Community Science Institute

### Context Profile for Community Science Institute

1. **Organization Mission & Cause**:
   - The Community Science Institute (CSI) is dedicated to empowering communities through science by engaging them in hands-on water quality monitoring and education. Their mission is to foster a deeper understanding of the environment, particularly water systems, and to promote stewardship of local water resources. They aim to connect people with science and encourage active participation in environmental monitoring.

2. **Type of Activities**:
   - **Educational Programs**: CSI offers programs like the "Journey of Water," which involves youth and families in exploring water quality and its connection to daily life.
   - **Community Events**: They host events such as the "Journey's End" wrap-up event, where participants celebrate their learning and contributions.
   - **Water Quality Monitoring**: They facilitate water quality monitoring cruises on local lakes, allowing community members to engage in data collection and analysis.
   - **Hands-On Activities**: Events often include interactive components, such as games and hands-on experiments, to make learning engaging and fun.

3. **Tone of Voice**:
   - The tone of the Community Science Institute is **friendly**, **inspiring**, and **informative**. Their communications are designed to be accessible and engaging, encouraging community involvement and fostering a sense of belonging. They use inclusive language that invites participation and emphasizes the importance of community engagement in science.

4. **Emoji Usage**:
   - The website does not prominently feature emojis in its communications. However, in their email campaigns and event promotions, they may occasionally use emojis to enhance engagement and convey a friendly tone. The usage is likely minimal and context-dependent.

5. **Key Facts**:
   - **Founding Information**: Specific founding details were not found on the website, but the organization has established itself as a key player in community science initiatives.
   - **Scale**: They have conducted 37 email campaigns and have a total of 1 form available for community engagement.
   - **Impact Metrics**: The success of programs like "Journey of Water" is highlighted, indicating an increase in participation and data collection efforts.
   - **Volunteer Information**: While specific volunteer metrics were not detailed, the organization likely encourages community volunteers to assist in monitoring and educational activities.

6. **Writing Guidelines**:
   - **Style**: Use a conversational and engaging style that invites participation. Avoid overly technical jargon; instead, focus on clear and relatable language.
   - **Structure**: Organize content with clear headings and bullet points where appropriate to enhance readability.
   - **Call to Action**: Include strong calls to action that encourage community members to participate in events, volunteer, or contribute to campaigns.
   - **Personalization**: Use personalized greetings and acknowledgments in emails to foster a connection with recipients.
   - **Visual Elements**: Incorporate images or graphics that reflect community engagement and the beauty of local water resources, enhancing the emotional appeal of the content.

This context profile serves as a foundational guide for creating tailored content that aligns with the Community Science Institute's mission, activities, and communication style.

Child, Age Under 6

Child, Age 6-14

Child, Age 14+

A parent/guardian/chaperone must register as well and be present during the duration of the program.

