Upper Thames River Conservation Authority launches Community Science Projects (media release, May 11, 2021)
May 11, 2021 – On May 11, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is launching two new Community Science Projects aimed at involving local residents in collecting useful environmental information about the watershed.
The UTRCA is working with watershed property owners to pilot a new Community Precipitation Monitoring Project. Participants will measure and record daily precipitation using the online Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) platform. CoCoRaHS is a community based network of volunteers across North America who measure and map daily precipitation. The UTRCA plans to expand the project based on the first pilot year.
The UTRCA is also launching a Community Nature Project that encourages people to make observations about the animals and plants they see in the watershed and log them using the iNaturalist Canada platform. iNaturalist is an on-line platform where participants can record and share biodiversity information, learn more about their local environment, and connect with other naturalists.
To guide people on how to use the iNaturalist platform and get involved with the Community Nature Project, the UTRCA will host a free webinar on Wednesday, May 19 from 7-8 pm.
Community science engages members of the public in collecting data, which can be used to increase scientific knowledge and inform decision making.
“These new projects will help us connect with residents, gather valuable insights about our watershed and the potential impacts of climate change,” said Erin Dolmage, Community Education Technician. “They’re a great way for volunteers to contribute to the health of the watershed while safely enjoying the outdoors.”
Funding for these community science projects was provided by Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) Tech in Nature Grant. The RBC Tech for Nature grant is a multi-year commitment by the RBC Foundation to foster new ideas, technologies and partnerships focused on protecting our shared future.
For more information, please visit the Community Science Projects website, or check out these photos and videos about the Community Precipitation Monitoring Project and Community Nature Project
Contact: Erin Dolmage, Community Education Technician, or Steve Sauder, Marketing Specialist