Participatory Science Projects at UMN Extension
Climate-Ready Woodlands (CRW) volunteers help find, identify and report tree species with the potential for migration into new regions as the climate continues to shift.
Learn more about high priority invasive species and join a Terrestrial Invasive Participatory Science (TIPS) project to help answer critical research questions.
We want to know who our dedicated volunteers are so we can keep you updated on projects. Register as a participant to stay in the loop!
What is participatory science?
Participatory science (ParSci) engages the public in research by formulating questions, collecting data and interpreting results.
Extension's ParSci efforts work with volunteers, family woodland owners, natural resource professionals and community members on targeted initiatives. Together, we advance natural resource research, management and policy in multiple ways:
Answer complicated natural resource species questions. Volunteers can direct discovery, gather data to help researchers and interpret results.
Address community needs. Extension's ParSci projects respond to growing concerns and help communities better understand and acknowledge the impacts of our changing environment. Volunteers taking action through participatory science can help nurture resilient communities that steward resilient ecosystems.