Become a Certified Texas Stream Team Water Quality Monitor
The health of Galveston Bay depends on accurate, long-term data collected by volunteers who care about clean water.
Through this hands-on, full-day training, you’ll gain the skills to collect and analyze water samples. You’ll work alongside experienced staff to learn field sampling and testing methods used statewide to track the health of Texas waters.
This training encompasses Phases 1 and 2 of the Texas Stream Team Standard Core Water Quality Monitoring program. You will learn how to collect and analyze water samples from tidally influenced sites.
No prior experience required. Supplies and materials will be provided. The session includes both indoor and outdoor components, with short walks between sampling and classroom locations.
What You Will Do
- Participate in classroom and field instruction on water monitoring techniques.
- Learn to collect and test samples using Texas Stream Team protocols.
- Commit to monthly monitoring of an assigned site following Texas Stream Team approved methods
- Submit data sheets after each sampling event.
- Be prepared to help set up the room for training and for an orientation on the flow of the day.
What You’ll Gain
- Hands-on environmental science skills and field experience.
- Certification through the Texas Stream Team Standard Core program.
- Connection to a network of local volunteers who care about clean water.
- The satisfaction of knowing your data informs real-world water protection decisions.
Timeline
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM: Participants arrive, check in, and help setup room for training.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Classroom instruction on proper equipment use, sterile practices, the water quality parameters themselves and why they are important.
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM: Lunch Break
12:45 PM - 3:30 PM:Monitoring will be demonstrated and practiced, then completed individually under supervision by a trainer.
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Choose monitoring site or schedule time to discuss choosing one. You're done!
Before Training, complete the following
1. Standard Core Training Module & Training Enrollment Form - https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/efa910ed3c3e40dca41fbae67e5a9e0c
2. Browse Open Sites - https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/81c6a11d1315467a8fb4d2ec01c48ac9
After Training
After this training, you will schedule a one-on-one with
either a GBF Trainer or a partner organization for a site visit and a QC check.
At that event, you will need to demonstrate your understanding of the methods
and ability to sample without assistance from the trainer.
Learn more about the Texas Stream Team Trainer Program at meadowscenter.txst.edu.
Parking
Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Bayou Vista Saltwater Garden Club Community Building. Please arrive early to allow time for check in and to help set up the room for training and for an orientation on the flow of the day. Carpooling is encouraged.
