Engagement in Science and Nature

Birds are not optional and life on earth is fundamentally interdependent—these concepts are at the heart of the Center for Engagement in Science and Nature’s educational mission. The Center inspires people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with birds and nature, build their knowledge, and share their observations so that together we can gain insight into how natural systems work and address global conservation challenges. We celebrate the collective power of our community to support bird and earth-friendly habits and policies.

Projects

Provided by Bird Academy
Bird Academy
Whether you’re a bird lover, an educator, or a student, our interactive courses and multimedia-rich resources will lead you into the fascinating lives of birds, from birding basics to comprehensive ornithology.
Photo by Darcy Petzold
K-12 Education
Our curricula and professional development opportunities empower educators to engage youth in scientific investigations, participatory science projects, and habitat improvement initiatives to ignite a lifelong passion for nature.
Photo by Diane Tessaglia-Hymes
Visitor Center
Come experience the Lab! If you live in Ithaca or are visiting from afar you can enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, guided walks, and exhibits. Log in virtually to gain access to Lab experts through webinars, workshops, and family programs.
Photo by Marilu Lopez Fretts
Noise Project
Explore this co-created international community science project focused on noise pollution, equity, and well-being through connection with nature and birds. We build and document processes to promote more equitable scientific research together with a network of community partners.
Photo courtesy of Alianza Mexicana por la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre (AMECVIS).
Engaging Latin American and Caribbean Communities
Explore educational materials, resources, and opportunities for engaging Latin American and Caribbean communities with birding, participatory science, and conservation actions.
Orchard Orioles by Pam Garcia/Project FeederWatch
Project FeederWatch
Contribute to a three-decade long dataset about backyard birds and keep track of what is happening in your yard with FeederWatch. You don’t even need a feeder!
Ruby-throated Hummingbird by Joel Trick/Macaulay Library
NestWatch
Help measure nature’s success. Learn how to find and monitor bird nests, then record data on species, eggs, and young. Your contributions help scientists understand how climate change, urbanization, and land use affect breeding birds.
Photo courtesy of CUBs
Celebrate Urban Birds
Join our bilingual year-round project by watching for 10 minutes and reporting on 16 “focal” species of birds. The project focuses on those who have historically been excluded from birding and participatory science though mini-grants and educational kits that support community art, local events and local habitat projects.
Black-capped Chickadee by Lin McGrew/GBBC
Great Backyard Bird Count
Birds are everywhere, all the time, doing fascinating things! Join us for one weekend in February to watch, celebrate, and count birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations from around the world. Put Your Birds On the Map.

Priorities

Powering Learning and Participation

develop and co-create innovative educational initiatives with people of all ages
host participatory science and community science projects that harness the power of participants worldwide
work with community leaders and educators to spark interest in birds and nature
welcome visitors to the Cornell Lab’s trails and educational center

Developing and Supporting Engagement Strategies

build cutting-edge data-sharing apps, educational platforms, and learning games
develop effective engagement strategies with our partners across the globe
publish tools and case studies focused on equity-building and inclusive practices
study the process of engagement and offer best practices for encouraging and measuring participation in science and nature