by: eric reutebuch
AWW traveled to north Alabama last November to conduct water monitor trainings in the Clear Creek Watershed, thanks to a grant from Patagonia. The grant was secured in early 2013 to build grassroots capacity in monitoring and watershed stewardship activities in the watershed (go to www.alabamawaterwatch.org and click Related Projects for more on the Clear Creek Project).
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Attendance was excellent with 24 participants from the watershed, from Lake Logan Martin, Weiss Lake, Talladega, Athens, Sylacauga, and Childersburg. We were especially pleased that several of the Camp McDowell staffers and an Alabama Cooperative Extension Agent, Andy Baril, were in attendance! AWW staffers Eric Reutebuch and Rita Grub trained the participants in Bacteriological Monitoring and Water Chemistry Monitoring. After learning about Alabama Water Watch, types and sources of pollution, water quality standards and AWW monitoring protocols, participants hiked down to the banks of Clear Creek to put their new skills into practice. Water quality readings were generally good for the clear waters of the creek. And the newly-certified volunteers plan to keep a vigilant eye on water quality through their monitoring efforts to protect the health and well-being of the creek, its critters and all who enjoy its waters.