WATR relies on volunteers to help monitor the health of our streams, restore compromised riverbanks and riparian buffers, educate the community, and more. Some of our volunteer opportunities are listed below.
If you love our watershed, join us!
Swim Guide Sampling
Weekly water sample collection during the summer recreational season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Volunteers take samples at sites around the watershed to monitor for E. coli & turbidity. Each volunteer is trained on the sampling protocol, and given all the gear needed.
VWIN (Volunteer Water Information Network) Sampling
Monthly or quarterly sampling. Volunteers collect samples on the fourth weekend of the month, to track 8 parameters that provide information on long-term water quality trends. Each volunteer is trained on the sampling protocol, and given all the gear needed.
Exotic Invasive Plant Removal
Monthly volunteer workdays focus on maintaining the nature trails in Monteith Park (currently on the 3rd Saturday morning of each month) and maintaining the riparian buffer along the creekbank at Innovation Station (currently on the 3rd Friday morning of each month). These workdays may also include tasks like cleaning up trash, working on signage, erosion control, and trail re-routing. Tools, gloves, and expert guidance provided.
Streambank Restoration & Riparian Planting
During cooler weather, volunteers are needed to help with planting native trees, shrubs, and other plants to restore riparian buffers. We coordinate erosion control projects on compromised sections of streambank throughout the watershed. All tools & materials provided, along with leadership from experienced leaders.
Biomonitoring & Citizen Science Projects
Coming soon! Join a team and collect samples of benthic macroinvertebrates (aquatic bugs) to assess the health of stream. Commit to one day of training, then collect samples on one morning in the spring and one in the fall going forward. Collect critical data for assessing stream health and monitoring change in our streams over time.
Watch our Water (WoW) Streamkeepers & Visual Stream Assessment Protocol
Inspect streams during storms and locate sources of mud (erosion). Gather samples, take pictures, then work with us to follow up. Encourage landowners to use best management practices for erosion prevention. Visual Stream Assessment Protocol: with a some training, walk the streams, and assess the condition of stream banks and stream bed.
Event & Meeting Assistance
We welcome help with everything from planning, to publicity, to implementation of our events.
Website Development & Social Media
Volunteers are invited to share photos or videos, supply ideas, and even contribute brief articles.
Board Support, Fundraising, & Leadership
Interested in playing a bigger role in shaping WATR’s direction? Join our board! We’re always looking for people with skills in areas like bookkeeping or accounting, strategic planning, local business management, and fundraising– but we have board members from many different backgrounds. If you’d like to join us, fill out our Board Interest Form or contact us.