Do you want to get involved in community science? Get outside and meet your neighbours.
Our communities are home to a wide range of wild plants and animals, and scientists need our help identifying them. When we identify and catalogue the plant and animal populations that live around us, we play an active role in the conservation of our environments.
The best part is that community science is easy to do! We've compiled a list of online resources that can help you discover wildlife in your community during your evening walk or trip to a local park. All of these resources are available for free on iOS and Android devices, and are easy to use.
iNaturalist
Step outside, investigate the nature around you, and snap a photo of the wild plants and animals you find. Upload your photos to iNaturalist to share your observations with fellow nature enthusiasts and provide valuable information for scientists measuring changes in biodiversity in your area.
Project Noah
Explore and capture photos of the plants, insects, and fungi in your community and share them with other community scientists on Project Noah. With Project Noah, you can also create nature journals and earn badges for missions accomplished.
Audubon Bird Guide
Audubon Bird Guide is the perfect app for both novice and experienced birdwatchers. With a complete field guide of more than 800 species of North American birds, you can identify birds based on their location, shape, calls, and behaviour, and even find new locations for spotting birds in your community.
Picture Insect
What's that bug you just saw? Find out on Picture Insect! Picture Insect is an online insect encyclopedia and insect identifier that nature lovers use to identify thousands of insects for free. With the camera on your smartphone, simply take and upload a photo of any insect and get detailed information about it within seconds.