As a kid, summer break was always my favorite time of year. Even though I liked school enough, it was such a good feeling to be free to go outside, explore, and learn about the earth in ways only possible away from the classroom. As an adult, my summers are a little less free, but I still try to put as much of my time towards exploring and discovering more about the natural world. The great thing is, I now have ways to share what I discover, thanks to the amazing world of citizen science!
Citizen science is the analysis of information gathered by the public, which helps provide diverse sources of data to scientists and lets community members become involved in the scientific process. It’s beneficial to fields such as watershed conservation and ecology, collecting field data in seconds that could otherwise take years for a single scientist to gather. The best part is, it can usually be done with something as simple as a smartphone. If you can take a picture and upload it, you too can be a citizen scientist!
In this edition of “What’s Up, Watershed?” I’ll review three easy ways that you can participate in citizen science and help protect our watershed this summer.
PARTICIPATE IN A STATE PARK BIO-BLITZ
One way to get involved this summer is to participate in a Bio-Blitz. A Bio-Blitz is an event where people are encouraged to document as many species as they can during a set period of time, ranging from 24hrs to an entire month. Documenting and reporting local wildlife can help keep track of Pennsylvania’s biodiversity, raise awareness of where invasive species have spread to, and overall help scientists keep track of our ecosystems’ health.
This June, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is encouraging visitors at participating state parks to upload photos of any species they come across to the free iNaturalist app, or to contact the park’s Bio-Blitz coordinator to share their discoveries. If you’re not planning on camping this summer, you can also check your local township’s website to see if there’s a Bio-Blitz coming up — or work with your community to organize your own Bio-Blitz!
JOIN THE COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE RAIN, HAIL, AND SNOW NETWORK
Thinking about a stay-cation instead? There are many ways to become a citizen scientist from home this summer!
One way is to join the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network. Climate change is starting to cause a big shift in the pattern of storms we see over the summer, with long periods of drought followed by heavy rain potentially becoming the new normal. By keeping track of how much precipitation your neighborhood does (or doesn’t) receive this summer, you can help document how our climate is changing in real time. All you need to participate is a 4” diameter rain gauge!
Not only will tracking precipitation in your neighborhood help scientists better understand changing weather patterns, it can also help you to understand how your own community will be impacted. and the information can be used as a tool to advocate for protection against the impacts of climate change.
MONITOR A HORSESHOE CRAB
Heading to the shore this summer? You can take the opportunity to be a citizen scientist and monitor one of our watersheds’ oldest species, the horseshoe crab! Horseshoe crabs are an incredibly important animal. In the wild, they help feed hundreds of species of migrating sea-birds, and control the size of algae blooms by feeding on plant matter and decomposing animals. They also help humans — their blood contains a compound that is used in the bio-medical industry to detect bacteria contamination. Unfortunately, horseshoe crabs are threatened by habitat loss and overfishing. Their round shape also makes it easy for them to be knocked over by waves, and difficult for them to flip themselves over. If you are visiting the Chesapeake or Delaware Bay area this summer, be sure to keep an eye out for any flipped friends! If the horseshoe crab is still alive, you can pick it up by the sides (never the tail!) and place it back on the water’s edge. If it has a tag on the back of its shell, be sure to take a picture and document it. Organizations such as the Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources, NJ Dept. Of Environmental Protection, Maryland Coastal Bays Program, and reTURN the Favor NJ all have programs to track and rescue stranded horseshoe crabs.
That’s all for this edition of “What’s Up, Watershed?” We’ll see you next time, and be sure to stay cool until then!
Photos shown (top to bottom): Citizen Science Volunteers; Red eft found during a grassroots Bio-Blitz, R. Rabenold, 2025; 4” Diameter Rain Gauge; Atlantic Horseshoe Crab
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“WHAT’S UP, WATERSHED” BLOG SERIES
CLICK HERE to read Rachel Carson: Earth Day Hometown Hero
CLICK HERE to read Three Ways to Reduce Kitchen Waste
CLICK HERE to read Winter Wildlife: Secrets to Skipping the Winter Season
Meet PRC Environmental Program Coordinator Ryan Rabenold
Ryan’s work is centered around environmental education and creating equitable access to green stormwater infrastructure resources. They have a background in watershed conservation, as well as community engagement and grassroot activism. In their free time, Ryan enjoys kayaking and hiking, writing short fiction, and exploring international cuisine.
