The document discusses volunteer stream monitoring activities conducted by students to assess stream quality. Students used test kits to measure parameters like dissolved oxygen and nitrates and captured macroinvertebrates using kick nets. The document describes different stream conditions from nearly wild to urban streams in concrete channels. It highlights that Ozark streams are a treasure but sometimes taken for granted, and many volunteers and professionals work to collect data, clean up litter, and educate the community about water quality. It provides resources for how to get involved in protection and improvement efforts.

1. Watershed Committee’s
Water Wednesday
Volunteer Scientists
These past couple of weeks, I have been spending a great deal of time in our local streams. Students from
the area, elementary and high school both, have been interested in learning how to test streams for
pollution and quality. We’ve used chemical test kits to measure dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and more.
We’ve shuffled and danced upstream of the kick nets to capture and identify a variety of benthic
macroinvertebrates. And after all our
activity is through, we talk about the
problems that each stream might face.
Some streams are nearly wild, flowing
between untrimmed and untamed banks.
Some are urban, like Jordan creek,
pouring through subterranean concrete
caverns and spending most of its time
working as our storm drain system.
Others meander through parks, like
Fassnight Creek, bringing joy and rest to
those who visit its calming waters, and
taking away the trash, lawn chemicals,
and waste that we sometimes contribute.
Ozark streams are special. Their beauty,
life, and abundance make them
something to treasure. Although,
sometimes they are easy to take for
granted. The good news is that many of us in the region have been smitten by these fluvial masterpieces.
Countless volunteers and professionals dedicate time and energy to collecting data on our stream quality,
cleaning up litter, and educating the community about keeping our water clean. The best part is that
anyone can help. We have events throughout the year that allow for anyone to get involved; from the
casual volunteer to the hardened water warrior. If you are looking for some way that you can protect and
improve your neighborhood stream, check out the resources listed below. And as always, take care of
your water.
http://www.mostreamteam.org/
http://www.springfieldmo.gov/stormwater/pdfs/Adopt-A-Stream.pdf
http://www.jamesriverbasin.com/
http://watershedcommittee.org/get_involved/
Rob Hunt
Watershed Center Coordinator