Ways to participate

Vital Signs seeks individuals and groups from a variety of backgrounds, interests, and passions to contribute to and support all aspects of our statewide community effort. You don't need to be a professional scientist or practicing educator to make a difference in this community.

Whether you prefer to work alone or with others, collect and submit data, make use of our data to answer questions, provide specific scientific expertise, or want to help our participating teachers enhance their students' learning experience, we have something for just about everyone. Here are some ways you can participate:

Investigators

Investigators explore local ecosystems, document whether they find or don't find native and invasive species there, and populate the Vital Signs website with their observations. You don't need to be a professional scientist to look for species and collect data - our resources and web applications will guide you. Learn more>

Middle School Teachers

Grades 7 and 8 teachers use Vital Signs resources to create authentic, inquiry-based learning experiences for their students. Motivate and guide students' involvement in and contributions to the Vital Signs community. Share your own curriculum and best practices with our online teaching community. Start by participating in one of our Summer Institutes or just dig into the website and online resources and get started on your own. Lean more >

Field Trip Supporters

Support in the field can make all the difference in the comfort of teachers taking their classes outside and the value of students' learning experience. While the teacher may have specific instructions for volunteers, you will likely work with a small team of students to help focus their energy and coach them to find answers to their own questions. Learn more>

Armchair Coaches

From the comfort of their living room, office, or local public library, Armchair Coaches provide valuable feedback and coaching to Vital Signs Investigators via the commenting function on the Vital Signs website. Reinforce and spark learning by initiating and contributing to discussion forums. Learn more>

Species Expert Reviewers

Species Expert Reviewers are passionate naturalists or scientists who are skilled at identifying a certain native or invasive species, and enthusiastic about encouraging others to learn. Review observations, ensure data quality, confirm or question identifications, provide positive mentoring, and communicate with data collectors statewide. Learn more>

Field Site Hosts

Help to steward and learn more about a place of special interest to you (Land Trust property, city park, wildlife refuge, your backyard) by inviting participating students and teachers there to do their Vital Signs investigations. Learn more>

Community Educators

Community Educators associated with on-going educational efforts in their communities may incorporate Vital Signs into their formal and non-formal programming. Vital Signs can be used to engage learners of all ages, increase community awareness and knowledge of native and invasive species, facilitate data collection and sharing, and answer a research question of local significance. Learn more>

Scientists/ Environmental Practitioners

Vital Signs' database of species and habitat observations is available to you for your research. Search the database, sort and export data, and tell the Vital Signs community how you're using the information to further your work.

An Engaged, Connected Community

Join us Join us if you are interested in invasive species, stewardship, community, research, education, mentoring the next generation, or the myriad of opportunities Vital Signs offers. We offer you a chance to connect with and contribute to the Vital Signs community in ways comfortable to you through both our virtual portal and through personal local connections. Together we can make a difference.