COMMUNITY SCIENCE
Also known as citizen science, community science is the act of contributing to a scientific database in a way that requires no formal instruction.
This means that anyone, regardless of age or background, can help advance science and knowledge!
Mobile applications of all kinds can be a real springboard for community science. You really can document nature anywhere, whether in your local park or nature reserve, or in your own backyard!
Nature NB and community science
By providing educational and advocacy opportunities for the general public, Nature NB is building a more informed community that knows how to take care of our natural world.
By providing everyone with opportunities to learn about nature, celebrate it, and take action to protect it, we’re able to put our mission into motion and connect as many people as possible with nature.
Help Monarchs
Monarchs are considered a species at risk due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Nature NB is committed to educating and supporting New Brunswickers to conserve and protect monarchs across the province.
Christmas Bird Count
In December, birders participate in a count coordinated by Birds Canada and the Audubon Society that runs throughout the Christmas season with surveys conducted in regions across North America.
Port of Saint John Waterbird Survey
This project aims to capture information on the abundance and distribution of waterbirds (shorebirds, waterfowl, seabirds, etc.) in the region. This project is funded through Canada’s Ocean Protection Plan led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in partnership with the Nature Trust of New Brunswick and the Saint John Naturalists’ Club.
How to participate in a BioBlitz
A BioBlitz is an event organized to get people involved in community science. Several are organized each year by different organizations.
Example: City Nature Challenge (end of April each year)
Generalist community science apps
iNaturalist
Seek
Bird-specific community science apps
eBird
Merlin
You can even create your own BioBlitz in your favorite natural or urban area, thanks to these applications, which can also be accessed on a computer!
Places to visit
- Your backyard
- Your friends’ backyard
- A public garden
- An urban park
- The coastal zone
- A wetland
- A national park
Some living things to document
- Different species of plants
- Insects under rocks
- Pollinators and other insect herbivores
- Bird clues and nests
- Mammal nests
- Reptiles and amphibians
Tell us more about your accomplishments in community science!
Our submissions are always open for articles and reports about the natural history of New Brunswick. Submissions on other topics such as astronomy, ecology, and geology are also welcome. Members are encouraged to submit articles on personal encounters with wildlife of natural areas within New Brunswick.