A new Memphis-wide Citizen Science Research Project

Background

We are launching one of the largest urban insect monitoring efforts in the region: a network of 100 simple traps placed across Memphis to uncover how city environments shape the lives of fruit flies. From tree-lined neighborhoods to highly urbanized areas, these flies experience dramatically different conditions. By tracking where they live, how abundant they are, and how they change over time, we can reveal how factors like heat, pollution, and urban design influence biological health. This project combines cutting-edge science with community engagement, inviting students and local residents to take part in real research. Together, we aim to better understand how cities affect living organisms and what that means for the future of urban ecosystems and human well-being.

How you can get involved?

Anyone can be part of this project, whether you are a student, a Memphis resident, or simply curious about science. You can help by hosting a small, unobtrusive fly trap at your home or in your neighborhood. We provide all materials and instructions, and you simply place the trap and let us know when it is ready to be collected. Students can join as researchers and gain hands-on experience in fieldwork, insect identification, and data analysis, contributing directly to ongoing scientific discoveries. We also welcome volunteers, schools, and community partners who are interested in supporting data collection, outreach, or educational activities. No prior experience is needed just curiosity and a willingness to take part in uncovering how urban environments shape the lives of organisms around us.

What will the work look like?

The project will begin with a coordinated, city-wide trap deployment on April 28th and the re-collection of traps on April 29th. All participants will place their traps at the same time across Memphis. This simultaneous setup is a key part of the project, allowing us to capture a true “snapshot” of insect communities across the entire city under the same environmental conditions. Preparing the trap is simple: we will provide clear instructions and all necessary materials, and it takes only a few minutes to assemble and place. After deployment, traps will remain in place for a short, defined period before being collected and analyzed by our team. This synchronized effort ensures that every participant contributes to a shared, high-resolution picture of urban biodiversity.

Register

To get involved, please register via the form below. Please let us know the district and street in which you will place the trap. Thank you!