Attention early birds: Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve needs you for water quality monitoring

Do you enjoy watching the sunrise? Have you ever wanted to contribute to a project with far-reaching impacts? Are you interested in learning about water quality sampling? If so, we would love to hear from you! We are seeking new volunteers to sample water quality once a month (every first Monday of the month at sunrise) in Estero Bay as part of the Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network (CHEVWQMN).

As it says in the name, volunteers are the key to this program. Seven locations within Estero Bay have been monitored by volunteers each month since 1998. The data received are used by EBAP, other natural resource managers, and officials. The data set a baseline for estuary conditions. As a volunteer, you would learn to calibrate instruments, collect samples, and record data. Necessary equipment and training will be provided. This program is a great learning opportunity as well as a chance to see the beauty of Estero Bay at sunrise, complete with possibilities for wildlife sightings. If you are interested, please contact our office.

Photo courtesy of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve