Thousands of scientific reports have depended on data collected by non-scientists. This citizen science is incredibly effective at expanding scientific data sets when more expensive options, such as satellites, are not possible. It also greatly contributes to the formation of a more scientifically minded public.

Senior Research Scientist Nick Record has utilized the power of citizen science for the last several years to create forecasts that help people understand and interact with the environment — from jellyfish encounters to deer tick populations. Join him for Café Sci on Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to discuss how grassroots approaches can answer research questions and learn how you can be involved with aiding scientific discoveries. This fun, free event is open to the public and will be held at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, 60 Bigelow Drive, East Boothbay. Learn more and register at www.bigelow.org/cafesci.