Illinois
RiverWatch Network
We
envision a collaborative river-monitoring network of citizens,
organizations, agencies, private interests and governments working
together to ensure the health and beauty of Illinois streams and
watersheds.
Citizen
Scientist Program
RiverWatch certified volunteers, referred to as Citizen Scientists,
collect high quality scientific data that will subsequently be used by
professionals and the general public to gauge long-term trends in
stream health, develop land management strategies, identify
potentially degraded waters, and assess the effectiveness of
restoration projects. Through monitoring, volunteers obtain a greater
understanding and appreciation for our rivers and streams and extend
and apply that knowledge by serving as advocates for the protection of
those resources.
Watershed
Project
The Watershed Project provides students in grade levels 5-12 with the
unique, hands-on opportunity to learn about, care for, and protect
local streams. Schools, Scout groups, 4-H clubs and all educators are
welcome to participate in the project. During training, volunteers are
taught to collect baseline data on the physical, chemical and
biological parameters of a stream. The Watershed Project is a fun,
inexpensive way to bring the classroom outdoors, engage students in a
community service, and help them foster a sense of stewardship for the
environment.
To learn more, click on the links in
the left-hand menu or contact the program coordinator, Vera Bojic, at
618-468-4870 or vbojic@lc.edu.
