Join ForestWatch’s community science project and help collect data on wildlife sightings and roadkill, all by using our free mobile survey!
The Problem
Animals need to be able to move freely across the landscape to find food, shelter, mates, and refuge from natural disasters. Unfortunately, many of our beloved species are suffering the consequences of habitat fragmentation due to urban development. Landscapes that were once open and connected are now carved up by roads and cities exposing wildlife to dangerous conditions that can lead to vehicle collisions. Every year, we lose countless animals to wildlife-vehicle collisions, many of which could be preventable with better protections for wildlife corridors and habitats.
The Solution
Using the power of community, ForestWatch’s community science project will collect data on wildlife sightings and roadkill occurrences to better understand patterns of wildlife movement and identify hotspots of wildlife-vehicle collisions. This information will inform local land-use planning and infrastructure decisions, helping to protect wildlife habitat and maintain critical connectivity corridors for generations to come.
Get Involved
To get started, download the Survey123 app on your device’s app store. Next, scan the QR Code below to download our Room to Roam – ForestWatch survey.
Learn how to use the survey and contribute meaningful citizen science data by watching our short tutorial.
Two Ways to Participate
There are two ways to get involved in our community science project.
1. Use the Room to Roam Survey (Flexible Participation)
Download the survey by scanning the QR code above and use it anytime you encounter wildlife or roadkill. Submit observations as often as you’d like.
2. Join Wildlife RoadWatch (Ongoing Commitment)
Become part of our core volunteer team by adopting a stretch of highway and conducting monthly surveys using the Room to Roam tool.
- Receive a thank-you gift upon completion
- Survey your route once per month
- 6-month minimum commitment
To join Wildlife RoadWatch, please complete our online commitment form and adopt a stretch of highway. Upon completing the form, our team will follow up with training materials and confirm any details.
For questions on our community science project or wildlife, please email us at wildlife [at] forestwatch.org
Learn More
Learn more about the Room to Roam program and community science initiative in this pre-recorded info session led by Wildlife Program Coordinator Carlo Calderon.
This citizen science project is part of ForestWatch’s Room to Roam Program. To learn more about our ongoing work to protect wildlife in Los Padres National Forest and surrounding regions, visit our wildlife webpage.
What you notice today can shape a safer future for wildlife.
