March 2nd, 2011

With the fluctuating temperatures we’ve seen this week I am eagerly awaiting the break-up of ice here at Banister-Wrigley Lakes.

I am a big fan of citizen science, programs where ordinary people can make observations that get used for real science (see previous posts by Al and Peter about ebird and Journey North for an example).

Nature Canada and partners offer several citizen science programs, one of my favorites is Project Ice Watch. Participating in this simple program may be a quick and easy way that we can all help better understand global climate change.

Volunteers record the dates when their favorite lakes freeze and thaw.  By submitting these observations we help scientists at Guelph University and Environment Canada understand how climate change may be affecting our local environment.  The program is free, and can be done by anyone, anywhere in Canada.  It takes mere moments to submit your data online and requires only casual (but regular) observations of a local lake.

I encourage schools and teachers that discuss climate change in the class to sign up and participate.

Check out the website at http://www.naturewatch.ca/english/, here you will also find other citizen science projects appropriate for classes looking for an excuse to head outside.