Community Science Workshop: Adopt-a-Stream Chemical & Macroinvertebrate

From the venue:

Come learn from Ranger Shaundon how to become a certified community water quality monitor! This workshop will give you the knowledge and skills to assess the health and condition of a stream, lake, or similar habitat near you. You will also be able to report your data to a statewide database where we can track water quality at your site through time.

This is a combo workshop for Macroinvertebrate and Chemical Monitoring. Participants can expect to learn:

Basic water chemistry
How to conduct various chemical tests using hand-held field equipment
How to use field tools to collect macroinvertebrates
How to calculate macroinvertebrate diversity
How to use all of this information to assess the health of your water source

This combo workshop offers two separate training opportunities:

Chemical Monitoring (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM):

Learn how to sample a stream for pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and temperature. Participants will learn proper sampling techniques, how to use chemical testing kits, and how to interpret results to assess stream health.

Macroinvertebrate Monitoring (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM):

Learn how to identify aquatic macroinvertebrates and other invertebrates as biological indicators of water quality. Participants will collect samples from a local stream and analyze them using ID guides and field tools.

Important Notes:

Participants may register for one or both workshops.
To register for the macroinvertebrate session only, participants must already be certified in either chemical or bacterial monitoring.
Certification is free and valid for one year (upon passing the certification exam offered after each workshop).
Youth are welcome to attend! However, please note this is an advanced science workshop that involves extended periods of listening, instruction, and data collection. It may not be suitable for those with shorter attention spans or limited experience in formal learning environments.

What to Bring:

Comfortable outdoor clothing and shoes that can get wet (feel free to bring two sets of shoes if you prefer).
Water bottle and snacks as preferred.
Curiosity

Meet at the South Peachtree Creek trailhead near the Mason Mill Tennis Center (McConnell Dr & Mason Mill Rd).