A: Freshwater ecosystems, representing just 1% of the Earth’s surface, host 10% of the world’s biodiversity (WWF Canada). However, human impacts such as development, pollution, and climate change threaten these vital ecosystems. Volunteer monitoring efforts can help us understand how lakes may change over time and identify areas of concern for conservation action. Long-term observations not only provide valuable information but also demonstrate growing community concern and awareness of threats faced by lake biodiversity, and showcases volunteer commitment to protecting lakes.

A: In response to volunteer feedback and extensive research, the Lake Blitz has shifted the focus specifically to shoreline monitoring. By concentrating on biodiversity data, we can make a greater impact with our findings.

We also wanted to remove the barriers created by the Tier 1 kits, which could be challenging for some volunteers to use or access. While we wanted to continue water monitoring, we recognized that not everyone has the resources to participate in the more advanced Tier 2 program. To address this, Tier 2 is now available to returning volunteers who meet specific requirements. While Tier 1 provided valuable data, it wasn’t as scientifically robust as Tier 2, which offers more detailed and impactful insights.

Learn more about different tiers in this blog post.

A: Submit your observation to iNaturalist. For all priority species, such as zebra mussels or quagga mussels, please call the reporting hotline in your province or territory. You can find a list of numbers to call in the Invasive Species Guide.

A: Absolutely! The National Lake Blitz is specifically designed for individuals without prior experience in data collection. We’ll provide you with a volunteer guide, related resources and our contact information to ensure any questions you may have are answered. It’s a user-friendly program meant to welcome everyone, regardless of their background or expertise!

A: As a Lake Blitz volunteer, you’ll be part of a national network of volunteers dedicated to monitoring lakes and shorelines, learning about climate impacts, and contributing to a valuable national database. Volunteers also gain access to educational resources, have opportunities to win prizes, and may qualify to join our Tier 2 program in the following season.

A: We ask volunteers to spend 5 to 30 minutes collecting data each visit. You are encouraged to head to your lake at least once a month, but are welcome to monitor as often as you’d like.

A:  You will gather various shoreline information and upload wildlife and invasive species photos to our iNaturalist project. Along with these photo observations, you will document weather, habitat condition, pollutants and any other outstanding features. For those of you monitoring lakes in northern climates or higher elevations, you will also let us know if there is ice on your lake. This is an important indicator of climate change impacts on lake freeze-thaw cycles. Check out the Lake Biodiversity Stewards Guide for more information.

A: You can identify wildlife species no matter your experience level! Many digital apps are available to help you identify species based on your photos, including:

• Google Lens (built into Android) 
• Lookup (on iOS) 
• Merlin Bird ID (great option for bird identification) 
• Seek (includes flora and fauna identification) 

Did you know that when you upload to iNaturalist, other volunteers can help identify your observations?

A: The Lake Blitz is using iNaturalist to make the program more inclusive and accessible while still ensuring high-quality, meaningful data. iNaturalist allows anyone with access to a lake shoreline to participate, streamlining biodiversity data collection. Through iNaturalist, data can then be used in scientific research worldwide. 

 As a “traditional project” model on iNaturalist, the Lake Blitz can ensure that all data comes specifically from lakes within Canada. This project model allows us to export data for integration into the Lake Blitz Observation Map and the Columbia Basin Water Hub. From there, we can create reports and share the insights with volunteers, the Lake Blitz network, and partner organizations.

A: Shoreline health is crucial because it directly affects the quality of water, local ecosystems, and biodiversity. Healthy shorelines help filter pollutants, prevent erosion, and provide essential habitats for wildlife. By monitoring shoreline health, we can better understand and address environmental changes, ensuring that these vital areas remain healthy for future generations.

A: Contact kaite.martin@livinglakescanada.ca.

A: Based on the 2024 Lake Blitz survey, most volunteers reported spending between thirty and sixty minutes per monitoring session, which includes commute time to and from their lake. Please note that commuting time will vary depending on your chosen lake. We recommend a bi-weekly monitoring schedule and encourage volunteers to maintain a consistent schedule.

A: We encourage volunteers to hang onto their kits for next year’s participation! If you don’t plan to use the kit again, consider inspiring a friend to join as a Lake Blitz volunteer and pass the kit along to them. Alternatively, please return the kit to to Living Lakes Canada’s office at #202A 330 Baker Street, Nelson, BC, V1L 4H5. Include your name when returning the kit so we can identify the sender. Please note you will have to pay a return shipping fee of $25.00.

A: As a volunteer, you will gather various information, including air and water temperature, water clarity, weather conditions, environmental concerns, and photos of shoreline habitat, wildlife, and invasive species. For those of you monitoring lakes in northern climates or higher elevations, you will also let us know if there is ice on your lake. This is an important indicator of climate change impacts on lake freeze-thaw cycles. Check out the Lake Health Stewards Guide for more information.

A: We recommend monitoring on a bi-weekly schedule, ideally during the 2nd and 4th weekends of each month. However, this isn’t a strict requirement! You can adjust your schedule as needed, as long as your monitoring is consistent and spread throughout the summer.

A: Opt for a consistent time when collecting data as air and water temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. The prime monitoring hours for a lake fall between 10 am to 2 pm.

A: No worries! If you miss a weekend, try to catch up as soon as you can. To stay on track with your bi-weekly schedule, you can monitor a few days before or after your chosen weekend. For lakes without ice, monitoring can extend into October to reach the 10 sampling days per year if you can’t complete all the days each month. Consistent and frequent monitoring is key to understanding your local lake and tracking changes over time.

If you anticipate missing a monitoring weekend, consider teaming up with friends, family, neighbours, or coworkers to coordinate your monitoring and ensure a complete dataset.

A: To record your observations, use the Lake Blitz Observation Form, accessible via computer or smartphone using Survey123. The app is free, and no account is required—just select “Continue without signing in”(see image below). Connect the form, save it for future use, and input data right from your local lake. You can also use the data cards in your Lake Blitz Kit and upload them using the desktop version when you’re back home. It’s that easy! See our how-to videos on how to enter data.

The data will contribute to building a national lake database, showcasing the collective efforts of volunteers across Canada.

A: Please note that you cannot change the location using the Survey 123 app. Your location will be set wherever you upload your data.

Access the Lake Blitz Observation Form on your mobile or desktop browser to change the location. Click on “SUBMIT YOUR MONITORING RESULTS” and select “Open in browser.” The blue location cursor can now be moved. Select OK in the top right corner to save the new location.

A: This is likely because the entry exceeded the photo limits on the form. Each photo entry section has a maximum photo entry of 4 lake photos, 6 wildlife photos, 3 invasive species photos, and 6 issues and concerns photos. Limits are placed on photo uploads because of the need to save storage space in our database. Only post your best photos that show the most information!