April is dedicated to the hardworking volunteers who support NOAA science projects through their time and expertise. As a journalist, I am excited to rewrite this article and create a unique piece that honors these individuals’ contributions. With over 564,000 volunteers contributing about 1.3 million hours annually, their efforts are critical in helping NOAA achieve its mission. Whether they are investigating heat impacts in urban areas or surveying marine debris, their work is invaluable.
As a journalist, I encourage readers to join these volunteers and become a NOAA citizen scientist by exploring the diverse range of volunteer opportunities available. Both virtual and in-person projects offer something for everyone interested in contributing to scientific research. By doing so, you will be making an impact on our understanding of our planet and its ecosystems.
To celebrate Citizen Science Month, NOAA has partnered with the NOAA Central Library to host a Citizen Science Webinar series. The upcoming webinar on “Getting Started in Citizen Science” presented by Rebecca Funk from the NOAA Citizen Science Program Support team takes place on April 18th. It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about how they can contribute to scientific research through citizen science initiatives. Additionally, recordings of past webinars are available on the NOAA Education YouTube playlist for those who may miss the live event.
Throughout the month of April, stories shared by volunteers about their experiences and how their participation has impacted science and communities will be highlighted on social media at @NOAAEducation. It’s an excellent way to learn more about what these individuals do and how you can get involved as well. So let’s take this opportunity to celebrate Citizen Science Month by following along on social media and learning more about how we can all contribute to scientific research through citizen science initiatives!
