Citizen science is an emerging approach to conducting research in the National Parks System. As National Parks work to cultivate stewards for their second century, this strategy is viewed as one that may support scientific efforts while educating, engaging and connecting participants with parks. Citizen science enlists the public in elements of the research process, providing valuable scientific insights and a unique educational experience for participants. As this practice is increasingly leveraged, understanding both the impact for participants and its effectiveness as an engagement strategy for the National Park Service moving forward is important. Gaining a greater sense for how participating may foster bonds with place and inspire stewardship deserves additional research, particularly in National Parks. Accordingly, this phenomenological study examined 22 undergraduate and graduate students contributing to a citizen science effort in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Participants were members of the Rocky Mountain Sustainability and Science Network, an organization involving students in National Park citizen science efforts. Both ecological and social research was conducted by project participants. Pre-post surveys and focus groups were used to investigate place attachment and stewardship motivations of the students.
Results/Conclusions
Study findings indicate a shift toward greater place attachment and stronger stewardship desires following the experience. Additionally, key factors including the social element, hiking, aesthetics of the location, and learning opportunities were viewed as strong contributors to the shift. Key stewardship actions such as additional volunteering, donating, becoming a member of a park advocacy group, encouraging other to visit the parks, planning a return visit, and soliciting support from political representatives were also considered. Again, all stewardship actions recognized a significant shift toward greater stewardship involvement post experience. In contrast to quickly passing through these protected lands, citizen science presents an opportunity for contributors to deeply learn, discover, and gain greater insights into their place of focus. While additional research with diverse participants in a variety of settings is needed, these findings support citizen science as a technique that offers participants a rich science experience promoting bonding with place and encouraging stewardship.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Terril Shorb (Prescott College)