While aquatic-based volunteer monitoring has been around for more than five decades, the term citizen science is generating a great deal of buzz and attention - resulting in international studies, new articles, and focused mini-conferences. With new agencies and programs coming to the community-based scientific research table, now is the time to discuss what exactly is volunteer monitoring and citizen science, synergies, as well as avenues for collaboration and increased integration. This webinar will explore the general fields of citizen science and volunteer monitoring, highlight the successes/outcomes of the volunteer monitoring field, and end with a discussion of how to learn from each other strengths, challenges, and discuss avenues for increased collaboration. Julie Vastine, the Director of Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM), will moderate this webinar and facilitate Q&A session after the presentation
