The Watershed Foundation (TWF) and the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will host a free Hoosier Riverwatch Workshop on June 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the North Webster Community Center.
The workshop will provide general education in water-quality issues and hands-on training in water quality monitoring, including physical, chemical and biological testing. After the training, volunteers can perform stream testing for a wide variety of possible pollutants. They then submit their data to a statewide database that makes the information available to anyone.
“This training is for anyone interested in learning about water quality and gaining hands-on experience in monitoring rivers and streams,” said Amanda Heltzel, Kosciusko SWCD education coordinator. “People interested in the environment, especially educators, are invited to attend.”
Hoosier Riverwatch, sponsored by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), is an education program that focuses on local river and stream stewardship. The program began in 1996 to increase public awareness of water quality issues and concerns by training citizen scientists to monitor stream water quality. More than 6,000 people have participated statewide.
“By learning the basics of stream monitoring, Riverwatch participants can launch a lifelong passion that not only benefits the environment, but also can be personally fulfilling,” said Lyn Crighton, TWF executive director. “If we’re to protect this crucial natural resource into the future, we need to foster an understanding and appreciation for conservation that will sustain us for generations to come.”
Led by Crighton and Heltzel, the workshop will be held indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. No experience is necessary. Participation is free, but registration is required.
To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/Riverwatch2025
For more information, email [email protected] or call 574-834-3242.
To learn more about Hoosier Riverwatch, visit http://www.in.gov/idem/riverwatch/