SOUTH BRANCH WATERSHED ASSOCIATION
Press Release

Learn to Monitor the Health of the South Branch on June 5

Clinton Township, NJ - Would you like to be part of an award-winning stream monitoring program? If so, then join the South Branch Watershed Association at their 17th Annual River Monitoring Workshop on Saturday, June 5 from 8:30 a.m. until noon, rain or shine, at their office in Echo Hill Park. The workshop is designed to train new volunteers who are interested in monitoring the health of the river and to provide a refresher course for their current river monitors. All participants in the workshop receive “hands-on” training from environmental scientists on sampling protocols and other techniques used to gather information and assess impacts to the river. Through the program, citizens have the opportunity to take part in a scientific study to assess the condition of the natural resources in their community and the greater South Branch Raritan River watershed. It requires a commitment of 4 to 8 hours per year. The sampling is done at 20 sites throughout the watershed during the last two weeks in June. Just a few hours of your time once a year can help the Association to collect a unique data set that is used locally and by the state to protect the quality and health of our water. Pre-registration is required. Please contact Nicole Rahman, Program Director, by Wednesday, June 2, at 908-782-0422 ext. 14, for more information or to register for this free workshop.

Volunteers at last year’s training learning how to properly collect a sample of stream critters using a kick net.