Hiking and doing scientific research can be combined, one of the ways is to take and maybe even do analytic work along the trails, sharing it online to help get a better understanding and map of how the environment is doing
Science and hiking combined
Illustration and text Frits Ahlefeldt Hiking.org

Keywords: citizenscience, citizen science, co-creation, research, streams, waterways, environment, biodiversity, nature, endangered species, pollution, land stewardship, hiking, hikers