Welcome to the Community Science Lab!
Enough with the sneak peeks…it’s time for the big reveal. We officially welcome you to our first-of-its kind Community Science Lab space!
Since 2023, volunteer community scientists have been analyzing microplastics samples with microscopes right here in our office…all 300 square feet of it. After setting up and breaking down our lab equipment one too many times for the sake of table space, we knew it was time to level up. Last fall, we had the opportunity to expand into an empty space next to our office on Shem Creek. It took a lot of imagination, but we had big plans for what it could become.
In just a few months, we’ve completely transformed the space into a first-of-its-kind Community Science Lab. From painting and building lab benches to setting up shelves and turning on the microscopes, we’ve put a lot of work into the space and we’re ready to welcome you in to see it for yourself!
This is community science in action. Here, you can actively participate in local water quality monitoring and microplastic research through our Creek Watcher and Microplastic Monitoring projects, and connect with other volunteers passionate about what’s going on in our watershed. The community scientists involved in these programs serve as Charleston Waterkeeper’s eyes and ears on the water, monitoring the health of Charleston’s estuaries to detect pollution, identify water quality trends, and inform action.
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| For years, these community science projects have generated actionable data on water quality and microplastic pollution in our waterways. We know data drives change, and our community science monitoring projects allow us to generate the data needed to inform stormwater management, plastic reduction strategies, and local policy change for a cleaner, healthier estuary.Huge thank you to the Bosch Community Fund, Volvo Community Grants Program, and the Healthy Harbor Fund for supporting the microplastic monitoring program and helping us bring the lab to life. Because of the generous support of these funders, we can keep expanding important datasets and engaging new waterway stewards ready to become community scientists! Want to make a difference for our estuary? Join us in the lab and help protect your waterways. Learn more about becoming a community scientist and sign up here. |
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