Community Science

Put your love of the outdoors to good use by becoming a trained observer for AMC! The term “community science” describes projects in which volunteers partner with scientists directly, or contribute to projects developed and used by scientists, to answer real-world questions. Many projects use phone apps to record data real-time, in the field. Some projects use apps developed specifically for that project, others use an app that can be used to support many different projects.

The AMC and many other organizations organize community science projects, sometimes jointly. We use the term “community science” rather than “citizen science” to reflect our values.

How you can get involved in community science with AMC

AMC’s scientists could use your help with projects that you can do from the New York-North Jersey area:

Study flowers and fauna in Harriman State Park

If you are spending a weekend at Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, or just spending a day hiking in Harriman State Park, you can help scientists by taking and submitting photographs. Join the AMC in monitoring the plants and animals of Harriman State Park. All plants and animal observations are welcome and if you add them to iNaturalist, they will be available for scientific study.

Join the Global Amphibian Blitz!

Amphibians are amazing! The diversity of their shapes, sizes, colors, and behaviors are absolutely extraordinary! The Global Amphibian Blitz (GAB) not only showcases that diversity, but more importantly it helps researchers, conservationists, and concerned global citizens share information and move forward actions that conserve these incredible amphibians around the world.

Other Ways You Can Help the Environment

Start Composting

According to a 2018 EPA study on municipal solid waste, 63.13 million tons of food is waste. Of that, 56% by weight goes into landfill and only 4.1% by weight is composted. Food waste in landfills produces methane, a greenhouse gas which is a contributor to climate change. As with any waste, disposal in a landfill should be the last resort (not all organic food waste is compostable). Reducing the amount of residential food scraps that go into landfills is very easy:

  • buy only what is needed (reduce)
  • save leftovers (reuse)
  • compost (recycle)

Composting can be done in several ways – homeowners can compost in their backyard, apartment dwellers can compost in their home. Composting can also be done by taking food scraps to a composting collection center, or arranging for periodic pickup.

For information on how to compost, both indoors and outdoors use your favorite search engine to find sources on the web.

Some sources for waste drop-off or pickup for composting are

Learn How to Leave No Trace

You’ve probably heard the phrases “Carry In, Carry Out” or “Take only photographs, leave only footprints”. They’re part of the larger Leave No Trace movement that you can join! The AMC partners with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to provide several different workshops and courses, from basic awareness to Master Educator. Start now by taking an online 45-minute awareness course.