As summer comes to an end and fall arrives, those of us here at Stream Smart are shifting our focus outdoors as we look forward to the return of salmon to our local waterways with the fall rains.
You can find Stream Smart staff and partners out teaching students about salmon and healthy watersheds during Salmon Watch field days, or connecting with families at the upcoming Return of the Salmon Family Field Day on Saturday, October 10, at North Mountain Park in Ashland from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
We also continue to monitor the health of our streams and rivers by collecting samples and testing water quality in local waterways (rivers and streams) and storm drains. These results help us identify and prioritize areas for protection and restoration, while also helping us evaluate whether our efforts are improving water conditions for fish and other aquatic life. Have a specific question about local water quality? Search our website or email us at info@stream-smart.com.
Some of our newer work with partners includes using environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to help identify potential sources of bacteria in local waterways, as well as monitoring for 6PPD-quinone, an emerging contaminant associated with tire wear. Keep an eye on the Stream Smart website, blog, and social media for more information about these programs and upcoming opportunities to learn, participate, and help protect our local waterways.