Public participation in scientific monitoring is commonly known as what?

• A. Citizen science
• B. Volunteerism benefit
• C. Storm drain marking campaign
• D. NPS reduction plan

Answer: (A)

Public participation in scientific monitoring is called citizen science. This approach invites everyday people to help collect and sometimes analyze data alongside scientists, expanding the reach of monitoring projects—great for environmental topics like non-point source pollution where volunteers can track stream quality, temperature, turbidity, or pollutant indicators. Projects use training and standardized methods to keep data reliable, turning widespread contributions into valuable information for research, management, and policy. The other options describe specific programs or outcomes (general volunteering, a pollution-prevention campaign, or a policy plan) rather than the broad way the public collaborates in science.