About Journey North

Our vision is of a future where the skies remain alive with the movement of migratory species, and where their epic journeys continue to serve as symbols of hope and inspiration. We see a world where migratory species move freely along migration routes, supported by strong conservation efforts and participatory research.

Inspiring Community Engagement: We foster a continent-wide community of land stewards by promoting awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of migratory species and their habitats. Through diverse storytelling and educational initiatives, we aim to cultivate connections between people and nature, emphasizing the intrinsic values of migratory species to ecosystems, human culture, and economies. By empowering individuals and communities to take action, we aim to create a sustainable future where migratory species thrive.

Advancing Scientific Research: We support rigorous scientific research on the behaviors, needs, and challenges faced by migratory species, contributing to the development of science-based conservation strategies. By leveraging the power of the crowd and collaborating with leading researchers and institutions, we strive to deepen our understanding of migratory patterns and inform evidence-based conservation practices.

At our core, we uphold excellence and integrity in both scientific endeavors and outreach initiatives. We cultivate an environment that encourages the free exchange of ideas, respectful engagements, and the spark of creativity, all while striving for fairness and inclusivity in our relationships.

We deeply acknowledge the transformative power of diverse collaborations. Our partnerships extend across a spectrum, from fellow researchers to grassroots communities, recognizing that collective action yields the most significant impact.

Our dedication extends to embracing various learning approaches and honoring the past, present, and future. We champion sustainable practices that safeguard migratory species and their habitats, understanding that our actions today shape tomorrow's ecosystems.

We celebrate the intricate interplay between wildlife and human cultures woven together through migration. Within our scientific endeavors, we champion open science, while in our community, we prioritize inclusivity and diversity. Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of the past, we cultivate a profound respect for the land and its inhabitants. Together, we leverage our collective strengths to shape a brighter future.

Journey North, a participatory science program driven by crowdsourcing, operates under the guidance of ten principles developed by an international coalition of practitioners, including the European Citizen Science Association and the Association for Advancing Participatory Sciences.

Our program mobilizes volunteers to collect essential data on migration patterns and seasonal changes, fostering widespread public involvement while addressing critical research inquiries and informing conservation endeavors. We prioritize collaborative learning and provide comprehensive feedback to our volunteers through various channels, continuously striving to broaden participation and maintain the integrity of our open-access data. Additionally, we place great importance on recognizing the invaluable contributions of our volunteers, ensuring the quality assessment of collected data, and safeguarding the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Our volunteers, through their dedicated efforts, play a pivotal role in advancing the field of migration science by supplying vital data and sharing compelling migration narratives through detailed observational reports, including photographs and field notes. We express our heartfelt gratitude to these committed individuals for their indispensable contributions.