Citizen Science | Kawartha Conservation

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

Become a catalyst for change with Kawartha Conservation by participating in our 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, you're not just contributing to vital research; you're playing an active role in fostering a greater comprehension of the shifts in our climate, empowering both our community and the environment.

Who Can Join?

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.

What is CCAP?

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.

Where and When?

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 (or year-round) and water temperature monitoring from June 1st to August 31st.

Why Participate?

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. Annually, the data will be summarized in the Climate Change Action Program report, providing valuable insights into the impacts of climate change in our area.

For more information about the Climate Change Action Program contact:

Nathan Rajevski
Assistant Watershed Resources Technician
nrajevski@kawarthaconservation.com
705.328.2271 ext. 235

Community Science Program

The Community Science Program is an exciting initiative by Kawartha Conservation that invites you to take an active role in protecting the lakes we cherish. This program focuses on nearshore water quality on waterbodies within Kawartha Lakes, including Balsam, Cameron, Sturgeon, Pigeon, and Lake Scugog (the north end of the lake).

As a Community Science Program volunteer, you will collect water samples which will be used to analyse E.coli, nitrates, total phosphorus, and chloride, while also recording important water quality parameters such as water temperature and conductivity.

Sampling takes place once a month from May to September, and participation is designed to fit into your routine seamlessly: just prepare your samples and leave them at your front door for Kawartha Conservation staff to pick up in the morning.

Volunteers are fully supported with all the training and equipment needed to participate. By joining, you’ll contribute to vital water quality research and help create a healthier future for our lakes. Your efforts will provide key insights into seasonal trends and help inform management decisions to protect our beautiful lakes.

This is your chance to get involved and make a meaningful impact. Sign up today and join a community of citizen scientists working together to preserve the beauty and health of our waters for generations to come.

For more information contact:

Nathan Rajevski
Acting Watershed Resource Technician
nrajevski@kawarthaconservation.com
705-328-2271 ext. 235

Kawartha Water Watch

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

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.

Scugog Lake Stewards

Lake partner program

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.

Lake Partner Program Data

Christmas bird count

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.