Bringing Science Home: Exploring Citizen Science to Transform Backyard Observations into Science and Conservation

Bringing Science Home: Exploring Citizen Science to Transform Backyard Observations into Science and Conservation 

A Future Is In Our Hands Program

11am-12pm  Keynote Talk: Desiree Narango       Fletcher Room

12pm-1pm  Community Science Information Tables    Main Reading Room 

‘Citizen Science’ (also called ‘Community Science’) is a scientific approach where the public is involved in a research project’s design, data collection, or analysis. With the help of everyday people interested in the world around them, citizen science is transforming our capacity to conduct conservation science and protect wildlife. Public involvement in science has resulted in data collected at larger scales and more species than ever before, and much of it can be done right from home. Dr. Desiree Narango, a Conservation Scientist at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE), will talk about how VCE works with citizen scientists across the state to learn about the ecology of birds, bees, butterflies, and more. She’ll share information about how citizen science has been used to improve wildlife habitat in residential yards, understand plant-animal interactions, and protect imperiled species. She’ll also share current opportunities for you, your friends and family to get involved with local projects.

Following the keynote talk, local organizations that host citizen science programs will set up tables to offer resources and opportunities to take part in a citizen science project.

Speaker Bio: 

Dr. Desiree Narango is a Conservation Scientist at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies in White River Junction, VT. Desiree has a Ph.D. in Entomology and Wildlife Ecology from the University of Delaware, an M.S. in Natural Resources from The Ohio State University, and a B.S. in Environmental Biology from SUNY: ESF. Her research interests include species interactions and food webs, the ecology of human-dominated landscapes, and data science for conservation (to name a few). She’s also an active birder and gardener who enjoys getting others excited about the natural world in their yards.