What is Citizen Science?
Citizen science is a collaborative approach to environmental monitoring and research that engages community members, volunteers, and local partners in scientific data collection and observation. These programs support the tracking of biodiversity, water quality, and land cover as key indicators of watershed health, ecological stability, and environmental change.
Lakeland Industry and Community Association (LICA) strives to offer a variety of Citizen Science programs each year, empowering community-lead initiatives.
View the currently available programs below for volunteer opportunities! A BIG thank you to all of our volunteers who have dedicated their time towards these important initiatives!
Current Active Programs
Double-crested cormorant count
LICA is launching a citizen science monitoring initiative to answer the question: Where do double-crested cormorants forage in the Beaver River Watershed? The purpose of this Citizen Science Program is to fill data gaps on cormorant foraging (feeding) locations. Results will be uploaded to the eBird database.
Who can participate? Anyone that sees cormorants in the Beaver River Watershed can submit their observations.
| What to report? |
| Estimated number of birds |
| Location of sightings |
| Date of sightings |
| Photos may be submitted |
| Behaviours: Actively foraging (feeding), perching, swimming, in-flight |
Where is this taking place? Any body of water that is in the Beaver River Watershed.
When does this program take place? You can submit your observations from May 1st – November 30th.
How to report? Email any double-crested cormorant sightings and observations to LICA’s Community Outreach Coordinator: Jodie.Genest@lica.ca
Other important information
- DO NOT approach or enter nesting colonies. Always observe from a safe distance.
- Cormorants are protected under the Alberta Wildlife Act and other nesting species may be protected under the Federal Species at Risk Act and/or Migratory Bird Convention Act.
ALMs winter Lakekeepers
The Alberta Lake Management Society Winter LakeKeepers program is a citizen science-based winter monitoring initiative that engages volunteers in collecting lake health data during ice-covered conditions. Monitoring activities include measuring dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, nutrients, phytoplankton, chlorophyll-a, ice thickness, snow cover, water clarity, lake depth, and barometric pressure to support a greater understanding of winter lake conditions and aquatic ecosystem health. In partnership with community members, LICA participates in monitoring activities at Moose, Hilda, Fork, Wolf, and Crane lakes.
Results are posted directly on the ALMS website.
Other ways to get involved!
Biodiversity Monitoring with iNaturalist & eBird
Contribute to data collection while recreating outdoors!
iNaturalist is a biodiversity observation platform that enables individuals to record and share observations of plants, animals, and other organisms. Observations submitted through the platform contribute to global scientific repositories and support biodiversity monitoring, conservation research, and environmental decision-making.
Current Citizen Science Monitoring Programs in our area include the Sucker Watch! · iNaturalist
eBird is a citizen science platform that enables individuals to contribute to a global biodiversity database used to monitor bird populations, migration patterns, habitat use, and environmental change over time. The data supports scientific research, conservation planning, and habitat management efforts led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and conservation partners worldwide.
These platforms are available through both a free mobile app and web-based interface. Click the links above to start observing!
Did You Know?
LICA has wildlife discovery kits. They are equipped with binoculars and field guides and only require a $30 refundable holding fee when signed out.
CreekWatch Program
The Alberta River Institute CreekWatch program is a citizen science-based initiative that engages volunteers in collecting water quality data to help address community questions and concerns related to aquatic health and runoff. Monitoring activities focus on water chemistry, physics, and biology, with projects designed to support specific research questions and community interests. In partnership with Indigenous Communities and Watershed Stewardship Groups, LICA participated in monitoring activities that contribute to a greater understanding of the Beaver River watershed health and environmental changes within the region.
Click below to view the program reports.
Interested in participating in Citizen Science with LICA?
Sign up to become a member and receive notification when volunteers are needed!