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Community Inclusion Ambassadors with BraveHeart  helped capture participants, activities, and the beautiful Kreher Preserve & Nature Center at the 2024 AWW Annual Meeting as Event Photographers.

One of the BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose (BCPP) four program goals is to “utilize photo voice as an outreach tool to encourage disability awareness and acceptance. BCPP Photo Voice Project culminates in photo exhibits at 1-2 venues each year.” Photo voice uses photography as a means of story telling, empowering individuals to express their unique perspective on the world around them.

Take a look at their photographs below!

Continue reading “PhotoVoices: BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose Ambassadors Photograph the 2024 AWW Annual Meeting!”

The AWW family mourns the loss of Colonel Richard (Dick) Bronson who passed away on June 10, 2024, at the age of 90. Col. Bronson was a dedicated AWW Volunteer Monitor, friend, and environmental educator whose legacy leaves a lasting impact on Alabama. This is a moment to honor a dear friend, and tell his story so that others might be inspired to work as tirelessly as Dick did to care for Alabama’s precious waters.

Continue reading “Honoring the Legacy of Dick Bronson, Lake Watch of Lake Martin Founder, Volunteer Monitor, and Environmental Educator Extraordinaire”

What are consumer confidence reports?

Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs), also known as “annual drinking water quality reports” (EPA) are reports published by public water systems (well water is NOT included) mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Safe Drinking Water Act.  

Simply put, water providers are required to monitor drinking water quality and report results to water users each year. These annual reports provide information on potential contaminants detected through testing.

Continue reading “At a Glance: Consumer Confidence Reports”

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. 

Continue reading “Celebrating Lake Appreciation Month in July! “

By: Emily Ward and Jera Dills

Each year, Alabama Extension and the Auburn University School of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences host Fish Camp for high school students to explore water resources related career opportunities.

Continue reading “AWW Helps Out with AU Fish Camp”

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.

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. 

Continue reading “2024 Exploring Pathogen Pollution in Our Waters Educator Professional Development Training “

By: Sydney Zinner

Congratulations to our 2023-2024 AWWard Winners! Thank you all for your dedication, enthusiasm, and incredible contributions to the AWW Program. You are an integral part of our team! 

Continue reading “2024 VOLUNTEER AWARDS”

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!

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

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.

  

Continue reading “What is Water Chemistry 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.  

Continue reading “What is Bacteriological Monitoring?”