• By Wendi Hartup
• Posted Thursday, October 8, 2009

Calling All Streams Enthusiasts

Monitoring is an essential first step in the process of conserving and restoring our waterways. In addition to understanding the way stream systems work, monitoring can be used to assess the health of local waterways. Monitoring data can be used to document changes in stream or wetland health over time or to detect stress on the system.

There are many methods available to monitor the condition of waterways. Monitoring includes collecting data on the physical characteristics of the stream, water chemistry and the organisms living in the water. Working together, we can all help monitor and clean up our streams.

We invite everyone interested in stream monitoring and restoration to Shaffner Park. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers will learn how to monitor area streams for water quality through measuring chemical parameters and aquatic insects. Participants will be provided with all necessary equipment and will be required to monitor twice a year.

Shaffner Park is located off Silas Creek Parkway in Winston-Salem. This event is free but please call 747-6960 to reserve your spot. For additional information please call Roseann L'Esperance at (336) 747-6960 or email her.

This event is sponsored by the City of Winston-Salem's Stormwater Division and NC Cooperative Extension of Forsyth County.