The goals of Beespotter are to engage citizen scientists in data collection to establish a much-needed baseline for monitoring population declines, to increase public awareness of pollinator diversity, and enhance public appreciation of pollination as an ecosystem service. The use of photography for identification, instead of the net, pin, and spreading board of traditional entomology, is consistent with the goal of preserving bee diversity and enhancing pollinator appreciation.

Budburst brings together researchers, educators, gardeners, and citizen scientists on a shared journey to uncover the stories of how plants are affected by a changing climate. We hope that sharing these stories will increase appreciation of plants and the natural world and inspire conservation action. A project of the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Become a part of the research at The Field Museum by participating in our Citizen Science projects, specially designed for community participation.

CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). It is now the largest provider of daily precipitation observations in the U.S.

Community science (or “citizen science”) refers to scientific work undertaken by members of the general public, typically under the direction of professional scientists. There are many opportunities for Illinoisans to help the scientists at the Illinois Natural History Survey monitor the state’s biodiversity and habitats.

CosmoQuest, developed by the STEM Center at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, has several astronomy projects that allow citizen scientists to map celestial objects, including the moon.

The Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network engages citizen scientists in the process of collecting quantitative data on butterfly populations. Our goal is to provide data collected with a standardized protocol that allows land managers to evaluate long-term trends in a changing landscape. The Network also offers opportunities for fellowship, mentorship, and continuing education between citizen scientists and professional biologists.

The Illinois RiverWatch Network is a volunteer stream monitoring program that seeks to engage Illinois citizens by training them as Citizen Scientists. Each year at adopted stream sites in their communities, Citizen Scientists conduct habitat and biological surveys, including the collection and identification of small stream organisms called macroinvertabrates that serve as bioindicators of water quality. The program strives to collect consistent, high-quality data on the conditions of local streams and provide citizens with a hands-on opportunity to be better stewards of our watersheds.

Links to monitoring and stewardship opportunities in Illinois.

Plants of Concern (POC) engages a diverse, dedicated group of citizen scientists to monitor the Chicago Wilderness region's rarest plants, assessing trends in their populations, and providing important data used to conserve our rapidly declining floral heritage. Plants of Concern is coordinated by the Chicago Botanic Garden in partnership with local, state, federal and nonprofit agencies.

No matter where you live, city or suburb, from the Midwest to the East Coast, Canada to California, if squirrels live in your neighborhood, you are encouraged to become a squirrel monitor. By contributing your observations of squirrels from home, the office, school, a park, or anywhere, you are helping us better understand the ecology of our neighborhoods. Contribute data as often as you like, from anywhere you are. A project of the The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

Science Near Me is a free resource for finding opportunities to engage in all types of science, technology, engineering, math, (STEM) events, projects, and programs near you, in person and online. Enter search preferences and Science Near Me will scan their partners’ opportunities and present a list of options. Search by location, topic, audience, and more.