Wheelock College and the Charles River Watershed Association are integrating classroom work with citizen science field research in urban stream health. The goal is to partner college students with scientists and citizen scientists working with the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) in the assessment of stream health in the Charles River. Introductory courses in environmental science and analytical chemistry, from two neighboring institutions in the Colleges of the Fenway, assessed both biotic and abiotic parameters within Boston’s Muddy River. Environmental science students at Wheelock College participate in the Charles River Watershed Association’s biological monitoring program assessing habitat and water quality using benthic macroinvertebrates (BMIs) as bioindicators. Sediment samples were also analyzed for metals by a Simmons College chemistry course. Chemical and biological data were collected from two sites within the Muddy River watershed; the Babbling Brook (MRBB) site and the Riverway site (MRRW) located downstream from the Babbling Brook. Students also assess habitat quality using the EPA rapid bioassessment. Participating in the biological monitoring program allows students to link their experiences in field collection, data analysis and data interpretation for management solutions directly to their course topics. Student interaction with CRWA scientists also provides insight into ways for continued engagement in the issues. These institutions aim to create connections between citizen scientists and students in science programs to create advocates for protecting and preserving urban waterways.

Citizen science and college student partnership to assess stream health in the Charles River Watershed, Boston, MA

255th National Meeting (2018)

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