Join SHEP — the Stream Health Evaluation Program

The program takes place in Fall and winter 2008, but register as soon as you can!

Rice Creek Watershed, Twin Cities northern suburbs

If you’re looking for a rare, in-depth experience contributing to the health of your watershed, without having to earn your master’s degree, this is the perfect opportunity.

Since 2006, FMR has coordinated SHEP, the Stream Health Evaluation Program, in the Rice Creek Watershed District. Scientists train SHEP volunteers (or SHEPpers) to evaluate stream biological health by sampling benthic macroinvertebrates — small stream-dwelling bugs — then studying these samples to assess stream quality. Volunteers contribute roughly 30 hours between late August and early January 2008, after a required Saturday, August 23 training.

You can read more about the project on our SHEP project page, or visit details about volunteering for SHEP to find out what it’s like to be a volunteer with this exciting, unique program.