Every day, people across Canada help protect plant and animal health and support food safety. They learn more about the world around them, report concerns and participate in simple activities that inform important scientific work.
This is community science.
Protecting what matters together
Community science is the idea that anyone can contribute to and engage in scientific observations, research, monitoring and fieldwork. You do not need a laboratory, specialized equipment or a science degree to get involved - it can be as simple as paying attention to the world around you and recording what you see.
Whether you are exploring the outdoors, tending a garden or simply staying informed, there are many ways you can support the scientific work of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Why community science matters
Community scientists provide valuable observations from across Canada. The observations they share with their families, communities and the CFIA can support early detection efforts, improve awareness and help inform science-based decisions.
Sometimes, a single observation can make a significant difference.
Community scientists protecting plant health
In 2023, a metallic-green beetle flew into someone while they were sitting on a public bench in Vancouver. Curious about the insect, he collected it, photographed it and reported it to the CFIA. The beetle was confirmed to be an emerald ash borer, the first one found in Canada west of Manitoba. Thanks to the efforts of this community scientist, CFIA biologists were able to investigate the area, confirm infested ash trees and learn more about the presence of this invasive pest, helping prevent its spread to new areas.
Stories like this demonstrate the value of community scientists. Combined with the CFIA's expertise, your observations can be used to identify and respond to plant, animal and food safety risks before they become widespread.
How to become a community scientist
Learn
One of the best and easiest ways to be a community scientist is to stay curious and informed. Understanding the issues that affect Canada's animals and plants can help you recognize potential concerns, ask questions and make thoughtful choices in your everyday life.
The CFIA offers a variety of free resources to help you learn about invasive species, animal diseases, food labelling requirements and more.
- Discover how to identify plant pests
- Learn to recognize invasive plants
- Watch for signs of avian influenza in wild birds
- Recognize reportable diseases in aquatic animals and in terrestrial animals
- Learn how you can shop safe, shop smart
The more you learn, the easier it becomes to recognize potential concerns and know when it may be time to report what you find.
Report
When something appears unwell, unfamiliar or suspicious, your reports as a community scientists help experts investigate and respond quickly. Do your part by:
- reporting a plant pest sighting to the CFIA
- Apps like iNaturalist are also excellent for helping to identify potential pests
- reporting observations on fish health using the Fish Health Tracker Tool
- reporting sick or dead wildlife to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) to support animal disease surveillance
- Animal owners, farmers and veterinarians must also report suspect cases of reportable animal diseases to a CFIA district veterinarian
- reporting food-related concerns to the CFIA
- learning how to contact the CFIA online and by phone
Early detection relies on public participation. By contributing observations and reporting concerns, you help protect Canada's environment and economy.
Opportunities for youth
The Youth Eco Stewards program led by Invasives Canada offers a variety of ways to get involved based on your unique interests and skillset. Participants can gain volunteer hours, professional references and skills to support any career.
You can also consult your local conservation authority for other opportunities to get involved. For example, students aged 14 to 18 in or near the Credit River watershed in Ontario can join the Conservation Youth Corps (CYC). Participate in environmental stewardship projects while earning volunteer hours and receiving mentorship from Credit Valley Conservation staff.
Get involved
Community science is also about participating and contributing to important work by building knowledge, developing skills and sharing information with others.
There are many ways to get involved, including:
- participating in Tree Check Month every August and performing a two-minute tree check on trees in your yard and community
- getting the whole family involved in activities for junior community scientists
- searching the Community science portal to find a project near you
Learn More
- Connect with the CFIA on social media
- Stay informed with CFIA news and stories
- Explore Government of Canada science in the Open Government Portal and Federal Open Science Repository
- Community science: more than a hobby
Get more Inspect and Protect
- Want to learn more about what we do? Explore articles, videos and podcasts.
- Interested in reporting on a story? Contact CFIA Media Relations to arrange an interview with one of our experts.
- Have an idea or feedback to share? Get in touch!