iNaturalist

Citizen science plays an important role in data that is collected and analyzed by scientists all across the globe. This data may be applied for many purposes, such as recognizing endangered species, tracking migratory patterns, and locating the expansion of invasive species. iNaturalist, a non-profit, does all this and more. 

I use iNaturalist, and in essence I find it a very enjoyable and useful tool for my personal growth of knowledge of field biology. The database revolves around millions of users who add observations of organisms, from dicots to mammals to boletes; add the location found and submit it. This observation then has to be confirmed, called an “identification” on iNaturalist, by at least one other user who is able to do so. This “person” can be someone with a doctorate partly specialized in identifying research with this species to a regular neighbor who knows their woods very well. Once identified, the observations are considered “research grade” and may be used for data collection or may be shared with other international databases, such as GBIF. As users generate millions of research-grade observations each year, researchers, students, and scientists have much information at their disposal. For those worrying over the accuracy of the identifications, it is up to 93%. It is still recommended that individuals check observations one by one, as mistakes do occur. 

What is even more enjoyable, aside from the tactical purposes of the non-profit, is the sheer pleasure that comes as a result of one’s enlightenment of nature. When I began using the services in early February of 2024, I had no idea of how to differentiate any species of tree, grass, flower or sedge. Now I am comfortable in identifying virtually every species of tree, fern, woodland flower, weed or invasive species. Not so much with Poaceae, which requires tiresome work to notice the smallest details, and acknowledging the looming potential for hybridization. And as a result of my knowledge, I feel more welcome in the natural world, acknowledging what really surrounds my body as I walk near a stream. 

If you wish to learn more about what is under your shoes or what that tree in your backyard is – or bird, or mammal, or anything – give iNaturalist a show. iNaturalist will not only teach you multitudes, but will give you plenty of material for pleasure.