Nowadays, by making simple observations, anyone can contribute to the expansion of knowledge about nature. If you're passionate about wildlife and vegetation, this is your chance to get involved in a scientific project that's close to your heart!
1. Count the birds!
Join the project to observe birds in your garden by registering your observation site on the Oiseaux des jardins website. Count and observe the birds present, reporting only the maximum number of individuals seen simultaneously per species. Spend just ten minutes observing the birds in a strategic location, so as not to disturb them. Your participation contributes to science and allows you to develop your ornithological knowledge. This project is sure to help you and your friends become informed ornithologists!
2. Observe soil biodiversity
Soil biodiversity is essential for fertility, regulating pests and preventing erosion. It is also essential for water purification, carbon storage and biomass production.
Take part in the Soil Biological Quality Observatory and contribute to a scientific adventure accessible to all. Researchers will have large-scale data for the first time!
Different protocols are available for exploring the different soil layers. You can use a beaker to count surface organisms or make an insect hoover for daytime creatures. Operation Snail will enable you to track the snails in your garden. Other protocols for studying earthworms and assessing the degradation of organic matter will soon be available.
3. Spipoll, photograph pollinating insects
Becoming a "spipollian" is easy! You don't need to be an expert, just curious, have a bit of time on your hands and follow the instructions. Take a digital camera, choose a flowering plant and photograph it with the insects foraging on it for twenty minutes. You can do this at home or at Terre Blanche, at any time of year, as long as you follow the instructions in the scientific protocol. Then select a photo for each insect and share them on the SPIPOLL website, trying to identify the specimens.
4. Become a herbonaut
Join Les herbonautes, a fun, collaborative botanical survey programme open to anyone with an interest in the natural sciences and other disciplines. You can contribute to the creation of a scientific database using the millions of photos in the National Herbarium and the RECOLNAT network. Even if you have no knowledge of botany, you can take part by using your general knowledge and curiosity. Together, we can take on this colossal challenge that would otherwise take a single person several centuries to complete.
5. Observe the starry sky
Observe shooting stars and report your observations to researchers using an interactive form, even without any knowledge of astronomy. Your precise data will be invaluable for meteor research. You can even register with the FRIPON network to take part in the search for meteorites on Earth, receiving training and being given priority contact if a fall occurs in your region. It's a unique opportunity to hunt for fascinating objects that have fallen from the sky and contribute to science.
6. Observe wild plants
To take part in the "Sauvages de ma rue" programme, all you have to do is choose a street and take a close look at your surroundings. Use the botanical guide and field sheet provided to locate the plant species among the 240 listed by the researchers. Make a note of the starting and finishing addresses of your exploration, as well as the date of your outing. Indicate the type of environment in which each plant is found and take photographs if necessary to check their identification. Then enter the data collected on the "Sauvages de ma rue" website or mobile application and send it to the Museum's researchers. It's a simple, practical way of contributing to scientific research into urban flora.
7. Watch bumblebees and butterflies
Join the Observatory of Pollinating Bumblebees and Butterflies in Gardens to help researchers understand the impact of urbanisation, climate and gardening practices on these species. You don't need to be an expert, just observe and count the insects according to the protocol provided. Then enter your observations on the dedicated website. It's a great way to help biodiversity!
8. Bear witness to environmental change
To take part, choose an item from the past that evokes environmental change, whether private or public (accessory, newspaper article, archive video, photo, etc.). Explain why this object or document illustrates a gap between the past and the present in terms of nature or our relationship with it. Describe its origins, how it was made and where it is located, and share your emotions about the experience. This is an opportunity to add your contribution to this experimental collection and to reflect on the transformations underway.
9. Earthwatch: geological observation
Join Vigie-Terre, a project open to all those curious about nature, whether beginners or experts in geology. As a volunteer observer, you can report newly exposed sites that are in danger of being lost. You can take part in Vigie-Terre at any time of year, as often as you like, anywhere in mainland France, including during your holidays. Download the field guide provided, go exploring, locate the geological sites and record the information requested. Enter the data on site using your smartphone or at home via the dedicated website. Your observations will help researchers to better understand the Earth and prevent risks.
10. Help the birds!
To take part in BirdLab, install two feeders with sunflower seeds or grease balls on your balcony, terrace or in your garden. If you are unable to do so, you can observe the public feeders. Use the BirdLab app, downloadable free of charge from the App Store or Google Play, to locate your observation spot. Then take fun quizzes to become a player. Learn to recognise specific birds such as the Red-breasted Grosbeak, the Alder Tarin and the Nuthatch, as well as other species. These quizzes allow you to familiarise yourself with the application and acquire the skills needed to identify the birds studied. You are now ready to take part in BirdLab.
The BirdLab application is available in the AppStore and on Google Play.