Citizen science involves non-scientific volunteers partnering with scientists to answer real-world questions through data collection and research. Success depends on having simple protocols, trained volunteers, and providing feedback and sharing results. Examples of citizen science programs discussed are Bird Sleuth, Watershed Dynamics, and World-Wide Monitoring Day. A summary of a study on amphibian road mortality described the collection of over 1,000 live and 500 dead amphibians by volunteers to identify important habitats and inform future planning. The presentation encourages different models of citizen science involvement through schools, nature centers, and community groups.

1. You and your students are the scientists Chris Bowser NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program, National Estuarine Research Reserve, NYS Water Resource Institute at Cornell A sampling of citizen science

2. Mauritania, West Africa

7. A Day in the Life of the Hudson River 1 day , 3000 participants, 50 sites

8. A Day in the Life of the Hudson River resources for educators lesson plans

10. Thursday, October 8, 2009

14. Study design and materials

15. video and results

16. 2008 Results on the Fall Kill 1228 glass eels total form April 3 to March 31 # Glass Eels Caught Max Tidal Height New Full Full

17. 2009 Results on the Fall Kill over 3200 glass eels caught and released

18. Sense of place and community

22. the basics, and then some…

25. Thank You! Contact: Chris Bowser, Science Education Specialist chbowser@gw.dec.state.ny.us, tel: (845) 889-4745 x104

26. Very special thanks to Brittany Burgio