Stream Investigation Program
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The Venango Conservation District has a rich history in delivering nonpoint source pollution prevention-related topics throughout Venango County. Our most common program requested by teachers and community members is our Stream Investigation Program. Generally lasting one to two hours, this non-formal education program focuses on watershed education, nonpoint source pollution, stream features, aquatic macroinvertebrate collection and identification, determining water quality, and ways to protect or restore waterways.
The activities conducted in our stream investigation programs support the new PA Standards for Environmental Literacy and can serve as an outdoor experience in a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE). It is often presented in conjunction with our annual programs including the Envirothon during the aquatic ecology station and during release day for students participating in the Trout in the Classroom program. Teachers, organizations, and other interested parties may request a free stream investigation program. Please see the bottom of the page for more information. Our environmental educator as well as any VCD employees assisting with this educational event are licensed through the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission to collect specimens (PA Fishing License). Our educator also obtains an educational exemption to the fishing license requirement which allows participants who are over 16 years of age to participate in our program even if they do not possess a fishing license. |
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PA Environmental Literacy Standards Addressed:Grades K-2: Sustainability and Stewardship Strands addressed: 3.4.K-2.D Plan and carry out an investigation to address an issue in the local environment and community. Grades 3-5: Agricultural & Environmental Systems and Resources Strands addressed: 3.4.3-5.C Examine ways you influence your local environment and community by collecting and displaying data Grades 6-8: Environmental Literacy Skills Strands addressed: 3.4.6-8.E Collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data to describe a local environment. Grades 9-12: Environmental Literacy Skills Strands addressed: 3.4.9-12.E Plan and conduct an investigation utilizing environmental data about a local environmental issue. |
The LessonThe program begins with a nonpoint source pollution demonstration by using our Enviroscape model. Participants directly interact with the model by placing “pollutants” on different land use areas, while observing how precipitation causes the pollutants to filter into waterways.
We then transition to a local context by explaining the features of the waterbody and watershed where the event is being held. Stream features such as riffles, pools, and runs are discussed as well as the different types of aquatic habitat where fish and insects reside. We demonstrate the kick-netting method of sampling macroinvertebrates and invite participants to the stream where they begin collecting specimens. After bringing their collected insects back to their table, we explain how to use a dichotomous key and how to record data. During this time, we explain how macroinvertebrates can be used to determine the water quality index of a stream. As a group, the participants share the number of each species they found and we facilitate the water quality index determination. After prompting the participants to discern whether or not the stream is considered healthy, we discuss ways to either protect or restore stream health. When the program concludes, we assist participants in returning the macroinvertebrates to the stream where they were collected. Click the links below to download our lesson plans:
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Bring the Stream to Your Classroom!
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We are always looking to improve our educational offerings to our community. In 2024, we were awarded an Environmental Education Grant from the PA Department of Environmental Protection to enhance our Stream Investigation Program. This grant has allowed us to purchase materials to construct two macroinvertebrate discovery tanks. Macroinvertebrate discovery tanks are mobile displays which were developed by the Stroud Water Research Center (see the How to Build Your Own Touch Tank guide) to introduce aquatic macroinvertebrates to audiences that lack access to or are otherwise unable to get in or near a stream. These temporary aquatic insect vessels feature a folding ice cooler table (the tank), rechargeable aerators, thermometers, air stones, and ice packs. Each component of the touch tank operates by regulating an environment typical of a stream where the macroinvertebrates are found. The air stones introduce a constant source of dissolved oxygen into the water and the ice packs keep a cool temperature of the water so as not to stress the macroinvertebrates while they are in the tank.
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Financial and other support for the "Enhancing the Stream Investigation at the Venango Conservation District" project has been provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's 2024 Environmental Education Grants Program.
Request a Stream Investigation Program
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The Stream Investigation Program can be delivered anywhere throughout Venango County. Teachers and other organizations can request the program to be delivered outdoors at a stream or indoors using the touch tanks. There is NO COST associated with this educational program. Please note that stocked trout streams cannot be used for the program from February 17 until the opening day of trout season (first Saturday in April). The best times of year for this program (to align with macroinvertebrate life cycles) is in the spring and fall.
Please contact Rebecca Fagley, our environmental education coordinator, to request our Stream Investigation program. Call or email with your name, organization, contact information, number of participants, and the requested location, date, and time for the program. Please give us at least 2 weeks advance notice. |
Contact:
Rebecca Fagley Environmental Education Coordinator (814) 676-2832 ext. 2 |
