Citizen science is a collaborative effort where the public participates in scientific research. Regular people, without necessarily having a scientific background, work alongside professional researchers to gather and analyze data. This data collection can cover a wide range of fields at Kawartha Conservation. Citizen science projects benefit from the large number of participants, allowing researchers to gather information over vast areas or for extended periods. In addition to aiding scientific discovery, citizen science also fosters public engagement with science and educates participants about the scientific process.
At Kawartha Conservation, we work with Citizen Scientists on a number of areas in various environmental monitoring projects and programs such as water quality, frog and amphibian surveys, bird surveys and many other applications.
Current projects
Learn about the current citizen science conservation projects.
Climate Change Action Program |
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The Climate Change Action Program is a new monitoring project developed by Kawartha Conservation that aims to make a positive impact on the environment by monitoring precipitation within the Kawartha Lakes! Kawartha Conservation is looking for a number of volunteers located within the Kawartha Lakes. As a volunteer, you will be responsible for collecting precipitation in the form of rainfall from May to September on your own property. Volunteers will then submit their data onto a online community collaboration network for us to analyze and create a summary report on the trends and patters seen within our watershed. You will receive all the information and equipment needed to collected data, free of charge! By joining the Climate Change Action Program, you’ll be part of a group of dedicated individuals who care about the changes in climate within the Kawartha Lakes. So sign up below today and become part of the solution to climate change! |
Kawartha Water Watch |
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Participating in the Kawartha Water Watch program includes collecting water samples from various locations across the Kawartha Conservation Area. This data is used to create our watershed reports. |
Links to external Citizen Science programs
Walleye Watch |
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Walleye Watch is a program developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Trained citizen scientists go out during the walleye spawning window and document fish presence throughout Lake Scugog. |
Lake partner program |
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The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has partnered with the Federation of Cottagers Association to collect important water quality data on inland lakes from May to October of each year. This long term monitoring program has been ongoing since 2002. |
Christmas bird count |
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Ontario Nature is the leader in this citizen science based data collection program. The program welcomes birder skills of all levels to count as many different species, and individuals of those species, as possible over the course of a single day. The data is entered into a provincial database. |