By Margo Bates
Winter Springs High School Student Writer
April is "Citizen Science Month", and FL LAKEWATCH is a program that utilizes the help of volunteers - called citizen scientists - to monitor impairment levels of Florida’s waterways. Founded in 1986 through the University of Florida, FL LAKEWATCH collects and monitors data about the water quality in our beautiful state. A whopping 627 waterbodies are monitored in 47 counties of Florida to protect the life that blooms within and around. There are currently 883 active volunteers working to protect the waterways of Florida; with a simple sign up procedure, training session and monthly field work, you too can become a citizen scientist for FL LAKEWATCH.
FL LAKEWATCH uses the same four water chemistry parameters used by scientists and the Florida DEP, to monitor a waterbody's ability to support plant and animal health. The program is far from only numbers and data though. Their efforts aim to track the long-term water quality of Floridian aquatic ecosystems and monitor temporal changes. Our Florida waterways hold a diverse array of life such as manatees, alligators, and otters, with countless more thriving on the water’s edge. Without caretaking of the lakes, estuaries, streams, and springs, Florida would not be the same magnificent wonder that it is today.
Not only animals thrive with the help of citizen scientists though. FL LAKEWATCH Coordinator, Natalie Anderson, holds a deep connection to Florida’s nature and its waters, and is passionate about her work. As a Graduate student, Anderson volunteered with FL LAKEWATCH and made a fortuitous connection with an FWC employee, who is now her husband. Together the two continue to educate others and work to protect the ecosystems and scenery of Florida’s flourishing waters.
Consider signing up today to contribute as a citizen scientist for our Florida waterbodies, and the vibrant life they support. For more information about FL LAKEWATCH, visit https://lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/ or contact [email protected]. If you can’t volunteer, you can still enjoy the waterways. Just remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints.
