Calendar of Events

Basin Conferences

Each year, our basin groups hold annual conferences to provide feedback on the year's sampling results, inform our members about current water issues and topics, and to provide a time for our samplers to interact and network with one another.  These conferences are typically held in the late fall or winter.

Salt River Watershed Watch Conference (Hybrid Event)
Thursday February 23, 2023 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm
South Central Regional Library, 7300 Jefferson Blvd, Louisville or ZOOM
A light meal will be served for those in attendance.
Opportunity for sampler recertification from 5:00-5:30 pm
Please register here.   

Kentucky River Watershed Watch Virtual Conference
Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 9 am to 1 pm
Midway University
Please email Malissa McAlister if you would like to attend.

Upper Cumberland Watershed Watch Conference
Saturday, March 25, 2023  from 10 am to 12 pm
Somerset Community College (or online)
Please email kelly.johnson@kctcs.edu if you are interested in participating.

Water Events

Our partner organizations and local watershed groups often hold water-related celebrations, recreational outings, or community service projects.  Please check your basin-specific website to find out about events in your area.

Somerset College Earth Day Celebration
Sunday, April 16 from 1:00 to 4:30 pm
More info here.

4H Stream Team Leadership Training Workshops
Tuesday, May 2 in Allen County
Thursday, May 4 in Wolfe County

Stream Team provides an opportunity for Watershed Watch samplers and other adult volunteers to provide assistance for this local water sampling program for youth.  Teams also develop and complete a community water project.  Contact Ashley Osborne if you are interested in attending a workshop.

sampling events

Watershed Watch organizes annual sampling events in May, July and September during which our volunteers assess field chemistry and collect water samples for E coli analysis.  

2023 Sampling Dates:

Prior to each sampling event, you will receive an email requesting that you register to indicate your ability to participate.  Registrants will receive their sampling instructions and supplies approximately one week prior to the event.

Training Workshops

Phase I Training - This 2 hour introductory training workshop provides participants with an understanding of how the Watershed Watch organization functions and what is involved in participating as a sampler.  Specific instruction is provided on assessing certain field chemistry characteristics of water, as well as how to properly collect a “grab sample” for analysis at a certified laboratory. 

Phase II Training - This 4-5 hour workshop provides participants with guidance on further understanding the quality of a waterway through examining its ability to support aquatic life.  Instructors explain a variety of factors that influence aquatic habitat, including in-stream conditions and nearby land use.  Instruction will also be provided on collecting, identifying, and assessing macroinvertebrate populations in a stream with regard to how they serve as indicators of general water quality.