Calendar & Equipment
Each student-teacher team performs seasonal rounds of monitoring at two or more monitoring locations within their selected stream. Sampling is done by all teams within the same 2-3 week period in spring, summer, and fall of each year. Most stream monitoring is performed when streams are wade-able and not affected by recent rain events. All teams use standardized methods and professional-grade equipment. Monitoring protocols were modified from the SWRP manual (Lindbo, et al., 2003), the University of Wisconsin Extension/WDNR Water Action Volunteers (WAV) citizen stream monitoring program (UWEX/WDNR, 2010) and Howe, et al., (1997).
Monitoring Calendar
| Date | Component Tested | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| April 24 - May 18 | Water Quality | Teams monitor two stream stations for water quality |
| July 5 - August 7 | Water Quality, Habitat & Biota | Teams monitor two stream stations for water quality. Stream habitat and macroinvertebrate survey are also done at this time. |
| September 18 - October 16 | Water Quality | Teams monitor two stream stations for water quality. |
How and when do we measure it?
Water Chemistry
This is monitored in the Fall (September-October), Spring (May) and Summer (July-August).
equipment | Soluble Reactive Phosphorus | Ammonia Nitrogen | Nitrate Nitrogen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Hach DR/850 or DR/900 Colorimeter | Hach DR/850 or DR/900 Colorimeter | Hach DR/850 or DR/900 Colorimeter |
| Method | Colorimetric, Ascorbic Acid | Colorimetric, Salicylate | Colorimetric, Cadmium Reduction |
Physical Parameters
This is monitored in the Fall (September-October), Spring (May) and Summer (July-August).
equipment | Stream Flow | Temperature | Transparency/ Turbidity | Conductivity | pH | DO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Measuring tape, Rod for depth measurement, orange | YSI Pro 20i DO/Temp probe | Oakton EC Testr+ | Transparency /Turbidity Tube, 60 cm | Oakton pH Tester | YSI Pro 20i DO/Temp Probe |
| Method | Floating Object Method | Meter and thermistor | Clear tube w/ secchi disk and drain valve | Meter and electrode | Meter and electrode | Meter and polarographic sensor probe |
Habitat & Biota
When we measure each habitat depends on the habitat itself.
equipment | Stream Habitat | In-stream Biotic Integrity |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Standardized schematic and inventory form | Macro- invertebrate taxonomic keys |
| Method | USEPA Streamwalk and WDNR WAV | Biotic Index Calculation; WDNR WAV taxonomic key |
| When Monitored | Summer | Summer |
Ask an Expert
Ask Lynn Terrien, Outreach and Education Coordinator for the program. If you have questions, she can help!