Adventure with Purpose: Become a Citizen Scientist
Photo by Seth Campbell
Did you know every ski run, bike ride, climb, or hike can fuel real climate action? As a citizen scientist, you can transform your passion into impactful data that drives research and safeguards the wild places you love.
Learn how your next adventure can help shape the future of our outdoor spaces by getting involved with these Citizen Science projects:
Help Measure Snow Depths: Be a Part of the Community Snow Observations Project
Next time you’re hitting your favorite backcountry stash, take a few snow depth measurements along the way.
Our friends at Community Snow Observations (CSO) developed an easy-to-use system with the SnowPilot app to send your data straight to the pros. Whether you’re measuring from your backyard or a high alpine ridge—every data point helps researchers keep tabs on snowpack trends helping them better understand regional snowfall patterns. Think of it as giving Mother Nature a little check-up—no PhD required.
Improve Weather Forecasts: Report Precipitation with the Mountain Rain or Snow App
We’ve all been disappointed at least once by a forecasted powder day turning into a Pineapple Express. Winter weather is notoriously difficult to study, especially in mountainous regions. It can change rapidly, with snow turning to rain (or vice versa) in a matter of minutes.
The Mountain Rain or Snow app lets you report the type of precipitation falling during winter storms. Accurate, real-time data from volunteers like you can help fill gaps in weather station data, especially in remote or mountainous areas where automated stations may struggle to identify precipitation types near freezing.
Understanding how precipitation shifts between rain, snow, and mixed forms is crucial for improving weather predictions, avalanche forecasts, and climate models. So, next time a winter storm rolls in, grab your phone and start reporting.
Explore Projects with Adventure Scientists
Photo by Emily Tidwell
No snow? No problem. Adventure Scientists has you covered with projects all year round. From tracking microplastics in rivers to recording wildlife sightings, there’s a project for every type of adventure. Adventure Scientists regularly updates their volunteer page with new projects, so you can always find something that aligns with your passions.
Why Become a Citizen Scientist?
Contributing to citizen science projects is a win-win for you and the planet. You get to learn more about the environments you love and deepen your connection to the outdoors, while also providing researchers with valuable data that can help tackle pressing environmental challenges. Plus, it’s an opportunity to connect with a larger community of outdoor lovers who are passionate about protecting our planet.
So, next time you head outdoors, bring along your sense of adventure—and a spirit of curiosity. Your observations could be the key to unlocking new insights for scientists who are on the frontlines of climate research.
Author: Stacie Sullivan
Stacie always knew she wanted to pursue a career in the ski industry from a young age, having first clicked into skis at the age of 4 and writing her 8th grade career project on being a professional skier. While her dreams of becoming a professional athlete didn’t quite pan out the way she planned at […]
