How to Become a Citizen Scientists for Healthy Lakes
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Get your feet wet!
Did you know Kosciusko County is home to over 100 lakes and more than 600 miles of rivers and streams? Freshwater plays a vital role in what makes our community a wonderful place to live, work, and play. It provides abundant recreational opportunities, powers local industries, and meets our essential daily needs. It’s a precious resource–and it’s up to all of us to keep it healthy for today and the future.
So how can you make a difference? Become a citizen scientist.
Who are citizen scientists?
Citizen scientists are everyday people who volunteer to help with scientific research. They make observations, collect data, and report their findings to professional scientists or environmental organizations. Their efforts have a significant impact, informing research, policy, and conservation, and helping us better understand — and protect — our natural world.
How to Become a Citizen Scientist
There are numerous citizen science programs right here in our community, including hands-on opportunities to care for local lakes, rivers, and streams. You don’t need experience to take part. You only need a willingness to learn and a desire to make a difference!
Ready to get your feet wet? Here are three great local citizen programs to explore.
Indiana Master Naturalist
Through the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program, adults learn about Indiana’s natural resources, from birds and trees to soils, lakes and rivers, and much more. Each class session combines expert speakers and hands-on learning experiences in the outdoors. IMN participants become active volunteers in our community, helping with trail maintenance, invasive species removal, youth education, and, of course, water quality monitoring.
Indiana Master Naturalist is a program of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and is hosted locally by the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). The SWCD’s award-winning program accepts 20 students each year. Enrollment opens in January! To learn more, visit www.kosciuskoswcd.org/imn
Hoosier Riverwatch
Through hands-on training workshops held around the state, Hoosier Riverwatch volunteers learn to gather important water quality data that shows the health of local streams and lakes. They test for E. coli bacteria, identify aquatic critters, analyze nutrient levels, and much more. After the workshop, participants are certified to conduct their own water monitoring and submit their data to the state-wide database.
Hoosier Riverwatch is a program of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The Watershed Foundation (TWF) and Kosciusko County Soil and Water District (SWCD) co-host a free, day-long workshop in our community every summer! Learn more at www.hoosierriverwatch.com/
Snapshot Water Monitoring Day
Every September, volunteers of all ages take part in The Watershed Foundation’s annual Snapshot Water Monitoring Day. They collect, test, and analyze water samples at nearly 100 stream sites across Whitley, Noble, and Kosciusko Counties—all in one afternoon. Volunteers measure dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, E. coli levels, and other key indicators of water quality. This data provides an accurate, timely “snapshot” of water health across our region, which helps TWF find and fix pollution issues that threaten local lakes. Snapshot Day is a celebration of citizen science–and it’s a blast!
Citizen science is a fun and meaningful way to give back to our community, learn something new, and help keep our water resources healthy for generations to come. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just getting started, there’s a citizen science opportunity for you–so jump right in!
This year, Snapshot Water Monitoring Day took place on Thursday, September 18. Learn more at www.watershedfoundation.org/snapshot-day/
You May Be Interested In:
Ask Mariah: What is the Agriculture Breakfast?
1 week ago by Hannah Godfrey
Native Nerds: Growing Habitat, Awareness, and Community
1 month ago by Hannah Godfrey
Big News for our Watershed: Mariah Joins IWLA
1 month ago by Hannah Godfrey
5 Tips for Starting a Native Landscape
1 month ago by Hannah Godfrey