#5: Every Observation a Discovery: How iNaturalist Changes Lives and Changes Science
Apr 22, 2024
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Jennifer Rycenga, a humanities professor and iNaturalist user, shares how the app connects people to nature. Topics include integrating iNaturalist into language classes, discovering species, participating in the City Nature Challenge, and embracing nature. Learn how this technology transforms lives and contributes to global conservation efforts.
iNaturalist app enables global community of nature enthusiasts and citizen scientists to contribute valuable data for science and conservation efforts.
iNaturalist fosters curiosity and learning among students, integrating natural history into language classes for fun bug safaris.
Deep dives
The Power of iNaturalist App in Connecting People with Nature
The iNaturalist app revolutionizes our connection to the natural world by making species identification accessible to all through a simple photo capture and AI-driven identification process. With nearly 4 million users worldwide, iNaturalist has evolved into a global community of nature enthusiasts and citizen scientists contributing valuable data for science and conservation efforts.
The Role of iNaturalist in Education and Language Learning
iNaturalist serves as a valuable educational tool, fostering curiosity and learning among students by integrating natural history into language classes. By exploring cities around the world through iNaturalist, students engage in a fun bug safari, discovering and identifying various organisms while honing their observation skills and language proficiency.
The Impact of Community Science and BioBlitzes in Biodiversity Conservation
Through initiatives like BioBlitzes and community science projects, iNaturalist empowers individuals to actively participate in biodiversity conservation. By contributing observations and supporting computer vision technology for species identification, users play a vital role in building a comprehensive database that aids in understanding and preserving ecosystems worldwide.
Have you ever seen a bird or a tree, and wondered what it is? Why did that bird show up here? How come I've never seen that tree anywhere else?
Just a few years ago, you'd need to consult an expert or spend loads of time reviewing field guides and natural history books to get those answers.
Today, the answers are at your fingertips. And with curiosity comes the satisfaction of learning.
Explore the transformative power of the iNaturalist app through the journeys of Jennifer Rycenga, a humanities professor turned nature enthusiast, Joseph Montes de Oca, a high school foreign languages teacher, and Cat Chang, an architecture professor and now, an iNaturalist board member.
Hear how this technology is connecting millions globally, from identifying species to contributing to vital science databases.
And learn how YOU can join the movement and start your own adventure today!
Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.
CREDITS This podcast episode was written, edited, and produced by Michael Hawk. Our host and co-writer is Griff Griffith.
The following music was used for this media project: Music: Imagefilm 033 by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/535-imagefilm-033 License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Mystical Autumn by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9755-mystical-autumn License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license