Special Projects Illinois RiverWatch provides opportunities for citizen scientists to join various special projects that focus on certain invertebrate species or water quality conditions that are of special concern. Read More The Illinois RiverWatch Network is a volunteer monitoring initiative coordinated by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC℠). RiverWatch is the only statewide biological monitoring program that provides volunteers a hands-on opportunity to become stewards of our local waterways by monitoring stream habitat and water quality. The program was originally established in 1995 and has since expanded to the statewide level, with over 200 participants monitoring streams annually. Stay Connected with RiverWatch