This project is designed to help students (grades 6-12) and community members develop an appreciation for, and knowledge of, the Lagoon and the current health issues and stressors facing the estuary.

Volunteer citizen scientists use hands-on field techniques to measure chemical, physical, and biological parameters to determine how their local piece of the estuary fits into the larger ecosystem. Data such as, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and nitrate and phosphate concentrations from sampling locations are available to the general public, including decision makers. Teachers are encouraged to integrate ADIL data into school curriculum, science fair projects, and research projects throughout the school year. The results will help students and community volunteers build a better understanding of their local ecosystem’s ecological health and the relationship their site has to the entire watershed; essentially creating an environmental snapshot of the lagoon. 

To get involved with this project, reach out to Courtney Brooks at cbrooks@teamorca.org.