Below you will find links to apps and websites that put the resources to make a difference in your hands. Whether you're looking to just spend a few minutes or dive into a new hobby, there is a project for you!
Participate in Citizen Science
"Take your nature knowledge up a notch with Seek! Use the power of image recognition technology to identify the plants and animals all around you. Earn badges for seeing different types of birds, amphibians, plants, and fungi and participate in monthly observation challenges." Created by iNaturalist.
Free app
"iNaturalist is a social network for sharing biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature. The primary goal is to connect people to nature, and the secondary goal is to generate scientifically valuable biodiversity data from these personal encounters."
Free app
"What's that bird? Merlin offers four fun ways to identify birds. Answer a few simple questions, upload a photo, record a singing bird, or explore birds in a region."
Free app
"eBird Mobile makes it easy to record the birds you find and seamlessly link observations with eBird–a global online database of bird records used by hundreds of thousands of birders around the world. This free resource helps you keep track of your birding activity, while making your data openly available for scientific research, education, and conservation."
Free app
"Little information is currently available on the status, distribution, and ecology of vernal pools in Michigan. We need the help of community/citizen scientists to verify and collect more information about vernal pools across the state. These data will help inform conservation of vernal pools."
"The Michigan Herp (Herpetology) Atlas provides a statewide, publicly accessible, editable database for the state of Michigan. Through the database, citizens can record their own past and present observations to help assess changes in populations over time and measure species health."
"The Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) explores the foundations of conservation in Michigan and its diverse ecosystems. It helps participants gain the skills needed to contribute to land and water stewardship and educational efforts in their local communities. In-person classroom and online sessions are combined with local field experiences that guide students through forestland, grassland, wetland, lake, and stream environments."
"The Michigan Bumble Bee Inventory (MBBI) was developed by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) and Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) to inform a broader understanding of bumble bee biology, diversity, and population trends for species of bumble bees in Michigan. The MBBI is a statewide community science project where participants are encouraged to actively collect bumble bee occurrence data and associated habitat data to inform bumble bee conservation across the state."
A Michigan State University program that "relies on volunteers like you to monitor Sentinel Trees across the state for signs of invasive forest pests."
"As invasive species shift the Great Lakes food web, predators are changing their feeding habits. The Michigan-Huron Diet Study enlists anglers to contribute stomachs from all types of predatory fish caught in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron."
Want to participate in monarch tagging? Download this app to order tags and submit tag data.
Learn more about the status of monarchs from USFWS.
"Firefly Watch Community Science Project combines an annual summer evening ritual with scientific research. Join a network of community scientists around the country by observing your own backyard and help scientists map fireflies."
Certify Your Yard
Organization:
National Wildlife Federation
Requirements:
-Yards or green spaces that provide (1) food, (2) water, (3) cover, (4) places to raise young, and (5) conduct sustainable practices.
-Donation
Organization:
Xerces Society
Requirements:
-Pollinator protection pledge includes (1) growing pollinator-friendly flowers, (2) providing nesting sites, (3) avoiding pesticides, (4) spreading the word.
-Donation
Organization:
Monarch Watch
Requirements:
-Yards or green spaces that provide appropriate habitat and plant species for monarchs.
-Donation
Organization:
North American Butterfly Association
Requirements:
-Yards or green spaces that provide butterfly nectar plants and caterpillar host plants.
-Donation
Organization:
Firefly Conservation and Research
Requirements:
-Yard or green space that (1) provides undisturbed cover for adults and glowing larvae, (2) encourages plant diversity to preserve soil moisture, (3) reduces light pollution, (4) restricts pesticide usage.
-Donation
Organization:
Pollinator Partnership
Requirements:
(1) Plant nectar and pollen-providing plants throughout the bloom season, especially in early spring and late autumn. (2) Provide nesting sites via permanent plantings and by leaving dead stems, bare ground, and tree stumps/snags, or by offering bee boxes. (3) Consider offering a water source. (4) Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides. Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Apply no chemicals to blooming plants or when pollinators are foraging. (5) Pay the annual $20 membership fee.
-Donation
Organization:
Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership
Requirements:
-"A Michigan Shoreland Steward sign is intended to provide recognition for lakefront property owners who are protecting their lake through shoreland best management practices. A recognition sign is only intended for registered participants with properties that have qualified through the MI Shoreland Stewards survey."
-Donation
DIY Projects
Plant a Pollinator Garden
Pollinator gardens are not just for butterflies and bees; they provide important food and habitats for a wide variety of insects, birds, and small mammals. Besides providing important ecological functions, they are beautiful and low maintenance!
It is vital to purchase native plants that have not been treated with pesticides and have, preferably, been grown from Michigan/Great Lakes' genotypes.
Visit East Michigan Native Plants for a list of sellers and resources.
Visit Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's Suppliers Directory for a list of seed companies, nurseries, landscape professionals, and environmental consultants.
Find planting guides for your area from the Pollinator Partnership.
Don't forget to add your native planting to the Homegrown National Park map!
Make a Nest for Native Bees
Pollinators, like native bees, are an essential link in our ecosystems and agriculture, but many are becoming endangered. Learn about the importance of pollinators from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
While "bee hotels" are now being sold at chain stores, it's important to learn what materials and structures are actually safe for native bees. Check out this article to learn more.
Learn how to make your own nests for native bees: MSU or Xerces Society
Build a Bat House
Of Michigan's 9 bat species, 5 are now listed as Threatened or Endangered. Give bats a chance- they need your help!
The Bat Conservation International offers many tips on how to support essential bat species:
-How to attract bats to your backyard
-How to build bat houses (both four-chamber and rocket boxes)
-Tips on buying bat houses and link to supplier
Build a Birdhouse
As habitat is lost, nesting sites for many species of birds are limited.
Check out Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birdhouses website to learn everything you ever wanted to know about birdhouse construction and maintenance.
Be a Bird Champion
Did you know we've lost 1 in 4 birds since 1970? That's nearly 3 billion birds!
Want to help bird populations rebound? Check out the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Seven Simple Actions to Help Birds.
American Bird Conservancy: Learn how to make your windows bird safe!
Plant a Tree
Yep. Planting trees is still helpful.
Visit your local Conservation District's website for seasonal (spring/fall) tree sales.
Project Resources for Educators
"Explore the many ways to connect your students to nature. From virtual live lessons to in-person field trips, to raising real live salmon in your classroom, there are so many ways we can help you get your students outside, or bring the outside in!"
Association of Nature Center Administrators
Visit the ANCA website for a list of environmental education resources primarily curated for children.