Become a Maryland Stream Wader!
December 27th, 2008 Posted in December 2008The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking volunteers for their Stream Wader program to sample MD streams in the spring. The Stream Wader program has been in existence since 2000, and volunteers provide critical data that DNR uses to categorize and monitor the health of our waterways, as well as to help determine where to focus their restoration efforts.
In order to take part, you must first register for a one-day training session (February/March). During training you will learn basic stream sampling techniques while also learning about stream ecology, using GPS units, and much more. Sampling concludes in early May, or whenever you finish collecting your samples.
Sampling consists of collecting aquatic insects, crustaceans, and snails that live on the bottom of streams. Depending on the type of organisms that you find, you can tell whether a stream is healthy or polluted.
Registration dates are as follows. All sessions run from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
* Horn Point Environmental Science Education Center (Dorchester County: February 7th, 2009 (Register by January 30th)
* Patuxent River 4-H Center in Upper Marlboro (Prince Georges County): February 21st, 2009 (Register by February 13th)
* Fairview Outdoor Center in Clearspring (Washington County): February 28th, 2009 (Register by February 15th)
* West Nottingham Academy in Colora, MD (Cecil County): March 7th, 2009 (Register by February 27th)
This project is open to all. To register for a training session or to receive more information, email streamwaders@dnr.state.md.us or call the Stream Waders hotline at 1-877-620-8DNR (x8623). Please provide your name, contact information, and expected training location.
A very informative Frequently Asked Questions page can be found at:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/streams/mbss/w_faq.html.
Your involvement will make a difference in improving the health and quality of the streams in Maryland!