Become a Support Hub
Beginning in 2024, local Support Hubs will serve as critical partners in Kentucky Watershed Watch’s mission to provide opportunities for residents to engage with the Commonwealth’s abundant network of streams.
Hubs will help build energy and enthusiasm in local communities and provide support to the stream monitoring program and its volunteers. Hubs support the Watershed Watch goals of monitoring, raising community awareness, and moving towards improvements in Kentucky’s waterways.
White tub contains field chemistry supplies and Styrafoam incubator is used for bacteriological analysis procedure.
Net, clipboard, and plastic tub are used for collecting and identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates in the biological assessment procedure.
Potential Support Hub Services
What’s Involved in Being a Support Hub?
Storage space - closet or shelving for sampling kits and small incubator (approx dimensions 19”x19”x6”)
Time commitment - dependent on support roles
Calendar of events - 3 week-long events per year, plus any additional sampling interest
E. coli incubation needs - 24-hour incubation time, can be performed at Support Hub or incubator can be loaned to samplers for their use
What are the Benefits of Serving as a Support Hub?
Connections to your local community
Fulfilling your organization’s mission
Greater awareness of water quality conditions and related efforts in your area
Potential Services offered by Support Hubs:
Host sampling kits for sampler check-out/use (required)
This includes 2-5 field chemistry kits.Host incubator for E. coli analysis, may loan if needed (required)
Incubator(s) will be provided by KYWW as possible. Approximate dimensions are 19”x19”x6”.
Host biological (macroinvertebrate) sampling kits.
This includes nets, collection pans, and identification instructions.
Host sampler training events and meetings (highly desirable)
Assist with sampling site selection
Watershed Watch can provide maps and guidance.Provide assistance with volunteer data entry to online portal (with KWW instructions)
Help interpret water quality findings (with KWW guidance)
Help coordinate community water projects/data-to-action projects (with KWW guidance)
Host outreach materials (This may include tabling supplies, such as a tablecloth, vinyl sign, and brochures.)