GCSU Thirst for Knowledge: Georgia Adopt-a-Stream Chemical and Macroinvertebrate Trainings

Through the Georgia College & State University Thirst for Knowledge Program, you can become Georgia Adopt-a-Stream certified in these upcoming trainings. the Macroinvertebrate Training will be offered Friday, Oct. 13, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Lake Laurel Lodge (Register here: https://givepul.se/qel9d6). The Chemical training will be Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.  (Register here: https://givepul.se/qel9d6). Trainings certification is valid for one year.

Stream macroinvertebrates (insects,mollusks and crustaceans) are excellent indicators of the condition of both water quality and habitat. This workshop will focus on macroinvertebrate collection techniques and identification; in other words, catching cool animals. Volunteers who identify the macroinvertebrates with 90% accuracy and pass the written test with a score of 80% or better will be certified to conduct macroinvertebrate monitoring and can “adopt” a section of a local stream.

The Chemical Monitoring Workshop is designed to teach volunteers about basic stream water chemistry and how to conduct various chemical tests using hand-held field equipment. The basic set of tests include dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH and temperature. Volunteers who collect data within 10% accuracy and pass the written test with a score of 80% or better will be certified to conduct chemical monitoring. 

Students can satisfy CbEL requirements for GC Journeys through the GCSU Thirst for Knowledge Program, and the trainings are open to all.

For more information, email Ruth Eilers at ruth.eilers@gcsu.edu, or visit the Georgia Adopt-a-Stream website: https://adoptastream.georgia.gov/.