Earthwise Aware in Boston is creating a space for dialogue and collaboration between scientists, naturalists, and nature-lovers. Founder Claire O’Neill explains.

Claire O’Neill, founder and Director of Earthwise Aware (EwA) of Somerville, MA, is redefining how Greater Boston engages with nature—making conservation science accessible and participatory.

Since its start in 2016, EwA has used the mantra, “Nature Conservation as a Way of Life” to bridge the gap between the environment and the public. Through structured ecology fieldwork, experiential learning, and participatory research initiatives, EwA empowers individuals to engage in meaningful biodiversity and climate monitoring.

To bring this vision to life, O’Neill emphasizes that EwA is not a place for experts to do all the work, but an opportunity to create dialogue and collaboration between scientists, naturalists, and nature-lovers.

“EwA is not just about collecting data; it’s about fostering an ecological culture’” O’Neill states, “We believe that meaningful conservation begins with a deeper understanding of our surroundings and our role within them. Our work is rooted in the idea that small, everyday actions that are well-informed and intentional can lead to significant ecological and cultural shifts.”

Over the years, their approach has evolved from general nature engagement to more structured, long-term ecological monitoring, ensuring that data contributes to both conservation science and policy.

O’Neill’s background as a statistician and data scientist drives the organization’s commitment to data accuracy and thorough research, ensuring every observation is grounded in reliable evidence.

“Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence,” says O’Neill. “We are here to do the research needed to identify how our actions may be negatively impacting the environment in unexpected ways.”

In 2018, EwA launched its Naturalist Participatory Science Program, engaging naturalists and volunteers in participatory research to fill essential data gaps in Greater Boston’s habitats. This program not only generates critical conservation data but also fosters a deeper connection between people and their immediate landscapes, empowering them with the knowledge to become informed environmental stewards.

“Since then, we have collected over 1 million data points in Greater Boston,” O’Neill emphasized. “With such a wealth of data, we are able to detect meaningful ecological patterns and inform conservation efforts.” But they’re not slowing down.

In 2025, EwA is committed to expanding long-term participatory research monitoring insect biodiversity, documenting invasive flora, and raising awareness on the harmful effects of anticoagulant rodenticides.

With this growth will come increased volunteer opportunities and community events including nature monitoring opportunities, hands-on classes and workshops, and Biodiversity and Climate walks. They also host frequent livestream events to provide updates on fieldwork and discussions on pressing environmental issues. In addition to regular programming, EwA will be participating in the Cambridge Science Festival later this year.

Through its community-driven initiatives, rigorous data collection, and thoughtful interpretation EwA fosters a culture of respect for both the city and the natural world. As O’Neill puts it, “It is not enough to love nature. Love often comes without action. We need to respect our environment and learn how we as individuals can support and protect nature all around us.”

Emma Sobieski

Sobieski is a science writer and covers the latest news in informal science, public engagement, and science communication in the New England area for the Civic Science Times. Sobieski is based in New Hampshire.

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