Join ASWP's Citizen Science Corps!

Audubon.  Just the mention of the word brings images of birds, bird watching, and bird conservation.  But how many of us think of citizen science when we hear the name Audubon?  If we don’t, we certainly should.  In fact, Audubon should be as synonymous with citizen science as it is with birds.

To make this goal a reality, ASWP is launching a brand new initiative called the Western PA Citizen Science Corps. Through the project, we will train and support the people in our region to participate in citizen science projects that not only benefit our local ecosystems and native species, but also assist people in understanding the natural world and our relationship with it.

Audubon and Citizen Science

It started in 1900, with ornithologist and founder of Audubon Magazine, Frank M. Chapman. At that time, many ornithologists and conservationists worried about the decline in bird populations, especially with the popularity of hunting birds for sport. Chapman proposed the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) as an alternative to seasonal hunting. The first year, 28 birders identified, counted, and recorded all the birds seen during the holiday season. A total of 90 species was identified among 25 count circles across the country.

So began what is considered the world’s most significant, longest running, citizen science project. Anyone with an interest—regardless of experience or training—is welcomed and encouraged to participate. Since 1900, the Christmas Bird Count has gathered thousands of people annually, from 21 countries across the western hemisphere, to count all the birds seen and heard within a 24-hour period.  That equates to hundreds of thousands of people engaged in avian science, helping ornithologists to collect data, and having the time of their lives doing what they love do—watching birds!! 

All that effort has paid off.  Today, data from 110 annual Christmas Bird Counts has become an invaluable resource to scientists studying avian population trends. John Flicker, past President and CEO of National Audubon Society, described the Christmas Bird Count database as “unmatched by any other wildlife census,” and a resource “essential to Audubon’s State of the Birds reports, which identify birds – both common and less so – that are suffering population declines.” Many organizations turn to the database to analyze population shifts in avian species across the world, with Audubon leading the way in analyzing the impacts of global warming and other global impacts on birds.

ASWP itself used this data to analyze population trends of three bird species in Pittsburgh and compared them to same species in different regions across the country. The results can be seen at PittsburghToday.org under the Environment section.

A Win-Win Opportunity!

The Christmas Bird Count is one of hundreds of citizen science projects out there, actively mobilizing everyday people to study the natural world around them and then share their observations and data with scientists.  Citizens experience real field work, researchers gain greater depth and breadth of data for analysis, and all play a significant role in the scientific process.  

How You Can Get Involved

The landscape of western Pennsylvania is in flux.  Global issues, like climate change, coupled with local impacts, like those from Marcellus shale drilling, are changing the natural world.  Now, more than ever, it is important for all of us to assist scientists in gathering baseline data that can be analyzed in real time, with actions implemented as quickly as possible.  Through the process, we all gain the ability to mitigate through quick action negative shifts in ecosystem dynamics.

But I’m So Busy!

Citizen science comes with minimal time requirements and many observations can be accomplished from the comforts of your own home. 

As a member of ASWP’s Western PA Citizen Science Corps, you will be able to choose the projects that interest you.  For each project that you select, you will:

√      Attend the training session, which provides project details and natural history information

√      Select a location to perform your own observations, and participate in the project consistently.

√      Select 1—2 days to perform the same observations at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Todd Nature Reserve or other ASWP designated areas.

√      Assist ASWP with project work open to the general public.

With ASWP’s expert guidance and training support, and over 30 projects being rolled out over the next 5 years, there is no good reason not to participate! 

I’m interested!  What next?

Our 2011-2012 pilot year kicks off with these 6 engaging and important projects. Choose one or more from the list and register for the trainings (there is a nominal fee).  We will provide all the resources you need to participate, and guide you every step of the way. In addition, ASWP will host corps gathering and symposia, as well as keep our network up to date on the latest news from project sponsors.

We hope to see you as part of the Western PA Citizen Science Corps!