What better way to honor Finley than to head out on a hike and take photos of the spring flowers. Now take the next step and put those photos to work by getting involved as a citizen scientist. There are scientists who can use your observations to track the influence of climate change on our native blooms through a program run by the National Park System and the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Or how about counting fireflies or stargazing? Both fabulous pursuits in and of themselves but they too can provide data for ongoing research by scientists working to sustain our natural world. Here is a list of other opportunities for you to get involved with the science all around us.