Resources for current Clean Air Ambassadors:
Clean Air Ambassador Network
In the summer of 2018 Clean Air Methow launched the Clean Air Ambassador Network - one of the largest, rural networks of low-cost sensors in the world! As of the Spring of 2022, Clean Air Methow works with 30 Clean Air Ambassadors, each who host their own air quality sensor (outdoor and indoor), in the Methow Valley between Pateros and Mazama.
These low-cost sensors made by PurpleAir report real-time particulate matter pollution or PM2.5, the main component of smoke, our year-round priority pollutant of concern. Air quality measurements from these sensors are reported every eighty seconds and displayed in a maps interface. To identify which sensors on the map are in Clean Air Ambassador Network, look for those that include “MV Ambassador” in the sensor name.
In addition to maintaining and cleaning their instrument regularly, our ambassadors pledge to liaise with the community on the importance of both clean indoor and outdoor air, and promote the work of Clean Air Methow.
If you are interested in hosting a purple air sensor with Clean Air Methow, please contact us. We are always looking to add more Ambassadors!
Meet some of our current Clean Air Ambassadors:
Examples of how the Ambassador Network has been used.
Finding clean air: During the first few days of the Gilbert Fire in 2018, our sensors showed that hazardous air quality out Twisp River and near Benson Creek fluctuated throughout the day with wind shifts, while air quality up valley in Mazama, Big Valley, Studhorse, and Balky Hill remained at healthy to moderate levels. While the Twisp and Winthrop Washington Department of Ecology nephelometers only reflect air quality conditions close to those locations, our purple air sensors report across 60 miles of our community. Residents reported using purple air information to guide their ability to get outdoors with their kids, recreate, or just try to find some blue sky for a couple of hours.
Enhancing school decision-making about student health: We made sure our local schools and preschools were all included as ambassadors. Having a sensor on campus gives school administrators additional information to the Ecology monitors to determine whether its safe for children to go outdoors for recess or athletic practice.
Thank you to our Clean Air Ambassadors for making our network so successful!
Volunteer
We are always looking for volunteers to help us with a variety of things. Please be in contact if you are interested in becoming a Clean Air Ambassador or would like to volunteer in other ways.
