The lowly LEAF Pack in the water — provides life in our creeks.
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.
Kathy Gray collects a water sample for analysis.
Eric Romaniszyn, students examine kicknet capture.
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 in Cullowhee Creek with Bill McLarney.