Environmental group seeking volunteers to monitor climate data
Area residents are invited to become a catalyst for change by participating in Kawartha Conservation’s Climate Change Action Program.
Spearheaded by community members, this initiative aims to compile essential environmental data across the Kawartha Lakes region.
By engaging in the collection of precipitation and water temperature data, participants are not just contributing to vital research but playing an active role in fostering a greater comprehension of the shifts in climate, empowering both community and the environment.
The call is out for residents within the Kawartha Lakes, Scugog, Brock, and Trent Lakes area, including Port Perry, Blackstock, Fleetwood, Downeyville, Nogies Creek, Crystal Lake, Oakwood and the Glenarm Road area, to become citizen scientists.
This program is perfect for those interested in environmental conservation and willing to contribute to a vital cause, organizers said.
Volunteers will collect precipitation data from their property, and those situated on waterfronts can also gather water temperature data. Kawartha Conservation is committed to supporting volunteers by providing the necessary training, rain gauges, and water temperature loggers at no cost, ensuring everyone can participate easily.
The program runs within the watershed areas concentrated in Durham Region (Scugog and Brock Townships), Kawartha Lakes, and Trent Lakes, focusing on precipitation data collection from May through September — in some instances, year-round — and water temperature monitoring from June 1 to Aug. 31.
Volunteers will gain firsthand experience in environmental data collection using cost-effective methods and tools. This initiative not only serves educational and research purposes but also enhances the Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting and Warning Network.
The data will be summarized in the Climate Change Action Program report, providing valuable insights into the impacts of climate change in the area.
Space is limited. Interested volunteers are encouraged to sign up through the Kawartha Conservation website by visiting the Learn and Get Involved and Citizen Science section of kawarthaconservation.com.
For more details about the program and how to participate, contact assistant watershed resources technician Nathan Rajevski at nrajevski@kawarthaconservation.com.