This is the third time it has come up recently, at least for my comments. I really lament the quashing of the citizen scientist idea.
I'm technically a scientist, albeit retired. I don't want a pedestal, nor an ivory tower. Someone mentioned that they weren't a real scientist. Yes, yes you are - so long as you follow the method.
Scientists aren't ordained. They are just people following a set of rules established by the Philosophy of Science. Anyone can follow those rules.
I encourage everyone to try to apply them to learning new things. I encourage them to get involved, to experiment, and to share their results. Ask questions. Ask for data. Ask why.
Intellectual curiosity is one of our species' defining traits. Giving that up and just accepting answers goes against the principles of science.
There are very, very good odds that they'll get the data they want, so long as they find the correct person. On a project this large, they should be able to find that person.
Don't only ask, test! Build a hypothesis and test it until it breaks. Make a better one. Break it. Rinse, repeat.