By volunteering to monitor water quality with CRWC as part of Adopt-A-Stream, you can help improve the beauty and health of the Clinton River and its tributaries. As a volunteer-based water quality monitoring initiative, Adopt-A-Stream empowers community members to become stewards of our watershed by collecting valuable data on water quality and macroinvertebrates.

OVERVIEW

The Adopt-A-Stream Program engages volunteers in surveying sites across the Clinton River watershed to collect essential water quality data. By identifying macroinvertebrates and monitoring key indicators, volunteers play a crucial role in assessing the health of our waterways. This data informs decision-making for future restoration projects and contributes to statewide efforts in environmental conservation.

ABOUT THE TRAINING

CRWC’s comprehensive training sessions provide volunteers with the knowledge and skills needed to participate effectively in the Adopt-A-Stream program. During the 1.5-hour training, you will learn about the:

• Adopt-A-Stream program and its importance

• Basics of identifying macroinvertebrates

• Components of the datasheet (where volunteers will enter information about their site)

• Proper stream sampling techniques

• Roles volunteers can serve in

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

Residents of the watershed are encouraged to participate in our training sessions. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a concerned citizen, a family, an individual, or a student looking to make a difference, this program offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the enhancement of local lakes, rivers, and streams.

By participating in the Adopt-A-Stream program, volunteers become integral to the preservation of aquatic ecosystems in our community. Not only do participants gain valuable knowledge and skills in water quality monitoring, but they also directly contribute to the flourishing of aquatic life in our waterways.

REGISTRATION

We recommend that all volunteers interested in participating in water quality monitoring during Adopt-A-Stream attend a training session prior to October 5, 2024.

This event will be in-person at Drayton Plains Nature Center in Waterford. Note that the training will be held in the nature center’s meeting room, which is upstairs. Unfortunately, there is no access to an elevator.

Volunteers should also fill out CRWC’s Volunteer Waiver.

QUESTIONS

For any inquiries or additional information, please contact Mikela Dean, Watershed Ecologist, at mikela@crwc.org or (248) 601-0606 ext 24.