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Citizen Science
What is Citizen Science?
 

Citizen Science engages volunteers in the collection of ecological information.  The NJA Citizen Science program we aim to develop information datasets through citizen participation, on the abundance distribution, and demography of avian species. 

We can use the information collected through the contributions of Citizen Scientists to provide the basis for managing bird populations at multiple spatial and temporal scales, to improve our knowledge of the ecology of New Jersey, and to promote habitat preservation.  Using the citizen science approach enables us to obtain the information we need, while also immersing our citizen scientists into the scientific process. 

New Jersey Audubon's Citizen Science program aims to:

  • foster environmental awareness among New Jersey's citizens through active participation

  • protect New Jersey's birds and other animals, especially endangered and threatened species through collection of data on bird distributions and abundance, population trends, migration patterns

  • promote habitat preservation by improving our knowledge of the ecology of New Jersey through the contributions of Citizen Scientists.

 

 

Ordinary people have the opportunity to actively help acquire a great knowledge of the ecology of New Jersey and contribute to the conservation of our valuable natural resources, while involved in activities that they enjoy.  The data collected through citizen science programs can be incorporated into management and conservation plans, and influence local, state and federal policy development. 


 


Visit our Facebook page for updates and photos! 

 


Citizen Science Projects 

-- To determine the abundance and distribution of grasslands bird populations breeding in private lands enrolled in incentive programs in New Jersey and assess the effectiveness of these programs.

-- To assess status and changes in populations of shorebirds using the New Jersey coast during spring and fall migration, to better manage and conserve stopover areas.

-- To determine the importance of different foraging areas in the NY/NJ Harbor for herons and egrets. 


Duke Bioblitz

On June 26, 2011, NJ Audubon working with Duke Farms coordinated a bioblitz!

Teams of experts on local flora and fauna gathered on that Sunday, as Duke Farms hosted its second BioBlitz, a one-day treasure hunt to identify and record species of plants and animals found on the property. For more info go to:

 

 

We thank the many volunteers who helped out in 2011!

Bird surveys: Greg Cantrell, Karen Carlough, Bernadette Conrad, Mike Dixon, Laurie Gneiding, Bill Margaretta, Toni Margaretta, Tony Masso, Steve Mattan, Dan Morley, Stephen Porter, Dani Porter, George Roussey, Steve Salata, Tom Smith, Margaret Thomas, Susanna Treesh

Pond Macroinvertebrates: Nicole Rahman

Butterflies: Chris and Paula Williams and all the NABA people!

Fungi: Mycological Association



Links

Greg Cantrell's Blog

Greg participates in several of our surveys and keeps a blog about his birding and citizen science experiences

Susan Haviland's web page

Susan is one of our citizen scientists who conducts shorebird surveys at Great Bay Boulevard Wildlife Management Area.  Her website includes photos, film clips, and her blog!

Scott Elowitz Photography

Scott Elowitz's photos manage to capture the essence of the bird.  We frequently use his images in our citizen science trainings.


To participate contact:

Nellie Tsipoura
Director of Citizen Science, NJ Audubon
11 Hardscrabble Road, PO Box 693
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
Phone: (908) 766-5787 X12 -- Fax: (908) 766-7775