How outdoor explorers catalyze conservation

Conservation challenges are as vast as the ecosystems in which they are found. Consequently, these challenges demand data solutions of an equally large geographic scope. Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation mobilizes... [ view full abstract ]

Conservation challenges are as vast as the ecosystems in which they are found. Consequently, these challenges demand data solutions of an equally large geographic scope. Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation mobilizes outdoor enthusiasts to collect environmental data, and disseminates this information to catalyze conservation initiatives worldwide. Our specialized constituency of citizen scientists, known as “adventure scientists,” have the outdoor know-how to gather data in remote and logistically difficult ecosystems. Targeting conservation projects with measurable outcomes, ASC partners with well-established scientists to fine-tune our data collection protocols. ASC’s suite of services also includes data management, media production and community building. To broaden and deepen these services, we utilize two models of volunteer management:

1) Adventurers at Large: ASC mobilizes outdoor enthusiasts to collect data/samples during independent expeditions; incoming data contributes to ongoing national and international research.
2) Partnership Projects: Government agencies and private groups contract ASC to recruit, train and manage teams of volunteer adventure scientists to gather environmental data/samples from remote locations.

By engaging these volunteers, we create a network of informed advocates intimately involved in hands-on conservation, and we connect the conservation and outdoor communities. Featuring dramatic images of adventure science in action, our poster will outline this non-traditional, cross-community approach, and convey the power of collaboration, the impact of rigorous science, and the dedication of specialized volunteers.