Baseline Stream Monitoring Training: Coon Valley

June 10

This WAV baseline stream monitoring training is a unique experience being offered as a paid Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin Field Trip! Participants must register through the NRF – registration opens initially to NRF members at 12:00pm on Tuesday, April 4. This training is limited to 12 participants. While the field trip prepares participants for monitoring, it’s open to anyone who wants to come learn about stream health. The field trip will be led by UW-Madison Extension WAV staff.

Time: 1:00-5:00pm

At this hands-on baseline stream monitoring training for new volunteers, you will learn how to measure five important elements of stream health using scientific tools and techniques:

• Water temperature – affects oxygen demand and can threaten creatures’ survival.
• Transparency – takes into account both color and suspended particles in the water.
• Dissolved oxygen – lack of it can cause aquatic animals to quickly leave the area or face death.
• Streamflow – the amount of flowing water in a stream impacts the habitat available for creatures living in and near the stream.
• Stream macroinvertebrates – insects, worms, crustaceans, clams, and other small, boneless creatures that are visible without the aid of a microscope are used to assess water quality based on their tolerance to conditions.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll know how to measure water quality and be ready to adopt your own stream monitoring site. No experience or equipment needed!

Questions?

• For questions about this NRF field trip experience, contact Christine Tanzer, NRF Field Trip Program Director at 608-409-3123
  Christine.Tanzer@WisConservation.org.
• To learn more about WAV trainings, contact WAV staff at wav@extension.wisc.edu or 608-331-0173.

Click the link below to learn about NRF field trips and to register.

Prior to the field training, all volunteers are encouraged to complete the Online Introduction to WAV course. This course provides an overview of the WAV program and the science behind the baseline parameters in a learn-at-your-own-pace setting.  Being familiar with WAV and the monitoring science and methods will prepare all attendees for this field training.