Citizen science involves linking people within communities with scientists and decision-makers so that they can help collect useful information about the environment. Citizen Scientists work from their own communities, regions or watersheds and collect data on things like water quality, air quality, biodiversity (animals or plants), climate change and much more. Data that are collected from citizen-science projects are on a scale that no single person or group of researchers could ever collect alone. Efforts by citizen scientists are making a major difference for conservation. Data from these projects are used to monitor populations or habitats over time and help decision makers make well-informed choices for the environment, and also begin to deal with more long-term conservation issues. Just as importantly, citizen scientists learn about the species and habitats that they study and also about conservation, making them more effective stewards and advocates for conservation within their own communities. Citizen science is a great way to learn about the world around you and do something really significant in the process - get involved today!

Stewardship

Environmental stewardship involves a caring approach to the Earth and its resources so that it may be able to function properly and support the diversity of life on our planet. Stewardship projects may involve creating wildlife habitat in your backyard, supporting local watershed groups or helping with stream clean-up efforts. Stewardship also involves being a responsible consumer.

The top 8 things you can do in 2008 to help amphibians and be a good environmental steward

LIA Citizen Science and Stewardship Opportunities:

• Join Cleveland Metroparks and Mount Union College as we survey the park system looking for the deadly amphibian fungus called Chytrid (or Bd). Learn how this foreign foe arrived in the United States and how our Ohio amphibians have adapted to survive this threat. Learn how Ohio amphibians are helping us learn more about this deadly amphibian fungus so that we can help save other amphibians around the world! Times and locations to be announced soon. Check back for more information.
• Medina County Parks is focusing on amphibians in 2008-the year of the frog! Amphibians across the globe are in crisis and we are conducting surveys to find out more about declining populations. We could use your help with these frog and toad surveys. This does not mean you have to wear hip waders and slog through marshes with a net! We identify various species by listening to their calls. Your commitment is only one evening a month from March through June. All training that is needed will be provided on March 18, 2008 at Wolf Creek. Please call Dan at (330)239-4814 if you need more information.