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
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.
K-12 Education
Our curricula and professional development opportunities empower educators to engage youth in scientific investigations, citizen-science projects, and habitat improvement initiatives to ignite a lifelong passion for nature.
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.
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.
Engaging Latin American and Caribbean Communities
Explore educational materials, resources, and opportunities for engaging Latin American and Caribbean communities with birding, citizen science, and conservation actions.
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!
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.
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 citizen science though mini-grants and educational kits that support community art, local events and local habitat projects.
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.
Nest Quest Go!
Join us in discovering the dynamic lives of nesting birds by helping to transcribe more than 300,000 historic nest record cards submitted to the Cornell Lab. It’s fun, easy, and provides a valuable contribution to future bird research.
Priorities
Powering Learning and Participation
- develop and co-create innovative educational initiatives with people of all ages
- host citizen 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
Program Staff
David Bonter
Co-Director, Center for Engagement in Science and Nature
Mya Thompson
Co-Director for Engagement in Science and Nature
Robyn Bailey
Project Leader, NestWatch
Chelsea Benson
Public Programs Coordinator
Rick Bonney
Visiting Scholar, Center for Engagement in Science and Nature
Marla Coppolino
Course Developer
Marta del Campo
Bilingual Outreach Specialist
Holly Faulkner
Project Assistant, Project FeederWatch/NestWatch
Jennifer Fee
Manager of K-12 Programs
Miika Grady
Web Designer
Emma Greig
Project Leader, Project FeederWatch
Laura Helft
Project Leader
Anne Marie Johnson
Project Assistant, Project FeederWatch
Connie Kintner
Public Information Assistant
Lisa Kopp
Visitor Experiences Manager
Lisa Larson
Lead Developer
Susan Licher
Program Assistant
Marilu Lopez Fretts
Project Assistant
Kevin J. McGowan
Senior Course Developer and Instructor, Bird Academy
Shayna Muller
Media Producer
Tina Phillips
Assistant Director
Vanessa Powell
Administrative Assistant
Karen Purcell
Project Leader
Mary Rachun
Visitor Center Assistant
Becca Rodomsky-Bish
Project Leader, Nest Quest Go! & Great Backyard Bird Count
Leo Sack
Public Programs Assistant
Kelly Schaeffer
Outreach Coordinator
Nathan Scott
Visitor Center Assistant
Bobby Stickel
Marketing Manager
Jeff Szuc
User Experience (UX) Designer, Bird Academy
Lee Ann van Leer
Project Assistant
Sarah Wagner
Public Information Specialist
Noah Warnke
Web Applications Developer
Katherine Welch
Project Assistant
Mary Winston
Visitor Center Coordinator
Photo Credits:
Photos courtesy of the Cornell Lab except Orchard Orioles by Pam Garcia/Project FeederWatch; Ruby-throated Hummingbird by Joel Trick/Macaulay Library; Black-capped Chickadee by Lin McGrew/GBBC; Noise Project, by Marilu Lopez Fretts; Festival Aves Urbanas Toluca in Mexico, courtesy of Alianza Mexicana por la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre (AMECVIS); Tree Swallow eggs by Paula Ziebarth/NestWatch.