Community Science Institute
Community science projects focus on local issues and local government. They prioritize observational monitoring and the use of data for science-based management of local resources over hypothesis testing and publication in scientific journals. We adhere to the scientific method, and projects may contribute to new scientific knowledge.
However, creating new knowledge is secondary to gathering data within a known scientific framework and using results to manage local resources sustainably.
Empowering citizens to understand, protect and manage local water resources.
Help protect your watershed by becoming a CSI member! Sign up!
The Community Science Institute (CSI) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization whose mission is to empower local people to understand their environment and manage their resources sustainably, particularly water.
We recruit, train and support groups of volunteers to partner with our state-certified water quality testing lab and monitor streams and lakes over the long term.
By participating directly in the scientific process of collecting management-quality data, volunteers become knowledgeable stewards of their watersheds.
Data produced by our monitoring partnerships with local volunteers fills gaps left by federal, state and academic programs. Monitoring results, available free of charge, help position local governments to manage water resources and distribute costs equitably among stakeholders.
With generous financial support from county and municipal governments and local foundations in Tompkins County, New York, CSI has partnered with seven groups of volunteers to collect over 35,000 pieces of certified water quality data on Cayuga Lake and its tributary streams since 2003.
CSI has offered baseline testing of private drinking water wells since 2009. Baseline testing establishes the levels of 20 “signature chemicals” that are most likely to change in the event of contamination from hydraulic fracturing fluids and shale gas waste.
CSI’s Water Quality Database. The purpose of the CSI database is to make scientifically credible water quality monitoring data available for use by the general public, regulators and policy makers.
Open Database
Sampling water sources in the Finger Lakes Region since 2003.
Conducting baseline testing of private drinking water wells in New York.
CSI database makes scientifically credible water quality monitoring data available for use by the general public, regulators and policy makers.
Training community members to monitor local water resources.
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7:00PM at 283 Langmuir Lab, 95 Brown Road, Ithaca NY 14850
BMI Night at the Lab!
To kick off the 2013 bio-monitoring season, join us for a Night at the Lab! Whether you’re new to BMI (benthic macroinvertebrate) insect identification or a seasoned volunteer, a Night at the Lab is a great time to learn about BMI sampling and volunteering with CSI!
The evening will include a brief introduction (or refresher) on the sampling process, an overview of CSI’s new protocols for easier sorting and identification of samples, a review of BMI results from the past few years and a tour of the new lab space that can be used by volunteers to sort and identify samples. We’ll top off the evening with some underwater video footage of the critters we’re looking for and spend some quality time at the lab with fellow volunteers.
Bring a light refreshment to share!
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6:30PM at Steele Memorial Library, 101 E. Church Street, Elmira NY
“Red Flag” Stream Monitoring Information Session
CSI will be recruiting and training several groups of volunteers in the Upper Susquehanna River Watershed to find out if hydrofracking impacts local streams. Water monitoring by volunteer groups in partnership with the certified laboratory is a low-cost and effective strategy for tracking water quality. With support from the CSI lab, volunteers will perform regular “red flag” field tests on stream samples to assess whether or not contamination occurs from shale gas operations. If a “red flag” is found, the CSI lab will perform further testing. You can read more about the “Red Flag” monitoring program on our website here: http://www.communityscience.org/?page_id=1267
Come and find out how CSI’s stream monitoring program works and how to get involved!
This event is free and open to the public.
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14 - 16
at CSI Lab, 283 Langmuir Lab, 95 Brown Road, Ithaca NY
ELAP Inspection
Biannual ELAP Laboratory Inspection
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3:30PM - 5:00PM at Stewart Park, Ithaca
4-H20 Sampling – Stewart Park
The 4-H20 Club is for youth interested in science and the environment. 4-H20 partners with the Community Science Institute to learn about water quality issues and perform scientific testing at Stewart Park and Fall Creek.
4-H20 meets regularly at the main pavilion at Stewart Park on the 4th Thursday of each month from 4:30 -6:00 PM.
If you are interested in joining the 4-H20 club, please contact Aaron or Patty Ristow, parent leaders, at 607-745-7165 or intisun07@gmail.com
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6:00PM at Montour Falls Public Library, 406 Main Street, Montour Falls NY
“Red Flag” Stream Monitoring Information Session
CSI will be recruiting and training several groups of volunteers in the Upper Susquehanna River Watershed to find out if hydrofracking impacts local streams. Water monitoring by volunteer groups in partnership with the certified laboratory is a low-cost and effective strategy for tracking water quality. With support from the CSI lab, volunteers will perform regular “red flag” field tests on stream samples to assess whether or not contamination occurs from shale gas operations. If a “red flag” is found, the CSI lab will perform further testing. You can read more about the “Red Flag” monitoring program on our website here: http://www.communityscience.org/?page_id=1267
Come and find out how CSI’s stream monitoring program works and how to get involved!
This event is free and open to the public.
