COMMUNITY SCIENCE AT
PEACE VALLEY NATURE CENTER
Discover. Observe. Contribute.
Every observation tells a story.
At Peace Valley Nature Center, visitors of all ages can become community scientists by helping document the incredible diversity of plants, animals, and habitats found throughout the preserve. Whether you're an experienced naturalist or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, your observations help us better understand the natural world while contributing valuable information used for conservation, education, and habitat management.
Community science (also known as citizen science) brings together volunteers and researchers to collect information that would otherwise be impossible for a small staff to gather alone. By participating, you'll sharpen your observation skills, deepen your appreciation for nature, and help build a long-term record of biodiversity at Peace Valley.
No scientific background is required—just curiosity.
Project FeederWatch: Every Bird Counts!
Watch birds. Make discoveries. Contribute to science!
Did you know that watching birds at a feeder can help scientists better understand and protect bird populations? Through Project FeederWatch, a community science initiative led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada, everyday birdwatchers contribute valuable observations that help researchers track changes in bird populations, distribution, and behavior across North America.
By counting the birds that visit feeders and surrounding habitats, participants help scientists identify long-term trends, understand how birds respond to changing environmental conditions, and learn more about the challenges they face. Every observation matters, whether it's a familiar chickadee, a colorful cardinal, or an unexpected winter visitor!
Join Us at Peace Valley Nature Center
Experience community science firsthand during our weekly Project FeederWatch sessions! Join fellow nature enthusiasts to observe, identify, and count the birds visiting our feeders. Whether you're an experienced birder or just beginning to discover the joys of birdwatching, everyone is welcome to participate. No special knowledge or equipment is required.
Wednesdays, November 4, 2026 – April 28, 2027
- 10:00–11:00 AM: Bird Blind
- 1:00–2:00 PM: Visitor Center
Each location offers a different perspective on our feathered visitors, and both contribute to the same important scientific effort.
Become a Community Scientist at Home!
You don't have to visit the Nature Center to make a difference! Project FeederWatch welcomes participants of all ages and experience levels to count birds from their own homes, whether they have a backyard feeder, a garden, or simply a window overlooking suitable bird habitat.
By following the project's simple counting guidelines and submitting your observations, you can contribute to a continent-wide database that helps scientists understand how bird populations change over time.
Visit Project FeederWatch to learn how to participate, register your counting location, and begin contributing your own observations.
Together, we can turn a simple love of birds into meaningful conservation science. Every bird counts—and so do you!
Discover Nature with iNaturalist!
Ever wondered what that wildflower, insect, or mushroom might be? With iNaturalist, your curiosity can contribute to real scientific discovery! This free community science platform helps you identify plants, animals, and fungi while sharing observations that support biodiversity research and conservation efforts around the world.
Getting started is easy! Simply download the iNaturalist app, create a free account, and photograph the wildlife you discover. A community of nature enthusiasts and experts can help identify your findings, turning everyday outdoor adventures into valuable scientific observations.
Whether you're exploring the trails at Peace Valley Nature Center or discovering nature in your own backyard, every observation is an opportunity to learn and contribute to science!
Ready to become a community scientist? Visit
www.inaturalist.org
to learn more and start exploring!
Help Map Invasive Plants at Peace Valley Nature Center
Invasive plants threaten the health of forests, meadows, and wetlands by crowding out native species and reducing wildlife habitat. Peace Valley Nature Center is using the free iNaturalist app to map invasive vines, shrubs, grasses, and flowering plants throughout the preserve—and you can help.
Simply photograph invasive plants you encounter during your visit and upload your observations to our iNaturalist project. Every observation helps us identify where invasive species are spreading, prioritize removal efforts, and plan future habitat restoration projects.
No plant expertise is required. Before heading out, stop by the Visitor Center to borrow our Invasive Plant Field Guide, a handy reference featuring the species we're tracking and tips for identifying them in the field. The iNaturalist community can also help confirm your observations, making this an easy way for anyone to contribute to local conservation.
How to Participate
- Stop by the Visitor Center and borrow an Invasive Plant Field Guide.
- Join the Peace Valley Nature Center Invasive Plants project on iNaturalist.
- Photograph invasive plants during your visit.
- Upload your observations through the app.
- Stay on marked trails and leave all plants undisturbed.
Together, we can build a healthier landscape for native plants, pollinators, birds, and other wildlife—one observation at a time.
