It often starts with something small, such as a new bird in a branch, a vibrant butterfly in a yard, a colorful plant growing through a crack in the sidewalk, or as part of a lawn. Suddenly, you are engaged and can't help but snap a photo with your smartphone to satisfy that curiosity to learn the species' name, where it comes from, and more.

During Citizen Science Month, researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are highlighting a shift in how scientists think about public participation in research and how people experience nature, benefiting them in ways they never realized.

“Citizen science is no longer just about collecting data. It is a learning pathway that is transforming how people learn to see the natural world,” said Corey Callaghan, assistant professor of global ecology at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. “We’re helping people move from being passive observers to active contributors by building the skills and confidence to engage with biodiversity in a meaningful way.”