42 2024 Annual Report
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Conservation
Community science
Community science, also known as citizen science, is the meaningful involvement of volunteers in
scientifi c research. It often takes the form of researchers designing projects specifi cally for community
members to help collect useful data. When done well, community science benefi ts both the organization
conducting the research and the community scientists themselves.
Community Science off ers a platform for Game and Parks to increase data for research projects and inform
the public about the work the agency does. In turn, volunteers are able to contribute to projects they care
about, build community with like-minded people, and learn more about topics that interest them.
In 2024, we off ered a variety of community science projects and events with more than 1,900 participants
throughout the year. A few project highlights include:
Nebraska Bumble Bee Atlas
Forty-three participants conducted surveys to document bumble bees across the state this year through
the Nebraska Bumble Bee Atlas, including an observation of the Indiscriminate cuckoo bumble bee. This was
the fi rst observation of this species in the state since 2000. The Nebraska Bumble Bee Atlas is a collaboration
between Game and Parks and the Xerces Society.
Participants
conducted surveys
to document bumble
bees across the state
this year through the
Nebraska Bumble
Bee Atlas, which
is a collaboration
between the
Nebraska Game and
Parks Commission
and the Xerces
Society.
