Citizen Science - Important Social and Psychological Benefits for Volunteers
Participation in outdoor environmental volunteer programs has increasingly been recognised as a valuable contributor to positive mental health and community wellbeing. The Greater Sydney Landcare Streamwatch program demonstrates how Citizen Science can provide not only meaningful environmental outcomes, but also important social and psychological benefits for volunteers. Through participation in Streamwatch, volunteers experience increased social connection, purpose, physical activity, environmental awareness, and engagement with natural waterways and green spaces. These outcomes are especially important in addressing modern challenges associated with social isolation, stress, and declining community connection.
Capacity building - LEP23_015_LLC_3
The issue
The Streamwatch Manager at Greater Sydney Landcare identified a need and took the opportunity to restructure and modernise the Citizen Science Streamwatch water quality measuring program to include emphasis on volunteer wellbeing and social inclusion, alongside its environmental monitoring objectives. The program now recognises that many individuals seek opportunities to reconnect socially, contribute positively to their communities, and improve their mental wellbeing through meaningful outdoor activities.
The solution
Research increasingly demonstrates that participation in environmentally focused volunteer groups can reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Being part of a communal team allows individuals to contribute their skills, knowledge, and experiences while developing a stronger sense of belonging and purpose. The Streamwatch model now encourages volunteers to actively contribute to group coordination and decision-making, providing participants with a sense of ownership and control often linked to improved psychological wellbeing.
Importantly, the program also recognised the mental health benefits associated with spending time in natural and even peri-urban environments, particularly near waterways. Exposure to “blue spaces” such as rivers, creeks, and wetlands has been associated with reduced stress levels, improved mood, and increased emotional resilience.
The impact
The Streamwatch approach now centers on customer service principles and evidence-based understanding of volunteer motivations. The Streamwatch program is now redesigned not simply as a data collection initiative, but as a positive volunteer experience that fostered learning, connection, and personal contribution.
Research identifies several common motivations for volunteering, including:
- Contributing to environmental protection
- Social connection and teamwork
- Learning new skills and knowledge
- Improving personal wellbeing
- Giving back to the community
- Participating in meaningful activities
- Developing a sense of purpose and belonging
These motivations align strongly with participation in Streamwatch. Volunteers monitor local waterways, learn scientific water quality measuring methods, contribute to environmental data used by professionals, and became part of a supportive community network of like-minded individuals. The program now focuses on and importantly communicates and recognises opportunities for participants to share skills, mentor others, and engage directly with environmental management issues affecting Greater Sydney.
Streramwatch - The New Wave
Numerous studies support the positive mental health outcomes associated with environmental volunteering and exposure to waterways. Research into “blue space” environments indicates that regular contact with rivers, lakes, and coastal areas can significantly improve mental wellbeing, reduce stress, and promote emotional recovery. Studies relevant to Streamwatch objectives include:
• White, M. P. et al. (2013), which identified associations between exposure to blue spaces and improved mental health outcomes.
• Pretty, J. et al. (2007), examining the mental health benefits of green exercise and outdoor environmental activity.
• Jennings, V. & Bamkole, O. (2019), highlighting how nature-based community programs improve social cohesion and psychological wellbeing.