Join RCIScience and EcoSpark for an unforgettable solar eclipse viewing experience! Soak in the awe-inspiring moment the moon eclipses our sun against the natural beauty of the Old Mill Dam while we explore how the eclipse impacts local wildlife behaviour through the NASA Citizen Science Soundscapes project.
Please note: Toronto will experience a partial solar eclipse (99% totality) so eclipse glasses will be REQUIRED for viewing during the entire event; it is unsafe to view the eclipse without eclipse glasses. Eclipse viewing glasses will be provided to registered participants on a first-come, first-served basis to witness this celestial wonder.
Event Logistics
Please wear comfortable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather and terrain. The walking pace will be gentle and there will be extended periods of standing.
This is a rain or shine event. In the event of severe weather, e.g. thunderstorms, we will make an informed decision on the day and notify attendees as soon as possible via the email they register with.
The public washroom is closed but a portable washroom is available.
This event will be photographed and filmed, and media will be present.
Please refer to your event reminder email (keep an eye on your inbox!) from information@rciscience.ca for more information on where to find us on the day of the event.
Materials
EcoSpark and RCIScience will provide eclipse glasses for all who have registered, as well as science equipment for participants to try out during the event, including light meters, pinhole cameras, naturalist recording apps, and solar art activities. You may also want to bring your own colander, which can be used to project the eclipse onto the ground to avoid looking directly at the sun. Optionally participants may download the Seek app to assist with wildlife identification and/or create an iNaturalist account. Participants may join EcoSpark’s iNaturalist project page. Nature images by participants can be submitted via the Seek app or manually, to help EcoSpark collect useful ecological field data from an urban forest and riverside during this celestial event.
Cancellation Policy
If you are feeling unwell on the day of the event or have had a recent exposure to COVID-19, please cancel your ticket on Eventbrite or contact us so that it may be allocated to the waitlist.
Accessibility
This event is a gentle paced nature walk along potentially uneven ground followed by extended periods of standing. There may be some slopes.
About the Speakers
Dana Buchbinder (she/her) is an active member of the Citizen Science Association. She graduated in 2012 with a Masters of Environmental Management degree from Duke University, where she loved field studies that had her buzzing with bumblebees. She has led research on the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (Ontario Nature), community air sensors (U.S. EPA), and Delaware StreamWatch (Ashland Nature Center) citizen science projects. Dana leads EcoSpark’s citizen science programs, including the School Watch and Park Watch programs.
Paul Mero (he/him)’s Bachelor of Political Science degree taught him that democracies only work when citizens are engaged. Combining that understanding with his love of natural spaces, he has pursued a career in the environmental not-for-profit sector. EcoSpark’s focus on citizen science offers an exciting new opportunity for him to build on his past work helping individuals understand and tackle environmental challenges.
Humaira Enayetullah (she/her) is a recent graduate of the Master of Environmental Science program at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta. Studying the environment and using adaptive ways to find solutions to the current and future problems is what attracted her to do her undergrad in this field with a specialization in Geographic Information Systems. As a digital mapping specialist and environmental education assistant, Humaira is keen to contribute towards incorporating mapping to visualize and solve local environmental issues in the GTA and encourage youth participation in environmental protection and sustainable management.
Steal My Sunshine
Want to learn to learn more about before joining us at Old Mill? Here’s your guide to the Solar Eclipse 2024!
About EcoSpark
EcoSpark is an environmental charity connecting people to their local natural environment through education, monitoring and stewardship. Operating since 1996, EcoSpark has developed a reputation as a community leader in local engagement, education, citizen science and collaboration.
