IceWatch Canada database

The IceWatch Program database is populated with information submitted by volunteer citizen science observers from across Canada. They collect data following a standardized protocol for annually recording the date their water body of interest freezes and stays frozen (ice-on) and the date the water body thaws and stays thawed (ice-off). Protocol training is provided by on-line instructions. Data are submitted either on-line or in paper format into a national database. The program was created by Environment Canada's Ecological and Monitoring Assessment Network Coordinating Office (EMAN CO). The database contains over 9,000 observations from across Canada with observations beginning in 1853. The data are verified by qualified individuals and ground truthed with remote sensing data. Data are solicited through the icewatch.ca website and media campaigns. Data are collected, managed and stored on an Environment Canada server and are publicly accessible. EMAN CO has produced 400 site assessments across Canada and now is using the IceWatch and MSC records to create a national climate change indicator using ice phenology data. The data available through the PDC stop on 28 November 2011. Up to date data are available on the NatureWatch website (Link to Data).