Community Science Programs
At Patapsco Heritage Greenway (PHG), we recognize the significance of stewardship and value the opportunity to closely collaborate with the community in the shared goal of preserving our natural resources. Community Science programs (Stream Watchers, Salt Watch, & Vernal Pool Surveys) are the backbone of PHG and are a part of our PHG Steward program. Be sure to check out our other ways of becoming a PHG Steward: Stewardship Events & Water Quality Monitoring as well!
Want to become a PHG Steward? Contact Diana or fill out this form.
Stream Watchers
Stream Watchers adopt a section of a stream to regularly monitor and clean. Once assigned a section, Stream Watchers are responsible for reporting any issues observed, such as litter accumulation, erosion, or pollution. Additionally, Stream Watchers collect basic water quality data, such as the pH, temperature, and the presence of pollution-sensitive macroinvertebrates.
The Stream Watch program provides a more thorough monitoring of areas within the watershed and increased reporting of issues in the river and streams. This information helps PHG evaluate where additional resources are needed within the watershed and helps make a positive change in the Patapsco community.
If you're interested in becoming a Stream Watcher, sign up today at link below!
Salt Watch
Chlorides come from road salt or brine applied to our roadways, sidewalks and parking lots in the winter months– which later end up in our streams. While road salt keeps us safe on icy roads and sidewalks, it can also pose a threat to fish and other aquatic life in freshwater streams, as they cannot survive in extra salty water.
Salt Watch volunteers collect data about chloride levels in our local waterways with easy-to-use test strips, which are provided at no charge from our partner organization, the Izaak Walton League of America. Volunteers first establish a baseline reading before winter road treatments, then conduct follow-up tests after storms and rain events to track salt pollution levels over time. The testing only takes a few minutes for each event, but provides important information about the extent of chloride pollution in area streams.
Click HERE to receive your FREE Salt Watch Kit and become a Salt Watch Volunteer!
Input Salt Watch data on Clean Water Hub
Vernal Pool Surveys
Vernal pools are temporary wetland habitats that play a vital role in supporting aquatic species, such as wood frogs and spotted salamanders. However, these pools are increasingly threatened by human activities and pollution. Because of their temporary nature, vernal pools are an unprotected wetland. To address this issue, PHG is dedicated to safeguarding vernal pools through awareness and action.
In early spring, PHG organizes vernal pool guided hikes where participants can learn how to identify vernal pools in their communities and collect data for conservation purposes.
