Action Teams

Monteith Farmstead Park Team – Once per month members of this team show up at Monteith Park in Dillsboro and remove trash and litter from ScottsCreek.  Usually one or two team members puts on waders, and they pass trash to others on the bank.  In winter we meet on the first Saturday of each month at 10 AM. Otherwise we meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:00 PM.  The job takes 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours.  Contact team leader Sae Smyrl if you interested.

The team also supplies the nucleus of helpers who are building the Buffer Trail, a short nature trail with interpretive signs explaining why our creeks need natural buffer strips.   These areas of natural habitat are important to maintaining good ecology in the stream and along the riparian board itself.

Recent team members include:
Sunny Himes, Nick Pallotta, Dan Perlmutter, Joe Pechmann, Bill Lee, Fiona MacNaughton, Jennifer Cooper, Sae Smyrl, Ken and Benedene Walton, Dirk & Susan Herr-Hoyman, Rick Queen, Ken Brown, Jeff & Randi Neff

Citizen Scientist teams.

Our nation’s fresh water system is so vast that EPA strongly urges “citizen scientists” to track and report water quality.  There is no prior experience needed to be a citizen scientist.  Over time, we will look to these members for support of reasonable regulations and effective enforcement, because they are on the front lines and have inside knowledge of the watershed.

Links to information about “Citizen Scientists”

Examining feasibility of using citizen scientists  in environmental responsibilities.

Developing Citizen Scientist fellowships is part of EPA’s draft plan to advance environmental justice

WATR Monitoring.

VWIN Monitoring Team – On the 4^th Saturday of each month, members of this team collect water samples from 16 sites on creeks and the Tuckasegee main stem.  Typically, samples are left at drop points in iced coolers.  A volunteer then drives them to Asheville to deliver them to the Environmental Quality Institute lab.  Under the direction of Ann Marie Traylor, the samples are analyzed for nutrients, sediment content, turbidity, and other basic parameters.  These data provide a good picture of water quality, and they have been critical in obtaining grants.  Contact team leader David Wheeler at (828) 254-6795 or davidjudith7@bellsouth.net if you are interested.

 

 

SMIE Macroinvertebrate Sampling Team

In 2009 and 2010, WATR held trainings for members who have a curiousity about aquatic ecology and an eagerness to help characterize our water quality.  The types and numbers of aquatic insects in a creek can provide a good indication of the pollution status of that creek.  Contact Mel Livernois (828) 293-7237 or mlivernois@att.net if you are interested.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fish Sampling Team – We collected fish samples under the direction of Bill McLarney in 2009.  We have one sampling event tentatively set for Saturday, June 18 at Scotts Creek.  This is “on the job training” and a great experience.  No prior training required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to work in the creek!  Call theWATR office if you are interested.