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Want to be a citizen scientist?

  • Jane Fasullo
  • Oct 7, 2024
  • 1 min read

Want to get involved with citizen science?  Now you can.

 

Projects to track, count, mark, protect and document diamondback terrapins (a form of turtle) are going on around the island. 


One non-profit that has been doing it is Seatuck Environmental Association which worked with the Jamaica Bay Terrapin Research Project (out of Hofstra University) and the Peconic Estuary Partnership in the past. Information about Seatuck and its programs as well as contact information is at www.seatuck.org. Seatuck also has a mammal study going on right now.

 

Another organization that uses citizens to help monitor terrapins is Friends of Flax Pond (Friends Of Flax Pond (flaxpondfriends.org). The project is managed by Nancy Grant. The website is a bit out of date but the information about terrapins on the site is timeless, and the project itself normally starts between late-May and mid-June depending on water and air temperatures. If interested in helping with her work at West Meadow, Stony Brook or at Flax Pond, Setauket, email her at flaxpondfriends@gmail.com.  She especially needs those with experience in tracking, protecting, and tagging terrapins. Even if she can’t use you right away, if you email her, she can keep you in the loop about future training and monitoring sessions as well as what is happening with the project.  

10 Comments


Simon Jack
Simon Jack
7 days ago

La **calculadora de finiquito** se ha convertido en una solución práctica para quienes desean evitar conflictos laborales. Al tener una estimación clara, el trabajador puede dialogar con la empresa de manera informada. Esto mejora la comunicación y reduce la posibilidad de desacuerdos innecesarios.

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Theo Wilson
Theo Wilson
Apr 15

This is such a cool opportunity for anyone wanting to get involved in citizen science! Tracking and protecting diamondback terrapins sounds like a really meaningful hands-on project.

When lectures get long and boring, reading about local environmental initiatives like this becomes one of my favourite things to do when bored in class. It also gave me some brilliant gcse speech ideas on conservation, community action, and protecting wildlife!

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John Kelly
John Kelly
Apr 02

I read the article about wanting to be a citizen scientist and it explains how everyday people can join real science projects by helping collect data, observe nature, or support research with scientists, which can grow curiosity and knowledge for everyone involved. Citizen science lets volunteers contribute to real research and learn while doing it.  It reminded me of a busy term when I had too much coursework, and I thought to hire someone to take my online Management Class so I could stay on track and still explore new learning opportunities. That showed me how support and balance help you keep growing.

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Emily Jones
Emily Jones
Mar 06

I really liked how the article highlights that anyone can contribute to real scientific research, even without formal training, by simply observing and reporting data in their own neighborhoods. It got me thinking about how experiences like these could actually inspire a GCSE speech on community involvement or environmental responsibility, showing that learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom. It also reminded me of the kind of reflection you do in assignment services, breaking down what you observed, why it matters, and what could come next—almost like a mini “what, so what, what now” exercise. Do you think projects like this make people feel more connected to science in their daily lives?

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Daniel Brown
Daniel Brown
Feb 26

This is such a great reminder that science isn’t just something that happens in labs or universities — it can happen right in our own communities. I love that there are hands-on opportunities to help protect diamondback terrapins while also learning more about local ecosystems. Citizen science projects like these not only support important research but also give people a real sense of connection to the environment around them.

It’s also inspiring to see groups like Seatuck Environmental Association and Friends of Flax Pond creating space for volunteers to contribute in meaningful ways. Whether someone has experience in tracking and tagging or is just looking to get involved, this sounds like a valuable way to make a difference.

Opportunities like this show…

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