As the nation focuses on the year-long celebration of its 250th birthday, the Laurel community seeks its meaningful contribution on a local scale. This calls for not only looking at what we learned from the past but how that translates to civic life today and in the future.
The month of April, which is when we celebrate Earth Day and Citizen Science Month, invites us to look into how each one of us could take part in civic engagement through community science – often called citizen science. This allows us to be part of a public effort to contribute to scientific research right now, where we are, in our own small way.
I was fortunate to take part in one community science project for the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Thriving Earth Exchange (TEX). This program connects scientists with communities that are interested in addressing local environmental issues using scientific resources and expertise.
In 2024, I was matched to be the Community Science Fellow for a rural project in Willington (McCormick), South Carolina. My collaboration with Community Leader, Rev. Dr. ErNiko Brown scouted our Community Scientist, Mr. Samuel Bamidele, a soil expert who helped us address the need for environmental assessment of the area known to be a food desert. With the generous technical support from Dr. Bhupinder Singh Farmaha, Nutrient Management Specialist from Clemson University’s Cooperative Extension and his staff, Mr. Hunter Lander, the team conducted soil sampling to better understand land conditions and potential environmental concerns. The samples collected were tested for nutrient content and recommendations for nutrient enhancements were addressed.
What was impressive was the level of interest and commitment among community members who were informed and were eager to understand the science behind the land they live on and care deeply about protecting it for future generations. While we contribute technical methods and analytical tools, community members contribute lived experience and historical knowledge of local landscapes. This collaboration builds both better science and stronger communities.
In Laurel, local environmental concerns may be addressed through a similar approach. Any Laurel resident who is aware of challenges including flooding along the Patuxent River corridor, watershed pollution, invasive species, storm water runoff or urban ecological degradation may stand up to be a Community Leader. Should anyone be interested, please contact me (agnes.conaty@gmail.com) or visit the AGU TEX website: thrivingearthexchange.org.
As we celebrate America 250, community science offers opportunities on how Americans can contribute to public good. Whether collecting soil samples, monitoring streams or tracking air quality, communities who work together help protect America in the next 250 years.