The IceWatch USA volunteer program run by Nature Abounds is looking out for potential ice jams on Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams that could cause flooding and major damage as temperatures warm up from the extreme cold.
"With the recent extreme cold temperatures, we're seeing plenty of ice on our streams, rivers, and lakes across Pennsylvania,” said Melinda Hughes, Nature Abounds' President. “With these warmer temperatures, the ice is cracking and may create ice jams if they haven't already, many of which lead to flooding. Monitoring these conditions is extremely important. More volunteers are really needed everywhere."
Several sites across Pennsylvania have been monitored for IceWatch USA, including locations in Allegheny, Bucks, Centre, Chester, Clearfield, Cumberland, Delaware and Wayne counties.
About 350 volunteers report on ice conditions in Pennsylvania, including members of the PA Senior Environment Corps. For IceWatch USA nationwide, there are 2,100 volunteers.
About 350 volunteers report on ice conditions in Pennsylvania, including members of the PA Senior Environment Corps. For IceWatch USA nationwide, there are 2,100 volunteers.
Hughes said there is a great need more volunteers.
Volunteers select a water body or water bodies to observe and report back on over winter. Volunteers observe and report back on winter precipitation, snow and ice coverage, air temperature, and wildlife.
The data collected is shared with interested scientists that analyze citizen-science data for environmental indicators such as climate change.
The data is also shared with Ice Watch Canada, and the US version of the program, created and operated by Nature Abounds, is now being replicated for schools in Germany.
The program begins each season on the first day of autumn, while the season end varies across the country and dependent on how long winter weather persists.
IceWatch USA is a seasonal program of Nature Abounds, a national nonprofit with offices in DuBois, PA, which has over 10,000 volunteers across all fifty states and beyond, engaged in activities to help the environment.
To sign up as a volunteer, go to the IceWatch USA volunteer program webpage or send email to: volunteer@natureabounds.org.
For more information on other programs, including the Pennsylvania Senior Environment Corps, visit the Nature Abounds website.NWS Issues Multiple Watches, Warnings
The National Weather Service Friday issued multiple weather Watches and Warnings across Pennsylvania. Stay tuned to local media for the very latest.
For more on NWS Watches and Warnings: Click Here for all the details in Central PA. Click Here for Northeast PA details. Click Here for details for Western PA. Click Here for Southeast PA details.
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