Whether it’s surveying bees and butterflies or collecting river samples, national park rangers can always use an extra pair of hands. At Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, youths with Mosaics in Science and the American Conservation Experience helped park biologists this summer with multiple science programs.

First, a butterfly survey was expanded into a citizen science project to track which bees are in Ohio and where, including a search for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee.

Students also collected water samples from the Cuyahoga River, once so polluted that it caught on fire multiple times, to track its recovery.

The “Outside Science (inside parks)” video series showcases “highlights the many ways young people are getting involved in science in parks.” It is produced by the National Park Service Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate in conjunction with Colorado State University.