Citizen Science Monitoring Programs
in Severn Sound
SSEA Citizen Science Program Coverage Map
Become a Citizen Scientist!
Citizen science is a fun and meaningful way for community members to help protect local water and natural areas. By sharing what you see when you’re out enjoying nature, you help expand SSEA’s “eyes on the ground” and give us valuable information from across the watershed.
Do you have a primary or seasonal residence, or regularly visit areas within the yellow shaded area on the Citizen Science Program Coverage Map? Special project areas may also include MacLean Lake, Tea Lake, Gloucester Pool along the Township of Severn shore as well as Christian Island. To become a citizen scientist and help collect observations under one of the programs below, contact our Citizen Science Program today!
We are excited to share that we have received $295,000 in federal funding over four years for a new citizen science project, Smart Water Watch. The funding comes from the Canada Water Agency through the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, part of a $9.3 million national investment supporting 26 projects that protect freshwater ecosystems across the Great Lakes region.
New Citizen Science Programs
Current Active Citizen Science Programs
Past Citizen Science Programs
What volunteers have said about our programs?
Being a Shore Watch volunteer has been an interesting activity. I have always enjoyed the shoreline birds and mammals. This regular SSEA monitoring has increased my awareness of water and air temperatures with cloud cover impacts. Logging details, sometimes with photos, has given a better picture of the shoreline and the impacts of storms, big speedy boats and human use which all negatively affect the shoreline. I have been able to share my better understanding with others in the community.
Eileen
Shore Watch Volunteer
As a program participant, I would like to testify to the positive social and environmental outcomes being generated by the SSEA Citizen Science initiatives. As a citizen with concern for our community’s youth and its surrounding environment, this initiative, and the funding support behind it, is deeply appreciated.
Jeff
Shore Watch Volunteer and teacher
As a Shore Watch volunteer in the Severn Sound Citizen Science program, I would like to say that I was pleasantly surprised at the level of dedication to detail and responsiveness by the program organizers. As a full time resident of the area, my duties were an easy and pleasant task and I am happy to participate in this small way to ensure the future environmental health of the Great Lakes.
Karen
Shore Watch Volunteer
Even with busy family schedules, the SSEA Stream Watch Citizen Science program made me find time to visit sections of the untouched Coldwater River and take a few measurements and install a temperature logger. I really appreciate having an organization that cares about, and has real scientific data on our waterways, all of which will be extremely useful as Simcoe County becomes pressured for development, yet in a sustainable, environmentally friendly manner.
Carl
Stream Watch Volunteer
Funders
SSEA Citizen Science programs have received current or past funding from the following supporters:
Canada Water Agency/ Agence de l'eau du Canada
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
Invasive Species Centre
Environmental Careers Organization Canada
Lake Huron - Georgian Bay Watershed - Community Action
Huronia Community Foundation - Environment Fund
How to
Information
Need a refresher on collecting data and samples?
Check out our Citizen Science How to Videos for the Stream and Shore Watch programs, and our Demonstration Video of an Aquatic Rake Toss.:
