June 3, 2014: We had an awesome day completing the Summer Leadership Program Orientation for our River Watch Team. Our day began at the EcoHouse with safety training covering topics from outdoor temperatures, hydration, CPR, first aid, water rescue, poison ivy, common snakes, wasps and bees, transportation, and sun protection. Next, we headed over to East Bouldin at Dawson Park to review the water quality monitoring tests. During the summer we will teach River Watchers not only how to collect water quality data but also how to analyze the findings so that they understand how human activities and weather conditions impact the health of our water resources. Over lunch we reviewed the exciting summer schedule that Ms. Elisabeth and Mr. Adam have planned, including, fish and benthic macroinvertebrate workshops, career speakers, water quality monitoring, caving, canoeing, ecological and hydrological enhancement projects, and weekend sleepovers! River Watchers will have opportunities to make new friends from different AISD high schools, learn about and apply sustainable practices for the Austin community, and sharpen their leadership skills as they work with each other. It is going to be a great summer!!!
