An evaluation of the 10-year collaboration between the University of Zagreb and schools across Croatia has shown strong student interest in fieldwork focused on invasive plants. As invasive species represent one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss, university botanists in Croatia have organized Alien CSI Bioblitz events since 2022, a citizen science initiative dedicated to monitoring and reporting invasive alien plants. Given the active involvement of schools in this initiative, the aim of this study is to present the results of the implementation of this Action in an elementary school in Samobor (near Zagreb). The research was conducted from 2022 to 2025, with seventh-grade students participating each year. Prior to the fieldwork, students were educated about invasive plants and trained to use the national reporting application (https://invazivnevrste.haop.hr/novosti/25). During the study period, students recorded 1380 observations of 16 invasive alien plants, and the detailed results will be presented on a poster. All submitted records were validated by experts and incorporated into the national database of invasive plants. This teaching approach benefits both students and experts. Students described the activity as an engaging and enjoyable way to learn outside the classroom using mobile phones and symbolic rewards. They contributed directly to their local community, and some continued participating in Bioblitz activities during high school. By training young people in species identification and reporting, experts obtain valuable data more rapidly and in greater quantities, while also fostering the development of potential future experts who may address the challenges posed by invasive species.

Authors:
Bozena Mitic, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Dario Hrusevar, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Diana Vlahovic, Primary School Bogumil Toni Samobor, Croatia

About the Presenter(s)
Božena Mitić is working at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology (full professor, permanent tenure). General interest is flora and current projects related to palynology and education.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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