Polk County Conservation
Explore with us as we catch and identify those that call our Iowa waters home and learn what insight they provide into water quality. Iowa’s waters are home for thousands of plants and animals that have adapted to live and reproduce in aquatic habitats. Each summer field monitors with Polk County Conservation Water Quality Monitoring Program (PCCWQMP) search 70 sites throughout the county evaluating aquatic populations of benthic macroinvertebrates. Counting and categorizing species by their pollution tolerance gives insight into the health of the aquatic habitat and is a valuable tool when used with the physical and chemical assessment data collected bimonthly.
Iowa DNR
WHAT TO EXPECT: TIME COMMITMENT Join us for this one-time opportunity to explore Fourmile Creek with Jacklyn Gautsch, Environmental Specialist Senior, to learn collection, identification and preservation techniques used by the Iowa DNR. After completing this class, those interested may join summer Biological Assessment Teams to explore sites collecting data. These data, used by PCCWQMP, when paired with physical and chemical assessments, provide valuable insight into the overall health of the waterway. The teams offer a flexible opportunity for individuals, families or small groups to contribute to PCCWQMP data collection. Jacklyn Gautsch, Environmental Specialist Senior with Iowa DNR Water Monitoring and Assessment Section, evaluates the water quality, vegetation, macroinvertebrates, and fish of pothole, riverine & fen wetlands and shallow lakes throughout Iowa. TRAINING and SUPPLIES All supplies, including equipment needed to complete biological assessment and site assignments will be provided. FIELD ENVIRONMENT Meet at Mally’s Park for instruction and collection. Participants will explore and collect in the creek then sort and count on the shoreline. Further identification and evaluation will take place nearby in Iowa DNR shop in Ankeny, about a 10-minute drive. Please dress for entering the creek with muck boots, old tennis shoes or waders. Bring a camp chair and a curiosity for discovering who lives in this watery environment. All experience levels welcome.
Ginny Malcomson 515-323-5319 ginny.malcomson@polkcountyiowa.gov
No experience necessary. All volunteers will be provided equipment, tools, and training as needed. What to wear/bring: It is recommended to dress for the weather and for wading in creeks. Wear muck boots, waders or closed-toe shoes that can get wet and muddy. Bug and sun-protection are encouraged. In an effort to promote sustainability, volunteers are asked to bring a refillable water bottle while volunteering.
By registering for this volunteer program, I acknowledge I am filling an open position. In the event that I and/or members of my group are unable to attend, I will cancel my registration to allow for others to join this event.
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