Sign onto Engagement with iNaturalist

In an interview with Jon Kauffman, an active employee at Shaver’s Creek, he explains the practice of citizen science. He reveals that it is “important to have scientific world and community connection because it can give folks empowerment to make a difference” and how this practice can “reduce funding for research.” So, even if you are just passing a through a small park or spending a Sunday hiking Mt. Nittany before classes pick back up on Monday, there are multiple ways to engage and ask questions about the natural world around you.

“In April you can’t find a weekend where there is nothing to do,” Jon says as he smiles. He displays his passion and longing to spread information about the outdoors when he discusses his roles at Shaver’s creek. He works closely with hawks and further expresses how he would love for people to ask prompting questions such as “Why are they soaring?” Jon explains how we can “break barriers” educationally by asking questions.

To assist in the breaking of barriers, the utilization of technology can be advertised within the parks system. Technology is a tool we can utilize to learn more about the world around us. According to Jon, iNaturalist is an app that provides “a sense of wonder” and “data entry” which are both attributes of a user friendly and engaging tool. Norris Muth, Member of the Ferguson Township Parks & Recreation Committee, outlines how the app is an “inexpensive opportunity” to engage with the natural world.

Parks serve many different needs. For Jon, Fairbrook Park in Central Pennsylvania is a place “I can drive five minutes to and step away from yard work to enjoy the evening and last few minutes of the day.” He explains how “having parks nearby creates ways to engage without creating a large carbon footprint.” With betterment and reduction of a footprint, comes knowledge and education on certain topics. Norris Muth explains that the iNaturalist app is a great way for beginner explorers to “observe and identify” as well as “make suggestions about what you think you are looking at” and engaging with.

Jon outlines what our communal plan should be going forward. He reveals that “we need to make a connection to people and if people care about something they will want to conserve it.” The three step ideal includes: connection, care, conserve. The more we draw a connection between the community and parks, the more the people will care, and in return, the more people will see the importance of engagement and conservation with the natural world around them.

The National Recreation and Park Association outlines their three points regarding “conservation and environmental stewardship.” They reveal that 1) “providing carbon‐reducing sustainable landscapes that cleanse, replenish, reduce, and protect wildlife habitat,” 2) offer the public safe and healthy access to nature, and 3) contribute to the economic well-being of communities through outdoor recreation.

The points outlined by the National Recreation and Park Association relates to Jon’s list of connection, care, and conserve in that they reveal a sense of effort in wanting to better the natural world around us. Perhaps if we become knowledgeable in what we are looking at, with tools such as iNaturalist, we can formulate a connection, care, and then conserve?