Community Science Institute

**Community Science Institute (CSI) Context Profile**

1. **Organization Mission & Cause:**
   - The Community Science Institute (CSI) is dedicated to fostering community involvement in scientific research and environmental monitoring. Their primary mission is to engage the public in understanding and protecting local water quality through data collection, analysis, and dissemination. They aim to empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions about environmental issues affecting their local ecosystems.

2. **Type of Activities:**
   - **Water Quality Monitoring:** CSI conducts regular water quality monitoring activities, involving community volunteers in data collection and analysis.
   - **Educational Workshops and Events:** They organize events like the "Data Jam," where participants engage in hands-on data exploration to learn about local water quality.
   - **Public Database:** CSI maintains a public online database of water quality data, accessible for educational and research purposes.
   - **Community Engagement:** They host events and workshops to educate and involve the community in environmental science and data analysis.

3. **Tone of Voice:**
   - The tone of CSI's communications is professional yet approachable, aiming to be inclusive and educational. They use clear, direct language to explain scientific concepts and encourage participation from a broad audience, including those without prior experience in science or data analysis.

4. **Emoji Usage:**
   - CSI does not prominently use emojis in their official communications. Their content focuses more on clear and informative text, reflecting their educational and scientific focus.

5. **Key Facts:**
   - **Founding Information:** While specific founding details are not provided, CSI's focus on community science and environmental monitoring suggests a long-standing commitment to these causes.
   - **Scale and Impact:** CSI operates on a regional scale, primarily focusing on the local community in and around Tompkins County. They engage a diverse group of participants, from students to environmental professionals.
   - **Volunteer Involvement:** Volunteers play a crucial role in CSI's activities, particularly in data collection and event participation.

6. **Writing Guidelines:**
   - **Clarity and Accessibility:** Use straightforward language that is easy to understand, avoiding overly technical jargon unless necessary. When technical terms are used, provide clear explanations.
   - **Engagement and Inclusivity:** Encourage participation by highlighting the accessibility of events and the supportive environment provided by CSI staff.
   - **Educational Focus:** Emphasize the learning opportunities available through CSI's programs and the importance of community involvement in environmental science.
   - **Professional yet Friendly:** Maintain a balance between professionalism and a welcoming tone to ensure communications are both credible and inviting.

By adhering to these guidelines, AI-generated content can effectively reflect the mission and values of the Community Science Institute, fostering greater engagement and understanding among their audience.

Young child 0-4 years old

Child 5-12 years old

Child 13-18 years old

Adult- parent/guardian/chaperone/caregiver

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1777569132/wysiwyg/zn3fvnhscluhtl9emegs.png" style="width: 145px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: bottom; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px; text-align: left; max-width: calc(100% - 5px); float: left; position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit; box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 10px 10px 5px 0px; border: 5px solid rgb(204, 204, 204);" fr-original-style="width: 145px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: bottom; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px; text-align: left; max-width: calc(100% - 5px); float: left;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable fr-shadow fr-bordered">Join CSI for a guided tour of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant, led by facility staff. Participants will learn what wastewater is, how it is collected and conveyed to the treatment plant, and how it is processed before being safely released back into Cayuga Lake. The tour introduces key water quality concepts and connects themes explored in other Journey of Water programs, offering insight into the systems that protect and maintain local water resources.&nbsp;&nbsp;This 2-hour program is a guided walking tour of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant. Participants will move through multiple areas of the facility alongside plant staff, with stops for explanation, observation, and discussion. The experience includes both indoor and outdoor components and provides an overview of how wastewater is collected, treated, and returned to the environment. The tour involves continuous walking and standing, with limited seating available throughout the program.&nbsp; Participants should expect a dynamic industrial and outdoor setting within an active wastewater treatment facility. Sensory inputs may include the sounds of mechanical equipment such as pumps, motors, and flowing water, as well as conversation during the guided tour. Certain areas of the plant may have noticeable treatment-related odors, which can vary depending on location and weather conditions. Lighting will vary between indoor utility spaces and outdoor treatment areas, with some spaces appearing dimmer or more utilitarian than typical public environments. Participants should also be prepared for exposure to changing weather conditions during outdoor portions of the tour.&nbsp;<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">When: Wednesday, 8/19/26, 10:00 AM &ndash; 12:00 AM</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Where: Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant 525 3rd St, Ithaca&nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Who: Designed for ages 5&ndash;12; older children are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. Flexible structure with opportunities for both group and independent participation.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Accommodations: We are committed to making this program accessible and inclusive. Please contact us in advance to discuss specific needs or accommodations.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">What to Wear: Closed-toed shoes are required.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">What to bring: Your Journey of Water passport (which will be handed out at the first program you attend), and plenty of drinking water.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Weather Policy: This program will generally proceed in inclement weather, as most activities take place indoors. In the event of cancellation, CSI staff will notify participants by text/phone and email at least two hours in advance. Rescheduling will be determined based on staff availability.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Registration &amp; Cancellation: Advance registration is required and will close two days prior to the event. If you need to cancel, please do so as soon as possible by calling or texting (607) 233-0811 or emailing info@communityscience.org.</li></ul>About Community Science Institute: CSI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and NYSDOH-certified water testing laboratory (ELAP #11790) dedicated to inspiring and empowering communities to safeguard water resources through volunteer monitoring, certified laboratory analyses, and education. For more information, visit our website: www.communityscience.org. <div data-is-intersecting="true" data-turn-id-container="74eeef89-3207-4dcf-9b83-53ccbd30ba63" fr-original-style="" id="isPasted" style="width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1776951458/wysiwyg/ccoaibifdwo7trtskwak.png" style="width: 170px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: bottom; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px; text-align: left; max-width: calc(100% - 5px); float: left; position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 170px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: bottom; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px; text-align: left; max-width: calc(100% - 5px); float: left;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable">The 2026 Journey of Water youth education series is made possible through the generous support of the Park Foundation. Their investment enables CSI to offer engaging, hands-on programs free of charge&mdash;removing barriers to participation and fostering meaningful connections between young people, their families, and local water resources. Each year, dozens of children, alongside the adults who accompany them, benefit from accessible, place-based water science experiences at no cost.

