As the nation focuses on the yearlong celebration of its 250th birthday, the Laurel community is seeking a meaningful contribution on a local scale. That calls for not only looking at what we learned from the past, but also how that translates to civic life today and in the future.
The month of April, when we celebrate Earth Day and Citizen Science Month, invites us to consider how each of us can take part in civic engagement through community science, often called citizen science. This allows us to participate in 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 through the American Geophysical Union’s Thriving Earth Exchange program. This program connects scientists with communities interested in addressing local environmental issues using scientific resources and expertise.
In 2024, I was matched as the Community Science Fellow for a rural project in Willington, South Carolina. My collaboration with Community Leader Rev. Dr. ErNiko Brown led us to recruit Community Scientist Samuel Bamidele, a soil expert who helped address the need for an environmental assessment in an area known to be a food desert.
With technical support from Dr. Bhupinder Singh Farmaha, nutrient management specialist with Clemson University Cooperative Extension, and staff member Hunter Lander, the team conducted soil sampling to better understand land conditions and potential environmental concerns. The samples were tested for nutrient content, and recommendations for nutrient improvements were provided.
What was most impressive was the level of interest and commitment among community members, who were eager to understand the science behind the land they live on and care deeply about protecting it for future generations.
While scientists 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 could be addressed through a similar approach. Any Laurel resident who is aware of challenges such as flooding along the Patuxent River corridor, watershed pollution, invasive species, stormwater runoff or urban ecological degradation could step forward as a community leader.
Anyone interested may contact me at agnes.conaty@gmail.com or visit the American Geophysical Union Thriving Earth Exchange website at thrivingearthexchange.org.
As we celebrate America 250, community science offers an opportunity for Americans to contribute to the public good. Whether collecting soil samples, monitoring streams or tracking air quality, communities that work together can help protect America for the next 250 years.