Collecting data from the most extreme places on Earth can demand the skills of the most adventurous outdoor enthusiasts. Today, we're taking a closer look at how dedicated volunteers are gathering crucial information from the world's most challenging environments—and the science that’s benefiting from their efforts.
In 2011, extreme mountaineer Willie Benegas was scaling the rugged slopes of Mount Everest, a place he knows well. He’s summited Everest over a dozen times, but on this expedition, something unusual caught his eye—a small patch of green moss wedged in the rocky terrain at 6,400 meters above sea level.
Using a sterilised cloth, he carefully scooped up the moss and secured it in an envelope, beginning its long journey from the planet’s peak to Montana State University. There, scientists were eager to examine what secrets this tiny plant might hold.
Tim McDermott, an environmental microbiologist, studied the bacteria living on the moss, while Rusty Rodriguez, from the US Geological Survey, was interested in how plants survive in such extreme conditions. Rodriguez's work eventually led to developing techniques that help crops adapt to severe weather. He even launched a company that uses fungi to make crops more resilient—an innovation rooted in that moss collected on Everest.
This collaboration was made possible by Adventure Scientists—a non-profit that connects outdoor enthusiasts with researchers. These volunteers head into remote locations to gather data scientists otherwise wouldn’t have access to.
Founded in 2011 by Gregg Treinish, Adventure Scientists sends trained volunteers into the field to collect samples and observations for environmental research. With over 10,000 volunteers gathering data for more than 120 projects, their work is contributing to solutions for some of our planet’s biggest challenges—from preserving endangered species to understanding climate change.
For example, in Washington State, Adventure Scientists volunteers embarked on a challenging mission to document the elusive Pacific marten. These small mammals had almost vanished from the region, and the rugged terrain required volunteers to hike, ski, or snowshoe to install motion-activated cameras. Although initial surveys didn’t spot the martens, the data helped secure funding for more focused research, and soon, new sightings were confirmed.
Even when they don't find what they’re looking for, these volunteers provide invaluable information that guides future research. For many, it’s a way to give back to the natural world they love while turning their adventures into something meaningful.
One volunteer, John Soltys, discovered Adventure Scientists in 2013 while hiking in Washington's Mount Rainier National Park with his young children. They now volunteer over 100 times a year, igniting a passion for the environment in the next generation. Soltys’s daughter even chose to study environmental science at university—proof of the lasting impact these experiences can have.
Adventure Scientists isn’t just about the data—it’s about community science, where everyday people become part of groundbreaking research. These volunteers are transforming extreme adventures into opportunities for scientific discovery, showing that you don’t need a lab coat to make a difference.
As climate challenges intensify, the contributions of these outdoor enthusiasts will be more crucial than ever. Their work is a reminder that science doesn’t only belong in the laboratory—it’s out there, in the wild, waiting for us to explore. For more stories like this, stay tuned, and keep watching.