In today’s digital world, social media isn’t just for sharing photos—it’s a powerful tool for citizen science and wildlife conservation. While many people associate citizen science with birds or wild cats, there are countless ways that everyday people can contribute to research and conservation from home or in their communities.
For example:
- Tracking Pollinators: Apps like iNaturalist enable users to photograph bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping scientists monitor population trends and assess habitat health.
- Monitoring Water Quality: Community groups often rely on volunteers to test local streams and rivers, reporting results that inform ecosystem management and pollution control.
- Documenting Amphibians and Reptiles: Frog calls, salamander sightings, and snake populations are logged via online platforms, helping researchers understand biodiversity and environmental changes.
- Urban Wildlife Observations: Everyday sightings of raccoons, foxes, or hawks in neighborhoods can provide valuable data on how wildlife adapts to human environments.
At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), we see the value of public engagement every day. Sharing your observations and experiences online not only contributes to essential research but also helps raise awareness of the plight of animals living in captivity or at risk of exploitation. Your photos, videos, and stories can connect you to the animals we care for—like our rescued wild cats—and inspire others to support lifelong sanctuary for these animals.
By participating in citizen science, following our social media, or visiting our website, you become part of a larger conservation movement. Explore more about the TCWR animals’ stories, learn about upcoming rescues, and discover how you can take action to protect captive wildlife by visiting www.tcwr.org.
Together, we can make every observation count—and every share, every post, every click- help support a life of sanctuary for the animals at Turpentine Creek.