What is Community Science?
Community Science is a way for everyday people just like you to help protect the environment by working alongside scientists. You don’t need a science degree or special training. All you need is curiosity and a desire to make a difference. When it comes to keeping our rivers, lakes and tributaries clean, community science plays a huge role. By testing water quality, tracking pollution, or observing wildlife, volunteers help gather important information that scientists and local groups like Waterkeepers use to protect our waterways. This kind of research, sometimes called “citizen science” or “participatory science,” helps us better understand the health of our environment and respond more quickly to problems. It’s a fun, hands-on way to learn about your local watershed and be part of the solution. The world is your lab, your local waterways are your mission, and anyone can be a Community Scientist!
Why Community Science for Water Quality Matters
Our waterways rivers, lakes, streams, and tributaries all connect and ultimately flow into the Chesapeake Bay. While the Bay is often the focal point, every waterway that feeds into it plays a crucial role in the health of the larger ecosystem. These waters provide food, drinking water, recreation, and vital habitat for countless species. They’re not just home to fish and wildlife, they’re essential to our communities, too.
That’s why community science is so important. By staying informed and engaged in monitoring our local environment, we can make a real difference. This might look like noting where storm drains are clogged, identifying areas that flood regularly, reporting pollution, picking up plastic and trash before it reaches a stream, or organizing neighborhood cleanups.
These small, everyday actions contribute to a much larger effort. Protecting our waterways starts at home with each observation, each cleanup, and each person who chooses to care. Together we can build a healthier environment for everyone, upstream and downstream.
Get Involved: Volunteer or Support your Local Waterkeepers
Looking for a hands-on way to protect your local waterways? Join forces with regional Waterkeeper groups working to safeguard rivers and streams through education, restoration, advocacy, and science. There are plenty of great opportunities to get involved!
Plus, all Waterkeeper websites offer ways for you to report pollution in your area. Find the “Report Pollution” tab on their websites to learn more and take action.
Volunteer with Blue Water Baltimore
Make new friends, explore Baltimore, and help solve real environmental issues by volunteering with Blue Water Baltimore. Opportunities are available year round for individuals and groups. You might monitor water quality, plant trees, clean up streams, help at the Herring Run Nursery, or support office projects, there’s something for everyone!
Join the Movement with ShoreRivers
ShoreRivers relies on passionate volunteers to help achieve clean water on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Whether you love hands-on fieldwork or behind the scenes support, your efforts contribute to healthier rivers and thriving communities.
Volunteer with the James River Association
Support the health of the James River on land or on the water. From habitat restoration and water quality monitoring to advocacy and administrative help, the James River Association offers a wide range of volunteer roles to match your interests and availability.
Get involved with Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association
Whether you’re interested in one day events or long term projects, the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association offers opportunities to help clean up, monitor water quality, and advocate for a healthier river. Join their team and become a Water Watchdog!
Middle Susquehanna Watershed Opportunities
Local watershed associations play a vital role in keeping the Susquehanna river and its tributaries clean and healthy. Volunteers help restore streambanks, plant riparian buffers, clean up litter, monitor for pollution, and concept landowners with essential resources. Your time and energy can make a real impact.
Volunteer with Potomac Riverkeeper Network
Help make the Potomac swimmable again! The Potomac Riverkeeper Network offers volunteer roles in water quality monitoring, trash clean-ups, advocacy, legal research, and more across the D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Your voice and your time can help protect these vital waterways.
Lend a Hand with Arundel Rivers
Arundel Rivers relies on community members to help protect and restore the South, West, and Rhode Rivers. Whether planning marsh grasses or testing water quality, there are plenty of ways to get your hands dirty and your feet wet for a cleaner, healthier watershed.
The Severn Riverkeeper works closely with local communities to monitor potential threats and development that could affect water quality. Your support helps advocate for clean, healthy rivers and ensures that concerns from neighborhoods are heard and addressed.
Support Assateague Coastkeeper
The Assateague Coastkeeper works on vital programs from water-quality monitoring and Coast kids nature events to community education and legislative advocacy to protect our local bays. Visitors can learn tangible giving levels and easily donate to help keep coastal waters clean and thriving.
Gunpowder Riverkeepers appreciate any support that is given to them to continue their ongoing efforts to protect and monitor water quality, testing for bacteria and pollutants, advocacy under the Clean Water Act, community education and restoration programs that protect watershed health.
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