The University of Waterloo has initiated a citizen science program in partnership with Parks Canada to engage national park visitors in monitoring glacier regression. Known as the Icy Initiative, this program utilizes photos captured by visitors to observe changes in glaciers at Jasper National Park and Glacier National Park.
Dean of Science and professor of earth and environmental sciences at the University of Waterloo, Chris Houser, and his research team have installed cellphone stands at specific glacier viewpoints. Through a method called repeat photography, visitors can use these stands to capture photos from the same spot, enabling researchers to track glacier changes over time.
Traditionally, environmental research has been conducted solely by researchers using similar techniques to those employed in the Icy Initiative. Houser highlighted that involving the public in taking photos allows them to witness the changing landscapes firsthand and understand the rate of change.
At designated checkpoints, visitors can place their phones on the stands and submit their photos using a QR code. These images can then be accessed by researchers, citizen science groups, and the general public, facilitating the sharing of information.
Although the project is in its early stages, Houser mentioned that the collected images may not be groundbreaking immediately. However, with time and the ability to compare them to historical photos, valuable insights can be gained.
The primary objective of the project is not just to gather data but to raise awareness about environmental changes and encourage public engagement. By providing more people with the opportunity to witness these changes and contribute to data collection, the initiative aims to expand scientific knowledge.
Kim Weir, a product development specialist at Jasper National Park, emphasized the importance of visitor connection to the landscape for the program’s success. She noted the significant interest in the Icy Initiative even before its full installation, underscoring the public’s fascination with glaciers and glaciated areas.
Weir pointed out that the sense of wonder visitors experience when encountering these landscapes drives the success of citizen science efforts like the Icy Initiative. She cited an earlier project, Coastie, led by Houser and Parks Canada, which involved civilians capturing photos to monitor coastal changes in Atlantic Canada.
Building on the success of the Icy Initiative, a new project called RegenEye will focus on tracking tree regeneration in Jasper National Park after the 2024 wildfires. Visitors on the Old Fort Point Trail can participate by taking photos to assist researchers in monitoring tree growth, with the aim of fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the environment.
The initiatives like the Icy Initiative and RegenEye aim to not only provide valuable scientific data but also to inspire visitors to appreciate and protect the natural beauty and resources of these national parks.