Grassroots Citizen Science in Urban Spontaneous Vegetation    (View PDF)

Georgia Silvera Seamans

Abstract: This paper documents the research processes and outcomes of four collegial citizen-science projects about urban spontaneous vegetation. The artist- and designer-initiated collegial projects in this study use a variety of art, design, and natural history strategies to collect and analyze data, as well as to visualize and disseminate their findings. In addition to physical outcomes, the project leaders use legitimating narratives and discourses about urban ecosystem services to counter negative claims about urban spontaneous vegetation, which are often pejoratively labeled ‘weeds.’ A challenge and opportunity for projects focused on altering the normative bias against so-called “weeds” is mainstreaming a new nature ethic for this type of urban flora.

Keywords: Citizen Science; Ecological Knowledge; Ecosystem Services; Public Participation; Small Data; Urban Biodiversity; Urban Spontaneous Vegetation.

https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.2018.010