Dear Participant, Thank you for registering for the Journey of Water: Down the Drain and Into the Lake at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility. We&rsquo;re excited to have you join us for this hands-on experience exploring local water science. Program Details<ul fr-original-style="margin-left: 20px " style="margin-left: 20px; box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Date: Wednesday, 8/19/26</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Time: 10:00 AM &ndash; 12:00 PM&nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Location:&nbsp;Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant&nbsp;525 3rd St, Ithaca </li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">What to Wear: Closed-toed shoes required </li></ul>Registration &amp; Cancellations:&nbsp;<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Registration is required.&nbsp;If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to another participant.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Weather Policy: This program will generally proceed in inclement weather, as most activities take place indoors. In the event of cancellation, CSI staff will notify participants by text/phone and email at least two hours in advance. Rescheduling will be determined based on staff availability.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Call or text:&nbsp;(607) 233-0811</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Email:&nbsp;info@communityscience.org</li></ul>If you have any questions in advance of the program, please don&rsquo;t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to exploring the journey of water with you! Thank you, Alyssa Johnson &amp; Adrianna HirtlerJourney of Water Program CoordinatorsCommunity Science Institute<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1776977578/wysiwyg/gc0s7waddjh6kzxbryah.jpg" style="width: 267px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto 5px 0px; text-align: left; position: relative; max-width: 100%; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 267px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto 5px 0px; text-align: left;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable">e

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1777569132/wysiwyg/zn3fvnhscluhtl9emegs.png" style="width:145px;display:inline-block;vertical-align:bottom;margin:5px 15px 5px 0px;text-align:left;float:left;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;box-shadow:rgb(204, 204, 204) 10px 10px 5px 0px;border:5px solid rgb(204, 204, 204);max-width:100%" />Join CSI for a guided tour of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant, led by facility staff. Participants will learn what wastewater is, how it is collected and conveyed to the treatment plant, and how it is processed before being safely released back into Cayuga Lake. The tour introduces key water quality concepts and connects themes explored in other Journey of Water programs, offering insight into the systems that protect and maintain local water resources.  This 2-hour program is a guided walking tour of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant. Participants will move through multiple areas of the facility alongside plant staff, with stops for explanation, observation, and discussion. The experience includes both indoor and outdoor components and provides an overview of how wastewater is collected, treated, and returned to the environment. The tour involves continuous walking and standing, with limited seating available throughout the program.  Participants should expect a dynamic industrial and outdoor setting within an active wastewater treatment facility. Sensory inputs may include the sounds of mechanical equipment such as pumps, motors, and flowing water, as well as conversation during the guided tour. Certain areas of the plant may have noticeable treatment-related odors, which can vary depending on location and weather conditions. Lighting will vary between indoor utility spaces and outdoor treatment areas, with some spaces appearing dimmer or more utilitarian than typical public environments. Participants should also be prepared for exposure to changing weather conditions during outdoor portions of the tour. <ul><li>When: Wednesday, 8/19/26, 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM</li><li>Where: Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant 525 3rd St, Ithaca </li><li>Who: Designed for ages 5–12; older children are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. Flexible structure with opportunities for both group and independent participation.</li><li>Accommodations: We are committed to making this program accessible and inclusive. Please contact us in advance to discuss specific needs or accommodations.</li><li>What to Wear: Closed-toed shoes are required.</li><li>What to bring: Your Journey of Water passport (which will be handed out at the first program you attend), and plenty of drinking water.</li><li>Weather Policy: This program will generally proceed in inclement weather, as most activities take place indoors. In the event of cancellation, CSI staff will notify participants by text/phone and email at least two hours in advance. Rescheduling will be determined based on staff availability.</li><li>Registration &amp; Cancellation: Advance registration is required and will close two days prior to the event. If you need to cancel, please do so as soon as possible by calling or texting (607) 233-0811 or emailing info@communityscience.org.</li></ul>About Community Science Institute: CSI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and NYSDOH-certified water testing laboratory (ELAP #11790) dedicated to inspiring and empowering communities to safeguard water resources through volunteer monitoring, certified laboratory analyses, and education. For more information, visit our website: www.communityscience.org. <div> </div><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1776951458/wysiwyg/ccoaibifdwo7trtskwak.png" style="width:170px;display:inline-block;vertical-align:bottom;margin:5px 15px 5px 0px;text-align:left;float:left;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" />The 2026 Journey of Water youth education series is made possible through the generous support of the Park Foundation. Their investment enables CSI to offer engaging, hands-on programs free of charge—removing barriers to participation and fostering meaningful connections between young people, their families, and local water resources. Each year, dozens of children, alongside the adults who accompany them, benefit from accessible, place-based water science experiences at no cost.

Community Science Institute

8/19/26 Down the Drain and Into the Lake at City of Ithaca

525 3rd St

Young child 0-4 years old

Free

Child 5-12 years old

Free

Child 13-18 years old

Free

Adult- parent/guardian/chaperone/caregiver

Free

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