Top 10 'Bio-Blitz-Buddy' Citizen Science Projects to try with Your Dog in 2025
Ready to turn your daily dog walk into a scientific adventure? You and your furry best friend are already an amazing team, exploring parks, trails, and your own backyard. But what if those daily sniff-fests and trail treks could contribute to real scientific research? What if your dog's keen senses could help you discover and document the biodiversity right under your nose (and theirs)?
Welcome to the exciting world of citizen science! This is where ordinary people (and their extraordinary pets) help scientists collect data on a massive scale. It’s a powerful way to contribute to conservation, environmental monitoring, and our collective understanding of the natural world. By transforming your pup into a 'Bio-Blitz-Buddy,' you're not just getting exercise; you're making your time together more mindful, engaging, and impactful.
In 2025, it’s time to level up your outdoor adventures. This isn't about adding a chore to your walk; it's about adding a layer of purpose and fun. You’ll learn more about your local environment, strengthen the bond with your dog through shared focus, and contribute to something much bigger than your own backyard. So, grab the leash, charge your phone, and let's explore the top 10 citizen science projects perfect for you and your four-legged field assistant.
1. The All-Rounder Explorer: iNaturalist
iNaturalist is the quintessential citizen science app and the perfect starting point for any budding Bio-Blitz-Buddy team. The premise is simple: you take photos of wild organisms (plants, insects, fungi, birds, you name it), upload them, and the community—including A.I. and expert naturalists—helps you identify what you’ve found. Every verified observation becomes research-quality data used by scientists to track species distribution, population changes, and the effects of climate change.
Your dog is the ultimate discovery tool for this project. How many times has your pup stopped dead in their tracks to sniff a weird-looking mushroom, a peculiar beetle, or a patch of unusual flowers you would have walked right past? Instead of tugging them along, embrace their curiosity! Let them guide you. When they show intense interest in something, pull out your phone, snap a picture, and upload it to iNaturalist. You're effectively translating their powerful sense of smell into valuable scientific data.
- Pro-Tip: Focus on stationary life like plants, fungi, and lichen, or slow-moving insects that your dog points out. For wildlife, always maintain a safe and respectful distance. Use this as an opportunity to reinforce the "leave it" and "watch me" commands, teaching your dog that observation can be just as rewarding as chasing.
2. The Avian Observer: eBird
Think your dog is too bouncy for birdwatching? Think again! eBird, run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is one of the world's largest biodiversity-related science projects. Birders submit checklists of birds they see and hear, and this data helps scientists understand bird populations and migration patterns on a global scale. Your dog's super-sensitive ears can be a huge asset here, as they may react to a faint birdsong or the rustle of a sparrow in the undergrowth long before you notice it.
The key to success is training. Work on a solid "settle" or "place" command on a small mat or blanket you can bring with you. Find a park bench, lay down the mat, and reward your dog for quietly relaxing while you scan the trees with your binoculars. Start with short sessions of just a minute or two and gradually increase the duration. Soon, your dog will associate this activity with calm, focused time with you (and plenty of treats).
- Pro-Tip: Your morning and evening walks are prime birding time. Instead of rushing, dedicate five minutes to standing still and listening. When your dog's ears twitch in a specific direction, look that way. You might be surprised to spot a woodpecker or a wren they've alerted you to.
3. The Squirrel Sleuth: Project Squirrel
Let's be honest: your dog is already obsessed with squirrels. Why not channel that intense focus into science? Project Squirrel is a straightforward project that asks participants to observe and record information about local squirrel species (like the Eastern Gray Squirrel or the Fox Squirrel). Scientists use this data to understand squirrel ecology and how they adapt to urban and suburban environments.
This project is a fantastic training opportunity. Instead of letting your dog lunge at the end of the leash, use these sightings to practice impulse control. Work on commands like "sit" and "stay" while the squirrel scampers nearby. While your dog is focused on holding their stay, you can quickly make your observations: What species is it? What is it doing (eating, chasing, burying a nut)? You're turning a major distraction into a productive, shared activity.
- Pro-Tip: Keep a small notebook or use a notes app on your phone to quickly jot down your observations before submitting them online. Note the location, time, and squirrel behavior. This is a great way to make walks around your own neighborhood feel like a scientific expedition.
4. The Pollinator Partner: The Great Sunflower Project
Observing pollinators is a peaceful, meditative activity that’s perfect for a calm dog. While The Great Sunflower Project is a specific initiative, the principle applies to many pollinator-counting projects. The goal is to watch a flowering plant for a set amount of time and count how many bees or other pollinators visit it. This data helps researchers monitor the health of these vital insect populations.
Find a sunny patch of wildflowers in a park or along a quiet trail. Ask your dog to lie down and relax next to you while you focus on the flowers for 5 to 15 minutes. It’s a wonderful moment of shared stillness in nature. Your dog gets to enjoy a good sunbathe and sniff the air, while you contribute to crucial conservation research. This is an activity where your dog’s calm presence makes the experience more enjoyable and less of a chore.
- Pro-Tip: Choose a location away from busy paths to minimize distractions. Bring a comfortable, portable mat for your dog to lie on. This helps signal that it's time to chill out and observe.
5. The Migration Monitor: Journey North
Witnessing the magic of migration is a special experience, and projects like Journey North allow you to report sightings of migratory species, most famously the Monarch butterfly. You can report the first Monarch you see in the spring, sightings of their eggs or caterpillars on milkweed plants, and peak migration events in the fall.
Your dog is your ticket to being in the right place at the right time. Your regular walks take you through parks, fields, and gardens where milkweed grows and Monarchs flourish. Let your dog's sniffing guide you along the edges of meadows. While they investigate interesting smells, you can scan the milkweed plants for tiny caterpillars or the iconic butterflies themselves. It turns a simple walk into a treasure hunt for signs of this incredible journey. As a regular contributor to the Goh Ling Yong blog, I find these projects that connect us to larger natural cycles are the most rewarding.
