Coastal Signs of the Seasons is an opportunity for citizen scientists to collect information on “rockweed” or “knotted wrack” (Ascophyllum nodosum). For volunteers having access to the shoreline, this is an opportunity to provide scientists with information on an ecologically and economically valuable species. From early spring through summer volunteers measure the growth and development of rockweed. Seasonal reproductive changes in this species are affected by environmental conditions, such as water temperature. By closely monitoring this rockweed, as an indicator species, researchers are able to examine changes in the intertidal zone that may affect other species that live there.

This hour and a half training at the Seacoast Science Center will teach you about this fascinating alga species and prepare you to collect data every other week. Once trained, volunteers will select an observation site on the coast, and enter their observations online. Space and kits are limited so please sign up if interested!