Montana State to host citizen science event on April 21 during Earth Week

BOZEMAN - Montana State University and Sacajawea Audubon Society will host a celebration of citizen science from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at the Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve.

The preserve is Montana's largest restored urban wetland, located southeast of Bozeman's Village Downtown neighborhood, with access off Village Crossing Way or East Main Street. Visitors should use the preserve's map to choose a public parking option and walking route.

The event, held in honor of Earth Week and Citizen Science Month, invites community members of all ages to learn how everyday observations such as photographing landscapes, monitoring air quality and identifying plants and birds can contribute valuable data to scientific research and conservation efforts. The celebration is sponsored by the Montana National Science Foundation EPSCoR's SMART FIRES project, an MSU-led effort to study how fire and smoke impact communities using the knowledge of 120 Montana scientists, engineers and educators.

The celebration is free and open to the public. Registration is highly encouraged but not required.

"This event shows how accessible and meaningful citizen science can be," said Rebecca Richter, communications and outreach specialist for Montana NSF EPSCoR, short for the NSF's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. "You just need to bring your curiosity and a willingness to observe the world around you."

Attendees will hear from MSU researchers and Sacajawea Audubon Society representatives, explore the preserve's Chronolog photo monitoring stations, learn how to use popular citizen science apps on their cell phones and discover upcoming volunteer opportunities at the preserve and beyond. There will also be activities for young children. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Participants will check in at a welcome station on the preserve before walking to the Kingfisher Pavilion, where the program begins. Attendees are encouraged to review the preserve's parking options in advance. Pets are not permitted at the event.

For more information, visit the MSU Calendar.