LEONARDTOWN, Md. — What if a simple walk outdoors could help shape the future of environmental conservation? That’s exactly the idea behind an upcoming citizen science event in St. Mary’s County, where residents are invited to step outside, observe nature and contribute real scientific data that could influence research and policy for years to come.
Organized by Virginia Tech graduate student Zach Garnes, the April 10-12 event encourages participants of all ages to “become a biologist for a day” by documenting local wildlife and plant species using the Maryland Biodiversity Project.
Turning A Class Project Into Community Impact
For Garnes, the idea began as a course requirement but quickly evolved into something much larger.
“I am a current graduate student at Virginia Tech enrolled in a Conservation Ecology course,” he said. “One of the course requirements is to participate in an ongoing citizen science project, so I chose the Maryland Biodiversity Project.”
Rather than working alone, Garnes saw an opportunity to engage the wider community.
“Instead of just collecting data on my own, I wanted to challenge the community here to try something new,” he explained. “The impact of a group of participants would be far greater than that of an individual.”
The Maryland Biodiversity Project is a statewide initiative that collects and shares data on Maryland’s plants, animals and natural ecosystems. By combining contributions from scientists, naturalists and everyday residents, the project helps document where species are found, track changes in biodiversity over time and support research, conservation efforts and environmental decision-making across the state.
Why Every Observation Matters
At the heart of the event is a simple but powerful concept: everyday observations can fuel meaningful scientific research.
“Citizen science plays a vital role in supplementing and strengthening research efforts,” Garnes said. “I like to say: ‘Citizen science starts where funding stops.’”
The data collected through the Maryland Biodiversity Project helps scientists understand which species exist in specific areas, how often they appear and how ecosystems are changing over time.
According to Garnes, this information can be used in everything from academic research to conservation planning and environmental policy.
A County Rich In Nature — But Lacking Data
Despite its ecological importance, St. Mary’s County remains under-documented when it comes to biodiversity.
“St. Mary’s County is bordered by water bodies, making it an important area for biodiversity,” Garnes noted, pointing to its location between the Patuxent and Potomac rivers and its role along the Atlantic Flyway, a major migratory bird route.
Still, gaps in data remain significant.
“Some parts of the county have fewer than 400 species recorded,” he said, emphasizing the need for more community involvement to better understand the region’s natural landscape.
Making Science Accessible To Everyone
One of the defining features of the event is its accessibility. It is free and open to all ages, designed to remove barriers and invite participation from across the community.
“I believe cost should never be a barrier to doing something fun, especially outdoor activities,” Garnes said. “It’s also important to get young people involved with nature.”
Participants don’t need a scientific background to join. Garnes emphasized that all data collected will be reviewed for accuracy, and volunteers will be available to help newcomers learn the process.
What It Means To “Be A Biologist For A Day”
Participants can explore individually or join organized meet-ups across the county, visiting locations where certain plants and animals are more likely to be found.
“If you’re familiar with Pokémon Go, the concept is similar,” Garnes said. “Participants will visit designated spots to find specific plants or wildlife that are more likely to be there.”
Ultimately, the experience is about more than just observation.
“I think it really means to just go out in nature and collect species data, knowing that you are contributing to the history of our state,” he said. “Five or 10 years from now, scientists and conservation professionals could be using the data we collect.”
Using Technology To Power Discovery
Participants will use the iNaturalist app, which allows users to photograph and identify species while contributing to a larger scientific database.
Garnes describes it as “a free app that functions like social media for nature enthusiasts,” where users can both learn and contribute.
His advice for first-time users is simple: “Go out and photograph everything—birds, plants, amphibians, fungi, fish, mammals, reptiles—anything natural you encounter outdoors.”
Building A Stronger Environmental Future
Beyond the weekend event, Garnes hopes the project will spark long-term interest in conservation and environmental stewardship.
“Improving our understanding of what species exist here can help inform policy decisions on land-use planning and zoning, wildlife-friendly infrastructure, sustainability and cost savings, and agriculture,” he said.
He also sees the effort as a gateway to deeper community involvement.
“I am hopeful that projects like this will encourage more community interest in conservation,” Garnes added. “St. Mary’s County is filled with diverse landscapes and numerous beautiful, wild places for people to explore.”
How To Get Involved
Residents can participate by signing up to collect data, volunteer or simply spread the word.
Garnes is seeking volunteers to help lead groups and assist participants with using the app, noting that training and resources will be provided.
“The more participants there are, the more data we can gather as a community,” he said.
Even after the event ends, the work doesn’t stop. Community members can continue contributing data anytime using the app and stay connected through the Maryland Biodiversity Project’s online platforms.
