What is Community Science?

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Community science—often also called citizen science—is the involvement of volunteers in collecting or analyzing data to support scientific research. While public participation in science has a long history, it has grown rapidly in recent decades with the help of digital tools and projects like eBird and programs led by groups such as the Audubon Society.

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Today, community science continues to expand through mobile apps and online platforms that allow participants to record and share observations in real time. This makes it easier than ever for people to contribute to research on wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental change.

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Why is Community Science Important? 

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• Expands scientific reach: Volunteers can collect data across wider geographic areas and longer periods of time than most scientists 

• Supports conservation efforts: Data gathered by the public helps inform decisions about habitat protection, species at risk, and environmental management.

• Builds environmental stewardship: Participants develop a deeper connection to nature and a stronger understanding of local ecosystems.

• Enhances education and inclusion: Science becomes more accessible, allowing people of all backgrounds to contribute meaningfully to research.

 

Community Science in Parks

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For Ontario’s provincial parks, community science plays a key role in monitoring biodiversity, tracking changes in ecosystems, and engaging visitors and local communities in protecting these natural spaces. By contributing observations, volunteers become active partners in conservation. At MacGregor Point Provincial Park, there are several Community Science Projects occurring in the park:

• Bumble Bee Monitoring/Watch

• Butterfly Monitoring Scheme

• Dune Grass Planting​

• Photomonitoring

• Pollinator Garden