Streamwatch News – October 2024

Hello Streamwatchers, 

We’re thrilled to share the latest news and developments in Streamwatch. Whether you’re new to the program or a long-time volunteer, there’s something here for you – from new training resources and event highlights to volunteer opportunities. Read on to stay informed and engaged with your community and the environment. 

The Big News – Upcoming Streamwatch Get Togethers at Castle Hill

We’re excited to share that Greater Sydney Landcare will be hosting a Streamwatch Get-Together and Quality Assurance Day. If you’re part of a Streamwatch volunteer group, you’re invited to participate. You have the option to attend on either the Friday 8th or Sunday 10th November (preferred due to space constraints) from 10 am to 2 pm, at our Castle Hill offices – 37/7 Hoyle Ave, Castle Hill. All are welcome. It will be a great chance for all Streamwatchers, both new and experienced, to come together for a social gathering, meet our GSL team, and participate in a quality assurance activities.

In addition to the social and learning opportunities, it will provide an excellent opportunity to update groups on new policies and procedures that are being rolled out across the Streamwatch program. These updates are important as they ensure we are all working safely and effectively, and include:

• Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) updates to ensure everyone is safe when measuring water quality.
• Revised roles and responsibilities, making sure each group understands the key duties required to keep Streamwatch running smoothly.
• Updated contact details and communication protocols to keep everyone connected and informed.

This face-to-face gathering will contribute to the facilitation of GSL Streamwatch staff in visiting your sites and provide guidance that is tailored to the needs of each group and  your water quality monitoring site. We believe this personal, hands-on approach will ensure that all Streamwatch groups are up-to-date and fully equipped to continue their important work. The QA Day lunch will be catered for by GSL, so come hungry, and enjoy connecting with fellow volunteers in a relaxed and friendly setting.

The quality assurance activity will also give everyone a chance to refresh their skills and contribute to maintaining high standards in data collection. For your convenience the QA event will be delivered twice. If you can’t make the Friday you wont miss out as we will do it again on Sunday. We hope to see as many of you there!

If you’re interested in attending or have any questions, feel free to contact us at streamwatch@greatersydneylandcare.org.

New Streamwatch Training Resources

New User Guides and Onsite Support

We’re excited to announce the development of updated Streamwatch user guides, designed with your needs in mind. These resources will make it easier for you to access support whether you’re in the field or at home. In addition, we’re offering on-site visits from our experienced staff to help streamline your Streamwatch activities and ensure you have all the tools and knowledge you need. 

Atlas of Living Australia – New Sites Added

Streamwatch continues to expand its reach with new data uploaded to the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA). Just last month, one of our partner councils added 23 new monitoring sites to the ALA, and we’re regularly onboarding new groups. We’ve been trialling new Video Instructions and a User-Friendly Written Guide for using the Alert Kit and uploading data, and we’re pleased to report they’ve received very positive feedback. 

If your Streamwatch group isn’t yet uploading to the ALA, now’s the perfect time to get involved. With just a few clicks, you can ensure your data is securely saved for long-term use. Reach out by email to Mark, mark.secombe@greatersydneylandcare.org to get started and learn how to upload your findings. 

Streamwatch Training – Written and Video Guides Available 

Our Alert Kit Training materials are now live. We’ve developed new resources including written and video guides tailored for both beginners and experienced Streamwatchers. These resources can serve as quick reference materials in the field or as more comprehensive desktop induction tools. No matter your experience level, these guides are designed to enhance your Streamwatch journey. 

Recent Streamwatch Events

National Science Week Highlights

Streamwatch took the spotlight during National Science Week (10th–18th August) at Western Sydney Zoo and Centennial Parklands, where we hosted displays focused on the effectiveness and efficiency of the new Alert Kit and those always engaging freshwater macroinvertebrates. Western Sydney Zoo was a highlight where attendees of all ages were caught between Dinosaurs and Dragonflies and Water Mites and Monkeys. It was an excellent opportunity to showcase the importance of healthy waterways, and we’re happy to report that visitors left with a deeper understanding of local ecosystems. 

In September we headed to the Illawarra, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, and Parramatta. If you’d like to volunteer with us at a future events, assisting with customer relations and learning more about Streamwatch, let us know at streamwatch@greatersydneylandcare.org. We’d love to have you join us! 

