Opportunities From: Volunteer Delaware

Nanticoke Watershed Alliance seeks one or two new Creekwatcher volunteers to adopt a pair of sites in the Bridgeville area. Both sites are bridge sites and are best monitored on Sunday mornings but may be monitored any time on Sundays or by noon on Mondays.

The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance’s Creekwatchers Program began in July 2007 as a multi-year, bi-state project to monitor the health of the Nanticoke River. Data collected by Creekwatchers allow the NWA to identify sources of impairment such as nutrient or sediment pollution, to spot occurring trends, and to provide high-quality data to partner agencies.  Creekwatchers monitor over 30 sites throughout the Nanticoke River watershed.

Creekwatchers collect samples and monitor the water quality of the Nanticoke River or one of its major tributaries at prearranged and designated sites. Creekwatchers commit to monitoring their site(s) for the full duration of the monitoring season and should be prepared to sample at least 14 out of 17 sampling periods.  Responsibilities include:

Participating in orientation and training and learning how to use water monitoring equipment.Monitoring one or more sites every other week on Sunday or Monday from late March to early November.Dropping off samples and datasheets at pre-arranged points.Maintaining and storing one’s own water monitoring kit for the duration of the season and returning it to the NWA in good condition at the end of the season.Communicating with NWA staff and with fellow Creekwatchers.

Training and Benefits: NWA staff provide in-depth training that readies Creekwatchers to operate water monitoring equipment and to understand what we measure and why.  Creekwatchers are provided with an in-depth handbook outlining the procedures for water monitoring at each site, equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, and information about measurements taken. Training videos are also available on our YouTube channel. NWA staff will also work with new Creekwatchers at their sites during their first sampling period and will be available for questions and assistance throughout the season. Benefits include:

Taking ownership of one or more sites and protecting your local waterways.Having results used by the scientific and academic community and seeing those results in reports such as the NWA’s annual Nanticoke River Report Card.Learning how to use scientific equipment.Participating in paddles, dinners, and field trips that take place a few times during the year.Meeting new, like-minded people, getting out on the water, and having fun.

Qualifications: No education or prior background in water monitoring is required. To become a Creekwatcher, volunteers must have an ability and willingness to learn new equipment, have the time to commit to spending at least an hour every other week (on Sundays or Mondays) monitoring and delivering samples and datasheets, have a reliable mode of transportation, and have the confidence and responsibility to monitor independently without regular onsite supervision.

Please reach out to BethWasden@NanticokeRiver.org or at 443.944.1175 if interested in this opportunity.