Be a watershed scientist
(families, friends & groups welcome)
Participate in important chemistry monitoring through our popular Adopt-A-Stream program.
We will train and equip you.
Be a chemist
- monitor water temperature
- measure conductivity
- assess chemical pH readings
- evaluate dissolved oxygen
- measure turbidity
- collect nutrient samples
Chemistry Work
(learn fieldwork measurement skills)
Just like people, a river’s health can be measured. What’s its temperature? Color? Chemical pH level? How does it smell?
Tracking the chemical and physical characteristics of a stream is important. It helps us learn what’s working—and where we can do more.
So volunteer as a family, a group or on your own. And get ready to wade in the water, use scientific techniques and have some fun.

Chemistry Volunteer Fast Facts
What: |
Measure water characteristics Fill out field reports and take photos |
---|---|
When: |
Four times a summer for 2-4 hours (May-Sept): • May 5 Team Leader Training, 5-6:30pm Donner Creek
& Truckee River Confluence (W. River Street)
• May 10 Snapshot Day – First day of stream
monitoring!
• June 12,13,14 (pick one day) – Adopt-A-Stream
Monitoring
• July 10,11,12 (pick one day) – Adopt-A-Stream
Monitoring
• Sept. 11,12,13 (pick one day) – Adopt-A-Stream
Monitoring
|
Where: | Get measurements from 25 different streams; including Donner Creek, Alder Creek and Little Truckee River |
Who: | Any age if with their family. Or anyone age 16 and up. We train you. No experience needed. |