Chronologs: Witness Nature in Motion

See how Lake Erie’s shoreline and surrounding habitats transform through the seasons. Shores & Islands Ohio Chronologs are community-powered nature time-lapse stations that capture the beauty and science of change, from shifting dunes and wetlands to forest trails and wildlife areas.

Each photo you take helps document our region’s natural story and supports citizen science. Contribute to environmental monitoring across Shores & Islands Ohio by participating in these interactive time-lapse projects.

What Is a Chronolog?

A Chronolog is a public science project that invites anyone to participate in environmental monitoring using only a smartphone. Each Chronolog station includes a fixed photo bracket and a QR code for easy uploads. Visitors align their phone, snap a photo, and submit it — creating a long-term time-lapse record of that exact view.

Scientists and educators use these images to study shoreline erosion, wetland restoration, wildlife habitats, and other important ecological changes happening throughout the Lake Erie Islands region. It’s a fun and meaningful way for everyone to contribute to citizen science and help protect the natural beauty of Shores & Islands Ohio.

Explore Shores & Islands Chronolog Feeds

Watch the latest community photo time-lapses from across Lake Erie’s shores, islands, and parks. Each Chronolog tells a living story of our region’s natural change — captured by visitors like you.

Get Involved

You don’t need special equipment to participate — just your phone and a love for the outdoors. Visit a participating park, trail, or nature preserve and look for the Chronolog post. Position your camera on the bracket, take a photo, and scan the QR code to upload it.

Your image will appear instantly in the interactive time-lapse, helping track seasonal shifts and conservation progress across Shores & Islands Ohio. Every photo you contribute adds to the ongoing story of Lake Erie’s changing shoreline, wetlands, and wildlife habitats — making you part of a region-wide effort in citizen science and environmental stewardship.

how Chronolog works