NOTE: UPDATED WEBPAGE HAS MOVED TO http://mason.gmu.edu/~jcornell/StreamMonitoring/index.html

In Fairfax County, hundreds of volunteers monitor the health of our streams. Do you know where your drinking water comes from? Do you know what watershed you live in? Do you know how to get involved in watershed protection?

Become a stream monitor
and learn about local watershed issues.

Volunteers are needed to join our active stream monitoring program. All training and equipment are provided and no prior experience is needed. Monitoring includes both biological and chemical aspects. Volunteers are trained to assess ecological conditions in streams, based on the presence and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates. They also take chemical measurements about nitrate/nitrite and turbidity.

Training includes indoor and field workshops and accompanying experienced monitors. Volunteers commit to monitoring their chosen stream four times a year or assist as needed at various locations. County and state officials will use the data you collect to assess the overall condition of our streams and help determine watershed management initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a monitor,
please contact the coordinator by
e-mail or call 703-324-1425