Citizen science at the Viikki Library in Finland

Juliette Chalant
Oct. 17, 2024, 9:24 a.m.

Why are you participating in the ECS project?

“In Viikki Library, the environmental theme is woven into every corner. Located within the same building as the university, our commitment to nature is evident in our décor and through the multitude of environmental events we host. Patrons have the opportunity to borrow a backpack for nature hikes, binoculars for birdwatching, and equipment for listening to bat calls. By participating in the Libraries and Citizen Science project, we can introduce our patrons to citizen science and discover new collaboration opportunities with the Helsinki University and the Natural History Museum,” says Tuula Rönkä, Information Specialist at Viikki Library and coordinator of the citizen science-related activities. 

‘Explore Nature with Us!’ Citizen science event at Viikki Library

On May 2, 2024, the Viikki Library organised an event ‘Explore Nature with Us’ to introduce citizens and library patrons to the field of citizen science, and showcase ongoing research projects that utilise observations made by citizens. 

The Viikki Library invited four citizen science experts to come and present what citizen science is and how to get involved. First, Elena Svahn from Åbo Akademi University introduced the various topics studied in citizen science. Svahn emphasised that citizen science is research that can’t be done without the involvement of active citizens, and that participatory science is especially important in this field.

Next, Pinja Näkki from the Finnish Environment Institute talked about how to get involved in beach clean-ups, and Valeria Valanne from the Finnish Museum of Natural History introduced the 100 Species Challenge, which encourages species identification. Finally, Anniina Kuusijärvi guided participants through the ins and outs of the iNaturalist app. The app helps with species identification and collects data on observation locations. The Viikki Library used this event to promote registrations for the local nature walks they are organising, where participants can use the iNaturalist app to collect nature observations. 

“The event was very diverse and interesting. We had hoped for more participants, which led me to consider that citizen science is still quite new and unfamiliar to many library patrons”, says Tuula Rönkä, Information Specialist at Viikki Library and coordinator of the citizen science-related activities. She goes on to add, “It requires long-term effort from the library. However, the feedback from attendees was very positive, and we will continue to actively explore different forms of citizen science.”

Watch the video about the ‘Explore Nature with Us’ event here. 

Nature walks at the Viikki Library

Can a library teach you how to set up a hammock? Yes, it can! This was one of the many skills taught during the guided nature walks organised by Viikki Library. With the library, almost anything is possible! 

Following the ‘Explore Nature with Us!’ event, the Viikki Library organised two nature walks on May 17 and May 18, 2024 guided by Katja Viberg from the Natural History Museum. During these nature walks, Katja and the library staff explained to participants what citizen science is and how to use the iNaturalist app to collect nature observations for researchers. All participants downloaded the app before setting off on their two-hour walk. 

During the walk, participants learned to identify common plants. For example, there were many lilies of the valley, and violets were in bloom. Observations were recorded in a joint project on the iNaturalist app. Birds naturally took centre stage – participants were thrilled to hear the corncrake, saw swifts flying, and watched a moorhen building its nest in a ditch.

The nature walks were very popular, with over twenty library patrons interested in citizen science joining in. Many were surprised to learn that using the iNaturalist app is part of citizen science. The concept of citizen science was unfamiliar to many, but approaching it through hands-on activities made it much more exciting.

“Citizen science is a good motivator for outdoor hobbies. It also offers an opportunity to learn more about nature, about species, how to recognize and identify them”, said one participant.

“[T]his kind of trip is an accessible and simple way to participate in citizen science,” added another participant. 

The walks attracted both young and older participants, clearly showing that nature walks appeal to all ages. Identifying plants and birdwatching are easy ways to engage in citizen science. Many participants said they would continue making observations after the walk and were inspired to learn more about species identification.

A third participant added, “It's a great idea and could inspire even young people, because of the game-like nature of the applications. Some kind of Pokemon go.”

Watch the video about the Nature Walk here. 

More information

This article was written in collaboration with Tuula Rönkä, Information Specialist at Viikki Library.

Contact: viikin_kirjasto@hel.fi  

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