Volunteers Needed For 9th Annual Snapshot Water Monitoring Day

Community members are invited to help test water quality during The Watershed Foundation’s ninth annual Snapshot Water Monitoring Day Sept. 18 from 2 to 6 p.m.
Working in teams, Snapshot volunteers spend the afternoon as citizen scientists. They collect, test, and analyze water samples at sites across Whitley, Noble and Kosciusko counties, measuring dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, E. coli levels and other key indicators of water quality. That data provides an accurate, timely “snapshot” of water health across the region, which helps The Watershed Foundation (TWF) make informed, strategic decisions about its water quality improvement projects, according to a news release.
“Snapshot Day is not just about the data,” said Caitlin Yoder, TWF watershed coordinator. While the data is valuable, the event is also a celebration of citizen science and community action. It’s an opportunity for members of the public to participate in environmental research and stewardship. “During Snapshot Day, we come together as a community to check in on the health of our local waterways.”
Lyn Crighton, TWF’s executive director, said, “Everyone’s actions impact water quality. Snapshot Water Monitoring Day is a fun way to get involved in caring for our environment.”
Snapshot Day is designed to be accessible for people of all ages, physical abilities and experience. Water sampling takes place at a wide range of sites, from wetlands to large streams to small ditches on county roads. Sites have been assessed for safety and difficulty to access and volunteers can request options to fit their comfort and ability levels. TWF will provide participants with the necessary training, sampling materials, and comprehensive information about their testing sites. Volunteers typically spend just 2 to 2.5 hours completing their assignments.
“TWF could not assess water quality at this scale without volunteers!” Yoder said. “You do not need to be knowledgeable in environmental science or any other science. You just need to be interested and motivated.”
To volunteer, register by Sept. 4 at https://tinyurl.com/SnapshotDay25, or contact Yoder at caitlin@watershedfoundation.org or 574-834-3242. To learn more about Snapshot Water Monitoring Day and see water quality data from past years, visit watershedfoundation.org/snapshot-day/
Snapshot Water Monitoring Day is sponsored by Barbee Lakes Property Owners Association, Edward Jones Financial Advisor Ryan Drake, Lake City Bank North Webster, Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners Association, ProWake Watersports and Surf Shop. Event partners include city of Warsaw, Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams and Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center.