Support science and ecosystem restoration while learning and engaging
Our citizen science program brings volunteers and scientists together to answer scientific questions related to ecosystems here in the western Algarve. You will help to gather data that is critical for gaining insights into a variety of ecological challenges we are facing and programs that are operating to address these challenges.
Whether conducting a bird or pollinator census, monitoring water volumes, or gathering and analyzing soil samples, or any other number of activities, your work will help science while also getting you outdoors and participating in experiential learning.
Anyone can be a citizen scientist no matter your age, occupation, or location – all that is needed is a passion for nature and the willingness to get involved.
Mud Valley Institute is a member of the European Citizen Science Association.
This program takes place at various times throughout the year, usually on weekends, but sometimes on weekdays. Sessions usually last from 2-4 hours, depending on the activities or measurements taking place, and the amount of data needed.
Participation is free, but registration is required
Presented in English and Portuguese
Join as often as you wish
Upcoming dates and topics can be found below
Why participate?
Citizen science doesn’t just help scientists,
it helps you, too!
People want to learn about, gain experience with, and support causes they are interested in and passionate about. Joining one of our citizen science programs is the perfect way to do that! It benefits you as well as the scientific and ecosystem restoration commuity that we are a part of.
Learn something
new
Gain knowledge and skills in different areas of scientific and analytical work.
Get outside
Enjoy nature while you interact with it, as you collect data and gather samples.
Get exercise
Our programs are active, physical sessions, since you will be movign around to gather data.
Be part of a community
You will meet others interested in ecosystem regeneration and science.
Events
Join us at an event and be a part of our citizen science community.
Please note that dates and topics are subject to change. Check this page regularly for updates as well as Get Involved for other programs.
Upcoming events
BioBlitz Event in the Fig Orchard
12 April 17 May 2025 | 10am-12pm
Quinta Vale da Lama, Lagos
Take part in a biodiversity measurement session
Please note that this session has been rescheduled to 17 May, due to expected poor weather on 12 April.
Join us as we document the variety of plants and animals of a specific section of the farm that has been undergoing ecosystem regeneration. We will be working in the Fig Orchard, conducting a one year follow up to the initial biodiversity measurement we created in April 2024. Measuring biodiversity is a key part of the monitoring and evaluation plan we developed to understand the impact of our regenerative practices and implemented techniques.
You will spend time outdoors, help science, and learn about different plants and animals. You might even discover some that you’ve never seen before!
This session will be facilitated by Dr. Elodie da Silva, the Chief Scientist at Mud Valley Institute, and leader of our Soil Lab.
What is a BioBlitz?
BioBlitzes are rapid, focused efforts to document the biodiversity of a specific area, involving scientists and the public working together to identify and record as many species of plants and animals as possible within a short period. This helps us create a snapshot of the biodiversity of a location, providing valuable data for conservation, ecosystem management, and scientific research.
What will we be doing?
We will use the iNaturalist mobile app to collect our data, identify what we are seeing, and save our work. Please download and become familiar with it ahead of time.
Working in groups, we will observe and register the fauna and flora diversity in 2 points: a reference site where we have not intervened (the “control” site) and the fig orchard, our “test” area where the Hügelkultur method was implemented in order to improve soil fertility and water retention. We will share full instructions on the day of the event. All you have to do is show up and be ready to help!
Why are we doing it?
This session will help us understand if the ecosystem regeneration work taking place in the fig orchard has resulted in a greater variety of animals coming to the area. Our hypothesis is that regenerating this area will have led to improved soil health and water retention, which in turn should result in more types of fauna being attracted to and living there. So now we need to see if our hypothesis is correct. That’s what this BioBlitz is for!
Once we collect the data with your help, we can then analyze it and see how successful our restoration work has been.
This is your opportunity to have fun with family and friends, enjoy time outside, and help science!
Soil Health Data Collection
3 May 2025 | 2pm-4:30pm
Quinta Vale da Lama, Lagos
Be a part of a European soil health research program!
The ECHO program is a citizen science project focusing on European soil health. Citizen scientists from 9 countries, including Portugal, will work directly with ECHO Ambassadors such as Mud Valley Institute to learn about soil health and participate in collecting data that will then be analyzed and loaded into an open-source database.
When you participate in the program you will receive your own soil sampling kit to take home and collect samples from your own site. You’ll use a mobile app to receive immediate feedback on the soil you collect. Mud Valley Institute will then collect the sample from you and send it away for analysis, where the results will added to an open access data repository.
What’s in the Citizen Science Toolkit?
This all-inclusive kit will help you to contribute to valuable environmental research. Inside, you will find: clear and detailed instructions to walk you through each step of the citizen science journey, a shovel for soil sampling, a variety of containers to store and analyze the soil samples, pH evaluation strips, and sterile gloves for better sample handling. You receive it for free when you participate in this program.
What will we be doing?
We will start this session with an overview of soil health and the ECHO program, presented by Dr. Cristina Cruz of the University of Lisbon. Then Dr. Cruz and Dr. Elodie da Silva, Chief Scientist at Mud Valley Institute, will take you into the field at Quinta Vale da Lama to teach you how to use the sampling kit and app. Finally, we will distribute the sampling kits to you, so that you can collect and analyze your own soil health.
Why are we doing it?
This large-scale project will engage the public in protecting and restoring soils by building your skills and enhancing your knowledge on soils. You will actively contribute to the project’s data collection, promote soil stewardship, and foster behavioral change across the EU.
The data collected will be available for use not only by scientists, but also by the general public, policy makers, farmers, landowners and other end-users, providing added value to existing data and other relevant soil monitoring initiatives. This will provide valuable information about the state of soil health in both Portugal and across EU Member States, helping support informed decisions about land use and conservation.
This program is a great way to learn more about soil health while also supporting scientific research across Portugal and the rest of Europe!
Click here to get more information about the ECHO program and the toolkit you will receive.
Quinta Vale da Lama
Living and learning closer to nature
Quinta Vale da Lama is a 43-hectare farm, featuring an organic market garden, applying regenerative agriculture and ecosystem restoration methodologies to improve soil quality, water availability, biodiversity, and local livelihoods.
It is also an active member of Ecosystem Restoration Communities, a group of 60 global hubs pursuing diverse restoration initiatives rehabilitating degraded lands to create flourishing ecosystems.
Quinta Vale da Lama is located in southwestern Portugal, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains of the western Algarve.
Ready to join us?
A few details to keep in mind:
Who: All ages are welcome to be citizen scientists. You can bring others with you. If you are bringing children, please remember this is field work and they will require close adult supervision.
When: Dates and times will vary. Please take note of each session’s details. If you need to leave a session early, no worries at all. Join us for as long as you can.
Where: These events currently take place at Quinta Vale da Lama. We will meet at the Soil Lab at Mud Valley Institute. You can park near there. (Directions to parking from Google Maps)
What to bring: Water, a hat, gloves, sturdy shoes or boots, sunscreen, and snacks are always a good idea.
English 
Portuguese