The Introduction to Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring is the entry level of monitoring. This 8-hour workshop includes training for watershed mapping, visual surveys, and biological monitoring (for stream macroinvertebrates). The primary emphasis is education about watersheds and biological monitoring. Although most of the workshop is conducted in a classroom, a midday field trip to a nearby stream provides a hands-on demonstration of how to conduct a visual survey and how to collect and identify macroinvertebrates. After the completion of this workshop you will be provided the equipment necessary to conduct the biological monitoring. These workshops are usually offered in the spring and early summer each year.
Click here to view images of macroinvertebrates.
Schedule and Registration Info
2008 VWQM Introductory Schedule
The next round of Introductory Water Quality Monitoring workshops are being scheduled. The workshops consist of 6 hours of classroom instruction and 1-2 hours on a stream to demonstrate sampling methods. Volunteers will learn to measure the biological and physical aspects to evaluate stream conditions. An introduction to water chemistry will also be covered in this class. As the volunteers' interest and expertise increase, they can receive advanced training and become more proficient at monitoring.
The only requirements to attend one of the workshops are that you have an interest in water quality and are willing to donate your time to attend then entire workshop and to monitor a stream. Due to the high demand and limited space for these classes, individuals under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by a sponsoring adult in order to attend.
Class size will be limited and is filled on a first come first serve basis.
IIf you are interested in attending an Introductory workshop, please print out and complete the Registration Form and return it to:
Priscilla Stotts
Water Protection Program
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176
or
Register Online and you will receive a confirmation letter that contains detailed information about class locations and times approximately 2 weeks before the workshop. If you attended an Intro workshop in the past and would like to refresh yourself with water quality monitoring procedures, please feel free to register and attend. However, please understand, first priority will be given to those individuals attending the Intro workshop for the first time.
Questions?
Email Pricilla Stotts at: Priscilla.Stotts@dnr.mo.gov or
Call Stream Team Voice Mail: 1-800-781-1989