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Originally appears in the Summer 2020 issue.

By Kayleigh Hutt-Taylor

A project transitions

In light of our new circumstances, with many of us adjusting to a new version of normal amidst a global pandemic, there have been some unique opportunities for innovation in science and education. With time (and some imagination), lucky young researchers like myself have been challenged to re-imagine our projects and field seasons by asking new questions and building knowledge through different means. Originally, our urban tree project team was planning for a full field season of tree surveying, during which we would go door to door asking for permission to measure backyard trees on the island of Montréal. We quickly realized that it would be unrealistic to carry this forward, but also saw a perfect opportunity to transition the project to an at-home citizen-science based format. Since many of us are staying home these days, what better time to engage local citizens, students, families, etc. in science and learning?

So, we’ve created a citizen-science-based pilot project for inventorying trees in residential backyards wherein we are asking citizens to survey their own trees. The data we collect will improve our understanding of the entire urban forest. Although our current work is focused in Montréal, this is an activity educators and students can contribute to regardless of where they are situated. The backyard tree survey is best suited to students aged between 12 and 17 years, but could be easily adapted for younger students. Students above the age of twelve could take on this activity individually using our online resources or even write a small assignment on the importance of urban trees (e.g., how they benefit our families, communities, and cities). Younger students could be encouraged to conduct their backyard survey with the help of a family member, sibling, parent, or family friend. Similarly, their “helper” can download our online materials and guide young students through the activity.