Orientation session scheduled for stream monitors

Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) is seeking volunteers to help monitor streams for macro-invertebrates in the upper Roanoke watershed area, including streams that feed Smith Mountain Lake.

Volunteers, who monitor streams on a quarterly basis, will work with members of the Blue Ridge Foothills and Lakes Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist (BRFAL) program and the local Virginia Save Our Streams.

An orientation session will be held Wednesday, Aug. 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the SMLA office on Scruggs Road. During the session, volunteers will receive an overview of the Save Our Streams program and how monitoring macro-invertebrates, or "bugs" such as mayflies and stoneflies, helps determine a stream's health and water quality.

Following orientation, volunteers will receive hands-on in-stream training by certified trainers, which leads to certification as volunteer Save Our Streams monitors over the next several months.

Data collected by citizen scientists is used to assess the overall watershed quality. The data augments the SMLA and Ferrum College Water Quality Monitoring Program for Smith Mountain Lake, in its 23rd year.

Those interested in learning more about the program and in becoming a certified SOS monitor should contact De English at dmenglish@hughes.net by Aug. 17 or leave a message at the SMLA office, 719-0690, after that date.