We share the Pacific Northwest with an astounding array of wildlife who inspire many unanswered questions, like…as the PNW heats up, how do frogs fare? Where do local bats like to snack and snooze? How do bobcats and coyotes navigate our ever-expanding cities? That’s where you come in! Volunteer researchers like you act as scientists to gather a wealth of data about the amazing wildlife right here at home. Your community science efforts help us better understand, conserve and coexist with the wildlife who also call the PNW home. Even better, we make the data you gather publicly available so that anyone can use it!

Maybe you want to gain hands-on experience with non-invasive research practices or new technologies. Perhaps you want to help with wildlife conservation from your computer. Or maybe you just want motivation to get out in nature once a month! Whatever your reason, we have a community science opportunity for you! Join us!

Woodland Park Zoo’s Living Northwest conservation program prioritizes participatory, inclusive opportunities so that everyone can take an active role in Pacific Northwest wildlife monitoring and conservation. See below for more details on our Community Science strategy. If you need an accommodation to fully participate in any of these programs, please contact us at monitoring@zoo.org to discuss possibilities.

 

 

 

Woodland Park Zoo’s Living Northwest program embraces participatory, inclusive conservation (often called “community science”) that provides everyone with opportunities to take an active role in Pacific Northwest wildlife monitoring and conservation. We leverage new technologies to engage community science volunteers in noninvasive wildlife monitoring in the field and online. Community science volunteers help us generate valuable data to elucidate patterns and trends on the distribution, abundance and movements of Pacific Northwest wildlife. While doing so, participants gain relevant science and conservation skills and develop a deeper appreciation for local biodiversity. 

For conservation efforts to effectively sustain wildlife and people, it is critical that the efforts involve the communities most directly affected, and that the results make it into the hands of decision-makers who can implement local actions. Further, zoos and aquariums around the world draw large and diverse audiences. These audiences, and our community partners, provide us with opportunities and a responsibility to expand and diversify the “face” of wildlife conservation. Woodland Park Zoo works within our local communities to offer a range of participatory wildlife conservation opportunities that are designed to energize, engage, and mobilize people to advance the zoo’s mission to save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives. Together we build conservation community in ways that embrace equity, diversity, inclusion and access.

If you would like further information or have questions about Woodland Park Zoo’s community science programs, contact us at monitoring@zoo.org.