What is Stream Team?

This program provides a monthly opportunity for volunteer involvement in a scientific field study. Our program has three goals: 1) to establish baseline information on a watershed level; 2) to establish a trained volunteer monitoring base; and 3) locate previously unidentified point-sources of pollution. The data includes on-site measurements of dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity, pH, temperature and flow. Additionally, water collected at each site is analyzed back at Channelkeeper's laboratory for three bacterial indicators, and for the common pollutants nitrate and phosphate. Learn more about our observations and general conclusions by reading our newsletters and reports.

Site Selection
We select sites throughout the watershed, knowing that one or more may be dry during the summer months. Some of the criteria used for site selection include: Representative of a certain reach or sub-watershed; Accessibility, especially during high water events; History of monitoring at that site; Even spacing throughout watershed; Area of special interest; and Sites represent diverse range of land uses. We also conduct regular surveys of the watershed topology, find out more about Stream Walk by clicking here.

Sampling Regime
The framework for sample collection includes monthly on-site testing at the sites. Teams of volunteers measure physical and chemical parameters in the field, using portable, hand-held instruments. Water samples are collected at each site and are processed in Channelkeeper's laboratory for bacteria with approved standard methodology (Colilert-18 and Enterolert-24, manufactured by Idexx Laboratories). Samples are also analyzed at UCSB laboratories for nutrients (nitrate-nitrogen and orthophosphate). Other characteristics such as vegetation and aquatic life are recorded during sample collection on standardized forms. As part of every sampling event, the instruments and meters are checked and calibrated against factory standards before taking them out into the field.

Volunteer Participation
This project is supported by a wide and varied number of community groups. Citizen volunteer monitors are a critical element to the success of this project, and we have nearly 300 volunteers to date, ranging in age from 8 to 70. Our volunteers have spent more than 2100 hours in the field on this project in the last few years, and this does not include time helping out in the laboratory. In addition, we have reached and engaged other diverse communities from Buellton to Los Angeles. Volunteers include several local science teachers and we are working to involve their classes on specific projects at sites near their schools. We have found that citizens are excited to have hands-on experience in their watershed. Involvement with our project fosters a sense of regional pride, and a feeling of stewardship for these watersheds. Many of our volunteers are users of the resource, such as surfers and fishermen, and are eager to 'give something back'."