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Evaluating environmental education, citizen science, and stewardship through naturalist programs
Adina M Merenlender1, Alycia W Crall2, Sabrina Drill3
1Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management 137 Mulford Hall University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3114, U.S.A.. adinam@berkeley.edu.
Summary
Citizen science programs train adults in natural history and conservation, increasing their knowledge and conservation actions. However, these programs need to engage a wider, more diverse range of participants.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Science
- Citizen Science
Background:
- Amateur naturalists have historically contributed to nature study and conservation.
- Modern naturalist groups connect conservation science with practical applications globally.
- Certification-based adult training programs blend natural history, conservation science, and volunteer service.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand participant motivations, barriers, and perspectives in naturalist programs.
- To evaluate the impact of training on participants' knowledge, skills, and conservation actions.
- To identify strategies for increasing public participation in citizen science.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative and qualitative data collected from surveys and interviews in California and Virginia.
- Pre- and post-course surveys assessed knowledge and confidence.
- Long-term tracking of volunteer hours documented conservation engagement.
Main Results:
- Participant motivations included learning, connecting with nature, certification, and social interaction.
- Over half of participants were over 50, two-thirds were women, and most had higher incomes; <20% identified as nonwhite.
- Lack of time due to work/career was a key barrier for younger and underrepresented adults.
- Training increased ecological knowledge, scientific skills, and confidence in addressing environmental issues.
- Participants engaged in conservation actions like invasive species removal and habitat restoration.
- Volunteer hours in citizen science increased significantly over time in one program.
Conclusions:
- Naturalist programs enhance participants' ecological knowledge, conservation confidence, and sustained engagement in citizen science.
- Programs need to address barriers to participation for younger and underrepresented demographics to broaden public involvement.
- Citizen science initiatives effectively bridge the gap between scientific understanding and on-the-ground conservation efforts.
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