The first Science for Everyone in 2018 hosted by Lac Lawrann is later this month.

February 20, 2018 – 7:00 PM

Milwaukee Riverkeeper Citizen-based Water Quality Monitoring Program

Cheryl Nenn
Abstract: In 2006, Milwaukee Riverkeeper established our citizen-based water quality monitoring program and to date has trained over 400 volunteers to test water quality in the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers and their tributaries. Currently, we have 95 volunteers monitoring over 100 river and stream stations throughout the Milwaukee River Basin, making our program one of the largest citizen science water quality programs in Wisconsin. We monitor for many different parameters, including bacteria, chloride, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and phosphorus. Data from our program is shared directly with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and is used by biologists in making management decisions, including evaluating rivers for inclusion on the State’s list of Impaired Waters. In addition to baseline monitoring, we have expanded our program to include other citizen science programs including road salt monitoring, emerging contaminant monitoring, and native mussel monitoring. Within this talk, we will give an overview of our program as well as present case studies of how we have used citizens to effectively collect valuable data and affect water policy.
Host: Lac Lawrann Conservancy

Future Dates – Programs – Locations

  • March 20, 2018 – TBA – Riveredge
  • April 17, 2018 – TBA – Lac Lawrann

See the Lac Lawrann Web Page for Additional Information

Science for Everyone is a lecture series to engage, educate and increase public awareness regarding a wide variety of science, history and environment related topics. The programs are for the curious of high school age and older. The presenters give lectures that will both educate and entertain. Science for Everyone will be held the 3rd Tuesday of every month with Ridgedge hosting the odd months and Lac Lawrann hosting the even months. This program is a partnership between Lac Lawrann Conservancy, Riveredge Nature Center and the UWM Field Station.Fee: FREE ($5 donation suggested) No registration required.