Good Riverkeepers Need Good Citizen Scientists
What makes a Waterkeeper an expert in their watershed?
SCIENCE.
As the expert for the Waccamaw, your Waccamaw Riverkeeper uses science to protect clean water for all through advocacy and education. Without science, our work would mean nothing. One of the best sources for scientific data on our river is the Waccamaw Watershed Academy’s Waccamaw Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program.
Since 2006, teams of volunteers have been collecting reliable high-quality data throughout the Waccamaw River watershed. Partnering with Coastal Carolina University’s Waccamaw Watershed Academy, we are able to recruit, train, and assist our citizen scientists. The data they collect has been used to identify and combat pollution to keep the Waccamaw safe for fishing, swimming, and drinking.
The program’s updated Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) was recently approved by South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC). While we have always had confidence in our data due to our training and quality assurance protocols, we now have a state recognized program. Approval of the plan lends even more credibility to our program, the data it produces, and our Waccamaw Riverkeeper’s efforts.
Without this citizen science project, we would not be the expert on the Waccamaw. Now we want to invite you to join our team of incredible volunteers! We are hosting training events next month for all new and existing volunteers to get up to speed with our new handbook and QAPP!
August 3rd
Coastal Carolina University’s Coastal Science Center
10 a.m. to noon
August 17th
Hobcaw Barony’s Discovery Center
10 a.m. to noon
August 31st
Huntington Beach State Park Nature Center
10 a.m. to noon
Conway, SC 29526
Georgetown, SC 29440
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Who should attend the training?
These training events are for new and existing volunteers. If you’re already a volunteer, we are forever grateful for your dedication and support! If you’ve ever wondered how you can support our efforts, this is an excellent opportunity! No experience? No problem! We will teach you everything you need to know to become a Waccamaw Volunteer Water Quality Monitor.
What will be covered at the training?
We will review the new volunteer handbook, share updates from water quality monitoring best practices, and hear tips from our experienced volunteers! You’ll learn all about our program and how your participation helps us protect clean water in our watershed!
When and where can I attend a training?
We will be hosting three training events in August. You only need to attend one of the events and you can register for the event that best suits your schedule! All training events are free to attendees! Light breakfast and coffee will be provided. Following CDC guidelines, we ask that non-vaccinated individuals wear a mask.
If you have questions or want more information, please contact the Waccamaw Riverkeeper at riverkeeper@winyahrivers.org or call (843) 779-2227.