Citizen Science: We all have the power to help

A citizen scientist is a community member who helps to advance science by keeping track of what they see in nature— joining in scientific projects like counting birds, attracting moths, or testing water. Citizen scientists help expand the reach of research projects that guide our conservation priorities, making it possible to gather information on a much larger scale than scientists could accomplish alone.

There are many ways that people of all ages and abilities can help advance conservation in southern Indiana.  Read on for opportunities to engage in citizen science that help everyone get involved in protecting nature!

Little Hikers Moth Night at Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve. Kate Hammel

iNaturalist

iNaturalist is a free app and website where you can share photos of plants, animals, fungi, and other species you find in nature. Simply take a picture and upload it. The iNaturalist community, along with built-in identification tools, will help confirm what species it is. Your observations become part of a global database that scientists and conservation organizations like Sycamore use to study biodiversity and track changes in ecosystems.
Get involved at iNaturalist.org

Hoosier Riverwatch

Hoosier Riverwatch is a statewide program in Indiana that trains volunteers to monitor the health of local streams and rivers by testing water quality and observing aquatic life. The data collected by volunteers helps scientists, communities, and policymakers better understand and protect Indiana’s waterways. To get involved, you can attend a free Hoosier Riverwatch training workshop, where you’ll learn the skills needed to safely collect and share your findings.
Get involved at hoosierriverwatch.com

Indiana Phenology Observer Program

Phenology is a branch of science that studies the timing and impact of seasonal changes in nature. The Indiana Phenology Observer Program is a citizen science initiative by the nonprofit Indiana Phenology that enlists volunteers to track the timing of seasonal events in plants and animals to help understand climate change impacts and guide habitat restoration.
Indiana Phenology trails like our Touch the Earth Natural Area in Bartholomew County are designated outdoor routes where citizen scientists can observe and document seasonal changes in plants and animals by recording data at observation stations. These trails help gather valuable environmental data for scientific research.
Get involved at indianaphenology.org

National Moth Week

Communities around the globe come together during National Moth Week, the last full week of July, to celebrate the beauty, diversity, and ecological importance of moths. Sign up to host a backyard moth event and join participants of all ages to contribute valuable data that helps scientists better understand these fascinating insects.
Get involved at nationalmothweek.org

Monarch Watch Tagging Program

Monarch Watch’s Tagging Program is a community science effort that teaches volunteers how to tag monarch butterflies during their fall migration, helping researchers track migration routes, survival, and geographical patterns. To participate, order a tagging kit including tags, data sheets, and instructions, catch monarchs gently using a net, apply a uniquely coded tag to each butterfly, and then submit your data (via their mobile app or online form) when the season ends.
Get involved at monarchwatch.org/tagging

Indiana DNR Summer Bat Monitoring Program

In addition to mist-netting, scientists also study bats through acoustic monitoring, using specialized ultrasonic detectors that record the high-frequency calls bats emit during flight. Each species produces a unique echolocation pattern, allowing biologists to identify them by sound without ever handling the animals. Across Indiana, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) partners with volunteers to conduct acoustic driving and stationary surveys during summer months. These efforts provide critical long-term data on bat presence, activity levels, and distribution, especially for rare or recovering species like the little brown bat. Sycamore’s Administrative Director Susan Haislip Daleke has been driving her monitoring route for nearly 10 years.

Anyone can volunteer for Indiana DNR’s Summer Bat Monitoring Program. Volunteers are trained to use bat detectors, follow pre-mapped driving routes at dusk, and submit recordings for analysis. The data helps track trends in bat populations and supports conservation decisions statewide. Those interested in becoming a volunteer acoustic monitor can learn more here.

eBird

eBird is a free, worldwide citizen science platform run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology where people log and share their bird sightings to help researchers study bird populations. Through global birding events like October Big Day, the Great Backyard Bird Count in February, and Project Feederwatch to monitor backyard birds from November to April, thousands of people submit checklists at the same time, generating powerful data that helps track migration and protect bird species. Sign up for a free account, take the “eBird Essentials” course, and use their website or mobile app to submit birding checklists from wherever you are.
Get involved at eBird.org

EDDMapS: Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System

EDDMapS is an online mapping tool used to report and track invasive species across the United States and Canada. Participating is easy: volunteers take photos or make observations of invasive plants, insects, or other species, then upload them via the website or mobile app. These reports are reviewed by experts and added to public maps to help scientists and land managers monitor and respond to invasions.
Get involved at eddmaps.org

This story was featured in the Fall 2025 issue of The Twig, “The Citizen Science Issue.” Read more at sycamorelandtrust.org/twig.