Every year, from June to October, WSWA members and community volunteers survey Warm Springs Run. These citizen scientists use WVDEP’s Save Our Streams (SOS) process and the Trout Unlimited protocol for quantitative testing, visual observations, and macroinvertebrate collection and identification. We submit the results to WVDEP for their database.

As for the SOS process itself, once we collect, identify, and sort the small insects and crustaceans that are the organisms otherwise known as macroinvertebrates, we can assess stream health, as different species have varying tolerance levels to pollution. After analyzing which ones are present and their abundance, WSWA members calculate a stream health score that reflects water quality and ecological conditions.

The ideal stream sites for the SOS monitoring are the parts of the streams where riffles are present, with water bubbling over cobblestones. Volunteers typically rub rocks underwater to dislodge macroinvertebrates and then collect samples from multiple dips, using special nets. After gathering enough for a robust assessment, we carefully count and identify the organisms and release them back into the stream.

WSWA members also record data such as site location, stream width, flow rate, water temperature, and weather conditions. The collected data track ecological changes, help identify pollution issues, guide any needed stream restoration efforts, and allow us to monitor stream health over time.

Importantly, the program also emphasizes education and community engagement in stream conservation. We encourage new volunteers to join us and receive training as a monitoring assistant.