discover other elusive wildlife inhabiting the park!
Learn more:
Eco Monitoring with FieldScope
National Geographic FieldScope is a web-based mapping, analysis, and collaboration tool designed to support geographic investigations and engage students as citizen scientists investigating real-world issues – both in the classroom and in outdoor education settings. NatureBridge collaborated with National Geographic to create NatureBridge Olympic FieldScope project to support our long-term monitoring in Olympic National Park and the Elwha River Ecosytems.
Bring your students!
Our field science education programs can enhance your classroom curriculum and offer opportunities for students to engage with PPSR in one of our national park locations. Learn more about how our programs can help you meet your educational goals.
Other public participation in scientific research opportunities
BioBlitz
A BioBlitz is a 24-hour event in which teams of volunteer scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to find and identify as many species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi, and other organisms as possible.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a world leader in the study, appreciation, and conservation of birds.
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