For Immediate Release
August 20th, 2024

More Volunteers Needed for Community Precipitation Monitoring Project

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is looking for more volunteers to help with a Community Precipitation Monitoring Project, particularly those living near St. Marys (Wildwood Conservation Area) and the northern part of the watershed. The UTRCA provides the technology, equipment, and training to set volunteers up for success!

How does the project work?

First, UTRCA staff will install a simple yet sophisticated rain gauge system on your property. Each day after, you will measure daily precipitation and record the results in the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow (CoCoRHaS) online platform.

Thousands of volunteers across six countries participate in CoCoRHaS, with over 20 being right here in the Upper Thames River watershed. Each of these volunteers provide high quality data for natural resources, education, and research applications.

Why participate?

The data you collect locally will:

• Enhance the UTRCA’s water monitoring system and fill data gaps,

• improve our understanding of significant rain events and their distribution after they occur,

• improve our understanding of climate change trends over time,

• improve our understanding of drought,

• improve our understanding of snow distribution in the winter and spring,

• calibrate and verify our hydrology and water budget models, and

• support water-related education programs.

“I think it’s a great way to participate in your town as a volunteer and provide that information for scientific research.” shared Derek Ruthig from Thames Vista Farm in St. Marys.

Derek, and his good friend Frankie the donkey, care for a herd of about 50 cattle. “I come out and go for a walk around the farm on a regular basis and it takes about 60 seconds to dump the gauge, measure it, and record it. Just that information and knowing that you’re part of a bigger program, I think it’s rewarding and worth it,” he said.

Become a volunteer!

Let UTRCA staff know that you’re interested by completing the form below and we’ll get back to you with more information.

Update (Aug., 28, 2024): Volunteer spots are now full. Thank you for your interest in the project!

Find out more about Derek’s experience with CoCoRHaS:

Contact: Vanni Azzano,Community Education Supervisor, Wildwood Conservation Area