Citizen Science Efforts in Montana
Below are listings for a variety of citizen science efforts in Montana that offer ways to learn about species and habitats in the state and potentially contribute useful data to the Montana Natural Heritage Program so that it can be used by natural resource managers to conserve and protect native species and habitats and control non-native species that represent a threat to Montana's native flora and fauna.
Reporting Applications
iNaturalist
iNaturalist is a widely used global platform that allows people to report observations of any species with either photos or sound files. The application has algorithms that suggest species identifications that the user can accept or suggest their own identification. Others in the iNaturalist community, including global experts for particular species groups, can then verify the species identity or suggest a new identification. There are numerous projects in iNaturalist that users can contribute to. Please use and share the following resources on how to use iNaturalist:
eBird
Most popular application for reporting bird observations, photos, and sound files around the globe. Find birding hotspots and keep life lists of birds.
Montana Invasive Species Council
Report known or suspected aquatic invasive species, noxious weeds, tree pests, feral hogs, livestock diseases, and other non-native species.
Wild Spotter
Report invasive species in America's wilderness areas, wild rivers, and other natural areas.
Citizen Science Programs
Montana Citizen Botany Program
Citizen Botanists for the Montana Natural Heritage Program and Montana Native Plant Society relocate and survey populations of plant species of concern in order to track their status and identify management needs.
Montana Audubon Citizen Science Projects
Take part in citizen science projects for Owls, Long-billed Curlews, Chimney Swifts, Nightjars, and other species.
Montana Bumble Bee Atlas
Help the Xerces Society survey for bumble bee species across Montana in order to understand the distribution and status and how we can better protect these important pollinators.
Glacier National Park Citizen Science
Help with surveys for species such as Common Loon, Mountain Goat, American Pika, and migrating raptors.
Whitefish Lake Institute
Help monitor water quality and the presence of aquatic invasive species and promote watershed stewardship with the Northwest Montana and Upper Columbia Lakes Networks.
Montana Master Naturalist Programs
Montana Natural History Center
Montana Audubon Center
Swan Valley Connections
Montana Discovery Foundation
