We have two exciting environmental monitoring projects this winter. SkNOWLEDGE involves monitoring local snowfall, while our iNaturalist project involves monitoring local biodiversity. You can collect data for both projects in the same trip to your local park or greenspace. Volunteer as much time as you like, submitting as many observations as you are able to (minimum 2 hours suggested).

Snow Monitoring

Join the Snow Knowledge Collective, along with EcoSpark and become a vital part of this citizen science initiative! Dive into the fascinating world of snow, exploring its impact on the environment and its crucial role in water resources within our communities. Through collaborative efforts, inquiry, and digital mapping, we can unravel the mysteries of snow together.

How to Participate:

1. Read the step-by-step instructions that outline the data collection protocol, along with the backgrounder.

2. Gather materials. All you need is a ruler and a thermometer.

3. Find a place outside in a field or lawn that is untouched (e.g. an area that hasn’t been walked on, plowed, or driven over) and away from structures (e.g. fences and buildings). .

4. Record 10 sets of observations at different locations across the field. You can record your observations on these data collection worksheets.

5.  Follow the prompts on the online survey to submit your observations.

6. Visit the SkNOWLEDGE Collective resources page for lesson plans and other supplementary materials.

7. Keep track of how many hours you spend volunteering. You can make a copy of this tracking sheet or create your own.

Winter iNaturalist Biodiversity Monitoring

How to Participate:

1. Read this Getting Started guide for using iNaturalist.

2. Download iNaturalist and Seek.

3. Create an iNaturalist account and link it to Seek.

4. Join the EcoSpark Project on iNaturalist.

5. Go to your local greenspace and use the Seek app to identify any species you find.

6. Submit your observations through iNaturalist.

7. Return regularly throughout the winter months to make observations. 

8. Keep track of how many hours you spend volunteering. You can make a copy of this tracking sheet or create your own.

Your involvement in these citizen science projects this winter will make a meaningful impact on environmental research. If you are interested in being a part of our Community Science Volunteer Program register today!

SkNOWLEDGE Collective was founded by Larissa Pizzolato, M.Sc PhD Candidate at University of Toronto. This school-based citizen science initiative is designed to spark inquiry, collaboration, and discussion about snow in the environment and its significance for water resources in our communities.

Pizzolato, LAV & Snow Knowledge Collective. (2023). Snow Knowledge Collective,
SkNOWLEDGE, Educator Resources. sknowledge.ca/resources.