Community Science
What is Community Science?
Community science, also known as citizen science, is how YOU can participate in scientific research and environmental monitoring through observation, inquiry, and investigation. Everyone–from children to adults–can join in to explore, learn about, and contribute to the knowledge and understanding of our ecosystems! This is your opportunity to become a scientist, discovering the tools and data used with SSC’s experienced naturalists. By participating in these educational nature programs, you play a vital role in safeguarding our coastal home for today and tomorrow.
Community Science at SSC
At Seacoast Science Center, our goal is to provide community science opportunities that build a connected learning ecosystem, where anyone can share resources and ideas. By engaging youth and community members in place-based observation and monitoring, we can spark a life-long passion for environmental education, strengthen our connection to the natural world, and inspire a commitment to conservation.
We are proud to be a part of the NASA-funded Learning Ecosystems Northeast project. Together, education partners across the Northeast are building local learning communities that are committed to empowering the next generation of climate stewards.
We believe in the transformative power of personal experiences, place-based learning, and local investigation—helping people of all ages develop knowledge and skills to tackle the challenges ahead.
Community Science Programs 2025
Mini BioBlitz!
Step into the wonders of nature with us for an abridged species scavenger hunt—a captivating BioBlitz—in the enchanting Odiorne Point State Park. Together, we will decide which coastal habitats to explore, gathering nets, binoculars, and equipment as we embark on a quest to observe and identify as many species and habitats as possible. Guided by a knowledgeable naturalist, this adventure requires no prior experience, inviting explorers of all ages to join the fun.
| Date | Time |
| Saturday, June 7 | 11am-12:30pm |
Rocky Shore Scientist: Green Crabs
Ready to channel your inner community scientist? Dive into this rocky shore field science adventure! Your mission: gather data to join the battle against invasive green crabs and, who knows, maybe find a tasty solution… literally! SSC naturalists will kick things off with a brief lesson on crab spotting and identification, gentle crab wrangling, and data collection. Then, it’s off to the rocky shores for some hands-on fun! Don’t forget to gear up with close-toed shoes that can get wet and weather appropriate clothing!
| Date | Time |
| Saturday, June 14 | 10-11:30am |
| Sunday, July 20 | 1:30-3pm |
| Saturday, August 16 | 10-11:30am |
Rocky Shore Scavenger Hunt: Invasive Species
Dive into adventure with our hands-on tide pool scavenger hunt! We’re on the lookout for 18 of the coast’s most infamous invaders, like crabs, shrimp, tunicates, sponges, and more! Your discoveries will fuel community science projects and enlighten researchers on these sneaky critters’ spread across the Gulf of Maine. Don’t forget to gear up with close-toed shoes that can get wet and weather appropriate clothing!
| Date | Time |
| Saturday, June 22 | 1-2:30pm |
| Sunday, July 6 | 1-2:30pm |
| Sunday, August 31 | 11am-12:30pm |
All About Monarchs!
Get ready to flutter into the mesmerizing world of monarch butterflies with this nature program! We’ll explore this species fascinating life cycle, from tiny egg to beautiful adult, highlighting their incredible migration journey. Tag along with SSC naturalists as they investigate milkweed plants and other butterfly habitats that support these delicate creatures throughout their stages of life. Plus, learn about and contribute to community science projects along the way!
| Date | Time |
| Saturday, July 26 | 11am-12:30pm |
Community Science Event
BioBlitz!
BioBlitz is our annual dawn-to-dusk biological survey of Odiorne Point State Park. Families and nature enthusiasts team up with SSC naturalists and guest experts to explore the Park’s habitats to find and identify as many different species as possible in just one day! BioBlitz is a great way to get kids (and adults!) excited about science, learn about biodiversity, and discover how you can help protect our natural world.
Like an extreme nature scavenger hunt, BioBlitz offers many opportunities for all ages to gain knowledge and hone skills in their favorite areas of nature! Habitat, plant, and animal explorations are scheduled throughout the day, allowing participants to choose among activities that interest them the most. With seven distinct natural habitats to survey, there’s something for everyone!
| Sunday, September 14, 2025 | 7am-4pm |
For Schools and Groups
Rocky Shore Investigation (Citizen Science Program)
- Grades: 6-12
- Program Length: 2-hour outdoor program
- Cost: $375
- Number of Participants: 25 or fewer per group
- Available: May-October; Outdoors and low tide weeks only
Students will become community scientists in this hands-on rocky shore field science program. Student-collected data will contribute to local ongoing research on the impacts of invasive crabs and help scientists identify new solutions to the problem … such as eating them! Students will receive a brief training on crab identification, safe handling and data collection, then head to the rocky shore for their field investigation. Students will practice scientific inquiry skills, collect data, observe and understand the impacts of invasive species, and explore concepts of biodiversity and ecosystem health. Associated wrap-around curricula are available for teachers.