Help Monitor River Quality and Learn About Stream Life

Being an SQM monitor is easy and fun, and it doesn't take a large commitment of time or any prior experience.

Free workshops are offered at each of the scenic rivers so you can learn about what volunteers do. Our SQM Coordinators teach you how to identify macroinvertebrates and how to record your findings.

Once you decide to become a volunteer, there is some paperwork to fill out and send back to us. Volunteers are assigned a stream location and are responsible for at least two monitoring sessions per season at that location. All equipment is provided, and the SQM Coordinators are available to support your efforts.

Working in teams of two or more, monitors examine small riffle areas of stream bottoms and use fine mesh nets, called seines, to collect macroinvertebrates. Data are recorded on an assessment form and the macroinvertebrates are then released. Volunteers are responsible for turning their data in to the SQM Coordinator.

Whether you are an individual or part of a larger organization, we invite you to help make a difference. Call or email the SQM Coordinator in your area or attend a workshop for more information.