font size
decrease increase

Volunteer for the Little Tennessee Watershed Association's Biomonitoring Project

Join hundreds of volunteers who have spent a day in the river, and help build a library of watershed health.

When and Where

Biomonitoring occurs every summer in the Little Tennessee watershed, with field days scheduled 3-4 times per week between mid-May and late-August. Sites are located throughout the watershed, from the headwaters near Rabun Gap, GA to the Needmore area, and from Wayah Bald to the Highlands Plateau. A day in the field typically begins at 9am and ends at 3pm.

What to Expect

The goal of the Biomonitoring Project is to catch a representative sample of fish from a particular stretch of creek. Volunteers will actually be in the creek for most of the day, so be prepared to get wet. You may have to walk a bit from your car to get to the sampling site, which is a stretch of creek approximately 100 yards long.

The LTWA will provide hip waders and all of the equipment that you will need. You should bring thick socks, lunch and water. Although both not-so-young children and older folks are welcome to participate, please be aware that everyone will need to be steady on their feet in the creeks (which sometimes flow pretty swiftly) and able to maneuver on uneven terrain.

The Project Director, Dr. Bill McLarney, will group people on field days to assure that there are enough people to handle all of the tasks, such as holding the seines or using the dip nets. A typical day involves up to 6 or more volunteers. You may switch tasks during the day to get a different perspective on the sampling process.

What Do I Need To Know About Fish?

Nothing. Volunteering for the Biomonitoring Project is a fun and educational experience. Although the more you know about fishes before you get the site, the more you can contribute, there is no requirement for special knowledge about fish.

Okay, I'm Interested. Now What?

We're so glad you want to volunteer. You must register in order to participate. Call now to find the best date and location for you. To get on the call list for volunteers, call 828-369-6402, or contact us through email. If you have any questions about volunteering, just ask us. Dr. McLarney will contact you directly after the folks in the office make sure all of your questions have been answered.

Remember to bring your lunch and get ready to learn about the wonderful native fish species of the Little Tennessee River.