The Sustainability Division is partnering with the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s DNA Learning Center and Webster University to host the Citizen DNA Barcode Network project at Missouri Botanical Garden. This program supports citizen/community scientists as they identify species, sequence DNA, analyze genetic codes, and upload sequences to a worldwide database. Scientists of all ages and abilities can contribute to this project.

Join us to contribute to biodiversity research!

 

“A "DNA barcode" is a unique pattern of DNA sequence that can potentially identify each living thing. With DNA barcodes, we can discover and catalog biodiversity on our planet using tools developed at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center.”
—Citizen DNA Barcode Network

Upcoming Events

 

Lab Events

Join other citizen scientists to process insects for DNA sequencing as a follow up to the collection events that occurred in the Fall. During lab events, Missouri Botanical Garden and Webster University staff will introduce participants to the "hard science" portion of DNA Barcoding. These events are for scientists aged 13+ of all levels and abilities.

  • Get hands-on experience with extracting and isolating insect DNA, using lab equipment like micropipettes, centrifuge, thermocyclers, and gels, and exploring DNA barcodes.
    Thursday, June 19, 2025; 1–5 p.m.
    Register
     
 
 

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A Community Initiative to Promote, Protect and Plan for Biodiversity Throughout the Greater St. Louis Region