Riverwatchers monitoring microplastic pollution in the watershed!
Did you know that our Riverwatch network is the world’s largest network of citizen scientists monitoring microplastic pollution in a freshwater ecosystem? These dedicated volunteers have been closely involved in a study of microplastic pollution in the Ottawa River watershed conducted by Jesse Vermaire at Carleton University for the past few years, and more recently with Shaun Forrest, a PhD Candidate.
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Earlier this year, Ottawa Riverkeeper and these researchers co-authored the paper “Citizen science sampling programs as a technique for monitoring microplastic pollution” on the process of working with the Riverwatch network. It outlines both the advantages and challenges of working with citizen scientists, and puts forward some actionable recommendations. The paper concludes that collaborating with networks of citizen scientists, such as our Riverwatchers, not only increases the scale of monitoring projects, it also engages and educates community members who become ambassadors for research and its impact on local areas.
This is a great example of the legitimacy of involving citizens in scientific studies! You can read the entire paper online, and watch our recently released video in which Shaun and Larissa Holman from Ottawa Riverkeeper discuss the paper and the work that Riverwatchers did for the study.
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Continuing this important research, the next stage of the study was recently introduced at the Riverwatch meeting on June 12th in Ottawa. Professor Vermaire gave the group an overview of a new sampling technique they will be using, which involves collecting 1 Litre of sediment from various locations along shorelines. As the Riverwatchers live in 40 communities throughout the watershed, they are ideally placed to help with this research. This methodology builds upon the existing working relationship between the network and the researchers allowing them to build off their previous experience. We look forward to seeing how the efforts of the Riverwatch network will contribute to the understanding of microplastics in our watershed, and how they will continue to advocate in their communities to reduce plastic waste in the Ottawa River!
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Discover local beaches by using Swim Guide!
We just released a new blog about some of the features of Swim Guide! This free app and website not only helps you discover local beaches you might not otherwise know, but also provides updated data on these beaches. Use it to find out if your favorite beaches are closed or if it is safe to swim!
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Our Shoreline Cleanups in June were a success!
Thank you to everyone who helped out at any of our three cleanups last week! The shoreline at the Aviation Pathway, Westboro Beach and Britannia Beach are much more inviting and safer for swimmers and paddlers now, thanks to you.
It was a wonderful week for river health and sanitation as 75 participants removed 26 large bags of trash, as well as 13 ziplock bags of cigarette butts, from the shores of the Ottawa River. That's a total of approximately 300 lbs of junk gone from our beaches and pathways!
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If you missed out on last week’s cleanups, no worries! Stay tuned for more to come. Remember, cleanups are more fun with friends, so encourage yours to sign up to this newsletter so they get all the latest info.
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Register for the Riverkeeper 4K!
The annual Riverkeeper 4K is fast approaching! If you love to swim or paddle, make sure to sign up! We have three distances available; 4K, 1.5K and 750m. To get you excited, we have collected some of our favourite testimonials from participants in previous years!
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The second tier of early bird pricing ends on July 15th! Make sure you get your registration in NOW: swim, paddle, fundraise, and support your river!
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