Citizen Science
Community Engagement
How we support citizen science
Citizen science is the endeavour for public participation in science. It is a brilliant way for non-professionals to experience the wonders of science and connect with the natural world. eDNA has proven to be an innovative citizen science tool. We have designed eDNA sampling methods to be simple enough for the non-expert to implement, meaning community members can undertake it themselves. EnviroDNA has successfully collaborated with a number of groups to undertake small and large citizen science projects.
Value for people and science
Citizen science helps to facilitate research that can inform environmental management decisions. These projects also have a direct positive impact for citizen scientists as they experience unique learning opportunities and feel empowered to see their efforts improve environmental outcomes.
We are passionate about advancing the accessibility of science using eDNA, so we have designed a complete citizen science program that connects communities with local ecosystems. These programs attract high levels of community engagement using an easy-to-use sampling method that requires minimal prior training. These programs are an exciting opportunity for all age groups to engage with innovative wildlife detection tools and natural ecosystems.
Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group Citizen Science Day
Landcare Australia Private Landholders eDNA Study
National Landcare Program Farm Dam Biodiversity Study
What is involved in an eDNA citizen science program?
- Community members sign up to undertake and eDNA sampling event
- We work with you to determine your local waterway sampling sites
- Run a sampling morning or citizen science day (with our help - online or in person where possible)
- Process your samples in our lab for local species of interest or local biodiversity
- Results shared with you in a report with an opportunity for questions and discussion
The benefits for your group and local community:
- Provides an engaging learning opportunity for citizen scientists of all age groups
- Enhances the link between local communities and natural ecosystems
- Generates wildlife or biodiversity data that can help inform land management decisions
- Educates and sparks positive behaviour changes and conservation efforts by individuals
- Establish baseline data to assist with potential ongoing monitoring of wildlife populations
- Create an opportunity to conduct habitat or waterway health assessments
Citizen Science eDNA Report
We have run citizen science programs with schools, Landcare groups, councils and community groups!
Contact us about a program in your community today!
Case Studies
National Landcare Program
Citizen Science
Biodiversity Assessment
Farm dams typically exist for productivity benefits, but what if we explored the role they can also play to support wildlife in agricultural landscapes?
Members of Jindivick and Neerim District Landcare including some forward thinking farm dam owners, are leading the way, with the first Environmental DNA biodiversity assessment of farm dams undertaken in Australia.
With special thanks to the National Landcare Program for funding this important and innovative citizen science project, watch the video or download the report to learn more!
Melbourne Water
Citizen Science
Platypus
Platypus are one of the most unusual and recognisable animals in the world, however they are vulnerable to both natural and human-induced threats. Learn how Melbourne Water along with EnviroDNA have leveraged this unique species to enable citizen scientists to connect with their local waterways.