Exploring the Spectrum of Citizen Science
Location: Port Townsend, Washington
Exploring the Spectrum of Citizen Science
Thanks to our partnering organizations Washington Sea Grant, Port Townsend Marine Science Center, and Puget Sound Partnership; and to the more than 160 participants and presenters the April 10th and 11th Citizen Science workshop was a great success! Participants included marine volunteers/leaders, scientists, natural resource managers, educators, university students, and citizens from more than 45 different organizations, institutions and agencies. COSEE-OLC was excited to meet its goals of a) providing an opportunity to bring together a diverse group of people interested in citizen science to share successes, challenges, and strategies; and b) allowing for the individual identification of personal/professional next steps to advance citizen science.
The two day workshop kicked off on Friday with a day long research cruise in the Salish Sea co-hosted by Ocean Inquiry Project, The Service, Education and Adventure and COSEE-OLC. Over 20 workshop participants had the opportunity to attend. In the evening Bruce Lewenstein, Professor of Science Communication at Cornell University, gave an opening address titled, What Makes It Science? What Makes It Citizen? This was followed by a dessert reception where new and renewed connections were made among participants. On Saturday ten different panel sessions were held on topics such as starting up a citizen science program, training and managing volunteer participation, data issues-successes and challenges, data gaps-monitoring needs and how citizens can be involved and engaging students in citizen science. In an afternoon poster session over 20 posters covering topics related to citizen science and current ocean research were on display.
The keynote address and specific panel sessions were videotaped for future viewing. Stay tuned to the COSEE-OLC website for more information on when the videos will available online. We would like to thank Steve Moore for photo documenting the two days (photos part 1 and part 2).
Participant Comments:
"I personally found it quite inspiring to be surrounded by so many people enthusiastic about citizen science. I think one of the most exciting parts for me was seeing people make connections, such as scientists and natural resource managers with data needs connecting with volunteer program staff who could potentially provide volunteers and project coordination to facilitate the collection of those data." - Kate Litle, Washington Sea Grant
"I have been to many workshop type presentations and feel that this is one of the best. The participants were excellent and the networking even better." - Bob Campbell, Feiro Marine Life Center, Port Angeles
"...I truly appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the full spectrum of citizen science in Puget Sound. I can honestly say I learned a lot and made some important contacts at the same time." - Donald Velasquez, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, WDFW
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