The Vermilion County Conservation District, in collaboration with the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC), is set to host an Illinois RiverWatch Workshop at the Forest Glen Preserve on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will take place at the Gannett Education Center and is part of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) ENTICE program.

The workshop offers an opportunity for community members to become certified RiverWatch community scientists, gaining skills in monitoring water quality in local streams. Participants will learn to survey habitats and identify aquatic macroinvertebrates, such as dragonfly nymphs, beetle larvae, midges, and snails. These organisms are vital indicators of water quality and play a key role in assessing the health of freshwater ecosystems.

The training costs $50 per adult, with scholarships available for those for whom the fee may be a barrier. While the workshop primarily targets adults, children are welcome to attend with a registered adult (up to two children per adult).

RiverWatch workshops are part of a long-standing program established in 1995 by IDNR. After budget cuts in 2004, NGRREC assumed stewardship of the program in 2006. Since then, RiverWatch has trained volunteers—known as “RiverWatchers”—to collect high-quality data that informs decisions on ecosystem restoration, water resource protection, and invasive species management. The program also fosters public awareness and advocacy for Illinois’ freshwater resources.

The ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program supports workshops like this by providing hands-on experiences that promote conservation education and stewardship.

For more information or to register, visit NGRREC’s website or call 618-468-2781. Forest Glen Preserve is located at 20301 E. 900 North Road, Westville, IL 61883.