Chris Goforth

Aquatic entomologist and manager of citizen science at a natural history museum. I am in awe of the natural world and share the things I discover here.

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

Insect and Spider Paper Snowflakes https://t.co/Rmv43wkZFd

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@theTroi @JuliaPupko @sumdawg This was fun, and happy to help! Thanks for inviting me. #CitSciChat

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@IamCitSci Ha ha! Whoops!

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@GameBiologist @theTroi That's part of why I like using iNat for collecting #bioblitz data! Gathered into one place, accessible by all. #CitSciChat

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@theTroi A11. (2/2) I think photographing species/other limited-impact approaches that take advantage of ubiquitous technology will increase, that there will be a shift away from harvesting specimens. Easier to plan, implement, can still get good results. #CitSciChat

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@theTroi A11. (1/2) A lot of groups transitioned their bioblitzes to an online format (esp. through iNaturalist) during COVID and saw some great engagement. This approach can work well if thoughtfully considered – and is certainly easier to manage! #CitSciChat

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@theTroi Doing a #bioblitz through iNaturalist can be free/nearly free! There is a significant time cost for all bioblitzes, can be a significant financial cost for big, in person events. Likely still way cheaper than a full NSF funded study though! #CitSciChat

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@theTroi A10. I hope so! I think a lot of good can come out of the data generated by a #bioblitz and fostering connections with local nature. But I also think there's a potential for people could lose interest when the novelty wears off. #citscichat

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@theTroi A8. Yes! I gave an example already, but people can find/rediscover new species, discover invasive species, monitor biodiversity/abundance over time with repeated bioblitzes, etc. The potential to get great baseline data from a #bioblitz is high! #citscichat

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@theTroi And even if you do take the best photos possible, you still can't identify all mushrooms to species from photos! #CitSciChat

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

When you're doing a #CitSciChat about bioblitzes, yet still manage to talk about #entomology the whole time. :)

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@theTroi @sumdawg @MO_Prairie @DukeEnvironment Not surprising! Can't tell you how many people have told me they're shocked to learn in my programs that there are thousands of ladybug species - so many people think there is only one! #CitSciChat

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@theTroi A6. Getting to know the nature in your area is a real benefit of joining or leading a #bioblitz! You learn so much about the local area, have a chance to make new discoveries, and can engage the public. So many good things! #CitSciChat

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@theTroi It looked at thermoregulation along latitudinal gradients! Darker wings on individuals in the north than in the south, followed up with work showing that dark wings = warmer dragonflies. Southern dragonflies have lighter wings to stay cooler! #citscichat

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@theTroi Agreed! One of my favorite studies that came out of iNaturalist data looked at wing coloration on a VERY common/widespread US dragonfly species. If people didn't report that common species, that study would not have been possible. #CitSciChat

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@theTroi A5. Based on my experience, the hardest part of planning a public-friendly #bioblitz is finding good experts. They often need to be able to identify species AND talk to the public, and not all people can do both well. #CitSciChat

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@theTroi I am slightly bummed because I was with the woman when she took the photo! I was photographing a super common dragonfly on the opposite side of the trail while she was rediscovering a really rare, endangered plant. :) #CitSciChat

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@JuliaPupko @theTroi Yay for rare ladybugs! I have participated in Lost Ladybug heavily and I find 98% non-natives. Always nice to hear that other people are finding uncommon natives! #CitSciChat

[Chris Goforth @DragonflyWoman2]

@theTroi @NatGeo I think they stopped doing them a few years ago. #CitSciChat