We are a unique freshwater facility in Canada now digitising data we have collected over 50 years. Ask us anything, Reddit.
The world's freshwater laboratory is hard at work digitizing its incredible database. Now we want Reddit to ask us how we are doing it.
THIS CHAT HAS NOW CONCLUDED, BUT YOU CAN READ ALL THE ANSWERS HERE
For over 50 years we have been collecting data on the biology and chemistry of our lakes on floppy disks, yellow waterproof notepads, and even the backs of manila envelopes.
These data have helped us understand everything from the impact of climate change on fresh water to what causes algal blooms and what happens when oil spills into a lake—and have informed protections for fresh water around the world.
Now we are hard at work digitizing those data collected in all those different formats over 50 years, so we can use digital technologies to protect lakes in Canada, the United States, and around the world.
These data will be more open, fair, available, and accessible so they can be used by new audiences to make new discoveries. They will help predict the changes of climate and new contaminants and ensure everyone has access to clean drinking water and healthy fish.
But it has been an intense process, and we have learned A LOT along the way.
Geoffrey Gunn, Scott Higgins, Michael Paterson, Jason Venkiteswaran, are in the thick of the process and want to share what they have learned with you.
Go on and ask us anything.
We dare you…
You can learn more about how and why we are digitizing our data here.
Upcoming events
A Municipal Perspective on the Value of Natural Infrastructure
This webinar will showcase examples the cost-effectiveness of natural infrastructure from a municipal perspective. Focusing on what municipalities need—what evidence and numbers they rely on, and what tools and planning processes are required to ensure that natural infrastructure is assessed alongside traditional infrastructure for cost-effectiveness.
Through Her Lens: Women leading change in sustainable agriculture and market inclusion
Despite the critical role that women play in agricultural production, they still do not have equal access to global agricultural supply chains on terms that benefit them.
Building Bridges: The State of Nature-Based Investments
Join us for a panel at the Building Bridges conference in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss the state-of-play of nature-based investments and the potential opportunities they present.