River Watch
The USRC works to monitor the quality of the Sangamon River and the streams that feed into it.
If you think you might be interested in working with the USRC on river monitoring, training is available.
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, Citizen Scientists obtain a greater understanding and appreciation for our rivers and streams and serve as advocates for the protection of those resources.
August 16, 2010
RIVERWATCH REPORT ON THE QUALITY OF THE SANGAMON
At our regular monthly meeting this past August 16, Bruce reported that a total of 5 sites were monitored for invertebrates this past Riverwatch season. Three sites: Crooked Creek, Buffalo Trace, and Wildcat Slough are feeder creeks to the Sangamon and two sites are on the Sangamon River itself, one at Sangamon River Forest Preserve and one at Lake of the Woods. Two sites: Wildcat Slough and the Sangamon River at SRFP are being monitored for the second time. Interestingly the River rates in the "very good" range, while the feeder creeks generally have more poorer water quality, based on the invertebrates present. For more details, stop by our display booth at Riverfest and talk to Bruce Colravy, Riverwatch Monitoring chair.
June 18, 2010
RIVERWATCH MONITORING, BUFFALO TRACE
Several USRC members monitored the stream that meanders through Buffalo Trace, which is the part of the Champaign County Forest Preserve property just west of Lake of the Woods between SR47 and CR150, aka Crowley Road (north of the High School). Several macroinvertabrate samples were collected, included many sow bugs. We will assess stream health during workshops in August. Stay tuned!
