Community Science
Did you know you can contribute to scientific research without any special training? You can become a Community Scientist!
Community science connects the public to academic research, allowing people of varying backgrounds to contribute to science in a meaningful way. There are many projects you can join. Check out some of these opportunities to find one that interests you:
Statewide Community Science Project
Join the Cable Natural History Museum and other partner organizations across the state in our second season of a statewide community science initiative! During the 2025 season, we will work together to monitor plants, bumblebees, and butterflies at our local properties. We provide a variety of opportunities to build identification and survey skills. Staff and volunteers are available to help get you started with a survey at any time! Contact Curator/Naturalist Mollie Kreb-Mertig for more information.
Survey Topics
Plants & trees, butterflies @ Wayside Wanderings Natural Play Area
Bumblebees and butterflies @ the Museum’s on-site pollinator gardens
Build Your Skills
Intro to iNaturalist
on demand
Tap into a global community of naturalists, scientists, and casual nature observers with iNaturalist. This introductory workshop is for anyone wanting to learn more about using the iNaturalist smart phone app or online platform. We will work on getting comfortable with the app and website, including demos on how to create an account, post observations, and utilize other features like Projects. To request a workshop or informal iNaturalist support, contact Mollie at mollie@cablemuseum.org.
Resources for Survey Volunteers
Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Scour fields and feeders to count as many bird species as possible in December. Check the maps below to see the count boundaries and previous year’s effort. We are always looking for volunteers to cover new areas within these circles! Contact haley@cablemuseum.org to get involved.
- Map: Cable Survey Area
- Map: Hayward Survey Area
Participate in our Nature’s Calendar Phenology Project
Click here to explore ways you can become a phenologist!
Contribute to the Northwoods Phenology Project on iNaturalist
- Record observations of plants and animals, and view the observations of others.
- Get professional help in identifying your photos.
- Contact emily@cablemuseum.org or visit iNaturalist to get involved.
Annual Midwest Crane Count
Each April, over 2,000 volunteers participate in this annual survey of Sandhill and Whooping Cranes.
Contact haley@cablemuseum.org to get involved.
Nature’s Notebook
Track seasonal changes in plants and animals.
Visit Nature’s Notebook to get involved.
Lost Ladybug Project
Find ‘em, photograph ‘em, and send ‘em
Contact emily@cablemuseum.org or visit www.lostladybug.org to get involved.
Project BudBurst
Pick a particular plant and track it through the year.
Visit budburst.org to get involved.
Wisconsin Bat Program
The Wisconsin Bat Program monitors and manages bat populations in the state.
Much of the data the program collects comes from community scientists.
Visit their website to find out more.
Great Lakes Worm Watch
Did you know that earthworms aren’t native to Northern Wisconsin?
Contact emily@cablemuseum.org to get involved.