Introduction to RiverwatchIntroduction to Riverwatch

20112011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v

=7tVF_AGKHFc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v

=7tVF_AGKHFc

What is Illinois River WatchWhat is Illinois River Watch

 A volunteer stream monitoring program coordinated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)

Provides citizen volunteers the opportunity to learn first-hand about stream ecology and the condition of Illinois' streams

Helps scientists monitor the condition of streams statewide. 

 A volunteer stream monitoring program coordinated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)

Provides citizen volunteers the opportunity to learn first-hand about stream ecology and the condition of Illinois' streams

Helps scientists monitor the condition of streams statewide. 

3 goals of Eco Watch are3 goals of Eco Watch are

1. to provide consistent high-quality data which can be used by scientists to measure how the condition of our state's ecosystems is changing over time

2. to educate and inform Illinois citizens about the ecology and importance of Illinois ecosystems;

3. to provide an opportunity for Illinois citizens, to become involved in the stewardship of the state's ecosystems.

1. to provide consistent high-quality data which can be used by scientists to measure how the condition of our state's ecosystems is changing over time

2. to educate and inform Illinois citizens about the ecology and importance of Illinois ecosystems;

3. to provide an opportunity for Illinois citizens, to become involved in the stewardship of the state's ecosystems.

Goals for the classGoals for the class

We participate in the collection of scientific data that can be used by biologists, project managers, policy makers, landowners, and individual citizens (such as ourselves) to classify our local streams.

We participate in the collection of scientific data that can be used by biologists, project managers, policy makers, landowners, and individual citizens (such as ourselves) to classify our local streams.

Goals for the classGoals for the class

We gauge long-term trends, develop land management strategies, and assess the success of restoration projects. 

We gauge long-term trends, develop land management strategies, and assess the success of restoration projects. 

Goals for the classGoals for the class

  We perform the procedures to understand the

health of the water sources around us & what kind of elements effect the water

  We perform the procedures to understand the

health of the water sources around us & what kind of elements effect the water

What are we looking for:What are we looking for:

  Habitat Assessment changesPhysical differences

Flow changes,Streambank changes

Aesthetic changes

  Habitat Assessment changesPhysical differences

Flow changes,Streambank changes

Aesthetic changes

What are we looking for ?What are we looking for ? Abiotic testing for pollutants

For example, some human activities such as sewage effluent (the watery

materials resulting from sewage treatment); soil and sand from construction or channel

alteration; agricultural runoff from pesticides, fertilizers,

and animal manureHuman activity may also add solids (trash) or

liquids to the water by dumping, accidents, or runoff.

Abiotic testing for pollutants For example, some human activities

such as sewage effluent (the watery materials resulting from sewage treatment);

soil and sand from construction or channel alteration;

agricultural runoff from pesticides, fertilizers, and animal manure

Human activity may also add solids (trash) or liquids to the water by dumping, accidents, or runoff.

What are we looking for ?What are we looking for ?

Biotic changesLower oxygen levels in the water,

may lead to amounts too low for the survival of intolerant species of macroinvertebrates.

Too many or few nutrients affect plant and animal life

Biotic changesLower oxygen levels in the water,

may lead to amounts too low for the survival of intolerant species of macroinvertebrates.

Too many or few nutrients affect plant and animal life

Preparing to go outsidePreparing to go outside Make sure you and

your partners have all the necessary equipment and clip boards and boots.

All boots are to be returned to the appropriate rack shelf in the back of the room. Any boots not returned will not be available for your future use.

Make sure you and your partners have all the necessary equipment and clip boards and boots.

All boots are to be returned to the appropriate rack shelf in the back of the room. Any boots not returned will not be available for your future use.

Requirements for labRequirements for lab

Create a team This team of people will be your team

for the rest of the water unit. You will take a team test with this

team: day one of two test days You are responsible for sharing lab

data with the entire class

Create a team This team of people will be your team

for the rest of the water unit. You will take a team test with this

team: day one of two test days You are responsible for sharing lab

data with the entire class

What are we looking for:What are we looking for:

All in all, this project is a very useful project and has many purposes and goals that are essential in keeping track of our streams healthy and safe for both humans and organisms

All in all, this project is a very useful project and has many purposes and goals that are essential in keeping track of our streams healthy and safe for both humans and organisms

About the team testsAbout the team tests

You must meet the following criteria to take the tests with your team: Daily attendance for outside labs

Missing more than one outside lab

Be present the test day

Those that do not meet the above criteria will take the tests alone.

You must meet the following criteria to take the tests with your team: Daily attendance for outside labs

Missing more than one outside lab

Be present the test day

Those that do not meet the above criteria will take the tests alone.