WAV monitors come from different backgrounds and volunteer for different reasons, but they all share a commitment to protecting Wisconsin’s streams and rivers. You don’t need to be a scientist to join—we’ll train you and give you the equipment, too! New WAV volunteers can get started by training to do Baseline Monitoring or Riverine Early Detector Monitoring (Project RED). No experience is necessary. We recommend ages 10 and older for getting involved in monitoring – youth must be accompanied by an adult.

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Volunteers monitor wadeable streams and small rivers that can be safely entered while wearing hip waders. Many volunteers choose to monitor a stream site based on their personal interest or proximity to their home or school, or they work with a local WAV coordinator who has a list of stream sites that need water quality data. Some programs work with local and state agencies to coordinate monitoring locations.

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If you are interested in becoming a WAV volunteer please fill out our Volunteer Interest Form below and we will be in touch shortly with all the information to get you started!