Baseline Stream Monitoring Training: Milwaukee County

April 22 - May 20

This WAV baseline stream monitoring training is hosted by Milwaukee Riverkeeper. 

Details coming soon!

Milwaukee Riverkeeper trains a limited number of new volunteers each year (about 20) depending on the availability of stream monitoring locations. Volunteers must register for a stream site prior to attending the field training. Contact WAV Local Coordinator Katie Rademacher to express your interest in attending a stream monitoring training this spring.

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.

Milwaukee Riverkeeper will provide all the equipment you will need. All are welcome, no matter your level of experience!

Prior to the field training, all volunteers must 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.