Training Opportunities
No Training Needed
Chapter-led stream sampling events
The Rockville Chapter has several members who have been trained to lead stream monitoring using the League's Save Our Streams (SOS) protocols. The Chapter's SOS events are open to the public and listed on our Calendar [link please]. Participants learn about why collecting a sample of the insects that live in the stream can be used to assess the health of the stream. participants work together to take a stream sample and collect other stream health data, to identify what they find and to quantify the data to rate the stream health. MCPS students can earn SSL hours.
On your own
Creek Critters is a fun and easy activity to learn about the health of a stream. Developed by the Nature Forward (previously Audubon Naturalist Society) with the League, this FREE app guides you step-by-step through the process of finding and identifying the insects that live in your stream. The app automatically calculates your Stream Health Score based on your findings. The score tells you how healthy your stream is—plus your results are added to the Clean Water Hub, the League's citizen science public database of water quality in America.
Download Creek Critters FREE from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
General Information on Clean Water
The League has information on threats to Clean Water and the need for volunteers to step into the gap to ensure our water is safe.
The League also has information on specific efforts that can help the Chesapeake Bay.
Training Resources suitable for working with Middle Schoolers
Looking for Clean Water activities for Middle Schoolers? Resources and training opportunities for the Creek Freaks program are available through the League' [link/button https://www.iwla.org/outdoor-recreation/youth/creek-freaks]
Educator's Workshop
Start training to be a certified SOS event leader by reviewing the League's online education resources then follow the directions to register for the practical training.