Are you an aspiring community scientist interested in preserving Florida’s natural springs? Volunteer with the SpringsWatch program and help us monitor the health of the Wekiva River!
SpringsWatch is a community science program through the Florida Springs Institute that immerses volunteers in spring science and water monitoring. Conductivity is one measurement taken during the fieldwork.
Conductivity 101: A Key Water Quality Indicator
Conductivity measures water’s ability to conduct electricity by looking at the concentration of dissolved ions ( like salts and minerals). Monitoring conductivity helps us detect:
- Pollution: Elevated levels may indicate contamination from fertilizers and/or wastewater.
- Saltwater Intrusion: Helps us determine possible saltwater intrusion into freshwater systems.
- Ecosystem Health: Changes in conductivity can affect aquatic life and overall spring health.
Regular water monitoring provides us with early signs of environmental changes, aiding in timely environmental decisions.
Volunteering at SpringsWatch
Volunteers gain hands-on field research experience, including:
- Data Collection: Measure temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, and photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) as you monitor the springs’ current state.
- Documentation: Record vegetation, wildlife sightings, and human activities.
- Collaboration: Work with other community scientists to analyze findings. Volunteers of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome! We provide an immersive learning experience to understand the ecology of Florida.
We want to thank our Springs Watch Community Scientists for helping us inform conservation strategies and environmental policies to protect our water resources. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for sign up information! A special thanks to our friends at Wekiva Island for donating canoes for this monthly activity, and to Michelle for leading our wonderful volunteers!