This is a guest post from Darlene Cavalier, founder of Science Cheerleader and Science For Citizens and contributing editor at Discover Magazine.
Scientists want you to record and share rain measurements and other on-the-ground observations in part to help pinpoint hurricane Irene's actions, determine her next steps, and better predict and react to future storms. In addition to your help recording on-the-ground rain precipitation, scientists rely on watershed volunteers to provide important clues about the effects of storm-water runoff, carbon cycles of waterways, etc. Here's a list of opportunities to get involved in local watershed monitoring efforts.