Greater Stockport Creek Watershed Alliance

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has provided funding through the Hudson River Estuary Program to Hudson Basin River Watch to raise awareness about water resources. This project has also been funded by the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) to follow their work plan for the Hudson River Estuary Program to communicate to the public on issues in the area of estuary management.

Stream Spotter Information

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What does a Stream Spotter do?

Stream Spotters are the “eyes of the watershed” - they keep watch on what’s going on out there and report their findings to share with others.

Stream Spotters can do a variety of things to help watch over the Stockport Creek Watershed. Stream Spotters may look at the physical characteristics of the stream and note changes they see. Stream Spotters can measure the stream to see how wide it is and how deep it is. Some Stream Spotters may take an inventory of the aquatic vegetation they find in the stream. Others may record information about the aquatic insects found in the stream.

Some Spotters may want to record the chemical components of the stream - how much oxygen there is, what the pH level of the water might be, or other readings. Stream Spotters may record the temperature of the water and note the weather once a week.

Who can become a Stream Spotter?

Anyone can! Maybe the stream runs behind your house, where you enjoy a morning cup of coffee. Perhaps your school is near the stream, or maybe you take your dog for a walk near one of the streams in the Stockport Creek Watershed. Maybe you like to go fishing at a stream, or you like to go bird-watching.

We’ll help you learn what to look for, and provide you with training on how to use some of the equipment.

Where do Stream Spotters do their observations?

Stream Spotters are needed all over the watershed! We would like to have volunteers in each of the 26 municipalities in the Stockport Creek Watershed.

How does a Stream Spotter report information?

Just send your findings by email or call (518) 828-1330.

How do I get started?

Contact Fran! Our initial group of volunteer Stream Spotters will be asked to record weather information and take the temperature of the water. We’ll provide you with a thermometer that will record air and water temperature, and give you more details.