The Local Environmental Observer (LEO) Network is a virtual tool which allows for communicating unusual environmental changes detected by people in their local area.
The LEO Network has expanded to BC through a partnership with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the First Nations Health Authority as a way to better understand the environmental changes that communities here are observing.
Observers connect with Indigenous and scientific experts, thereby integrating traditional, local, and scientific forms of knowledge. By increasing understanding about environmental changes, LEO in BC strives to help identify healthy and effective ways to adapt to those changes.
Citizens Science Tools Workshop Series
Currently, LEO in BC is planning and coordinating a series of workshops highlighting citizen science tools related to climate and environmental health through cross-collaborative practices.
The collaborative monitoring tools being explored will include the Local Environmental Observer Network, Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network and Purple Air. These workshops will be tailored to unique audiences such as First Nations communities in BC, internal staff and departments at the FNHA, and community organizations.
LEO in BC Observers Wanted for Wildfire and Flooding Season
Last year's wildfire and flooding season in BC was disruptive to individuals and communities, displacing people from their homes and businesses.
As the weather gets warmer this brings the potential for both wildfires in forested areas affected by drought and flooding from the spring freshet.
LEO in BC members can help to be observers of the lands and waters and take notice of the unusual changes that might occur around us. Post your observations to the LEO Network to help track, raise awareness and collaborate with other members.
Learn more about LEO in BC
If you are not yet a LEO member, it is free and takes less than a minute to sign up here.
We are happy to share that the LEO Network in BC now has a webpage on FNHA.ca. To find out more about the LEO Network in BC, including its history, updates and resources, please visit: https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/environmental-health/bc-leo-network
If you have any questions you'd like a direct answer to, including questions about upcoming events, please contact the LEO Network in BC Coordinator, Cody Thomas at: BC.LEO.Network@fnha.ca