- Pro-Tip: Learn to identify milkweed, the host plant for Monarch caterpillars. You'll start noticing it everywhere once you know what to look for! This is a great project for kids to get involved in, too.
6. The Scat & Track Specialist: iNaturalist (Advanced)
This one is for the truly dedicated Bio-Blitz-Buddy team! Your dog is a professional at finding—and showing immense interest in—animal scat and tracks. While our first instinct is to pull them away, these signs are valuable data points for scientists studying the presence and movement of wildlife. Apps like iNaturalist have categories for submitting photos of "evidence of presence," including scat, tracks, and feathers.
This project requires strict safety and hygiene protocols. The number one rule is never let your dog touch or eat scat. This is a fantastic real-world scenario for practicing a rock-solid "leave it" command. When your dog alerts you to a track or scat, praise them, put them in a "sit-stay," and take a clear photograph from multiple angles, including something for scale (like a coin or your car keys). You're using your dog's natural instincts to find clues about the hidden animal world around you.
- Pro-Tip: Focus on safety. Be aware of what animals live in your area. If you're in an area with bears or mountain lions, it's best to keep moving. For common wildlife like deer, raccoons, and coyotes, this can provide fascinating insights. Always wash your hands thoroughly after your walk.
7. The Cleanup Captain: Litterati
Citizen science isn't just about wildlife; it's also about improving our environment. Litterati is a global community dedicated to cleaning the planet. The app allows you to photograph, geo-tag, and categorize every piece of litter you pick up. This data is used to create a comprehensive database of pollution, helping cities and companies make more sustainable decisions.
Your daily dog walk is the perfect opportunity to contribute. You're already out there with a bag in hand! Simply add a pair of gloves and a separate bag for litter. As you walk, you can snap a photo of each piece of trash before picking it up. It adds a sense of purpose to your route and makes a tangible, immediate difference in your community. Your dog will be proud to be part of a team that leaves every trail and sidewalk cleaner than you found it.
- Pro-Tip: Turn it into a game. Challenge yourself to collect five pieces of litter on every walk. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it adds up and how much cleaner your regular route becomes.
8. The Pond Patrol: HerpMapper
If your walks take you near ponds, streams, or wetlands, you and your pup can become "herp" heroes with HerpMapper. This project gathers data on reptiles and amphibians (collectively known as herpetofauna). Your dog's curiosity about a splash in the water or a rustle in the reeds can alert you to the presence of a frog, turtle, or salamander you might have missed.
Safety is paramount here. Keep your dog on a leash and prevent them from chasing or disturbing any wildlife. Many amphibians have sensitive skin, and some reptiles (like snakes) can be venomous. The goal is observation from a respectful distance. When your dog alerts you to something, secure them first, then snap a photo to submit. This is an excellent way to learn about the often-overlooked aquatic and semi-aquatic life in your local area.
- Pro-Tip: Overcast, rainy days are often the best times to spot amphibians. Don't let a little drizzle stop your Bio-Blitz-Buddy expedition—just be sure to have a towel ready for your pup when you get home!
9. The Fungi Finder: Mushroom Observer
After a good rain, the forest floor comes alive with a stunning variety of fungi. Your dog, with its nose to the ground, is perfectly positioned to be an expert mushroom spotter. Projects like Mushroom Observer or the fungi categories on iNaturalist allow you to contribute to mycological research by documenting the mushrooms you find.
This project comes with a critical warning: NEVER let your dog (or yourself) eat any wild mushrooms. Many are highly toxic. This is a project for observation and photography only. When your dog sniffs out an interesting-looking mushroom, praise them and take clear photos from the top, side, and underneath (showing the gills) to aid in identification. You'll be amazed at the bizarre and beautiful shapes and colors you start to notice.
- Pro-Tip: The world of fungi is complex and fascinating. Use this project as a jumping-off point to learn more about the "wood-wide web" and the critical role fungi play in the ecosystem your dog loves to explore.
10. The Soundscape Scientist: Landscape Sound-Recording
Our world is filled with sound, and scientists are increasingly using "soundscapes" to measure biodiversity and the impact of human noise. You don't need fancy equipment to contribute; apps like iNaturalist have started integrating sound recording. The goal is to capture the ambient sounds of a natural environment.
This is the ultimate project for a calm, zen-like moment with your dog. Find a quiet spot on your trail, away from traffic. Ask your dog to "settle" and simply sit together in silence for a few minutes while your phone records the soundscape. You’ll capture a rich tapestry of birdsong, insect buzzing, wind in the trees, and maybe even a distant coyote howl. This data helps scientists understand the health of an ecosystem. It’s a beautiful way to practice mindfulness with your dog and tune into the subtle soundtrack of nature.
Your Adventure Awaits
Turning your dog into a Bio-Blitz-Buddy is about more than just collecting data; it's about deepening your connection with both your pet and the natural world. It transforms routine walks into missions of discovery, sharpens your observation skills, and gives you a powerful sense of purpose. As Goh Ling Yong often emphasizes, the strongest bonds are forged through shared experiences, and what could be better than sharing the joy of scientific discovery with your most loyal companion?
You don't have to be an expert to start. Pick just one project from this list that excites you. Download the app, grab the leash, and head out the door with a new perspective. You'll be strengthening your bond, enriching your dog's life with new challenges, and contributing to a healthier planet, one paw print and one observation at a time.
Now it's your turn! Which of these citizen science projects are you most excited to try with your Bio-Blitz-Buddy? Share your plans and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to see photos of your furry field assistants in action!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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