We offer two ways to get involved with the Eco West Windsor initiative. Whether you're looking for a more committed role or want to contribute casually, we have options to suit your level of involvement. All participation is completely free.
Certified Members go through an application process to help maintain the quality of our community. Volunteers can participate immediately with no approval needed. Both roles are equally valued in our mission to protect local biodiversity.
To become a Certified Member, please complete the following prompt in your application:
Full Species Article Requirements
Each article must be well-researched, use accurate scientific terminology, and demonstrate clear connections to ecological and biological principles. Cite all scientific sources used.
1. Taxonomy and Evolutionary History
Scientific name (binomial), common name
Full classification: Kingdom to Species
Closest relatives and notable evolutionary traits
Fossil evidence (if applicable)
Major evolutionary adaptations (e.g., flight, thermoregulation, mimicry)
2. Native Range, Introduction History, and Urban Distribution
Is the species native or introduced to your region?
How and when was it introduced (if applicable)?
Natural geographic range
Where it's typically found in your city (parks, wetlands, streets, etc.)
3. Habitat, Ecological Niche, and Environmental Role
Preferred environments (e.g., aquatic, canopy, underground)
Abiotic factors it depends on (light, temp, pH, salinity)
Role in local food webs (e.g., decomposer, herbivore, apex predator)
Symbiotic relationships (e.g., mutualism, parasitism, commensalism)
Microbiome or cellular symbionts (e.g., gut bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi)
4. Behavior, Phenology, and Seasonal Activity
Diurnal/nocturnal/crepuscular behavior
Migration, hibernation, or estivation patterns
Communication methods (visual, auditory, chemical, electrical)
Seasonal patterns: flowering, breeding, molting, etc.
5. Life Cycle, Reproduction, and Development
Major life stages (larva, adult, metamorphosis, etc.)
Reproductive strategy (sexual/asexual, internal/external fertilization)
Parental investment or lack thereof
Mating behaviors and reproductive timing
Cellular reproduction details (e.g., mitosis, meiosis, gametogenesis)
Any unique reproductive molecules (e.g., pheromones, yolk proteins)
6. Molecular and Cellular Biology
Key cell types or tissue specializations (e.g., chloroplasts in algae, muscle cells in insects)
Unique or adaptive biochemical pathways (e.g., CAM photosynthesis, antifreeze proteins, venom peptides)
Gene regulation or gene expression features (e.g., melanin production, Hox gene expression, epigenetic traits)
Any known genomic studies or relevance in biotech research (e.g., CRISPR, genome sequencing, model organism status)
7. Diet, Feeding Strategy, and Digestive Biology
What it eats (autotroph/heterotroph/omnivore/etc.)
Feeding method or behavior (grazing, hunting, filter-feeding, parasitism)
Digestive adaptations (e.g., gizzards, ruminant stomachs, symbiotic digestion)
Biochemical digestion (e.g., enzyme usage, pH tolerance)
8. Physiology and Homeostasis
Temperature regulation (ectothermic/endothermic, hibernation, insulation)
Water balance and excretion (e.g., kidneys, Malpighian tubules, nephridia)
Hormonal regulation (e.g., stress responses, reproduction hormones)
Molecular or cellular adaptations for homeostasis (e.g., ion channels, aquaporins, heat shock proteins)
9. Immune and Defense Mechanisms
Innate or adaptive immune strategies (if known)
Physical defenses (shells, spines, camouflage)
Molecular defenses (toxins, alkaloids, antimicrobial compounds)
Immune proteins or genetic resistance traits
10. Response to Environmental Changes and Threats
How it reacts to urbanization, climate change, pollution, or habitat loss
Behavioral or physiological resilience or sensitivity
Molecular or genetic plasticity (e.g., gene expression under stress)
Long-term ecological or evolutionary implications
11. Population Status, Trends, and Dynamics
Current population trend (growing, stable, declining)
Causes of population shifts (e.g., disease, habitat change, hunting)
Local or global conservation status (IUCN, state list)
Known reproductive or mortality rates
Population genetics insights (if studied)
12. Conservation, Restoration, and Human Impact
Human threats: habitat destruction, pollution, climate disruption
Human benefits: agriculture, medicine, tourism, symbolic roles
Local or global conservation actions (laws, reserves, breeding programs)
How individuals or communities can help (citizen science, planting natives, etc.)
13. Scientific Significance and Research Connections
Why scientists study this species (e.g., model organism, indicator species, biomedical relevance)
Any famous experiments or discoveries involving it
Fields it connects to (e.g., evolutionary biology, neuroscience, pharmacology)
14. Cultural, Ethical, and Historical Relevance
Cultural symbolism or folklore
Historical human relationships (e.g., domestication, fear, reverence)
Ethical considerations in conserving or controlling this species
15. Identification and Field Recognition
Key visual or auditory features for ID
How to distinguish it from similar species
Where and when to look for it in your city
Photos, sketches, or sound recordings (optional but encouraged)
16. Visual Documentation and Photo Captions
Contributors must include at least 3 original photographs of the species, each with:
Date and time the photo was taken
Location (general area in your city; no exact GPS unless relevant)
Descriptive caption explaining what the photo shows (e.g., "Male cardinal singing on a rooftop during breeding season (April 2024, 8:15 AM, Prospect Park).")
Photos can show:
The species in its natural habitat
Behavior (e.g., hunting, pollination, interaction with others)
Life stages (e.g., egg, juvenile, adult)
Tracks, nests, or other signs of presence (if the species is hard to photograph)
(OPTIONAL) Authors can conduct their own research and data and fully discuss it in this section.
17. Sources and Citations
Credible sources
Scientific papers, textbooks, government databases, museum guides, or expert interviews
Use APA, MLA, or consistent citation style
Link to original data where possible (e.g., iNaturalist, GBIF, research repositories)
Note: Articles should be written for a general audience but maintain scientific rigor. Technical terms should be defined when first used.
Submit Your Article via Email
Alternatively, you can email us directly at ecowestwindsor@gmail.com with the subject "Article Submission"