Investigating Mill Creek StreamWatchers Investigating Mill Creek

Why do we become “StreamWatchers” ? Experience the natural world Have some fun !! Explore our local environment Collect real science data about water quality Feel connected to the rest of the world. . . Mill Creek to Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic Ocean…Anywhere in the world!

How do we monitor the water quality of Mill Creek? Physical Tests Chemical Tests Biologic Indicators . . . The critters We collect this data throughout the year to observe conditions and changes in the environment.

What are the Physical “Tests” or Indicators? Water and air temperature Turbidity (clarity) Velocity Depth

Waiting to catch the ping-pong ball . . . determining velocity!

What are the Chemical Tests? pH Dissolved oxygen

Carefully matching the results

What are the Biologic Indicators? Organisms that live in the stream Most of the ones we look for live on rocks in the water They are classified as “tolerant” or “sensitive”

What do they look like?

How about this for a house?

What’s important to remember? Everyone participates Rotate jobs to become familiar with all tests Be responsible with the equipment Respect the environment and life Record the data and share information Create a journal entry for each time

We observe seasonal changes

In September and October we see Lake Trout and Salmon

Playing in the March Slush!

Don’t forget the BIG PICTURE !