Author: srs0029

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Celebrating Lake Appreciation Month in July! 

By Jera Dills and Sydney Zinner

As summer heats up, there’s no better time to celebrate where many of us spend the longest days of the year – the lake! July is North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) Lake Appreciation Month, an annual celebration that encourages us to reflect on the ecological, social, recreational, and economic importance of lakes, and ways to protect and preserve them for future generations to enjoy. 

This month-long celebration is an excellent opportunity to learn more about lake ecosystems, participate in stewardship activities, and enjoy the natural beauty of our local lakes. 

A rainbow over Lake Logan Martin. Photo credit: Dana Herren
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2024 Exploring Pathogen Pollution in Our Waters Educator Professional Development Training 

By: Sydney Zinner 

On June 25-26, 2024, a new cohort of educators gathered at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana to complete their certification as 4-H Alabama Water Watch (AWW) Educators who will conduct bacteriological monitoring with their students in the coming school year.

Photo credit: Sydney Zinner

This is the third cohort of educators to be part of this NOAA BWET-funded project, 4-H AWW Exploring Pathogen Pollution in Our Waters, which started with the first cohort in 2021. Educators came from various parts of Alabama, including Pickens, Shelby, Madison, St. Clair, Marshall, Blount, Hale, Lauderdale, and Autauga Counties. 

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2024 AWW Annual Meeting @ Kreher Preserve and Nature Center in Auburn, AL 

By: Sydney Zinner 

We were excited to host the 2024 AWW Annual Meeting at the beautiful Kreher Preserve and Nature Center in Auburn, AL! We gathered with Monitors, Trainers, Board Members, program partners, and new friends to celebrate the accomplishments of our AWWesome Volunteers throughout the last year. Read on for a recap of the day!

Group photo of 2024 attendees. Photo credit: Bree Minton 
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What is Water Chemistry Monitoring?

Through Water Chemistry Monitoring, Volunteer Monitors test the physical and chemical characteristics of water to identify pollution sources and long-term trends in water quality. Six variables (listed below) are measured with a customized test kit and results can be compared with water quality standards that define conditions for healthy waterbodies.

Volunteers test turbidity. Photo credit: Mona Dominguez

  

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What is Bacteriological Monitoring?

Through Bacteriological Monitoring, Volunteer Monitors detect levels of E. coli and other coliform bacteria in water as indicators of fecal contamination. Monitors are trained in bacteriological sampling (site selection, plating and incubating samples, and counting bacteria colonies) and water quality standards.  

Volunteers count bacteria colonies on R-CARDs during a training. Photo credit: Jera Dills
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Auburn Sustainability Students Conduct Stream Biomonitoring for Capstone Project 

by Sydney Zinner

In Fall 2023, AWW was approached by Dr. Miriam Wyman with the Auburn University Office of Sustainability to do a project with her Sustainability Capstone Students in Spring 2024. The AU Water Resources Center (WRC) offers Auburn faculty opportunities for various experiences with their students to connect them with water resources, however, this was the first request to do a semester-long project with a group of students.  

Capstone students were from various colleges at Auburn, including Patricia in Biosystems Engineering, Jaiden in Natural Resource Management, David in Building Science, Elizabeth in Horticulture, and Hart in Environmental Design.  

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What is Stream Biomonitoring?

by Sydney Zinner

What can macroinvertebrates tell us about water quality?

Alabama boasts a rich diversity of natural wonders, from lush forests to winding rivers. Among these treasures lies the tiny hidden world of macroinvertebrates beneath the surface of Alabama’s waters —a world teeming with life, often overlooked. What can these tiny critters tell us about water quality? 

Aquatic snail at Chewacla State Park in Auburn, AL. Photo credit: Sydney Zinner

If you are familiar with Alabama Water Watch, you are likely familiar with our logo, the caddisfly. Read on to learn about how our friend the caddisfly and other creek critters can tell the story of our waters. 

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