EPA Participatory Science Across the U.S.
What are EPA Regions?
EPA has ten Regional offices, each of which is responsible for the execution of our programs within several states and territories.
EPA offices with a geographic focus enable EPA to address health and environmental concerns in a specific area of the country across a set of environmental, economic, cultural, and other conditions common in that area. Focusing on a specific area also enhances opportunities to work with other federal, state, local and tribal partners, as well as with participatory science groups, and others.
Many participatory science activities are happening in each region that are based around local environmental concerns.
Check out what participatory science activities are happening in your region:
Region 1: New England
Serving Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and 10 Tribes
Equipment Loan Programs:
New England Stormwater Toolbox Equipment Loan Program
- Equipment offered: Water quality monitoring equipment such as a YSI, Colorimeter, Test strips to monitor WQ parameters, Chlorine, Ammonia, and Surfactants
- When is it Open: On a seasonal basis. Contact Michelle for more information
- Who Can Apply: Anyone in the participating area
- Contact: Michelle Combs
Resources, Newsletters, and Social Media
Region 2
Serving New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 8 Tribes
Equipment Loan Programs:
Participatory Science Water Monitoring Equipment Loan Program
- Equipment offered: YSI multi-parameter sondes, Idexx Quantitray laboratory system, manta trawls and other tools for measuring water quality parameters, pathogen monitoring, and microplastic collection
- When is it Open:
- New York & New Jersey: Annually from May-December.
- Puerto Rico & US Virgin Islands: Available on a rolling basis at one of our Equipment Loan Centers located at five universities in Puerto Rico and two in U.S. Virgin Islands
- Who can Apply: Open to all participatory scientists/community groups/NGOs in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and eight Tribes. Priority is given to sites within communities with environmental justice issues, Tribal Nations, and new applicants
- Contact: Rachael Leta-Graham
Resources, Newsletters, and Social Media
- Explore Region 2’s Grant Opportunities
- Email Rachael-Leta-Graham to join Region 2’s Citizen Science Bulletin to get the best, most up to date information such as events, funding opportunities, and resources
- Follow us on Facebook
- Follow us on X
Region 3: Mid-Atlantic
Serving Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and 7 Tribes
Resources, Newsletters, and Social Media
- Explore Region 3’s Grant Opportunities
- Join the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Newsletters for highlights and headlines on the Bay and information meant for restoration, conservation and stewardship professionals
- Follow us on Facebook
- Follow us on X
Region 4: Southeast
Serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and 6 Tribes
Resources, Newsletters, and Social Media
- Explore Region 4’s Grant Opportunities
- Collocated Air Sensor Shelters for Tribes and Citizen Science
- Home Sampling of Lead and Copper in Drinking Water
- Growing Grassroots: Building Capacity for Environmental Justice Work
- Follow us on Facebook
- Follow us on X
Region 5: Great Lakes
Serving Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and 35 Tribes
Equipment Loan Programs:
Air Sensor Loan Program for Rural Communities and Living/Nature Museums
- Equipment offered: Portable and stationary air sensors for measuring particulate matter, relative humidity, noise, and temperature
- When is it Open: Opening in 2021 at four participating libraries: Bayliss Public Library/Superior District Library in Michigan (patrons), Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library in Evansville, Indiana (patrons), L’Anse Area School/Public Library in L’Anse, Michigan (patrons), and Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois (patrons and educators)
- Who can Apply: Patrons and educators near a participating library or nature museum
- Contact: Sheila Batka or (312) 866-6053
Air Sensor Loan Program for the Midwest and Upper Midwest States
- Equipment Offered: Portable and stationary air sensors for measuring particulate matter, relative humidity, noise, and temperature in indoor and outdoor settings
- When is it Open: Rolling basis
- Who can Apply: Individuals, community groups, schools, and other interested organizations in region 5
- Contact: Saphique Thomas or (312) 886-7897
Resources, Newsletters, and Social Media
Region 6: South Central
Serving Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and 66 Tribes
Resources, Newsletters, and Social Media
Region 7: Midwest
Serving Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and 9 Tribes
Resources, Newsletters, and Social Media
Region 8: Mountains and Plains
Serving Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and 28 Tribes
Resources, Newsletters, and Social Media
Region 9: Pacific Southwest
Serving Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Pacific Islands and 148 Tribes
Equipment Loan Programs:
Los Angeles Public Library Air Sensor Loan Program
- Equipment Offered: AirBeam2 sensors which measure particulate matter, temperature, and relative humidity in outdoor and indoor settings
- When is it Open: Currently closed due to COVID-19
- Who can Apply: Individuals, community groups, schools, and other interested organizations in region 9
- Contact: Ryder Freed or (415) 972-3267
Resources, Newsletters, and Social Media
- Explore Region 9’s Grant Opportunities
- Smoke-Ready Toolbox for Wildfires
- Follow us on Facebook
- Follow us on X
Region 10: Pacific Northwest
Serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and 271 Tribal Nations
Equipment Loan Programs:
Portable Air Monitoring Device Loan Program for Tribes
- Equipment Offered: Portable air devices that monitor air quality and particulate matter (PM) levels in elevated air pollution areas or during increased smoke seasons
- When is it Open: Rolling basis, but especially during summer wildfire or winter wood smoke season
- Who can Apply: Professional tribal air quality staff members in region 10
- Contact: India Young or (206) 553-1219
Air Sensor Loan Project in Tribal Communities
- Equipment Offered: Purple Air PA-II-SD Sensors that measure fine particulate matter (PM2.5), temperature, humidity, and pressure
- When is it Open: Rolling basis, but especially during wildfire season, outdoor burning periods, and residential wood heating season
- Who can Apply: Residents within and near tribal reservations in EPA Region 10
- Contact: Christi Duboiski or (360) 753-9081
Resources, Newsletters, and Social Media