Citizen Science
Resources
Citizen science empowers everyday people—kids, families, teachers, and community leaders—to help gather data and make a difference. Explore these trusted tools and initiatives to start observing, measuring, and protecting the environment around you.
Participate in Real Science
(Great for families, students, and curious explorers of all ages)
A safe, fun way for kids to learn outdoors.
This app turns any walk into a nature discovery adventure. No sign-ups or data collection—just joy, learning, and real-time species ID.
A gateway to federally supported citizen science projects across the U.S.—from water quality tracking to wildlife monitoring.
A global map of ecological restoration projects powered by local knowledge and satellite data. Discover reforestation, soil health, and biodiversity efforts near you.
A global citizen science initiative that allows users to contribute data on air quality, plastic pollution, and insect populations to support environmental research.
A platform hosting various citizen science projects, enabling users to participate in environmental monitoring and data collection.
A platform hosting various citizen science projects, enabling users to participate in environmental monitoring and data collection.
Join a NASA-supported project by collecting cloud, tree, or mosquito data in your region.
Explore nature and support global research. Snap a photo, identify a plant or animal, and contribute to biodiversity science. It’s a hands-on way to learn about the life around you—and protect it.
Allows bird watchers to record sightings, contributing to a global database used for bird conservation and research.
A tool for documenting and learning about wildlife, enabling users to share observations and contribute to biodiversity research.
Helps users calculate and reduce their carbon footprint by suggesting personalized actions and connecting them with climate action groups.
Track litter, protect wildlife.
Help researchers combat plastic pollution by recording marine debris in your neighborhood, on hikes, or at the beach.
Fight light pollution—one star at a time.
Help map global light pollution by measuring star visibility from your location.
How OCE Uses Citizen Science
At Our Children’s Earth, we don’t just talk about citizen science—we live it. Across our environmental campaigns, we work hand-in-hand with communities to collect data, monitor pollution, and restore local ecosystems. These efforts empower residents to protect the places they love and ensure their voices are heard.
Here are a few ways we’re putting citizen science into action:
:
Water Quality Monitoring in Vallejo
We’re supporting community-led efforts to monitor water quality and restore habitat along the Mare Island Strait. Volunteers help test for pollutants and track changes in the health of this urban waterway.
🔗 Learn more about our Vallejo Campaign »
Native Plant Restoration
Through our Citizen Science for Vallejo project, we engage residents in planting and tracking native species that support biodiversity and reduce runoff.
🔗 Explore our native plant work »
Air Pollution Mapping & Public Health Advocacy
We support frontline communities in collecting hyperlocal air data and advocating for policy change through California’s community air monitoring programs.
🔗 Learn about our work in California’s Air Monitoring Plan »
Know a citizen science project we should add?
Let us know here!
And don’t forget to tag us in your Citizen Science project on socials @ocefoundation for a chance to be featured!