I read about a Conservation Program in a Metro Park advertisement. The paragraph started off with "Help Metro Parks learn more about waterways"…. "Ever wonder about the water quality in our local waterways, and which critters indicate whether our waterways are healthy?" (Metro Parkways May/June 2004).
I responded to the address in the ad and received job descriptions for two volunteer positions. Both sounded really neat, unfortunately, I was too late to join 2004’s Lake Team, for they had already completed the training sessions, so I joined the Stream Team. Metro Park staff made an exception allowing me to participate in several Lake Team surveys. (Read more about that later)
Initially, I had this bright idea that I would be able to test water where I fish, and I soon learned that the test kits were too expensive and not as mobile as I had originally imagined.
During the first training session, Stream Team volunteers were introduced to equipment kits
containing everything needed for water sampling and chemical testing. However, only three kits were available for training and there were a total of 11 volunteers.
We were divided into groups of three to four people and asked to walk ourselves through the tests. Individual hands-on practice was limited due to the lack of test equipment. When volunteers opened the kits, only four instructions were included, and these were text-only documents. I began wondering what I had gotten myself into!
I decided then that I was going to update the instructions. I just happened to have my camera in my pocket and ask my group if they would mind participating. Everyone was excited about it and saw benefits of having solid reference materials at the onset of this program. Without visual aides for reference, the use of this equipment can be confusing and potentially alter the accuracy of the test results.
I inserted the new pictures into the old text files, made copies, laminated them, and gave the new instructions to Mike, the wildlife biologist responsible for the
program. These new instructions are a great help and I have received nothing except positive feedback. Stream Team volunteers (myself included) use these new instructions on a weekly basis.
Upon completion of the three mandatory training classes, we were ask to commit to a once per week testing schedule at the site of our choice (3 to choose from). I selected Dry Lick Run, Huber Heights, Ohio.
During a twelve week period, I collected and tested water samples to provide valuable trend data. The overall stream results were a little above average on the 
quality index scale and I was also able to collect a sample from one of my favorite crappie spots (An old gravel pit). I transported the sample to my weekly test site and completed the tests. The results from this sample were a little lower, yet still made the average range for overall quality. I guess it makes since that constant movement of a river or stream would keep the water cleaner than that of a deep pond or lake where the water pretty much stays in the same place.
Ultimately this experience was driven by a personal challenge to try something new. In return a small contribution has been so incredibly rewarding:
