Young people standing near a stream bed taking scientific measurements, with text in foreground reading "Want to try citizen science?"

How To Contribute to Climate Science: Become a Citizen Scientist!

You can take climate action and help scientists understand Maine’s changing climate by tracking observations from your own backyard. Citizen science, also referred to as community science, is a collaboration between scientists and everyday people to monitor things like water quality, storms, tides, temperatures, trail conditions, and more. 

Anyone can participate with citizen science. Projects span different interests, locations and commitment levels. Introductory training is typically provided. 

Understanding how climate change is impacting your own backyard is so important and makes it much more of a local issue. And we really depend on citizen-based monitoring programs to understand everything from how beaches are impacted by storms, to how water quality at swimming beaches varies over the course of the year, to a variety of other citizen-science led initiatives.” - Peter Slovinsky, Marine Geologist, Maine Geological Survey 

Browse a collection of citizen science opportunities sorted by topic below. Start taking climate action - join a program today!

Beach and Coastal Monitoring 

Birds, Animals, Plants, Fish, Wildlife Monitoring 

Forest Monitoring

State Parks & Trail Monitoring 

Water Monitoring 

Weather Monitoring

Comprehensive Lists