Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER — Community members are invited to help test water quality during The Watershed Foundation’s 10th annual Snapshot Water Monitoring Day.
The event will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17.
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 make informed, strategic decisions about its water quality improvement projects, according to a provided news release.
“Snapshot Day is not just about the data,” explained Caitlin Yoder, TWF’s 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, agreed. “Everyone’s actions impact water quality,” Crighton said. “Snapshot Water Monitoring Day is a fun way to get involved in caring for our environment.”
Snapshot Day is designed to be accessible to people of all ages 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 accessibility, 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 2-1/2 hours completing their assignments.
“TWF could not assess water quality at this scale without volunteers!” Yoder emphasized. “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 online at tinyurl.com/SnapshotDay26 or contact Caitlin 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 Lake City Bank Foundation, Barbee Lakes Property Owners Association, Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners Association, Lakeland Pier and Lift, and Kosciusko County Community Foundation.
Event partners include the City of Warsaw, Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams and Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center.
Learn more about The Watershed Foundation and join them in taking action at www.watershedfoundation.org
