Our Citizen Science Projects
At Charlotte’s Quest Nature Center, we believe science is strongest when the community participates. Our Citizen Science Projects invite volunteers of all ages to contribute meaningful data to real-world conservation efforts right here in our region and beyond.
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Bluebird Monitoring Program
Our Bluebird Monitoring Program supports the conservation of Eastern Bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting birds through structured nest box monitoring.
Volunteers adopt one or more nest boxes during the breeding season (typically March–August) and conduct weekly observations. Monitors record nesting activity, egg counts, hatch dates, fledging success, and species occupancy. Data collected helps track reproductive success, detect invasive species such as House Sparrows, and inform best practices for habitat management.
No prior ornithology experience is required—training and protocols are provided. This program is ideal for families, retirees, and anyone interested in hands-on conservation work.
Impact:
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Supports local bluebird populations
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Contributes long-term data for regional conservation efforts
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Provides direct engagement with native wildlife
City Nature Challenge: Bio Blitz 2026
Charlotte’s Quest will participate in the 2026 City Nature Challenge, a global community science event that mobilizes cities worldwide to document local biodiversity over a four-day Bio Blitz.
Participants use the iNaturalist app to photograph and upload observations of wild plants, animals, fungi, and insects. Each observation becomes part of a global biodiversity database used by researchers, conservationists, and land managers.
Whether you’re an experienced naturalist or simply curious about the wildlife in your backyard, this event offers a fun and meaningful way to contribute to large-scale ecological research.
Impact:
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Contributes data to international biodiversity research
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Raises awareness of local ecosystems
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Engages families, students, and first-time citizen scientists
Seasonal Signs of Nature (Coming Soon)
How do we know when spring has truly arrived? When do the first leaves appear? When do monarchs return? When does the first frost settle across the meadow?
Our Seasonal Signs of Nature program invites community members to observe and record the natural changes happening all around us. This informal citizen science initiative focuses on noticing and documenting seasonal shifts including first blooms, migrating birds, leaf color changes, insect activity, frost dates, and more.
Participants use simple observation guides provided by Charlotte’s Quest to track what they see, either on our grounds or in their own neighborhoods. Observations may be recorded in personal journals, submitted through seasonal challenges, or shared through photos.
No formal training or scientific background is required, just curiosity and careful observation.
Over time, these collective observations help us build a living record of how our local ecosystem changes throughout the year and deepen our community’s connection to place.
Impact:
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Encourages close observation and environmental awareness
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Builds a community-generated record of seasonal change
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Engages families, students, and lifelong learners
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Connects climate conversations to lived, local experience
How to Participate
Email jennifer@charlottesquest.org for more information about these programs.
