IceWatch

How to IceWatch

To become an IceWatch observer, pick a water body that you will be able to monitor on a yearly basis. The area can be an entire lake, a bay in a lake, or even a straight stretch of a gently flowing river. The site should be unaffected by local human impacts such as industrial outlets or dams, and be readily identifiable so that you or the next volunteer can find it easily and repeat the observations for many years to come.

Participants are encouraged to register and submit findings electronically through EMANCO’s Web site so that the computer database can automatically plot IceWatch locations on the map. If you do not have access to a computer, contact the Canadian Nature Federation to obtain copies of the forms, and fax or mail your information to the Canadian Centre for Inland Waters in Burlington, Ontario. Learn how to report your findings.

Scientists have obtained long term historical records from former meterological stations or biologists who were stationed at these lakes. Through IceWatch we are hoping to find volunteers who would be willing to continue to collect ice on and ice off dates at these lakes.