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Some volunteers have trickled in, but local conservation officials are seeking more participants to help gather regional precipitation data.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority – whose district including London covers about 3,500 square kilometres – is looking for people, particularly those living near St. Marys and the northern part of the watershed, to participate in what a spokesperson dubbed “community science” to help the local environment.
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“It’s a way for people to . . . fill gaps in data and be able to improve our understanding of changes in climate over time of drought, of snow distribution in the winter and really be able to contribute in that way,” said Upper Thames spokesperson Amy Bumbacco.
The data collected by participants locally will also enhance the conservation authority’s water monitoring system, support water-related education programs and improve its understanding of significant rain events and how intense rainfall flows.
The organization provides volunteers with the technology, equipment and training needed to participate in the study, officials said. Staff installs a rain gauge system on volunteers’ properties, and participants measure daily precipitation, then record the results to an online platform.
Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow – the online platform in which participants upload the data they’ve collected – has thousands of volunteers across six countries, roughly 20 of whom are in the Upper Thames watershed, officials said in a statement.
Derek Ruthig, a St. Marys resident and volunteer in the project, said it’s rewarding to play a part in a larger program. “I think it’s a great way to participate in your town as a volunteer and provide that information for scientific research.”
Bumbacco said the conservation authority had received some participants “right away” since it put out the word more volunteers were needed but could still use more.
“The more gauges we can have, the better (and) the more information we can contribute to that program,” Bumbacco said.
For people interested in being a part of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority precipitation monitoring project, click here.
bwilliams@postmedia.com
@BrianWatLFPress
The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada
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