Earth Citizen Science

How does the diversity of native plant species affect overall biodiversity—particularly pollinators and beneficial insects—within designed landscapes?

Which combinations of native shrubs, perennials, and grasses yield the highest improvements in local bird and insect populations?

Data Points:

• Pollinator counts (bees, butterflies, beneficial insects)
• Bird species presence and frequency
• Insect diversity and abundance (species richness)

Collection Techniques:

• Visual Surveys: Regular, scheduled counts using standardized observation protocols.
• iNaturalist App: Citizen-science-based documentation (photos, species identification).
• Pollinator Pan Traps: Passive collection to quantify insect diversity.

What is the measurable impact of native perennial cover crops and mulch practices on soil organic matter, moisture retention, microbial diversity, and overall soil fertility?

How do native plant root structures contribute to soil structure stability, erosion prevention, and nutrient cycling compared to non-native ornamental plantings?

Data Points:

• Soil organic matter percentage
• Soil moisture retention levels
• Microbial activity and diversity
• Soil nutrient levels (N, P, K, trace minerals)
• Compaction and bulk density

Collection Techniques:

• Regular Soil Sampling: Lab analysis (soil organic matter, nutrients, pH).
• Field Penetrometer Tests: Measure compaction.
• Soil Moisture Sensors: Automated or handheld meters to monitor moisture.
• Microbial Testing Kits: Laboratory-based tests (e.g., PLFA analysis for soil biology).

How effectively can strategically designed native rain gardens or bio-swales reduce runoff, capture stormwater, and improve water quality in urban or suburban settings?

Which native plants provide optimal water filtration or nutrient absorption in different soil types?

Data Points:

• Runoff volumes before and after installation
• Infiltration rates of rain gardens or swales
• Water quality parameters (turbidity, nutrients, contaminants)
• Rainfall capture volume (rain barrels, cisterns)

Collection Techniques:

• Flow Meters or Manual Gauges: Track water capture or runoff volumes.
• Percolation Tests: Standardized infiltration tests at regular intervals.
• Simple Water Quality Test Kits: Regular sampling for baseline and ongoing analysis.

Which native plant species demonstrate the highest resilience to extreme weather events such as drought, flooding, heatwaves, or freeze events in the southeastern US?

How do ecological landscaping practices (like reducing turf areas, using native groundcovers, or planting diverse hedgerows) improve a landscape’s capacity to adapt to changing climatic conditions?

Data Points:

• Plant survival rates after extreme weather events
• Growth rate and vigor comparisons among plant species
• Timing and length of bloom periods
• Incidence of disease or pest infestations under stress conditions

Collection Techniques:

• Field Observations and Logs: Post-weather event assessments.
• Photo Monitoring Stations: Repeat photography to document plant responses over time.
• Sensor Data: Microclimate sensors measuring temperature, humidity, wind, and rainfall.

How do native shrubs (such as viburnums, hollies, and elderberries) influence local food webs, specifically regarding bird feeding behavior and insect population control?

Can strategically designed native hedgerows measurably improve connectivity between fragmented habitats, increasing wildlife movement?

Data Points:

• Feeding patterns of birds (fruit consumption, insect predation)
• Insect herbivory rates on native plants
• Predator-prey relationships and occurrences (beneficial insect populations vs. pests)

Collection Techniques:

• Motion-Activated Wildlife Cameras: Record wildlife activity.
• Direct Observations: Systematic bird or insect surveys at set intervals.
• Exclusion/Netting Experiments: Monitor changes in plant/insect interactions with or without predator access.