Citizen Science comes to Markham
If you’ve walked by Swan Lake Park on an early weekday morning, you may have noticed a flurry of activity over the water—perhaps a drone hovering, or a group of people taking photos and water samples. So what exactly is going on?
Citizen Science has come to Markham.
Peyman Naeemi, project manager and community outreach coordinator for the Swan Lake Citizen Science Lab (SLCS) explains: “Citizen Science is the practice of engaging the public, regardless of scientific background, in the process of collecting, analyzing, and applying scientific data for environmental preservation purposes. Our goal is to support the transformation of community members into active collaborators, rather than passive recipients of scientific knowledge.”
Naeemi, part of CIFAL (Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders) at York University, leads community-based research and educational programming that bridge environmental science with public engagement, including developing workshops, integrating innovative tools such as drones, VR simulations, and digital storytelling, and facilitating hands-on activities that allow participants to actively contribute to environmental monitoring. He’s also making a documentary film to showcase the work of the Swan Lake Citizen Science lab.
Starting August 24, SLCS will run a series of free workshops for community members, including wildlife photography, drone piloting and water testing & sampling. No prior experience is needed, just a desire to learn. Naeemi explains, “At SLCS Lab, our educational model emphasizes experiential learning, so participants not only learn what to do but also why it matters and how it connects to their own lives.”
Friends of Swan Lake member and avid wildlife photographer Kathleen Elizabeth Noel, who is also an active member of the SLCS Lab and will lead the photography workshops, hopes participants leave with both skills and inspiration.
“I hope that participants will take away a greater love and appreciation for wildlife and nature, including for the 186 different bird species and other wildlife species that call Swan Lake Park home,” Noel says. “I also hope the workshops will create further understanding of the ecological importance of the species and foster a desire to support environmental initiatives and conservation efforts, especially those led by Indigenous Peoples, who are the original stewards of the land.”
Naeemi adds, “Our goal is for participants to develop a sense of environmental citizenship, the understanding that protecting our ecosystems is both a shared responsibility and a personal commitment.”
For both Naeemi and Noel, the vision for SLCS is to inspire residents to adopt more pro-environmental behaviours—whether that means conserving water, reducing waste, supporting conservation policies, or taking part in habitat restoration projects.
So how can you get involved?
“We welcome community members of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels to get involved by registering to attend our workshops and sign up to be a volunteer for SLCS Lab initiatives, events and projects,” says Noel.
Just like in an ecosystem, sometimes the smallest contribution can make the biggest difference.
To register and for more details on upcoming free workshops, visit: yorku.ca/cifal/slcs-lab-workshops.
Photo: Peyman Naeemi and Dr. Ali Asgary. (Sheniz Janmohamed photo)
*Story submitted by Sheniz Janmohamed.