Citizen Science
You can help PLEON monitor your lake by volunteering as a Citizen Scientist!
PLEON provides training and equipment for individuals to collect water quality data on their lake. Data are submitted to PLEON at the end of the sampling season and are collated and analyzed by PLEON scientists. You receive a summary of the data you collected which includes explanations of the what your results mean.
Data collected through this program will be entered into the PLEON database. The more people who participate within a lake community and within the region, the better we can begin to understand spatial and temporal patterns of lakes in the Poconos.
There are many sampling options available, so you can choose how much time and effort you want to invest. PLEON scientists will build a sampling kit based on your sampling plan and train you in the use of the sampling equipment.
PLEON provides training and equipment for individuals to collect water quality data on their lake. Data are submitted to PLEON at the end of the sampling season and are collated and analyzed by PLEON scientists. You receive a summary of the data you collected which includes explanations of the what your results mean.
Data collected through this program will be entered into the PLEON database. The more people who participate within a lake community and within the region, the better we can begin to understand spatial and temporal patterns of lakes in the Poconos.
There are many sampling options available, so you can choose how much time and effort you want to invest. PLEON scientists will build a sampling kit based on your sampling plan and train you in the use of the sampling equipment.
To Get Started
- Become a member of Lacawac Sanctuary
- Peruse our citizen science sampling options below and decide what you would like to sample, and how often.
- Fill out a kit order form. Send completed form to PLEON or contact PLEON for help developing a sampling plan (Beth Norman; beth.norman@lacawac.org)
- Schedule a training session
- Go sample!
- Return the datasheets and/or water samples to PLEON and wait for your results report.
Citizen Science Options:
There are several sampling options for you to choose from, ranging from minimal time commitments to more involved sampling schedules. You can participate in as many of the options as you want. Protocols and datasheets are adapted from:
Klug, J.L., G.L. Bollard, and R. White. 2017. Tool-kit for implementing a Citizen-Led Environmental Observatory (CLEO) on your lake. CES4Health.info.
One time water quality monitoring
This option requires a single reading of water temperature, Secchi depth, water color, particles, surface scum, and woody debris. The program takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
Continuous water quality monitoring
This option requires multiple readings of water temperature, Secchi depth, water color, particles, surface scum, and woody debris. An ideal monitoring schedule is once a week Memorial Day through Labor Day. Monitoring takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Water sample collection
This option requires collecting water samples when water quality variables are recorded. Samples need to be delivered to Lacawac Sanctuary within 48 hours of collection.
Aquatic plant survey
This option involves identifying aquatic plants and mapping their occurrence around the perimeter of your lake. Mapping can take place over several days.
Ice cover monitoring
This option requires access to your lake year round and involves noting the timing of ice on and ice off, the % ice cover and type of ice that develops through the winter.
For more information on why certain things are monitored, visit our Lake Science page!
Klug, J.L., G.L. Bollard, and R. White. 2017. Tool-kit for implementing a Citizen-Led Environmental Observatory (CLEO) on your lake. CES4Health.info.
One time water quality monitoring
This option requires a single reading of water temperature, Secchi depth, water color, particles, surface scum, and woody debris. The program takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
Continuous water quality monitoring
This option requires multiple readings of water temperature, Secchi depth, water color, particles, surface scum, and woody debris. An ideal monitoring schedule is once a week Memorial Day through Labor Day. Monitoring takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Water sample collection
This option requires collecting water samples when water quality variables are recorded. Samples need to be delivered to Lacawac Sanctuary within 48 hours of collection.
Aquatic plant survey
This option involves identifying aquatic plants and mapping their occurrence around the perimeter of your lake. Mapping can take place over several days.
Ice cover monitoring
This option requires access to your lake year round and involves noting the timing of ice on and ice off, the % ice cover and type of ice that develops through the winter.
For more information on why certain things are monitored, visit our Lake Science page!
