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Some volunteers have already joined, but local conservation officials are seeking more participants to help collect regional precipitation data.
The Upper Thames Conservation Authority, whose area includes London and covers about 3,500 square kilometres, is looking for people, particularly those living around St Marys and in the north of the catchment, to take part in what a spokesman called “community science” to help the local environment.
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Amy Bumbacco, a spokeswoman for the Upper Thames Region, said: “This is a way for people to fill in the gaps in the data and improve our understanding of climate change in terms of droughts, winter snow cover distribution and so on, and really be able to contribute in that way.”
The data collected by participants on the ground will also enhance the conservation agency’s water monitoring systems, support water-related education programs, and improve its understanding of major rainfall events and how rainfall intensity flows.
Officials said the organization provides volunteers with the technology, equipment and training needed to participate in the study. Staff install rain gauge systems on volunteers’ homes, and participants measure daily precipitation, then record the results on an online platform.
Community collaboration Rain, Hail and Snow, an online platform where participants upload the data they collect, has thousands of volunteers from six countries, including about 20 in the Upper Thames Basin, officials said in a statement.
Derek Ruthig, a St. Marys resident and volunteer on the project, said it was fulfilling to be part of a large-scale project. “I think it’s a great way to get involved with the town as a volunteer and to inform scientific research.”
Bombaco said that since the conservation agency sent out the message that it needed more volunteers but still did not have enough, it accepted some participants “immediately.”
“The more measuring instruments we have, the better and more information we can provide for the project,” Bombaco said.
For those interested in participating in the Upper Thames Conservation Authority’s precipitation monitoring project, Click here.
bwilliams@postmedia.com
@BrianWatLFPress
The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada
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