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
From December to April, LICA partners with ALMS to take part in their Citizen Science Program, Winter LakeKeepers. Using a YSI meter, measurements of dissolved oxygen, temperature, and conductivity were collected at various depths. Water samples were also gathered to analyze nutrients, phytoplankton (algae), isotopes, and chlorophyll-a. In addition, ice thickness, snow cover, water clarity, lake depth, and barometric pressure were recorded.
With support from community members, LICA sampled Moose Lake three times, while Hilda Lake, Fork Lake, Wolf Lake, and Crane Lake were each sampled once.
A big thank you to all the volunteers for contributing your time and equipment!
For more information, click here to visit the ALMS website.
Community Monitoring
CreekWatch Program
From 2021-2023, LICA partnered with the RiverWatch Institute of Alberta to offer the CreekWatch program!
CreekWatch is a provincial-wide program conducted by a non-profit RiverWatch Institute of Alberta since 2014. The citizen science-based program engages adult volunteers to collect water quality data to help address community concerns or inquiries about aquatic health related to runoff. Data collected was entered on a public, online platform, by LICA, that instantly graphs results.
Each project is uniquely designed to address specific volunteer groups and research question needs. CreekWatch staff provides portable water quality labs that contain all necessary equipment for water sampling and training to volunteers. Thank you, CreekWatch, Volunteers!
The following parameters are assessed with portable lab kits by volunteers.
| Water Quality Parameters | |
| Physics | Air Temperature (oC) |
| Water Temperature (oC) | |
| Turbidity (NTU) | |
| Chemistry | Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) |
| Ammonia Nitrogen (mg/L) | |
| Phosphorous (mg/L) | |
| pH | |
| Chloride (mg/L) | |
| Biology | Invertebrates |
Interested in participating in Citizen Science with LICA?
Sign up to become a member and receive notification when volunteers are needed!