Wildlife Speaker Series returns to engage citizens in science

_ (press release) _ Residents are invited to attend the opening session of the 2016 Wildlife Speaker Series on Tuesday, April 12, with a focus on citizen science.

Propelled by new technologies, especially social media, researchers are increasingly relying on ordinary people to help collect and analyze scientific data. This approach, known as citizen science, is enabling research to be done at a scale that was never before feasible or affordable.

Residents can learn more on April 12 at Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive. Local organizations active in citizen science will be on hand, starting at 6 p.m., with displays and exhibits about their work. Two speakers will offer more information on the topic at 7 p.m.:

 * 
Dr. Jeremy Kerr of the University of Ottawa, and the co-founder of Bumblebeewatch.org, will discuss how the public can become involved in ongoing research programs.

 * 
Andy Kenney, from the University of Toronto, will present a community-based approach to the stewardship of urban forests.

From stream watch to tracking butterfly migration, citizen science is drawing ordinary people into some of the most important and transformative research of the 21

st

century.

Local conservation authorities, universities, conservation groups, naturalists clubs, and provincial and national governments all have citizen science projects whose volunteers collect data on wildlife. In Ottawa, projects include monitoring birds, butterflies, bees, reptiles, frogs, water quality in streams and bio blitzes in natural areas.

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-9656 ). You can also connect with us through Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .