Be a citizen scientist

Autumn, Acadia National Park, United States
Photograph by Philippe Bourseiller

"For more than a century, amateur bird-watchers have helped conservationists keep an eye on early winter bird populations. Each year the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the United Kingdom has organized the Garden Birdwatch, an all-day census undertaken by a huge network of nature lovers. This is the biggest bird census in the world and a project that no one group of scientists would have the time or funding to accomplish on their own.

"Lend your eyes and a little of your time to help with the next survey. You could learn how to recognize common and rare birds, including sparrows, cormorants, finches, herons, and owl. Other major projects monitor watersheds or weather patterns, or you could speak to the warden at your local park or nature reserve to see of they could use your help in your next walk."

- from the book '365 Ways to Save the Earth' by Philippe Bourseiller