Streamwatch at GSL Corporate Volunteer Programs

Streamwatch remains an integral part of Greater Sydney Landcare’s (GSL) Corporate Volunteer Program. It’s not only individuals from the community who volunteer with us. We are experiencing a groundswell of Corporate Volunteering support. GSL’s Corporate Volunteering Program has been delivering ongoing water quality data collection in Nurragingy Reserve at Blacktown and will soon be at Botany Bay with Bayside Council’s support. Volunteers play a vital role in catchment management education, and our activities are helping to raise awareness about how human actions affect natural environments. We’re grateful for the contributions of all our volunteers and encourage anyone interested in corporate volunteering with GSL to get involved.  

Schools Engage with Streamwatch 

Streamwatch is also making waves in schools. Eight schools in the St. George and Sutherland Shire are currently testing 13 sites, using Streamwatch to achieve cross-curricular outcomes. Teachers have noted that students with a variety of different learning styles commonly thrive and excel in field-based learning situations where Streamwatch brings theory to life. It’s fantastic to see how Streamwatch is inspiring young environmental stewards while supporting educational outcomes. 

Streamwatch – It’s Not Just About Data Collection

While Streamwatch plays an essential role in monitoring water quality, its impact extends far beyond data collection. One of the program’s key strengths lies in fostering social connections, which are vital for mental health and community well-being. 

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteering in Sydney and across New South Wales has seen a noticeable decline. The NSW State of Volunteering Report 2023 highlights this sharp decrease, reflecting a broader national trend. Additionally, research from the University of Wollongong shows that the pandemic accelerated a pre-existing downward trend in volunteerism. This reduction has affected many sectors, but nature-based programs like Streamwatch offer a way to reignite community involvement. 

Nature-based citizen science, like Streamwatch, has been shown to offer psychological benefits. According to research published in the journal People and Nature, citizen science fosters not just environmental awareness, but also nature connectedness and improved mental well-being. Participants in these programs report higher levels of well-being, increased connection to nature, and a greater propensity for pro-conservation behaviours. 

Three Key Benefits of Socializing in Nature: 

1. Stress Reduction: Nature is known to reduce stress levels, and when combined with social interaction, it provides a calming and restorative environment. 

2. Improved Mental Health: Spending time outdoors with others helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, offering emotional support. 

3. Enhanced Social Bonds: Programs like Streamwatch provide shared experiences that strengthen community ties and create a sense of belonging. 

Streamwatch continues to offer these broader benefits, making it a valuable platform not only for data collection but for personal and community well-being. Whether you’re an experienced Streamwatcher or new to the program, engaging in this citizen science initiative provides a meaningful way to contribute to environmental stewardship while also fostering human connection. 

If you haven’t joined a Streamwatch group yet, or if you’d like to learn more about our volunteering opportunities, please get in touch! Together, we can make a difference for our waterways and our communities. 

Thanks and Farewell to Jessica Lumbroso

Jessica Lumbroso has resigned from her position at Greater Sydney Landcare. Jess’s whirlpool of enthusiasm reaches far and wide as did her clever Streamwatch puns. She had accumulated a wealth of knowledge and is very much missed by us all, we wish her the best in her future endeavours. Jess’s leaving meant we needed to recruit a new South East Schools Streamwatch Coordinator. We had a strong pool of applicants, so we know that Streamwatch will be very buoyant moving forward. Hmmmm! Yes, Jess’s puns can’t be rivalled.  

Get Involved

Upcoming Events

On Saturday 12th October 2024, Streamwatch is partnering with the Cumberland Land Conservancy in Mulgoa to do a Water Bug Blitz from 9 am to 12 pm. You’re invited to come along.

On Tuesday 22nd October, Streamwatch is partnering with Hawkesbury City Council to run a planting, waterbugs and platypus talk. Eventbrite details to follow – in the meantime please follow the new StreamwatchGSL instagram.

Stay Tuned for a Survey – We Want Your Feedback!

To ensure we continue to meet your needs, Greater Sydney Landcare will soon be sending out a Streamwatch Survey to all registered Greater Sydney Landcare Streamwatch volunteers. If you’re interested in providing feedback, simply open the email when it arrives and click the link. Your input is invaluable in helping us improve the program! 

Join Us – Volunteer Opportunities Available

Streamwatch and Greater Sydney Landcare offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities. If you’re passionate about the environment and want to make a difference, consider joining one of our programs. From water quality monitoring to tree planting, we’d love to hear from you. Send your expressions of interest to streamwatch@greatersydneylandcare.org, or visit greatersydneylandcare.org for more information. 

Alternatively – if your group no longer uses your Streamwatch Kit, can you please email us and let us know.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to Streamwatch 

Together, we’re making a difference for our waterways, our communities, and the environment. 

Warm regards, 
The Streamwatch Team 
Greater Sydney Landcare