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Equipment and Calendar

Monitoring Equipment and Calendar

Each student-teacher team performs seasonal rounds of monitoring at two or more monitoring locations within their selected stream. Sampling is done by all teams within the same 2-3 week period in spring, summer, and fall of each year. Most stream monitoring is performed when streams are wade-able and not affected by recent rain events.

How and when do we measure it?

Each student-teacher team performs seasonal rounds of monitoring at two or more monitoring locations within their selected stream. Sampling is done by all teams within the same 2-3 week period in spring, summer, and fall of each year. Most stream monitoring is performed when streams are wade-able and not affected by recent rain events.

Water Chemistry

Soluble Reactive PhosphorusAmmonia NitrogenNitrate Nitrogen
EquipmentHach DR/850 or
DR/900 Colorimeter
Hach
DR/850 or DR/900
Colorimeter
Hach DR/850 or DR/900
Colorimeter
MethodColorimetric,Ascorbic AcidColorimetric, SalicylateColorimetric, Cadmium Reduction
When MonitoredFall (September – October), Spring (May), Summer (July – August)
Physical Parameters

Stream FlowTemp.Transparency/
 Turbidity
ConductivitypHDO
Equipment
Floating ObjectYSI 55 or
YSI Pro 20i DO/Temp. Probe
Transparency /Turbidity Tube, 60 cmOakton EC Testr+ lowOakton pHTester
MethodFloating Object MethodMeter and thermistorClear tube w/ secchi disk and drain valveMeter and electrodeMeter and electrodeMeter and polarographic sensor probe
When MonitoredFall (September – October), Spring (May), Summer (July – August)
Habitat and Biota

Stream HabitatIn –stream Biotic IntegrityStream Corridor
FrogsBirds
EquipmentStandardized schematic and inventory formMacro-
invertebrate taxonomic keys
GPS units, thermometerGPS units, binoculars, field guides, CDs
MethodUSEPA Streamwalk
and WDNR WAV
Biotic Index Calculation; WDNR WAV taxonomic key5 min
Amphibian Calling Survey
10 point counts; assisted by professional birder
When MonitoredSummerSummer3 times in April-JuneJune

Sampling Schedule

Each student-teacher team performs seasonal rounds of monitoring at two or more monitoring locations within their selected stream. Sampling is done by all teams within the same 2-3 week period in spring, summer, and fall of each year. Most stream monitoring is performed when streams are wade-able and not affected by recent rain events. All teams use standardized methods and professional-grade equipment. Monitoring protocols were modified from the SWRP manual (Lindbo, et al., 2003), the University of Wisconsin Extension/WDNR Water Action Volunteers (WAV) citizen stream monitoring program (UWEX/WDNR, 2010) and Howe, et al., (1997).

DateActivity
no sampling since 2016AmphibiansTeams listen for frogs three times at three points each time. Sampling dates are determined by overnight temperatures.
April 24 -
May 18
Water QualityTeams monitor two stream stations for water quality
no sampling since 2016BirdsEach team monitors 10 birding locations adjacent to their stream over a 1-2 day period.
July 5 -
August 7
Water Quality, Habitat & BiotaTeams monitor two stream stations for water quality. Stream habitat and macroinvertebrate survey are also done at this time.
September 18 - October 16Water QualityTeams monitor two stream stations for water quality