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Community Science Lab

The Community Science Lab was created to support the work conducted by the Center for the Study of Land, Air, and Water. Built on the success of the Bard Water Lab and its partnership with the Saw Kill Watershed Community, CSL expands the Center’s reach by allowing us to refocus our work on projects that address the interconnectedness of land, air, water, and communities. The work of the Bard Water Lab and its goal of bringing water science to water communities continues through the Saw Kill Monitoring Program, as a CSL project.
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Environmental Monitoring

Community Science Coalition

An initiative of the Open Society University Network (OSUN).

In addition to supporting the Center for the Study of Land, Air, and Water, the lab supports the OSUN Community Science Coalition, an international network working to bridge the gaps between climate change, academic institutions, and the equitable management of shared natural resources. The Community Science Lab will serve as the coalition's core lab facility, conducting environmental testing in response to community concerns. The data generated will be used to evaluate local climate impacts and help inform decision makers.

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Real issues. Real solutions. Real change.

  • Rethinking Environment
    The contemporary environmental movement has not successfully addressed the key environmental issues that humanity is faced with. Continuing to maintain the environmental status quo will not allow us to adapt in the ways we must to negotiate climate change while also addressing long-term issues including hunger, poverty, and income disparity.
  • Watersheds as Neighborhoods
    When people hear the word “watershed” they first think simply of water. But watersheds are full ecosystems with many living beings impacting their health and vitality. This new project rethinks what neighborhood means in the context of watershed-based community efforts. Project partners include the Dutchess County Government, Riverkeeper, and the Saw Kill Watershed Community.

Bringing Water Science to Water Communities

What do we need right now to advance water stewardship in the Hudson Valley? More water sampling? More community involvement? More laws? Science can be used as a tool to address many of these important questions, and help map a way forward in these complicated times. M. Elias Dueker, the Center’s director, presents a framework for community-centered science in this webinar hosted by the Hudson River Watershed Alliance.