Seeking Volunteer “Scientists” for City Stream Watch Program
OTTAWA, May 3, 2016 —The City Stream Watch Program is looking for volunteer “scientists” to help monitor, protect and cleanup Ottawa streams. Now is the best time to get involved as a Stream Watch Training Session will be held for volunteers on Saturday, May 28. The training session will welcome new volunteers and familiarize them with the basics of stream sampling and environmental data collection.
“The City Stream Watch program is driven by volunteer participation and gives the community a chance to contribute to the health of their local streams,” said Justin Robert, City Stream Watch Coordinator. “By helping to assess these unique urban features, volunteers play a crucial role in environmental protection and enhancement.”
This year’s City Stream Watch Training Session is scheduled for Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to noon along the shores of Graham Creek. All necessary equipment is provided and there is no cost to volunteers; however, pre-registration for this event is required. Simply email Justin atcitystreamwatch@rvca.ca to register or for more information.
This year the City Stream Watch Program is collecting data on Brassils (Burritts Rapids), Graham (Ottawa West), Greens (Gloucester) and McEwan Creek (Hunt Club East). The 2016 sampling season will focus on assessing the habitat, water and shoreline conditions of the stream, and includes fish community sampling. There are also additional opportunities for cleanups, shoreline planting and invasive species removals.
“Over the last 14 years, the City Stream Watch Program has welcomed the help of over 2,300 volunteers who have contributed over 12,000 hours towards conservation projects and monitoring,” said Robert.
The City Stream Watch program is a community-based partnership, which includes the City of Ottawa, Heron Park Community Association, the Canadian Forces Fish & Game Club, the Ottawa Flyfishers Society, the Rideau Roundtable, the Ottawa Stewardship Council, NCC and Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.
For more information about the program, including the reports of streams previously studied, please visit www.rvca.ca/programs/streamwatch/index.html.
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More information:
Justin Robert, City Stream Watch Coordinator
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613- 692-3571 ext. 1194
citystreamwatch@rvca.ca
