Introduction

There are not enough professionals, time, nor funding to conduct an inventory of all the nation's flora and fauna. Long-term monitoring projects are scarce. It is time to report data consistently, so we all can learn and benefit from everyone's efforts.

A 1996 survey of volunteer monitoring groups in the state of Washington revealed more than 11,500 people who monitor their natural environment.

This module provides an overview of water habitat classification and methods for monitoring aquatic habitats. You will find field notebooks with benthic macroinvertebrate data collection protocols. We have also included the monitoring and collection of noxious weeds. Plant samples may be sent directly to the Washington Department of Ecology. Contacts and procedures are part of this Water Module.

The NatureMapping Program has developed partners with:

• individuals,
• schools, and
• communities.

Individuals can provide much needed data by monitoring water habitats around their homes or community.
School participation can fulfill two goals: helping in their local communities and environmental education.
Communities may wish to preserve or restore sites: their data will be the framework on which to construct their long-term plans.

The water data will be used in conjunction with the wildlife data. As more NatureMapping Program modules come on-line, each set of data will enhance the others.

We hope you'll join us in learning more about our environment through exploration and monitoring.