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Start your journey with community science today!
Anyone can contribute to the collective knowledge of our environment through community science.
More ways to engage with wildlife
Community science, also called citizen science or crowd-sourced science, allows researchers to tackle questions they could never dream of answering alone. Join a network of people who are passionate about understanding and preserving the natural world by contributing to one of the many hands-on projects below. This list is an introduction to available opportunities but is not exhaustive.
Illinois Extension Pathways to Community Science
Master Naturalists
The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Program trains individuals on ecology, wildlife, habitat conservation, and other natural resources topics so these volunteers can then share information with their communities and assist with environmental conservation and restoration activities.
Master Gardener
Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to make their community a more beautiful place. Learn how you can get involved.
Climate Stewards
The Climate Steward program trains environmental supporters how to communicate about climate change and engage in local solutions. Our vision is to build engaged communities and ecosystems that are resilient in a changing climate in Illinois and beyond.
Watershed Steward
This program trains and supports individuals to protect and preserve our water resources by increasing their understanding of potential causes of water resource degradation and providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to identify, prevent, or resolve water quality problems.
Illinois 4-H Youth Development
Illinois 4-H programs help youth learn about the environment through fun activities involving solar and wind energy; water quality and sport fishing; and how carbon sequestration can be related to healthy living actions. Hands-on 4-H programs spark interest in why natural resources are important.
Illinois Community Science Opportunities
Mosquito Ambassador Program
The Mosquito Ambassador Program (MAP) is a citizen science initiative of the INHS Medical Entomology Lab that invites individuals and families to learn about mosquito ecology and help track the range of invasive mosquito species by collecting eggs throughout the state.
Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network
Participants monitor and collect data on butterfly populations in Illinois. The information contributes to research on butterfly distribution and abundance.
Chicago Wilderness Green Vision Initiatives
Involves citizen scientists in monitoring and restoring natural habitats in the Chicago region. Participants contribute to preserving biodiversity and enhancing ecosystem health.
Shedd Aquarium's Action Days
Shedd Aquarium in Chicago organizes community events focused on Great Lakes conservation. Participants can engage in activities like shoreline cleanups and water quality monitoring.
Field Museum Calling Frog Survey
Citizen scientists help monitor frog populations in northeast Illinois by listening for frog calls during the breeding season. This data aids in understanding amphibian health.
Chicago Bird Collision Monitors
Volunteers monitor and rescue birds that have collided with buildings in downtown Chicago. This project aims to reduce bird injuries and fatalities in the urban environment.
Illinois RiverWatch Network
Engages volunteers in monitoring water quality in rivers and streams across Illinois. Participants collect data on various parameters to assess and protect freshwater ecosystems.
National Community Science Opportunities
eBird
A platform where individuals can report bird sightings, contributing to global bird research and conservation efforts.
iNaturalist
A platform for documenting and sharing observations of plants, animals, and fungi. Users can contribute to scientific research and species identification.
Project Noah
Allows citizen scientists to document and explore wildlife sightings, contributing to a global mission of biodiversity discovery and understanding.
FrogWatch USA
A platform where citizens can monitor and report frog and toad populations, providing valuable data for amphibian conservation.
GLOBE Observer, Mosquito Habitat Mapper
Allows citizens to identify and map mosquito breeding sites to aid in disease prevention efforts.
Nature's Notebook
A platform where individuals observe and record phenology, the seasonal changes, of plants and animals, contributing to ecological research.
EDDMaps
Report invasive species sightings to a national network of expert verifiers. Coordinated by the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at University of Georgia.