Watershed Watch | Adopt-A-Stream Training
About this Event
Watershed Watch | Adopt-A-Stream Training
Chemical Monitoring Certification Workshop
Georgia Adopt-A-Stream: From Concern to Community Action!
Concerned about the health of our local waterways? Turn that concern into action! Get trained, earn your Chemical Monitoring certification, and help build a community committed to monitoring South DeKalb's waterways.
DATE & TIME
Thursday, December 3, 2026
9 a.m.–1 p.m.
LOCATION
Gresham Park Recreation Center
South DeKalb County, Georgia
WHAT TO EXPECT
What's happening in our waterways, and how can everyday residents help us find out?
Join DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs for a hands-on Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Chemical Monitoring Certification Workshop designed to equip community members with the skills to collect meaningful water-quality data.
Led by Ranger Jonah McDonald, this workshop introduces participants to chemical water-quality monitoring, including measuring indicators such as dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and conductivity.
Participants will receive instruction, practice chemical sampling techniques, and complete the assessments required for Chemical Monitoring certification.
- We'll also introduce Bacterial and Macroinvertebrate Monitoring, exploring how these additional methods contribute to a more complete understanding of watershed health and how volunteers can pursue further training.
But this is about more than earning a certification!
We're bringing together residents interested in establishing consistent, community-led monthly monitoring throughout the South River watershed.
Whether you're a longtime environmental advocate, a curious beginner, or someone concerned about the water flowing through your neighborhood, this is an opportunity to turn awareness into meaningful action.
No previous water-testing experience is necessary.
PROGRAM LEADERS
Jonah McDonald, DeKalb County Park Naturalist and Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Trainer, will lead the certification workshop.
Tasha Messer, South DeKalb Park Naturalist, will coordinate community engagement and opportunities for continued watershed stewardship.
WHERE TO MEET
Gresham Park Recreation Center. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and locate the designated training room.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring a refillable water bottle, a snack, something for taking notes, and your curiosity! Wear comfortable clothing and footwear appropriate for any outdoor sampling activities.
RESTROOMS
Restrooms are available inside Gresham Park Recreation Center.
RECOMMENDED AGES
This workshop is designed for adults and responsible teens who can complete the certification requirements and are interested in participating in ongoing monthly water-quality monitoring. No previous experience is necessary, but a willingness to learn and a commitment to consistent community science participation are encouraged.
DOGS
Please leave pets at home. Service animals are welcome.
WEATHER CONTINGENCY
This workshop will be held rain or shine unless weather or other conditions are deemed unsafe by DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs. While most instruction will take place indoors, outdoor sampling activities may be included, weather and site conditions permitting.
WALKING DISTANCE
A walk to access a nearby waterway may be included as part of the training, depending on weather, site conditions, and available time.
EXPOSURE
Most instruction will take place indoors. Any outdoor activities may involve seasonal temperatures, damp ground, and proximity to a waterway.
TRAIL SURFACE & ACCESSIBILITY
If outdoor water sampling is included, participants may walk along paved or natural-surface trails to access a nearby waterway. Conditions may include uneven terrain, exposed roots, rocks, mud, and potentially slippery surfaces. The route will depend on the selected sampling location, weather, and site conditions.
Questions about whether this program will work for your mobility? Contact Naturalist Tasha at [email protected].
PROGRAM PHOTOS
We love documenting our programs and may share photographs on DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs' websites, publications, and social media platforms. While participants are welcome to take their own photos, photographs taken by staff are generally intended for County documentation and promotional purposes and are not routinely distributed to participants.
WAIVER & RELEASE
By registering for this activity, each participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that he/she is participating in this program at his/her own risk and holds DeKalb County and all its officers, agents, servants, and/or employees harmless from and against any and all claims, loss, damage, charge, or expense to which they or any of them may be put or subjected by reason of participant’s participation in this program. You further acknowledge that DeKalb County is not responsible for the acts of others participating in this program and the other participants may include, but not be limited to, interested individuals, members of civic groups, religious groups, or community group, and/or persons convicted of crimes and/or violations of County ordinances and ordered to provide community service. I give permission that all photographs, films, video recordings, and sound recordings of me and/or my child(ren) made by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs during this Naturalist program may be used non- commercially by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs to promotion and educational purposes. I understand and acknowledge that neither my child(ren) nor I will receive any compensation whatsoever for appearing in any photograph, film, video recording, or sound recording made by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs.
GOOD TO KNOW
Certification offered: Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Chemical Monitoring.
Additional introductions: Participants will get a sneak peek at Bacterial and Macroinvertebrate Monitoring, exploring these additional methods and discovering certification opportunities planned for future Watershed Watch trainings!
Beyond the workshop: Participants interested in continuing their involvement will have an opportunity to learn about plans for monthly community water-quality monitoring.
Come curious. Get certified. Turn concern into community action!
~ Ranger Jonah McDonald & Naturalist Tasha
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
