BUDBURST

Gardeners can help scientists understand plants' responses to climate change

- MEGHAN SHINN

A bumblebee visits pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida). Participants in Budburst, a participatory science project, can record pollinator visits to help researchers understand how climate change may be affecting plant-animal interactions.

In PARTICIPATORY SCIENCE, people from all walks of life contribute to research projects that build toward a better understanding of the natural world. Usually designed and managed by professional scientists, these programs allow an organization to gather a larger amount of data, perhaps over a bigger area or time period, than would be possible for a small team to collect. Meanwhile, participants learn more about the subject at hand, gain experience in the scientific process and put their passions and efforts toward a bigger cause.

In the United States, there are hundreds of participatory-science opportunities, with programs designed to work on a local, regional or national level. Many can be found in the searchable catalog at the website CitizenScience.gov. This year in Horticulture we're spotlighting a few nationally accessible projects that may be especially interesting and convenient for gardeners.

BUDBURST