Public participation in scientific research (PPSR) refers to initiatives in which the public is involved in one or more phases of scientific research – from defining questions to using results – and encompasses citizen science, participatory monitoring, community science, and a variety of other endeavors and approaches. PPSR offers significant opportunities for conservation by addressing the increasing demand for information and the need for action, from identifying species at risk, to interpreting data for policy and management, to increasing public understanding and stewardship of the natural environment. For such research partnerships to advance goals for all involved, it is essential to better understand factors that influence specific outcomes and impacts. Conservation scientists and practitioners, resource managers, academics, community and project leaders, educators, land stewards, and others gathered to discuss key issues for PPSR in relation to conservation goals at a workshop at the American Museum of Natural History in April 2011. This group identified key challenges, facilitating factors, and best practices for PPSR to have greater relevance for conservation questions and outcomes, including generating data that is relevant and meaningful, reaching and engaging new audiences, and implementing processes that integrate conventional science and other forms of knowledge. This paper will present tools and recommendations derived from the workshop that contribute to advancing the field of PPSR by addressing science, education, and conservation goals. This talk was presented at the 2011 meetings of the International Symposium on Society and Resource Management (Madison, WI) and the Ecological Society of America (Austin, TX).

1. Engaging the Public in Scientific Research for Conservation B2M Productions/ Getty Images, Ramsey Blacklock/ Istock, Jeroen Peys/ Istock, seattleaquarium.org Meg Domroesea, Jennifer Shirkb, Rick Bonneyb, Heidi Ballardd, Eleanor Sterlinga, Judy Brausc, Anne Toomeya, Robert Pettyc, Felicity Arengoa a Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of Natural History bCornell Lab of Ornithology c National Audubon Society dUniversity of California, Davis Based on presentations made at the 2011 meetings of the International Symposium on Society and Resource Management (Madison, WI) and the Ecological Society of America (Austin, TX)

2. How can public participation in scientific research (PPSR) bridge science and practice for conservation? Challenges and opportunities for science, education, and conservation aims Workshop participant experiences and perspectives Key issues and next steps www.monitoringmatters.org

3. engaging discussion data role students science learning and biodiversity for projects working stewardship members conservation: policy relevance credibility citizenship global public identity tools scientists participation community environmental in scientific groups potential networks strategies local research empowerment PPSR understanding A workshop held at the American Museum of Natural History, April 7th-8th, 2011.

4. Challenges and Opportunities Scientific Debate Learning Translating into Conservation

6. Multiple Approaches Contributory Collaborative Co-Created Define a question/issue Gather information Develop explanations Design data collection methods Collect samples Analyze samples Analyze data Interpret data/conclude Disseminate conclusions Discuss results/inquire further Bonney et al. 2009. Public Participation in Scientific Research: Defining the Field and Assessing its Potential for Informal Science Education. caise.insci.org/resources

7. CASE: Monarch Larva Monitoring Project Karen Oberhauser, University of Minnesota, Dept of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology and Extension Service Collect long-term data on egg and larva abundance and milkweed habitat to improve understanding of breeding monarch distribution and abundance

9. Identify need for and success of conservation effortsPhoto by MLMP volunteer Denny Brooks

10. CASE: Ndee Bini’bida’ilzaahiPictures of Apache Land 1957 Jonathan Long, US Forest Service Build community capacity to restore culturally and ecological important places using traditional knowledge and science 2005

13. Diversity and inclusiveness

14. Integration of local, lay and traditional knowledges

15. Incorporation of conservation actionKevin Frey, AMNH-CBC

16. Next Big Directions for the Field Citizen Science Central (citizenscience.org) PPSR module for Tools of Engagement audubon.org/toolkit citizenscience.org

17. Next Big Directions for the Field Developing and testing assessment instruments for PPSR Best practices for PPSR data management

18. Next Big Directions for the Field Professional association for PPSR Kevin Frey, AMNH-CBC

19. Acknowledgments Fiona Brady, Andres Gomez, Karen Oberhauser, Jonathan Long, and all of the workshop participants Please join the network! Contact cscentral@cornell.edu

20. Resources Citizen Science Central toolkit, project database, community forum, and more citizenscience.org citizenscience.org/ conference/ppsr2011 CAISE inquiry group report, Public Participation in Scientific Research, Bonney et al. 2009caise.insci.org/resources Proceedings of 2007 Citizen Science Toolkit Conference, McEver et al. 2007 citizenscience.org/conference/toolkitconference/presentations Tools of Engagement audubon.org/toolkit Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, AMNH cbc.amnh.org