"I started volunteering with EwA to use my interest (taking pictures of insects) in a helpful way that would benefit more than just my own knowledge and iNaturalist stats. Since joining, I've learned so much not only about the insects of the Lusitania meadow but also about the plants, trees, and birds that complete the biodiversity picture there. What's more, I've found a community of citizen scientists who share my enthusiasm, and I'm lucky to be a part of such a group." — Kate Estrop
⬞⬞⬞
"Each day I am in the woods with EwA, I learn something new and am continually awed by nature. The enthusiasm and dedication of the volunteers is contagious. " — Linda Williams
⬞⬞⬞
"EwA has taught me a lot of new knowledge, and it allows me to be in touch with the field in which I want to work. EwA also shows me on a daily basis that many people are working in favor of environmental conservation, and being able to participate in this wonderful group brings me a lot of personal satisfaction." — Esther Andrade Meirelles
⬞⬞⬞
“One of EwA’s mottos is “Nature Conservation as a Way of Life.” I believe in that. I am an amateur naturalist, and at EwA, I have met like-minded curious naturalists with the mission of collecting biodiversity evidence for national data platforms. It is empowering to contribute to databases that researchers in climate and biodiversity can use in their research. I also love EwA's mission to educate members of the local communities about the nature that surrounds them. EwA gives them the knowledge and tools to notice it and study it and to do that in a way that is respectful to nature. Nature and biodiversity become part of what we notice and care for every day.” — Kathy McGlathery
⬞⬞⬞
“As a citizen scientist, I am rewarded by the ever-changing splendor of the Fells as each season brings a unique sensual experience. During winter, white snow blankets the ground, painting the trees and rocks with a spectrum of color, with only the sound of wind through pine needles. The warmth and light of springtime bring the sound of birdsong everywhere as the first colors poke through snow remnants, slowly giving way to the thick green of summer and the radiant color of fall. Each season has its own way of inviting us to protect this fragile area that brings beauty, peace, and renewal to so many people.” — Tom Dempsey
⬞⬞⬞
“Monitoring with EwA has been a rewarding and fun experience. We follow a set route each week, and it’s so interesting to see how time, the seasons, and the use of the Fells affect the plants and animals we monitor. And knowing that the data we collect contributes to local and national conservation groups makes me feel our efforts are really making a difference in preserving the Fells and other natural areas.” — Lisa DiRocco
⬞⬞⬞
“As a Science teacher, I am passionate about helping students develop the knowledge and confidence to take on an active role in the world. Education is key to empowering the next generation, and EwA’s role in attracting, educating, and retaining citizen scientists is something that I truly appreciate and support.” — Bill MacIndewar
⬞⬞⬞
“A colleague told me of Earthwise Aware. I joined the group on one of the nature outings in the Fells and was immediately drawn to the people and the mission. Being outside makes me happy, and I enjoy being a part of this group.
Just as important, participating in the phenology and arthropod surveys as a citizen scientist allows me to contribute to the collection of data that will inform larger research questions. This is a great way to increase our understanding of biodiversity, which, in turn, will inform the decisions we make on policy on how we conserve and protect species, especially in the face of a changing climate.” — Jennifer Clifford
⬞⬞⬞
“Practicing citizen science with Earthwise Aware is an empowering way to broaden your experience of the ecosystem we all live in. It manages to be both approachable and rigorous, and time spent practicing citizen science with us is time building useful skills, from identification to a more general knowledge of ecosystem dynamics” — Mike McGlathery
⬞⬞⬞
Meet the whole community »