Parent/Guardian/Chaperone

<p fr-original-style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;width:100%;box-sizing:inherit;text-align:center;" style="line-height: 1.38; margin: 0pt 0px; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Who lives under rocks in the creeks and streams that run through our favorite parks and backyards? What can these organisms tell us about how clean and healthy the water is?&nbsp;<p fr-original-style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;width:100%;box-sizing:inherit;text-align:center;" style="line-height: 1.38; margin: 0pt 0px; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;font-weight:700;color:rgb(84, 172, 210);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;letter-spacing:0.5px;orphans:2;text-align:center;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;" style="box-sizing:inherit;font-weight:700;color:rgb(84, 172, 210);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;letter-spacing:0.5px;orphans:2;text-align:center;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;">Click &quot;More details&quot; for a detailed description of the program!<hr fr-original-style="" style="clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;">Join the Community Science Institute at Buttermilk Falls State Park as we explore the aquatic life that can be found under the rocks in Buttermilk Creek. This event is meant for the whole family and is very hands-on! Participants are not only invited but encouraged to wade into the water to search for benthic macroinvertebrates (meaning tiny organisms living at or found at the bottom of the creek, who lack a spine and are large enough to see without a microscope). We will collect samples of these organisms and you&rsquo;ll learn how to identify them and how they can be used to evaluate the water quality and overall ecosystem health. Those who are interested in following the scientific protocols for collecting an official sample (that will be analyzed at a later date and the results included in CSI&rsquo;s long-term datasets of water quality) can help collect the sample and complete a physical survey of the stream. Programming is most appropriate for children ages 6-14, though all are welcome. A parent/guardian/chaperone must register as well and be present during the duration of the program. Space is limited, so sign up while there is still time! Registration will close 2 days prior to the event.&nbsp;<span fr-original-style="font-size: 14px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 14px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; box-sizing: inherit;">If you need to cancel your reservation please do so as soon as possible and at least one day in advance. You can call or text CSI at&nbsp;(607) 233-0811<span fr-original-style="font-size: 14px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 14px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; box-sizing: inherit;">&nbsp;or&nbsp;&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit;" href="mailto:info@communityscience.org" style="color: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; box-sizing: inherit;">info@communityscience.org</a><span fr-original-style="font-size: 14px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 14px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; box-sizing: inherit;">.&nbsp; &nbsp;Where:&nbsp;Buttermilk Falls State Park - Park at either the main parking area or off Sandbank Rd at the Baseball Field (there is a $9/vehicle parking fee). See map for specific area of where to meet for the program:<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1748998110/wysiwyg/twwfee6orqk13n53o4rw.jpg" style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; position: relative; max-width: 100%; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"> What to wear: Dress for the weather, layers are always good! Closed-toed shoes are required for anyone wanting to participate in collecting the official biomonitoring sample for the site. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are recommended.&nbsp; What to bring: Your Journey of Water passport, and a water bottle! Optional: a notebook, camera, towel/change of clothes (just in case!). Will we cancel in the case of inclement weather?&nbsp;We will cancel in the case of thunderstorms, heavy rain, or high-water levels. Isolated thunderstorms and lighter passing showers we can work around. If there is rain in the forecast, please come prepared. If we are to cancel, we will contact you via text/phone call no later than 2 hours in advance of the program start time. This program may be rescheduled if conditions require it to be canceled. <hr fr-original-style="" style="clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1713294538/plvsnvub6wydcjjirlxw.png" style="width: 328px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; position: relative; max-width: 100%; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 328px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; position: relative; max-width: 100%; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"> <span fr-original-style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgb(41, 105, 176); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgb(41, 105, 176); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; box-sizing: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important;" style="font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important; box-sizing: inherit;">The Journey of Water program series would not be possible without the continued support from the Park Foundation.&nbsp; <span fr-original-style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgb(41, 105, 176); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgb(41, 105, 176); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; box-sizing: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important;" style="font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important; box-sizing: inherit;">The Park Foundation&rsquo;s support allows CSI to continue offering unique, experiential learning activities focused on connecting youth with their local water resources and how these resources&nbsp;are managed. Through this series, CSI &nbsp;provides locally focused water science learning opportunities free of charge to dozens of children and accompanying adults.&nbsp;<span fr-original-style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgb(41, 105, 176); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgb(41, 105, 176); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; box-sizing: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important;" style="font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important; box-sizing: inherit;">Collectively, CSI&rsquo;s &ldquo;Journey of Water&rdquo; program series provides a strong, place-based understanding of water management for local youth by utilizing CSI&rsquo;s in-house water&nbsp;science expertise and our partnerships with state agencies and local organizations.<hr fr-original-style="" style="clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;">

Hi&nbsp;<span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip " fr-original-style="" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; color: rgb(42, 42, 196); padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;">First name&nbsp;, Thank you for registering for the Community Science Institute&#39;s Journey of Water program &quot;Stream Biomonitoring Fun&quot;. Please review the following details, and we look forward to seeing you at the program! <p fr-original-style="width:100%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:inherit;margin-left:20px;" style="width: 100%; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">When: Saturday, August 16, 2025 @ 10 - 11:30 AM<p fr-original-style="width:100%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:inherit;margin-left:20px;" style="width: 100%; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Please arrive 5 minutes early so we can start on time!<p fr-original-style="width:100%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:inherit;margin-left:20px;" style="width: 100%; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <p fr-original-style="width:100%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:inherit;margin-left:20px;" style="width: 100%; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Who: Please do not bring extra participants without checking with us first! Registration will close two days in advance of the program to allow us to gather materials, and any extra participants will be considered unaccounted for and we&#39;d hate for them to miss out on any fun activities.<p fr-original-style="width:100%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:inherit;margin-left:20px;" style="width: 100%; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <p fr-original-style="width:100%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:inherit;margin-left:20px;" style="width: 100%; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <p fr-original-style="width:100%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:inherit;margin-left:20px;" style="width: 100%; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Where: Buttermilk Falls State Park- Park at either the main parking area or off Sandbank Rd at the Baseball Field (there is a $9/vehicle parking fee). See map for specific area of where to meet for the program:<p fr-original-style="width:100%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:inherit;margin-left:20px;" style="width: 100%; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <p fr-original-style="width:100%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:inherit;margin-left:20px;" style="width: 100%; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1748998305/wysiwyg/mzx6b6ipzmg5h5lcojou.jpg" style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; position: relative; max-width: 100%; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"> What to wear: Dress for the weather, layers are always good! Closed-toed shoes are required for anyone wanting to participate in collecting the official biomonitoring sample for the site. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are recommended.&nbsp; What to bring:&nbsp;Your Journey of Water passport, and a water bottle! Optional: a notebook, camera, towel/change of clothes (just in case!). Will we cancel in the case of inclement weather?&nbsp;We will cancel in the case of thunderstorms, heavy rain, or high-water levels. Isolated thunderstorms and lighter passing showers we can work around. If there is rain in the forecast, please come prepared. If we are to cancel, we will contact you via text/phone call no later than 2 hours in advance of the program start time. This program may be rescheduled if conditions require it to be canceled. If you need to cancel: Please inform us as soon as your plans have changed so we may adjust accordingly. The Journey of Water program series has been 100% funded by the Park Foundation since 2020, allowing CSI to offer it completely free of charge to anyone interested in participating! We thank them for their continued generosity and community support. Please contact us at info@communityscience.org or (607) 257-6606 if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you, Alyssa Johnson, Outreach and Programs CoordinatorAdrianna Hirtler, Biomonitoring Program Coordinator <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1714672323/h43jfaq6n2gjhdeyuvva.png" style="width: 289px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: bottom; margin-right: 5px; margin-left: 5px; text-align: center; max-width: calc(100% - 10px); position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 289px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: bottom; margin-right: 5px; margin-left: 5px; text-align: center; max-width: calc(100% - 10px); position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable">

