A fun outdoor challenge for the whole family

Looking for a fun activity to get the family outdoors this winter? Through our Citizen Science program, you can get involved in real-world science, just by going outside and reporting the species you see through a wide variety of Citizen Science apps. You can participate in Citizen Science year-round.

It may be harder to spot a wide variety of animals in winter, but there is a lot to see if you know where to look! Recording what animals leave behind is just as valuable as seeing the animals themselves. Hair or feathers, scat and tracks tell us a lot about animal diets, movements, and behaviours. Looking for evidence of animals can also be a great way to get the whole family outdoors in winter, too! Plus, you don’t need lots of equipment, simply take a phone or a tablet with you to record what you find.

How to take part: 

1. Anyone can be a citizen scientist. Go outdoors and look for animals, or the traces they have left behind. You can take a photo, record a sound clip, or just make a note of what you have seen. 
2. Download a Citizen Science app. We particularly prefer NatureLynx, iNaturalist, and eBird as they are easy to use and completely free. These apps can also help you to identify the species you have seen – you don’t need to be an expert! 
3. Add your sightings to the app. You will need to say what you saw, where, and when. You can add photos and sound clips, or simply write what you saw.
4. Your submissions will contribute to our scientific understanding of our local ecosystems. You can also use the apps to check out other people’s sightings in your local area.

Did you know?

Green Calgary offers Citizen Science programs for schools and youth groups, with full and partial subsidies available. Visit www.greencalgary.org or email [email protected] for more information. 

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