With apps like iNaturalist and Instagram hashtags like #trashtag
trending, there are increasingly more ways for budding
citizen-scientists to contribute data, report concerns and get involved
in ongoing research. Now, thanks to a newly updated “Citizen Science
Tahoe” app created by the University of California, Davis’ Tahoe
Environmental Research Center (TERC) in collaboration with the Desert
Research Institute and the League to Save Lake Tahoe, locals and
visitors alike can be involved in Lake Tahoe science and protection
efforts.
Today, the coalition of science-based organizations unveiled an updated
and more user-friendly version of the “Citizen Science Tahoe” app
designed and developed by Joinify Visitor Guides.
“Science is something that everyone can be a part of,” said Zack
Bradford, Natural Resource Manager at the League to Save Lake Tahoe.
“Download the app and within minutes become part of a network of
citizens working together to collect data and report significant
findings that help us better understand and protect Lake Tahoe.”
The app, originally developed by UC Davis in 2016, now allows users to
report on Lake Tahoe beach conditions like algae, water quality, trash,
and stormwater pollution. Users of the original app will need to create
a new account with email and password or choose to report anonymously.
“Locals and visitors can join Tahoe’s largest community-powered science
project,” said Heather Segale, Education and Outreach Director of UC
Davis’ TERC. “Be a part of our citizen scientist community and help us
understand conditions around the lake by sharing what you observe. It’s
free, fun, and you can help Lake Tahoe.”
In the spring and summer, users can participate in the League’s Eyes on
the Lake program and report sightings of aquatic invasive weeds like
Eurasian watermilfoil or curlyleaf pondweed. This data feeds directly to
the League’s team of experts who monitor and identify problem areas in
the Lake and work to find innovative solutions to stop the spread of
these invaders.
In the winter, users can submit photos of snow crystals to “Stories in
the Snow.” These photos help Desert Research Institute scientists better
identify where moisture will fall and when during winter storms.
“The remarkable thing about these citizen science programs is that
people can do real science with little more than the technology in their
own pockets. The more community and visitor involvement we can get, the
better. The Citizen Science Tahoe app is a way to broaden involvement in
local science while inspiring curiosity for the world around us,” said
Meghan Collins, Education Program Manager at DRI.
The new “Tahoe Citizen Science” app is available for download on the
Apple App store, on Google Play and can be found at citizensciencetahoe.org.
The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is a recognized world leader
in basic and applied interdisciplinary research. Committed to scientific
excellence and integrity, DRI faculty, students, and staff have
developed scientific knowledge and innovative technologies in research
projects around the globe. Since 1959, DRI’s research has advanced
scientific knowledge, supported Nevada’s diversifying economy, provided
science-based educational opportunities, and informed policy makers,
business leaders, and community members. With campuses in Reno and Las
Vegas, DRI is one of eight institutions in the Nevada System of Higher
Education. For more information, visit www.dri.edu
and follow us on Facebook,
Twitter,
and Instagram.
The League to Save Lake Tahoe, also known by the slogan “Keep
Tahoe Blue,” is Tahoe’s oldest and largest nonprofit environmental
advocacy organization. The League is dedicated to community engagement
and education, and collaborating to find solutions to Tahoe’s
environmental challenges. The League’s main campaigns include combating
pollution, promoting restoration, tackling invasive species and
protecting Tahoe’s shoreline. keeptahoeblue.org.
The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center is a global
leader in research, education, and public outreach on lakes and forested
ecosystems providing critical scientific information to help understand,
restore, and sustain the Lake Tahoe Basin and other systems worldwide.
For more information, visit https://tahoe.ucdavis.edu
and follow us on Facebook,
Twitter,
and Instagram.
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