You don’t need to be a wildlife biologist to help Minnesota’s wildlife! Community science projects are an easy way to get involved with the preservation of Minnesota’s wildlife. No prior training or experience is necessary to participate. Just be willing to learn!
What is community science?
Also known as citizen or crowd-sourced science, community science is a way for members of the public to help scientists conduct research projects. Together, we can collect more information and work to conserve Minnesota’s natural biodiversity.
Science is for Everyone!
We are working to provide opportunities for anyone who wants to participate in science and conservation. Whether you have formal training in field research or are completely new to science and nature in Minnesota, there are opportunities for you to get involved. Check out our current Community Science Projects below, or explore other ways to get involved.
Community science projects
- Frog and Toad Calling Survey
- MN Cricket Frog Survey
- Chimney Swift Survey
- LoonWatcher
- Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program
- Help Scientific and Natural Areas
- Volunteer with the DNR
Other community science opportunities
Not ready to commit to a project just yet? Check out these helpful resources to learn more about community science and explore:
- iNaturalist :iNaturalist is an app where everyone can connect with nature, just by documenting what they notice. Simply sign up and start exploring! There are many Minnesota-focused projects on iNaturalist, including birds, butterflies, moths, plants, mushrooms, and more. Plus, the iNaturalist community will help you identify the things you are noticing!
- Amphibian and Reptile Survey of Minnesota: If you are interested in the reptiles and amphibians of Minnesota, check out the Amphibian and Reptile survey. This is a collaboration between HerpMapper, the Bell Museum of Natural History, and the Minnesota Herpetological Society. You can learn more about Minnesota reptiles and amphibians, upload observations, and more.
- Minnesota eBird: Minnesota eBird is an online hub of information about Minnesota’s birds and projects that anyone can participate in. This collaborative project is managed by the Minnesota Ornithologist’s Union, and has a lot of amazing content and options, including a portal to sign up and start adding your own bird observations.
Diversity Statement
The diversity of Minnesota’s community scientists is just as valuable as the diversity of our plants and animals. We are committed to partnering with local organizations to provide safe, welcoming opportunities for anyone who wants to participate in crowd-sourced conservation. Discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, or sexual orientation has no place in this program or any of our program offerings. Thank you for helping us make community science fun for everyone!