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/v1778175553/wysiwyg/ewgujtkcqodnbzy0l3bk.jpg" style="width: 142px; 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: 142px; 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">Who lives under the rocks in the creeks and streams that run through our parks and backyards&mdash;and what can they tell us about water quality and ecosystem health? &nbsp;&nbsp;Join CSI at Six Mile Creek as we explore aquatic life found under the rocks near the Plain Street bridge. This family-friendly, hands-on program invites participants to wade into the stream in search of benthic macroinvertebrates&mdash;small, spineless organisms visible without a microscope that live at the bottom of the creek. We will collect and identify these organisms and learn how they are used to assess water quality and overall ecosystem health. Participants interested in following scientific protocols will also have the opportunity to assist in collecting an official sample after the main program has concluded. &nbsp;&nbsp;This 1.5-hour program takes place entirely outdoors along Six Mile Creek in downtown Ithaca. The experience is highly hands-on and involves wading into shallow stream areas to collect and examine aquatic organisms. Caregivers must be able and willing to enter the creek alongside their child and actively participate in the in-stream portion of the program.<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">When: Thursday, 8/27/26, 9:00 AM &ndash; 10:30 AM</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Where: Six Mile Creek at Plain Street in downtown Ithaca</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: Waterproof boots or sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended (flip-flops and slides are discouraged) and required for anyone wanting to help collect the official sample. Participants should be prepared for sun exposure, wind, and variable conditions. Dress in layers and consider bringing sunglasses and a hat.</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: Program is canceled only in cases of extreme or prolonged thunderstorms, heavy rain, and/or strong winds or high water conditions. Light rain will not cancel the program&mdash;please come prepared. In the event of cancellation, CSI staff will notify participants by text/phone and email at least two hours in advance.</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: Biomonitoring Fun! event at Six Mile Creek in downtown Ithaca. 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="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Date: Thursday, 8/27/26</li><li fr-original-style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Time: 9:00 AM &ndash; 10:30 AM (please plan to arrive a few minutes early for a prompt 9 am start&nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Location: Six Mile Creek at Plain Street (near intersection of S. Plain St and S. Titus Ave)&nbsp;There is a boat ramp leading down to the creek here where our program will be based.</li><li fr-original-style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">What to Wear: Waterproof boots or sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended (flip-flops and slides are discouraged) and required for anyone wanting to help collect the official sample. Keep in mind that in this urban section of the creek there can be dangerous items such as broken glass. Participants should be prepared for &nbsp;variable conditions and might want to dress in layers.</li></ul>Registration &amp; Cancellations:&nbsp;<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); 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="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Weather Policy: The program will proceed in most conditions. It will only be canceled in cases of extreme or prolonged thunderstorms, heavy rain, or strong winds or if creek levels are too high. Light rain will not cancel the program&mdash;please come prepared for the weather. In the event of a cancellation, CSI staff will notify participants by text/phone and email at least two hours in advance.&nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Call or text:&nbsp;(607) 233-0811</li><li fr-original-style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); 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 seeing you at the creek! 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/v1778175553/wysiwyg/ewgujtkcqodnbzy0l3bk.jpg" style="width:142px;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%" />Who lives under the rocks in the creeks and streams that run through our parks and backyards—and what can they tell us about water quality and ecosystem health?   Join CSI at Six Mile Creek as we explore aquatic life found under the rocks near the Plain Street bridge. This family-friendly, hands-on program invites participants to wade into the stream in search of benthic macroinvertebrates—small, spineless organisms visible without a microscope that live at the bottom of the creek. We will collect and identify these organisms and learn how they are used to assess water quality and overall ecosystem health. Participants interested in following scientific protocols will also have the opportunity to assist in collecting an official sample after the main program has concluded.   This 1.5-hour program takes place entirely outdoors along Six Mile Creek in downtown Ithaca. The experience is highly hands-on and involves wading into shallow stream areas to collect and examine aquatic organisms. Caregivers must be able and willing to enter the creek alongside their child and actively participate in the in-stream portion of the program.<ul><li>When: Thursday, 8/27/26, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM</li><li>Where: Six Mile Creek at Plain Street in downtown 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: Waterproof boots or sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended (flip-flops and slides are discouraged) and required for anyone wanting to help collect the official sample. Participants should be prepared for sun exposure, wind, and variable conditions. Dress in layers and consider bringing sunglasses and a hat.</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: Program is canceled only in cases of extreme or prolonged thunderstorms, heavy rain, and/or strong winds or high water conditions. Light rain will not cancel the program—please come prepared. In the event of cancellation, CSI staff will notify participants by text/phone and email at least two hours in advance.</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

8/27/26 Biomonitoring Fun! at Six Mile Creek, Plain St.

S Plain St & S Titus Ave

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

Add a donation for Community Science Institute