Community Scientists at Nachusa Grasslands
Who are community scientists, and how can I become one at Nachusa?
Nachusa’s community scientists are composed of volunteers who are passionate about their subject and want to contribute to scientific research.
Do community scientists need prior experience or a science degree?
No previous experience or scientific background is needed to volunteer, although some monitoring programs require approved initial and/or refresher trainings. Some community scientists may desire to seek further training and acquire new skills, while others can assist trained community scientists to learn the monitoring process.
What community scientist opportunities are available at Nachusa?
Check the various web pages and sign up below to learn more about becoming a community scientist at Nachusa.
Nachusa’s community scientists are composed of volunteers who are passionate about their subject and want to contribute to scientific research.
Do community scientists need prior experience or a science degree?
No previous experience or scientific background is needed to volunteer, although some monitoring programs require approved initial and/or refresher trainings. Some community scientists may desire to seek further training and acquire new skills, while others can assist trained community scientists to learn the monitoring process.
What community scientist opportunities are available at Nachusa?
- Butterfly monitoring (2026 volunteers needed. Submit form to express interest.)
- Science Grant Committee (2026 volunteers welcome. Submit form to express interest.)
- Frog monitoring (2026 currently full. Submit form to express interest for next season.)
- Odonate monitoring – dragonflies and damselflies (2026 currently full. Submit form to express interest for next season.)
- RiverWatch stream monitoring (2026 currently full. Submit form to express interest for next season.)
Check the various web pages and sign up below to learn more about becoming a community scientist at Nachusa.
UPDATED 03/2026