DNR NEWS

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Natural Resources Education Center (NREC)

5785 Glenn Road

Indianapolis, IN  46216

Hoosier Riverwatch to present volunteer stream monitoring workshop October 18 at Fort Harrison State Park - Indianapolis

            Clean, abundant water is a valuable resource. Whether as a source for drinking water, water for business and industry or for recreation, it is irreplaceable. Again this year, a number of Hoosiers will become trained to help monitor this precious resource.

            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 the NREC – Fort Harrison State Park on October 18. 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 Thursday, October 18, 2007, 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, nearly 5000 people have participated. Check out www.HoosierRiverwatch.com to find water-quality data collected by program graduates 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 Marie at nrec@dnr.in.gov or 317-562-1338.

            To learn more about Riverwatch, visit www.riverwatch.in.gov.

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Media Contact: Lyn Crighton, Hoosier Riverwatch Coordinator, (317) 541-0617