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Citizen Scientists Sought in
Groundwater/Stomiwater Project
Researchers from East Carolina University are seeking volunteers to take part
in a citizen science project on Bogue Banks. Citizen science, which is the public
participation of non-scientists in scientific research, is a tool that is useful for
connecting the public to the scientific community, with the goal of expanding
scientific knowledge and literacy. The researchers are recruiting 40 citizen scientists
to document areas prone to stormwater flooding, and to record groundwater and
surface water levels on the island over a three-month period (starting in February
2017). The data collected by the citizen scientists will be incorporated into models
that will be used to understand and forecast the extent of stormwater flooding on
the island.
Previous research conducted on Bogue Banks suggests that in addition to surface
runoff, a shallow water table on the island may prevent infiltration and intensify
storm-based flooding. Due to the dune and swale topography on the island, the
water table may be very close to the ground surface in areas with low elevations.
Events Calendar (Continued from page 26)
Marty Stuart at Carteret Community Theatre. January 20,8 p.m. One of country
musics most eclectic performers, moving between honky tonk, rockabilly, country rock,
traditional country and bluegrass. Visit carteretcommunitytheatre.tix.com for tickets.
Red Clay Ramblers at Joslyn Hall. January 21,7 p.m. Presented by Core Sound
Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center. Call 728-1500 for details.
Carteret Community College Winter 2017 Escoffier Chefs Dinner Series. January 24,
6:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30), at the Coral Bay Club in Atlantic Beach. January event
features Chef Floyd Olmstead, and all dinners benefit the Carteret Community College
culinary program. Future dates (all at the Coral Bay Club): February 28, Chef Charles
Park; March 23, Chef Anthony Garnett; and April 25, CCC culinary students. Visit
cccfoundation.org/escoffier-dinner-series.html for more information and tickets.
Carteret Community College Winter 2017 International Film Series. January 26,
5:20 and 7:30 p.m. at Joslyn Hall. Series opens with showings of “The President” (bonus
showing on January 27 at 2:30 p.m.). Dinner catered by Floyd’s 1921 Restaurant is
available at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center, followed by the 7:30 movie at Joslyn Hall. Movie
showings are free, but donations are accepted. Future movies (shown at 5:20 and 7:30
p.m.): February 23: “The Carer” (bonus showing on February 24 at 2:30 p.m.); March 23:
“Nakom” (bonus showing on March 24 at 2:30 p.m,); April 6: “I Wish” (bonus showing on
April 7 at 2:30 p.m.). Visit cccfoundation.org/international-film-series.html for movie and
dinner ticket information.
American Music Festival Program. January 28,8 p.m. at the History Museum of
Carteret County in Morehead City. Israeli American cellist Amit Peled will play the exact
concert Pablo Casals played 100 years ago on the same cello, a 1733 Gofriller cello given
to him by Pablo Casals’ widow. Bach, Faure, Beethoven and a few Hungarian Rhapsodies
will be played. Individual tickets may be purchased by phone at 728-6152, online at
americanmusicfestival.eventbrite.com, or at the door prior to the performance.
Introduction to Wooden Boatbuilding. January 28-29,9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Harvey
W Smith Watercraft Center, 315 Front Street in Beaufort. In this two-day, hands-on
course, students learn techniques of boatbuilding, and by the end of the course will
have the knowledge and skill to build on their own. Call 728-7317 for required advance
registration. Minimum age: 16. Future event: March 18-19.
Tea with Willie Wonka. February 4,11 a.m.-l p.m. at The Infusion Cafe in Morehead
City. Enjoy three courses of whimsically wonderful tea fare, created to celebrate Roald
Dahl’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the wondrous treats of his creation.
Seating is limited. Call 240-2800 for reservations.
Downcast Folk Arts Society Presents Little Windows. February 11,7:30 p.m. (doors open
at 6:30), at Carteret Community College’s Joslyn Hall. Visit downeastfolkarts.org/concerts.
html for details. Call or text 646-4657 or email folkartsenc@gmail.com to reserve tickets.
Researchers from East Carolina University installing a groundwater monitoring well in 2015
using a “geoprobe" drill r\g—Photo courtesy of Dr. Alex Manda
Therefore, any water from rainfall that seeps into the ground is likely to cause the
water table to rise above the ground surface. When this situation occurs, the effects
of stormwater flooding may be worsened.
The citizen scientists who volunteer to participate in the project will be asked to
measure groundwater and surface water levels, using tools provided to them by the
researchers. Additionally, they will be asked to document water levels in flooded
areas by taking photos using smart phones and other mobile devices.
Stormwater flooding is important to Bogue Banks residents because this
issue directly impacts the well-being ot those who live there, and has economic
consequences for the communities on the island. Citizen scientists will play an
important role in collecting environmental data that may be used to unravel
relationships among drivers of stormwater flooding under current and luture
hydrologic conditions. The proposed project will contribute to our understanding
of how best to mitigate the effects of stormwater flooding.
If you are interested in participating in this project as a citizen scientist,
please contact Dr. Alex Manda, an associate professor of Water Resources in the
Department of Geological Sciences and Institute for Coastal Science and Policy at
East Carolina University at mandaa@ecu.edu or 328-9403.
The one-year project is funded by the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering,
Environmental and Transport Systems of the National Science Foundation.
Recycle
Christmas Trees
Please recycle cut Christmas trees
(all decorations removed) by leav
ing them in the parking lot of the
Iron Steamer beach access. Trees
are picked up and placed along the
beach to help preserve our dunes.
Just drop it off, and we’ll do the rest.
Please call town hall at 247-4353
with any questions.
Janu^y * I T^le SHor^lliih ' 27^’