Citizen Science Month is coming to the Farmington Public Library
The Farmington Public Library is partnering with local organizations to participate in Citizen Science Month this April. The goal of Citizen Science Month is to complete one million acts of science worldwide. The Farmington Public Library will provide resources for Farmington area residents to connect to a variety of projects that can be completed locally.
Resources Available All Month Long
Starting April 1st, the library will have resources on display to allow patrons to explore the idea of citizen science and learn how to get involved. On April 8th the library will host an open house from 6PM-8PM to highlight projects with local community partners. Included in the open house will be representatives from St. Francois County 4-H, the Farmington Community Garden, the Missouri Department of Conservation, the East Ozark Audubon Society, and Wild Ones Southeast Missouri.
New Citizen Science Kits Available for Patrons
While many Citizen Science projects can be completed with no special equipment, the library will be providing kits with tools needed for specific projects. Four citizen science kits will be available on the following topics: Exploring Biodiversity, Measuring Light in the Night, Observing Pollinators, and Mapping Mosquito Habitats. Birding backpacks will also be available for both children and adults. All of these resources can be checked out for one week at a time with a Farmington Public Library card, which is free for Farmington residents, students who reside in the R-7 school district, and seniors sixty and over.
Projects for All Interests, Ages, and Skill Levels
Highlighted projects will include tracking pollinators, working with NASA to improve satellite imagery, testing water quality, tracking invasive species, working to advance Alzheimer’s research, and more. Citizens can choose to participate in local parks, in their own backyard, or even at home from their computer or phone. There really is something for everyone.
Computer Access and Assistance Available During Library Hours
Citizen Science Month reporting is done through SciStarter.org and does require internet access. The Farmington Public Library removes any barriers to participation by providing internet access to patrons. Guests may also use the computers if they are over the age of eighteen and provide a photo ID. During the month of April citizen scientists can stop in for help with the reporting process, which is done at CitizenScienceMonth.org. This will ensure the acts of science completed in our community will be counted toward the worldwide goal of one million acts of science.
The Farmington Public Library invites you to join us for Citizen Science Month and help fulfill the goal of completing one million acts of science in April 2025! For more information, please contact us at 573-756-5779.
