Minnesota Bog Using Citizen Science To Connect More People To Nature
The term citizen science may be a term people are not used to, but it has taken on a vital role in the functionality of one bog in Minnesota. The Sax-Zim Bog is located outside of Duluth, Minnesota, and is comprised of roughly 300 square miles. The bog is simply not just a bog but is also made up of rivers, lakes, meadows, and even farms.
Head Naturalist of the Sax-Zim Bog, Clinton Dexter-Nienhaus explained that “citizen science is collection of information relating to nature and the natural world that is collected by members of the general public.” He explained this during an online webinar hosted by The Friends of the Sax-Zim Bog on February 11, 2021. So, people don’t have to have a background in biology, horticulture, botany, or ornithology to be citizen scientists. You could simply be someone looking to develop a deeper connection with nature as a whole, or someone looking to step into the world of nature.
Dexter-Nienhaus stated that the role of citizen science always changing and developing. The general public is now playing a significant role in the documentation of many organisms within the bog. The general public has the ability to utilize a multitude of different apps to help the bog continue to research, while also enjoying a slice of nature. Many apps are in use by people visiting the bog, from ones that allow people to document the different types of birds they see, to ones that help people identify and document a variety of vegetation.
The information that is documented within the bog not only helps the bog get more vital information, it can also be used to educate others. Most information published on the apps is shared with others also utilizing the apps. The information that is located tagged within the bog and the surrounding area is used by staff and can be beneficial in their research.
Dexter-Nienhaus explained that people wanting to participate within citizen science don’t need to be perfect or the best in terms of documentation, or the information they gather. Every little piece of data collected can and will help the bog with the research they are continuously working on. Nienhaus highlighted that citizen science is all about collaboration between the staff at the bog, dedicated volunteers down to the people who just stop by to visit. Any and all information is helpful to the non-profit organization.
The benefits to citizen science to not only the people who get involved but the communities they participate in are endless. Looking towards the future Dexter-Nienhaus stated that the options for people to participate within citizen science at the bog are endless, people can be as involved as they wish and participate when it’s convenient to them. Nienhaus encouraged people to step into the world of citizen science as it allows them to find a connection to the natural world around them. The possibilities of where citizen science can lead people are endless.