Growing Community Science in Natural Resource Extension
How can community science projects support meaningful engagement among researchers, community members, and other stakeholders to achieve community benefits? The presentations in this webinar will draw on lessons learned from a variety of projects and initiatives on diverse natural resources topics, but with commonalities for employing community-based participatory approaches to gain positive social impacts and ecological outcomes.
Join us as our speakers share their experiences for engaging stakeholders through community science programming. There will be time for questions!
Our Speakers:
Dr. Adina Merenlender, is a Cooperative Extension Specialist and Adjunct Professor in the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, and the Director of the UC California Naturalist Program. Besides community science, Dr. Merenlender has extensive research and extension interests in conservation biology, climate-wise habitat connectivity, and working lands conservation.
Chris Jadallah (with Ryan Meyer and Heidi Ballard as non-presenting contributors) is a PhD student and NSF Graduate Research Fellow at the Center for Community and Citizen Science at the University of California, Davis. His current research examines how participatory approaches to scientific research and monitoring can foster learning and stewardship. His presentation, Integrating Community Interests and Scientific Priorities through Community-Based Watershed Monitoring, will provide an example of ongoing work where scientists, local stakeholders, students, and teachers are partnering to co-design community science projects related to the Matilija Dam removal in Ventura County, CA.
Angela Gupta is a University of Minnesota Extension Forester who specializes in invasive species education. She has been with UMN Extension for 15 years and has led several invasive species and volunteer programs. Her presentation will be: Invasive species and citizen science initiatives while social distancing.
Contact Barbara Hutchinson with questions:
BarbaraH@cals.arizona.edu