IceWatch FAQ
Steps to beginning
IceWatch USA
Step 1 - Sign up to be a Nature Abounds
Step 2 - Select an observation point that can be used each season and in future years and enter a complete
Site Description
Step 3 - Record and report your observations on ice coverage, precipitation, wildlife etc through the
IceWatch USA
Observation Form
| IceWatch USA | Become an IceWatcher | Why IceWatch? | Getting Started |
| IceWatch FAQ | IceWatching Tips | Volunteer Application |
Q: What happens to my data?
A: Your observations are entered in to a secure database. While the data is not shared publicly, Nature Abounds may share some or all of your information with reputable scientists, research institutions, and government agencies. If you live in a state that borders Canada, we may share your data with our friends at IceWatch Canada as well. Additionally, Nature Abounds is a partner of the National Phenology Network which brings together scientists and others to monitor the effects of climate change on plant and animals in the United States.
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Q: I live in an area that doesn't get any or very little snow or ice. Can I still participate in IceWatch USA?
A: Yes, we're looking for general winter observations from all over the United States. We have several volunteers in areas that do not get ice and snow regularly, and they information they are contributing is just as important to the IceWatch USA program.
_________________________________________________
Q: I live on a river/bay/inlet where the water is a mixture of salt and fresh. Can I still send in the observations about my ice?
A: Salt water and its influences change the freeze thaw conditions of ice. Make a note of the salt water and or mix of salt water/fresh water in the description of the waterbody.
_________________________________________________
Q: I live downstream from a hydro electric dam. Do you still want my ice observations?
A: While this could be an interference with the freeze thaw cycle of your ice observations, we would still accept the observations. Please make a note regarding the circumstances of where you are monitoring in your waterbody description.
_________________________________________________
Q: I have gaps in my observations because there were some years that we missed observing or recording the dates. Would you still like this information even though it is not "complete"?
A: All observations are valuable to this program, especially if they have been recorded in the exact same location and with the exact same method every time.
_________________________________________________
Q: Is it necessary to include Latitude - Longitude coordinates on the observation recording form? How do I find them?
A: Besides the observations, latitude and longitude coordinates, along with the date, are the most important information you can provide, This is the only way to tell exactly where your observations are coming from so we can map and record them in our database. Likewise, this is the only way we can assess what is changing in the world around us is to compare observations from the same locations over time.
_________________________________________________
Q: Can I monitor more than one site?
A: The more information collected, the more analysis can be done. Please remember that each site has its own unique latitude/longitude coordinate, requiring you to submit a new location for that observation.
_________________________________________________
Q: What if the waterbody I am monitoring does not freeze over at all? Should I send you this observation?
A: This observation could be tremendously important. This could be a signal of climate change or how urban or industrial development have affected a body of water.
_________________________________________________
Q: How does the difference of when ice freezes and thaws affect me?
A: Seasonal differences in the ice cover of lakes and rivers can have a serious impact on our ecosystems. For example, changes in the migration patterns and breeding seasons of birds, food supplies for fish and mammals, water temperature and water chemistry, can occur. Ice cover also affects trade, transportation, outdoor recreation, and tourism.
_________________________________________________
Q: I live way out in the center of the middle of nowhere, are you still interested to what is happening to the ice on my lake?
A: We are especially interested in the ice information from your lake. The more people reporting from diverse geographical locations the clearer the picture we will have on what is happening in this great big country. Your lake may be isolated from some of the affects of industry and human habitation therefore your ice data is affected by fewer factors and may be able to give a clearer picture of what is happening in our ecosystem.
A: Your observations are entered in to a secure database. While the data is not shared publicly, Nature Abounds may share some or all of your information with reputable scientists, research institutions, and government agencies. If you live in a state that borders Canada, we may share your data with our friends at IceWatch Canada as well. Additionally, Nature Abounds is a partner of the National Phenology Network which brings together scientists and others to monitor the effects of climate change on plant and animals in the United States.
_________________________________________________
Q: I live in an area that doesn't get any or very little snow or ice. Can I still participate in IceWatch USA?
A: Yes, we're looking for general winter observations from all over the United States. We have several volunteers in areas that do not get ice and snow regularly, and they information they are contributing is just as important to the IceWatch USA program.
_________________________________________________
Q: I live on a river/bay/inlet where the water is a mixture of salt and fresh. Can I still send in the observations about my ice?
A: Salt water and its influences change the freeze thaw conditions of ice. Make a note of the salt water and or mix of salt water/fresh water in the description of the waterbody.
_________________________________________________
Q: I live downstream from a hydro electric dam. Do you still want my ice observations?
A: While this could be an interference with the freeze thaw cycle of your ice observations, we would still accept the observations. Please make a note regarding the circumstances of where you are monitoring in your waterbody description.
_________________________________________________
Q: I have gaps in my observations because there were some years that we missed observing or recording the dates. Would you still like this information even though it is not "complete"?
A: All observations are valuable to this program, especially if they have been recorded in the exact same location and with the exact same method every time.
_________________________________________________
Q: Is it necessary to include Latitude - Longitude coordinates on the observation recording form? How do I find them?
A: Besides the observations, latitude and longitude coordinates, along with the date, are the most important information you can provide, This is the only way to tell exactly where your observations are coming from so we can map and record them in our database. Likewise, this is the only way we can assess what is changing in the world around us is to compare observations from the same locations over time.
_________________________________________________
Q: Can I monitor more than one site?
A: The more information collected, the more analysis can be done. Please remember that each site has its own unique latitude/longitude coordinate, requiring you to submit a new location for that observation.
_________________________________________________
Q: What if the waterbody I am monitoring does not freeze over at all? Should I send you this observation?
A: This observation could be tremendously important. This could be a signal of climate change or how urban or industrial development have affected a body of water.
_________________________________________________
Q: How does the difference of when ice freezes and thaws affect me?
A: Seasonal differences in the ice cover of lakes and rivers can have a serious impact on our ecosystems. For example, changes in the migration patterns and breeding seasons of birds, food supplies for fish and mammals, water temperature and water chemistry, can occur. Ice cover also affects trade, transportation, outdoor recreation, and tourism.
_________________________________________________
Q: I live way out in the center of the middle of nowhere, are you still interested to what is happening to the ice on my lake?
A: We are especially interested in the ice information from your lake. The more people reporting from diverse geographical locations the clearer the picture we will have on what is happening in this great big country. Your lake may be isolated from some of the affects of industry and human habitation therefore your ice data is affected by fewer factors and may be able to give a clearer picture of what is happening in our ecosystem.