Who lives under rocks in the creeks and streams that run through our favorite parks and backyards? What can these organisms tell us about how clean and healthy the water is? Click "More details" for a detailed description of the program!<hr />Join the Community Science Institute at Buttermilk Falls State Park as we explore the aquatic life that can be found under the rocks in Buttermilk Creek. This event is meant for the whole family and is very hands-on! Participants are not only invited but encouraged to wade into the water to search for benthic macroinvertebrates (meaning tiny organisms living at or found at the bottom of the creek, who lack a spine and are large enough to see without a microscope). We will collect samples of these organisms and you’ll learn how to identify them and how they can be used to evaluate the water quality and overall ecosystem health. Those who are interested in following the scientific protocols for collecting an official sample (that will be analyzed at a later date and the results included in CSI’s long-term datasets of water quality) can help collect the sample and complete a physical survey of the stream. Programming is most appropriate for children ages 6-14, though all are welcome. A parent/guardian/chaperone must register as well and be present during the duration of the program. Space is limited, so sign up while there is still time! Registration will close 2 days prior to the event. If you need to cancel your reservation please do so as soon as possible and at least one day in advance. You can call or text CSI at (607) 233-0811 or  <a href="mailto:info@communityscience.org">info@communityscience.org</a>.   Where: Buttermilk Falls State Park - Park at either the main parking area or off Sandbank Rd at the Baseball Field (there is a $9/vehicle parking fee). See map for specific area of where to meet for the program:<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1748998110/wysiwyg/twwfee6orqk13n53o4rw.jpg" style="width:600px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" /> What to wear: Dress for the weather, layers are always good! Closed-toed shoes are required for anyone wanting to participate in collecting the official biomonitoring sample for the site. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are recommended.  What to bring: Your Journey of Water passport, and a water bottle! Optional: a notebook, camera, towel/change of clothes (just in case!). Will we cancel in the case of inclement weather? We will cancel in the case of thunderstorms, heavy rain, or high-water levels. Isolated thunderstorms and lighter passing showers we can work around. If there is rain in the forecast, please come prepared. If we are to cancel, we will contact you via text/phone call no later than 2 hours in advance of the program start time. This program may be rescheduled if conditions require it to be canceled. <hr /> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1713294538/plvsnvub6wydcjjirlxw.png" style="width:328px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" /> The Journey of Water program series would not be possible without the continued support from the Park Foundation.  The Park Foundation’s support allows CSI to continue offering unique, experiential learning activities focused on connecting youth with their local water resources and how these resources are managed. Through this series, CSI  provides locally focused water science learning opportunities free of charge to dozens of children and accompanying adults. Collectively, CSI’s “Journey of Water” program series provides a strong, place-based understanding of water management for local youth by utilizing CSI’s in-house water science expertise and our partnerships with state agencies and local organizations.<hr />

Community Science Institute

Add a donation for Community Science Institute

Stream Biomonitoring Fun! 8/16/25

106 E Buttermilk Falls Rd

Child, Age Under 6

Free

Child, Age 6-14

Free

Child, Age 14+

Free

Parent/Guardian/Chaperone

Free