By AGNES PASCO CONATY

How would you like to spend summer doing a worthy cause?

However small or simple, be part of something big or complex. I have written about citizen science, where anyone can contribute observations or data using a cell phone app, to share with the rest of the world. 

I introduced the GLOBE Observer app (observer.globe.gov), where you take observations of clouds, mosquito larvae, land covers and tree heights using your cell phone, which could benefit students, researchers and anyone interested in them on a local or global scale. There are other citizen science opportunities that families can engage in the entire year. Look into SciStarter (scistarter.org) for other opportunities to do civic science — topics from astronomy to zoology.

Civic science is all about using your STEM talents for the good of the community. If this looks like something you would like to do for Laurel, consider exploring the possibility of being a community leader. As a community leader, you have the ability to choose a specific local concern that you think needs addressing. More details at tinyurl.com/5zpn8wpt. If there’s an environmental issue in your neighborhood that you want addressed, step up and see if this program is a good match for you. 

Look around your locality in the city of Laurel. Does your neighborhood near Route 198 suffer from constant flooding whenever rain hits? Is there an air, water or soil contamination problem along Main Street? Do people suffer from chronic illnesses related to mold or dust in Old Town Laurel? Is Route 1 traffic getting too congested” Does it need rethinking outside the box? 

These are a few of the many environmental issues community leaders, fellows and scientists from American Geophysical Union (AGU) Thriving Earth Exchange (TEX) Community Science Fellows team up and solve in 12 to 18 months. 

As one of AGU TEX Community Science Fellows in its May 2024 cohort, I had the opportunity to volunteer my time and talent in rural Willington (McCormick), South Carolina, It is currently being restored to serve as a community hub for job training and its surroundings. A portion of the property may be repurposed for farming and tapped as a source of sustainable food supply for 200 people in the community. It’s all voluntary, without compensation, but it’s satisfying to see communities thrive because of my commitment.

Whether you want a simple involvement by taking observations with your cell phone or more by signing up to be a community lead, there is something for everyone.

This is the summer for putting our volunteer hats on. If you are up to the challenge, go the extra distance.