Effective conservation protection and enhancement is best with expanded stakeholders. Maine’s tradition of involved citizenry helps directly and immensely. Why don’t you and yours consider becoming part of our growing citizen science worker bees.
Projects
Maine Bird Atlas
The Maine Bird Atlas is a statewide citizen science project that everyone can help with. To contribute as a citizen scientist, you don't need birding experience; all you need is a desire to get outside and make some observations.
Maine Amphibian & Reptile Atlas Project
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife compiles atlasing work and maintains a comprehensive database on the distribution of Maine's 34 amphibian and reptile species. Members of the public are encouraged to share their photo-documented observations.
Maine Butterfly Survey
Trained volunteers from across Maine participate in this multi-year statewide butterfly atlas, which is designed to provide MDIFW and its conservation partners with a significant increase in knowledge on the status of the state’s butterfly fauna.
Bugs in Our Backyard Surveys
Bugs in our Backyard allows you to contribute to on-going research on the distribution of insects in our communities. Several different surveys target different plant and insect species.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology – Citizen Science Central
For any and all of us interested in our birds, this is the real deal place for quick and in-depth bird information and science.
Outdoor Volunteers in New England
University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension.
Peruse a calendar of outdoor volunteer opportunities, from winter wildlife tracking to training sessions for Adopt-A-Trail or Invasive Species.
Maine State Aquarium
West Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
Gulf of Maine educational and research facility run by Maine’s Department of Marine Resources featuring regional fish and invertebrates, lots of lobster knowledge, all in tanks available to public viewing.
Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program
The Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program seeks to provide protection for the nearly 6,000 lakes in Maine through widespread citizen participation in the gathering and dissemination of credible scientific information pertaining to lake health. The Lake Stewards of Maine has extensive free online resources and publications.
"...when each of us plants a tree, we take one step toward reversing the impact of deforestation." From Creating Canopy, by Heather McCargo.