Hoosier Riverwatch, a Department of Natural Resources education program, will host a series of workshops around the state to train people to monitor local streams and rivers.

The next volunteer stream monitoring workshop is at Bonneyville Mill County Park near Elkhart, May 19. The training is free, but class size is limited. A reservation is required to attend.

"By learning the basics of stream monitoring, participants can launch a lifelong passion that not only benefits the environment, but also can be personally fulfilling," said Rob Carter, DNR director. "If we're to protect this crucial natural resource into the future, we need to foster an understanding and appreciation for conservation that will sustain us for generations to come."

The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT. The workshop will provide general education in water-quality issues and hands-on training in monitoring the health of rivers and streams through physical, chemical and biological testing.

After the training, volunteers can perform stream testing for a wide variety of possible pollutants. They then submit their data to a statewide volunteer monitoring data base that makes the information available to anyone.

"The training is for anyone interested in learning about water quality and gaining hands-on experience in monitoring rivers and streams," said Lyn Crighton, Hoosier Riverwatch coordinator. "People interested in the environment, especially educators, are invited to attend."

Hoosier Riverwatch, sponsored by the DNR, through its Division of Fish and Wildlife, is a statewide education program that focuses on local river and stream stewardship. To date, more than 5,000 people have participated. Check out www.HoosierRiverwatch.com to find water- quality data collected by program participants and to discover where monitoring has taken place.

Hundreds of youth and adult organizations, including watershed and river protection groups, churches, 4-H, Boy and Girl Scouts, municipalities, and schools monitor their local water quality each year.

"The Riverwatch monitoring program fits easily into elementary, middle and high school classes, including biology, chemistry, math, language arts and social studies," Crighton said.

The program has been correlated to Indiana state standards for science at both the middle school and high school levels. Teachers can obtain three Certification Renewal Units for attendance.

For reservations, specific location and directions, contact Krista Daniels with Elkhart County Parks & Recreation, krista@elkhartcountyparks.org or (574) 875-7422.