What is community science? 

Community science means members of the public seeking to answer a question using science, often collaborating with professional scientists. This can look a lot of ways. A definition from our partner UC Davis Center for Community & Citizen Science explains: 

Community Science and Citizen Science engage members of the public to collaborate with professional scientists to conduct research-based investigations, engage in monitoring activities, collect data, and interpret results, and produce new knowledge used for natural resource management or basic research. This includes community science, which is community-driven research or monitoring in partnership with scientists. 

What's the difference between "Community Science" and "Citizen Science?"

The term "citizen science" is sometimes used interchangeably with "community science." This is because in more recent years the word citizen, while not intended in this context as a political status, has been recognized as exclusionary by such programs and they have increasingly pivoted toward the more inclusive word community.  

However, community science is also a distinct, community-driven practice rooted in communities engaging in science to seek environmental justice. Citizen science opportunities are often institution-driven initiatives that involve public participation. Both engage non-scientists in the process of science. Today, citizen science is increasingly seen as a subset of community science, and community science is increasingly being used as a broad term for multiple types of participatory science programs. 

For a deeper dive, see:  

• At this time, many One Tam activities are driven by agency research needs. One Tam recognizes that to aid public understanding of our programs, we are using a term that carries a history distinct from the way we are using it. 
• While our current programs are created to serve specific community needs, our work is expanding access to informal science education and skill-building. We are actively engaging with community partners to bring these programs to a broader audience than traditional citizen science participation. We aspire to support more community-driven inquiry in our work in the future, in addition to fulfilling One Tam partner agency knowledge gaps. 
• Our volunteers also help shape our programs – we value and respond to the input of our volunteers and our programs reflect this. Let us know if you have ideas or feedback.

Who can do community science?  

Anyone! You do not need to have special knowledge or skills to start. We have activities for you that take place outside in the parks or in the comfort of your own home. A few of our activities are more appropriate for experienced volunteers. Anyone can gain this experience through participating.  

If you’re not sure about participating, please contact communityscience@onetam.org with your questions.  

Are there age requirements for community science programs?

Marin Wildlife Watch: 

All Marin Wildlife Watch participants must be 13. This is a requirement of the terms of service for Wildlife Insights, the platform we use for the program.  

Tamalpais Bee Lab: 

These events are generally appropriate for people aged 13 and up. We have hosted families with kids as young as 7 and everyone had a great time. Middle school and high school students routinely participate and return for more. Ultimately, you know your group the best.  

Bioblitzes: 

Everyone from elders to children and infants (with an adult participant) is welcome to Bioblitz events. Please refer to the individual event page to make sure that the location and format will be fun for you and/or your group.  

Each bioblitz is different. Some are aimed at seasoned naturalists and iNaturalist superstars and may involve detailed instruction from an expert. Others are joyous occasions for nature appreciation tailored at curious observers and those just getting started with iNaturalist. Some involve robust hiking to hard-to-access locations while others are a leisurely stroll in the park.  

What community science resources do you recommend?

Check out the work of partners in our network: 

• California Academy of Sciences 
• Citizen Science Association 
• UC Davis Center for Community & Citizen Science