Water Monitoring Citizen Scientist
Seeking Volunteers for Monthly & Weekly Monitoring
This is your chance to make a real difference. Join our group of dedicated citizen scientists working to monitor and improve the water quality of our three rivers and their tributaries. OARS staff fully train volunteers, and all equipment is provided. See below for training dates and information.
Once a month, early on a Sunday morning, citizen scientists head out to sites along the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers to collect water samples, take in-situ measurements, and record river conditions. The data and analyses enable OARS, municipalities, environmental agencies, and others to improve the management of our waterways.
Additionally, bi-weekly on Monday mornings, some volunteers collect bacteria samples to monitor the health of the rivers for recreational purposes.
In-person Trainings (2024)
- Tuesday, April 23, 6:00–7:30 PM, Sherman’s Bridge Landing
- Friday, April 26, 6:00–7:30 PM, Acton Canoe Launch
- Sunday, May 5, 10:00–11:30 AM, Bedford Boat Ramp
Sampling Schedules
SUNDAY WATER QUALITY SAMPLING |
MONDAY BACTERIA SAMPLING |
Teams of 2–3 volunteers each sample one section of the rivers (4–6 sites).
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Individual volunteers or pairs sample one of our three rivers (2–6 sites). Sampling dates bi-weekly: May 13 to September 16. |
Sampling dates May 12, June 16, July 14, August 18, September 15, November 10 |
Sampling dates bi-weekly, May 13 to September 16
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Sampling Locations: |
Sampling Locations: |
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![Citizen Scientist Photo 1](https://oars3rivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Gideon-cleaning-staff-gage-at-NSH-047-1024x1024.webp)
![Citizen Scientist Photo 2](https://oars3rivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kim-sampling-1024x1024.webp)
![Citizen Scientist Photo 3](https://oars3rivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Len-Rapol-w-DO-loggeri-1024x1024.webp)
![Citizen Scientist Photo 4](https://oars3rivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Lowell-image-for-GLCF-1024x1024.webp)
![Citizen Scientist Photo 5](https://oars3rivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/OARS-Citizen-Scientist-collecting-flow-data-1024x1024.webp)
![Citizen Scientist Photo 6](https://oars3rivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Peakham-Rd-1024x1024.webp)
![Citizen Scientist Photo 7](https://oars3rivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Russel_HDR-1024x1024.webp)
![Citizen Scientist Photo 8](https://oars3rivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RVM-004-Gideon-1024x1024.webp)
![Citizen Scientist Photo 9](https://oars3rivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sampling-at-Shermans-Bridge-1024x1024.webp)
![Citizen Scientist Photo 10](https://oars3rivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sudbury-River-Sampling-Picture-1024x1024.webp)
![Citizen Scientist Photo 11](https://oars3rivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Water-Quality-Monitoring-with-S.-Flint-1024x1024.webp)
![Citizen Scientist Photo 12](https://oars3rivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Water-Sampling-1024x1024.webp)