Community Science Network Pilot
Volunteer with us and help ISCBC create a community science network for British Columbia! We are looking forward to working with you and receiving your feedback on accessible, effective and interesting resources.
We want to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to participate in community science, protect British Columbia’s biodiversity, take action against invasive species, and have fun!
There are several ways to get involved and support the pilot of this exciting new community science network. We’d like you to check out and provide your feedback on the following tools and resources.
Sign Up
We invite you to confirm your participation in this pilot. As a volunteer in this project, you will try out and provide feedback on ISCBC’s community science resources as follows:
- Reporting invasive species or observing plant and animals in BC (approx. 30 minutes)
- Learning by taking our online Community Science Course (approx. 2 hours)
- Reviewing Take Action resources (approx. 30 minutes)
- Completing a survey to provide your valued feedback (approx. 5 minutes)
Pilot participation is intended to be easy, informative and fun. Experience a multitude of ways to report, learn and take action as guided by the information listed below. Please ensure all pilot requirements for Report, Learn, Take Action and our survey are completed by Friday, October 8, 2021.
Report
Whether you are an avid nature enthusiast or sidewalk stroller, take a moment to observe and report any plants and animals you see. Every report helps scientists track and protect Canada’s biodiversity from unwanted impacts, including invasive species.
As a volunteer please aim to complete a minimum of 20 observations and/or reports in one of two ways:
- Download the Report Invasives app
- Download and join “I Spy and Identify” iNaturalist project
Learn
ISCBC has designed an online “Invasive-Wise Community Science Course”.
This course is delivered virtually, so you can participate from anywhere in the province, at your own pace. On completion of the online course you will be awarded a certificate that can be added to your resume or social accounts. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the Invasive-Wise Community Science Course are now live.
By the end of the course, you will know:
- Why you should care about invasive species and how you can make a difference
- How to report through the Report Invasives or iNaturalist apps
- Impacts on biodiversity and climate change and the value of native species
- How to take action as an individual or in a group
Instructions:
- Click here to join the Community Science Course
- Use the code PILOT2021 to access the course for free
- List PILOT2021 as your “Organization” when enrolling
In consideration of your volunteer commitment for this pilot, we have asked volunteers to complete Levels 1 and 2. If you are on a roll and want to know more about how to get involved in your community, please consider completing Level 3.
Take Action
Want to get more involved? Check out these resources to take action in your community:
- 50 ways to take action in your community
- Learn about simple changes you can make to protect BC’s biodiversity
- Learn about your local invasive species organization
- Keep up to date with ISCBC news and events
- Share and celebrate your successes with us on social media by tagging ISCBC and using the hashtag #BCinvasives
Give us your Feedback
Thank you for participating and helping shape the development of our community science network and resources! Your feedback is important to us so we can develop a valuable program across the province to engage people in the protection of BC’s biodiversity.
Please fill out our survey to let us know your thoughts once you have completed these steps:
- Made a minimum of 20 observations and/or reports
- Completed Invasive-Wise Community Science Course Levels 1 and 2
- Reviewed the resources
The survey will take you approximately 5 minutes and includes an option to receive a small gift. Thank you so much for your time and commitment to helping us develop a fun and engaging community science network for British Columbians.
CONTACT
Should you need assistance or have any questions, please contact:
